Sand Island State Recreation Area offers a unique camping experience near Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Located in an industrial area of Honolulu, the park features spacious camping grounds with beach access approximately 12 miles from Ewa Beach. This location provides sandy beaches with some tree coverage and grassy areas suitable for camping, with amenities including showers, restrooms, and drinking water.
What to do
Body surfing and swimming: Sand Island State Recreation Area provides access to beaches with surf breaks when swell conditions are favorable. One camper notes, "The water is great for some body surfing," making it suitable for water activities, particularly when waves are appropriate.
Skydiving adventures: Camp Mokuleia sits across from a skydiving company on Oahu's northwestern tip. A visitor shared, "Throughout the day you will often times see parachuters appearing in the sky," providing an unexpected visual attraction even if you're not participating.
Rock climbing excursions: Camp Mokuleia offers proximity to significant climbing opportunities. According to a reviewer, "This campground is very close to the highest concentration of rock climbs in all of Hawaii! The Mokule'ia wall has over 60 climbs ranging from beginner to expert and includes trad, sport, and toprope routes."
What campers like
Uncrowded beaches: Sand Island offers a quieter beach experience than more popular Oahu destinations. A camper observed, "This rec park is one of the least visited since the area is no longer a busy as it used to be," making it suitable for those seeking less crowded beaches.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Sand Island, a visitor appreciated "Clean grounds great beach access clean restrooms," while at Camp Mokuleia another camper found that "The bathrooms and shower facilities were basic but very clean and were nicer than some of the other campgrounds."
Recreational amenities: Bellows Air Force Station provides numerous recreational options beyond beaches. A military visitor noted, "There is a shopet with is walking distance of every site as well as a gas station, mini golf, a driving range, 3 hiking trails, 1 walking path, a small bar, and a stabucks."
What you should know
Military access requirements: Several glamping close to Ewa Beach, Hawaii require military credentials. As one reviewer pointed out regarding Bellows Field, "You can keep going on the long driveway in, but you'll need military access or sponsorship to get in."
Advanced reservations essential: Popular camping areas book quickly, particularly military facilities. One camper at Bellows Air Force Station stated, "Only problem is the reservations are booked for about year out, so you never know what kind of weather you'll get when the reservation finally comes along."
Beach conditions vary: Not all beaches near campgrounds are ideal for swimming. At Sand Island, a camper noted, "There are showers and bathrooms with beach access, but I prefer to go to other beaches to swim," suggesting visitors may want to research specific beach conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds place sites close together, affecting privacy. At Bellows Air Force Station, one visitor advised, "Tent campsites are way too close together! Every 2 sites should be combined to make 1," which can impact family camping experiences.
Weather preparation: Hawaii's weather can affect camping plans, particularly with advance reservations. A camper at Camp Mokuleia shared during January camping, "This side of the island gave us a break from the wind," when they had to relocate from another campground due to 20 MPH ocean winds.
Family-friendly glamping options: Several locations near Ewa Beach offer elevated camping experiences. Camp Mokuleia includes various accommodations as one visitor described, "This campground is set up for anything from large groups (50+) to small families. There are cabins to rent out or places to pitch a tent."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV amenities: Most glamping options close to Ewa Beach have basic RV facilities. While some locations allow RV camping, they generally lack full hookups or dedicated RV infrastructure common in mainland campgrounds.
Supply access considerations: RVers should plan for limited on-site provisions. A visitor to Sand Island State Recreation Area noted, "Sand Island is an industrial place so there's not many stores nearby," indicating the need to bring sufficient supplies.
