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Established Camping

Kaaha Shelter — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Kaaha Shelter is located within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, featuring rugged volcanic terrain. Temperatures typically range from 50°F to 80°F, with variations depending on the season. Nearby attractions include the Kīlauea Visitor Center and the Thurston Lava Tube, offering educational and geological exploration opportunities.

Reservation Info

For backcountry camping, there is a non-refundable $10.00 fee per trip, in addition to the park entrance fee. The fee is good for up to 10 people and 7 nights per permit. Failure to obtain a backcountry permit is a violation of 36 CFR 2.10(b)(8). Violators may be subject to fines up to $1000 and/or 6 months in jail. All eight backcountry campsites (Ka‘aha, Halapē, Keauhou, ‘Āpua Point, Nāpau, Pepeiao Cabin, Red Hill Cabin and Mauna Loa Cabin) require a permit, with a stay limit of three consecutive nights at one site. Campers can move to another backcountry site for the fourth night, but no more than 7 consecutive nights per permit. Stays longer than 7 nights require purchasing an additional $10.00 permit. Sites may be reserved up to a week in advance and are reserved upon receipt of permit fees. Fees for backcountry camping can be paid in person at the Backcountry Office by credit card, personal check, cash (exact change please), or online through pay.gov up to a week in advance of your departure. Physical permits must be picked up no more than 24 hours in advance from the Backcountry Office, open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Location

Kaaha Shelter — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is located in Hawaii

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

19.26196067 N
155.30367018 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there cell phone reception at Kaaha Shelter — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.