RV campgrounds near Hilo, Hawaii offer access to the eastern side of the Big Island with its rainforest terrain and proximity to volcanic areas. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,200 and 4,000 feet, creating cooler temperatures than coastal locations. Rainfall can exceed 120 inches annually in some camping areas, affecting road conditions during wet periods.
What to do
Crater viewing at night: Campers at NÄmakanipaio Campground can make a 15-20 minute hike to the Jagger Museum overlook. "When it got dark we made the 15-20 minute hike up to the Jagger Museum overlook/observatory to see the glowing lava in the crater," notes Sharon N. The campground location provides easy night access without paying park entrance fees.
Disc golf and pond walks: Moon Garden Farm Getaway offers recreational amenities beyond basic camping. "The outdoor amenities are a nice touch, I enjoyed playing with the disc golf and walking around the pond in the morning," shares Jen T. These activities provide entertainment without leaving the campground.
Early morning cattle farm views: For photography enthusiasts, Moon Garden Farm offers unique sunrise opportunities. "If you wake up early enough you can get a beautiful sunrise over a cattle farm," according to a recent visitor. The elevated position provides clear morning views across neighboring agricultural land.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Several campgrounds provide well-maintained bathing facilities, a priority for many visitors. At NÄmakanipaio Campground, "The shower was good and even the complimentary shower gel in the women's shower was nice," reports Alejandro G.
Temperature variation: The higher elevation at NÄmakanipaio creates comfortable sleeping conditions. "The higher altitude kept the temperatures in the low 60's and perfect for sleeping," explains Eric N. This cooler climate contrasts with warmer coastal camping options.
Proximity to volcanic features: Location advantages rank high in camper reviews. Jennifer H. notes NÄmakanipaio offers "Proximity to NP & Volcano house," adding that campers can "Grab dinner at volcano house and have all day and night to explore the NP."
What you should know
Early arrival recommended: Campsite availability can be limited at popular locations without reservations. At NÄmakanipaio, "We showed up in the early afternoon and got the last spot available but only because the original person who got it had upgraded to a cabin. If you're planning on staying here I'd definitely recommend getting here early," advises Brittany R.
Road conditions concern: Access roads may challenge some vehicles during wet conditions. At Treehouse.Farm, campsites feature "a fine gravel floor with a solar panel roofing to protect you from the rain," according to site descriptions, providing some protection from frequent precipitation.
Temperature swings: Despite tropical locations, temperature variations can catch unprepared campers off guard. "I say desert, because it can get so hot during the day and turn around and get really cold at night," explains Elliott B. about conditions at NÄmakanipaio Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Covered communal areas: Families appreciate protection during unpredictable weather. NÄmakanipaio offers "a large pavilion, that we utilized to cook and eat under due to early morning rain," according to Sharon N., providing shelter for group activities regardless of conditions.
Multiple site options: For larger family groups needing space, Jennifer H. suggests NÄmakanipaio's "Roddy efficient grass sites - big enough for a couple or snag multiple for a family." This flexibility accommodates various family configurations.
Convenient locations: Aloha Acres earns praise for its strategic position. "The property was easy to find, gorgeous and super convenient to all of the things we wanted to do on the Big Island," reports Jennifer H., highlighting the advantage for families planning multiple activities.
Tips from RVers
Electrical but no other hookups: RV camping requires planning for limited services. NÄmakanipaio offers electric hookups but lacks water and sewer connections. "Nice, open sites with decent amenities," notes Elliott B., but RVers must arrive with full water tanks.
Limited big rig access: Most campgrounds near Hilo cannot accommodate large RVs. Mango Hale explicitly notes no big-rig access in their amenities list, limiting RV camping to smaller vehicles and vans.
Four-wheel drive advantage: RVers report traction challenges at some sites. "The grassy road during the rain gets slippery if you don't have 4 wheel but we never got stuck," explains a visitor about terrain conditions, suggesting four-wheel drive vehicles have advantages during wet periods.
