Pearl City glamping sites provide exceptional beachfront camping opportunities along Oahu's coastline. The area features year-round tropical temperatures averaging 75-85°F with trade winds providing natural cooling. Campgrounds typically operate on reservation systems with sites available 3-12 months in advance depending on the location.
What to do
Beach activities: Sand Island State Recreation Area offers a beach that's "good for little kids and there's a nice surf break if the swell is in," according to Sarah I. The location provides multiple water activities with lower crowds than more popular beaches.
Rock climbing: Near Camp Mokuleia, visitors can access the Mokule'ia wall with "over 60 climbs ranging from beginner to expert and includes trad, sport, and toprope routes," notes Alan B. This represents the highest concentration of rock climbing in Hawaii.
Skydiving: Camp Mokuleia is positioned directly across from a skydiving operation. As Apryl E. explains, "Throughout the day you will often times see parachuters appearing in the sky," providing a unique visual experience even for those not participating.
What campers like
Spacious beachfront sites: At Camp Mokuleia, the camping areas accommodate various group sizes. Stephanie Z. reports, "The sites are huge. During covid they were only using every other site, and had installed a shower and sink at each one."
Protected swimming areas: Bellows Air Force Station offers sheltered swimming conditions, particularly valuable during certain seasons. Visitors appreciate the safety factor for families with children.
Trails and recreation: Many glamping sites near Pearl City connect to hiking opportunities. Alan B. mentions Camp Mokuleia's proximity to "Ka'ena Point! It feels like you're standing out in the ocean without anything around it's such a small point!" Campers can access trails directly from their accommodations.
What you should know
Military vs. civilian access: Bellows Field Beach Park has distinct sections with different rules. According to Mike L., "This area is available to DoD ID card holders only," referring to the Air Force Station portion. Civilians can camp in the public section with different amenities.
Sand management: Be prepared for persistent sand issues at beachfront locations. Sandy S. notes that at Bellows Field Beach Park, "The sand here is so fine, it will make its way in to your tent, no matter how tight you close it up."
Wind patterns: Wind exposure varies significantly around Oahu. Stephanie Z. shares that "In January, the winds were strongest from the East... This side of the island gave us a break from the wind," noting the advantage of northwest-facing camps like Mokuleia.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites away from facilities: At certain campgrounds, location matters for privacy. Mike L. warns about Bellows Air Station: "If you are near the restroom, be prepared for beach goers to walk right through your site to use the toilet."
Water safety awareness: Sand Island State Recreation Area provides protected water access with Sandy S. noting it's "one of the least visited" recreation areas, making it less crowded for families. However, she advises, "I prefer to go to other beaches to swim," indicating water quality considerations.
Facilities for children: Look for campgrounds with dedicated family amenities. Leilani P. describes that Bellows Field "has both campgrounds and cabins, with a mini golf course and a mini-mart," providing entertainment options for children beyond beach activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Park Pick & Play at Living Circle Farms Hawaii offers thirty-amp hookups for RVs, making it one of the few locations with dedicated electrical connections on the island. This site provides a base camp with utilities for exploring Oahu.
Limited big rig access: Most glamping sites near Pearl City cannot accommodate large RVs. None of the major campgrounds list big-rig friendly facilities, requiring careful planning for vehicle dimensions.
Reservation requirements: Plan well ahead for RV camping. Sites like Bellows Air Station require reservations months in advance. Sandy S. cautions, "Only problem is the reservations are booked for about a year out, so you never know what kind of weather you'll get when the reservation finally comes along."
