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Camping near Haleakala National Park

97 Reviews

Haleakala National Park offers camping options ranging from primitive backcountry sites to established campgrounds at varying elevations. The park's summit district features Hosmer Grove Campground at 7,000 feet elevation with tent and small RV sites, while backcountry locations like Holua and Paliku offer wilderness camping experiences within the crater. Outside the main park, Camp Olowalu near Lahaina provides beach camping with cabins and tent sites, and Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground offers coastal camping near Hana. Several campgrounds feature wilderness cabins that require advance reservations through the National Park Service.

Significant elevation changes create dramatic temperature variations across camping areas in the region. "It was August and I don't know what the temperature was, but I know I could see my breath when I exhaled!" noted one camper about Hosmer Grove. Summit area campgrounds regularly experience nighttime temperatures in the 30-40°F range even during summer months, requiring winter gear despite the tropical island location. The backcountry sites within the crater require hiking 4-10 miles on established trails, and permits must be obtained in person at the Headquarters Visitor Center. Water is available but non-potable at most backcountry sites, requiring filtration. Cell service is limited throughout the park, particularly in the crater where emergency assistance can be hours away.

The dramatic landscape draws campers seeking unique experiences within the volcanic terrain. Backcountry campers at Paliku describe the stark contrast between barren lava fields and the lush eastern side of the crater where the campground sits on grass surrounded by native Hawaiian plants and birds. Holua campsites offer privacy with spectacular views of the crater walls. According to visitor feedback, the isolation from crowds provides rare opportunities to experience pristine Hawaiian ecosystems. Weather patterns create distinct microclimates, with Hosmer Grove often sitting in clouds and mist while other areas remain dry. Several reviews mention the unique experience of camping "above the clouds" with spectacular stargazing when skies are clear and sunrise viewing opportunities. Road access to the summit is via a winding highway with sections lacking guardrails.

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Best Camping Sites Near Haleakala National Park (18)

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Recent Camping Photos near Haleakala National Park

37 Photos of 18 Haleakala National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Haleakala National Park

97 Reviews of 18 Haleakala National Park Campgrounds

  • Delphine B.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Cozy Meadows Campground

    Terrible place

    You definitely should avoid this place. The shower is a garden hose on the floor, the place was dirty and not welcoming AT ALL. Moreover the owner asked for money, saying that I broke the entrance... not worth the money!

  • Ryan W.
    Dec. 23, 2024

    Hosmer Grove Campground — Haleakalā National Park

    Camping vs Camground. Difficult to rate. Experience specific.

    Camping at Hosmer is like camping in a neighbor's nice grassy yard with everyone from the HOA's kids and conversations. The campground is just a square patch of soft green grass with some grills and potable water spouts. There is a nice enclosed pit toilet and a covered grill area for bad weather.

    There would be no appeal here except...

    • The campground is at the entrance to the Haleakalā National Park, allowing you to wake up and explore as opposed to make an early drive a couple miles up a windy road if you were doing a longer hike.
    • The campground is home to a nature trail through a Frankenstein'd woods where they planted numerous different trees after logging the area in the old days searching for a fast growing tree they could then log again. It's a little bit of the Pacific Northwest in Hawaii, but with all the Hawaiian plantlife as well.
    • The bird watching is wild. The confluence of water and mixed plants makes this a perfect spot for bird watching, including some rare and endangered birds.
    • Did I mention the location?

    They offer reservations of up to 3 days per month, which offers ample opportunity to explore the park and the volcano crater fully, but it is not wilderness camping or amenable to any sort of RV. Know that at camp, if there is an a-hole (or group of a-holes), they are going to be part of your stay. Similarly, if there is an expert on local birds, they become part of the group too!

  • M
    Dec. 23, 2024

    Kīpahulu Campground — Haleakalā National Park

    Great campground

    This campground is located in the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park. It offers very basic amenities, including cooking grills and vault toilets, with drinking water available only at the visitor center.  I can join activities such as playing slope game. Campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, featuring grassy areas that are unmarked except for the presence of grills and picnic tables. The atmosphere is peaceful, with the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rocky coastline below. At night, the stargazing is spectacular! We camped at Kipahulu National State Park in a camper van.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 6, 2024

    Cozy Meadows Campground

    Terrible experience

    Had a terrible experience with this campsite.  There was no address on the website, no directions provided, and only a pin on a google map was provided when I hit the "Get Directions" button.  Despite an hour of searching, could not find the campsite.  Talked to a number of people in the area, none of them had heard of the campsite.  Called the contact number provided, no response. It was already late, so we had to sleep (didn't really sleep) in our vehicle at the side of the road. The next day sent an -email to the address on the website, no response.  Asked for refund, no response.  Terrible

  • K
    May. 3, 2024

    Cozy Meadows Campground

    Nice if nothing else is available

    Shower : a poor garden hose at the entrance of the “camp”

    Toilet : ok

    Broken plastic table, Grill without any tank…

    It’s definitely not a cozy place, it look like more an unoccupied land

  • M
    Nov. 7, 2023

    Camp Olowalu

    Lovely, affordable accomodation

    I enjoyed my 5 night stay at a tent site here.  The grounds and facilities are well maintained and clean.  I used my site as a place to sleep and use the showers and bathroom facilities as needed.   I was gone by 8 am and back after sunset, going snorkeling, hiking and exploring the island.  I can't say what it would be like to lounge around all day at your site.  Some sights looked like they may have a lack of shade during the day.

    The beach is rocky and not one you'd likely want to spend your day on.  For the price and if you like camping (with hot showers, flush toilets and a sinks to wash your dishes) this is a great place to stay!

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Oct. 18, 2023

    Uka Hawaiian Native Camp

    A True Hawaiin Experience

    Jake from the Dyrt here! The Uka Hawaiin Native camp is new to the Dyrt and we are happy to have them and the authentic hawaiin experience they provide to campers.  Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!

  • V
    Apr. 4, 2023

    Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground

    Cabin rental. Great space!

    Two families, total of five people reserved a cabin. We had great space with one family in the bedroom (2 bunk beds) and the other using the bunk bed in the living space.   Unfortunately in the February rain we didn’t use the outdoor living space (covered deck) with picnic table as much as we would have liked but the kitchen had a long folding table that gives room for cooking, eating, and games.    A couch or other seating would have been nice.  It was very nice to have a full bathroom with hot water we showers. You do need to bring your own kitchen wares, bedding and towels.  

    The state park is beautiful to explore.  Definitely recommend an overnight stay over a day rip. The reservation is two night minimum unless there is a single day available.  A few of the cabins stayed empty despite full reservations prior so might be worth keeping an eye out for cancellations!

  • V
    Apr. 4, 2023

    Camp Olowalu

    Relaxing and clean camping spot!

    Our first time here we tent camped. Some of the sites seemed close together but we stayed at the end and had good privacy with the trade off of a long trip to the bathrooms.  The shared bathrooms are great! Clean, flush toilets, and running water.  Showers and dishwashing stations also a plus.  Free coffee for early risers.   You can see the beach from a few campsites.  Like most camping in Hawaii, bring your earplugs for the roosters.

Guide to Haleakala National Park

Camping near Haleakalā National Park offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and diverse activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin or a tent site, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking the Pipiwai Trail: This trail is a must-do for anyone visiting the area. It leads you through bamboo forests and to breathtaking waterfalls. One camper mentioned, "We LOVED Pipiwai - it's a bit grueling, and is 4 miles there and back, but the 100-foot waterfall at the end of it is incredible and a must-see" at Kīpahulu Campground.
  • Exploring Waiʻanapanapa State Park: Known for its black sand beach, this park is perfect for a day of exploration. A visitor shared, "The state park is beautiful to explore. Definitely recommend an overnight stay over a day trip" at Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground.
  • Snorkeling and Body Surfing: The cove at Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground offers good snorkeling on calmer days. One reviewer noted, "Snorkeling is pretty good in the cove, especially on calmer days."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Camp Olowalu said, "The shared bathrooms are great! Clean, flush toilets, and running water."
  • Stunning Views: Many campers rave about the beautiful scenery. One camper at Kīpahulu Campground mentioned, "Solid drive-in campground with toilets and beautiful ocean views."
  • Unique Camping Experience: The chance to camp near a black sand beach is a highlight for many. A camper at Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground remarked, "This was probably our favorite campground in a state park on Maui."

What you should know:

  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Hosmer Grove Campground advised, "Nighttime temperatures can be in the 30’s and 40’s...bring along our down sleeping bag and puffy jackets."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kīpahulu Campground, do not have running water, so bring your own supplies. A reviewer noted, "Note that there's no running water here, so come prepared with water jugs."
  • Reservation Requirements: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground mentioned, "The reservation is two-night minimum unless there is a single day available."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like clean bathrooms and picnic areas. A parent at Camp Olowalu said, "The grounds and facilities are well maintained and clean."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. One camper suggested, "The trail winds along the coastline high above the water, allowing amazing views" at Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground.
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra layers and comfort items for the kids. A camper at Hosmer Grove Campground noted, "We were prepared and had a great time; camping here made it much easier to drive up for the sunrises and sunsets each day."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Camp Olowalu mentioned, "The camper van area...was exactly like camping on the perimeter of a large parking lot."
  • Bring Solar Panels: If you need to charge devices, consider solar panels as some campgrounds lack electrical hookups. A camper at Waiʻanapanapa State Park Campground said, "We had a problem charging up our electronics...bring your solar panels!"
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near roads. A visitor at Camp Olowalu advised, "Between 12am and 5am were the only hours that things seemed to die down."

Camping near Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Haleakala National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Haleakala National Park is Hosmer Grove Campground — Haleakalā National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.

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