Free Camping in Hawaii
Discover 3 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Year-round
Climate
Tropical with consistent temperatures year-round
Terrain
Volcanoes, Beaches
Free Spots
3 locations
Camping Spots (3)
Mauna Kea Access Corridor
Free dispersed camping around Hawaii Island, Hawaii. Volcanic cinder landscape above tree line with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Saddle Road. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Altitude risks; cold/wind Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Polipoli/Kula Forest Reserve Roads
Free dispersed camping around Maui Highlands, Hawaii. High-elevation forest and cinder cones with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Haleakalā slopes. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Check DLNR rules Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Kaʻū Desert Access Tracks
Free dispersed camping around Hawaii Volcanoes vicinity, Hawaii. Sparse desert lava flats with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Kaʻū Desert. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Fragile crust; closures Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Popular Camping Areas
- Haleakala National Park
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- State Beach Parks
Important Regulations
- Permits required for most camping
- Weather awareness for tropical storms
- Respect for sacred sites
Permits: Permits required for most camping areas
Complete Guide to Free Camping in Hawaii
Hawaii offers unique tropical camping experiences with volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests across multiple islands.
Best Free Camping Areas in Hawaii
Hawaii offers diverse free camping opportunities across volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, lava fields. The most popular areas include Haleakala National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, State Beach Parks, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit Hawaii for Camping
The best times for free camping in Hawaii are during year-round. The state's tropical with consistent temperatures year-round means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
Hawaii Camping Regulations
Before camping in Hawaii, it's important to understand local regulations. Permits required for most camping areasMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in Hawaii typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, lava fields at your own pace.