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Best Dispersed Camping near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

6 Reviews

Halape Shelter in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park requires a challenging 8-11 mile backcountry hike but rewards campers with isolated beach camping. Permits must be obtained the day before or morning of your trip from the backcountry office on a first-come, first-served basis. The primitive shelter has toilets and drinking water available, though visitors should bring water filters or purification tablets. No fires, alcohol, or pets are permitted at this site.

Whittington Beach Park offers a more accessible dispersed camping experience on the south side of the Big Island in the Ka'u District. The park features drive-in and walk-in access with toilet facilities but lacks drinking water, hookups, and fires are not permitted. A visitor noted, "It's free, which is rare on the island." While beautiful and offering excellent ocean views, several campers mentioned that locals may not welcome overnight visitors, suggesting keeping a low profile if staying overnight.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (2)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

6 Reviews of 2 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Campgrounds

  • Laura H.
    Aug. 28, 2016

    Halape Shelter — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    Great overnight backpacking trip

    Who doesn't love camping on an isolated beach! Halape is a backcountry backpacking trip in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You have to go the day before or the morning of to get camping permits from the backcountry office on a first com first served basis. There are a few trails to take to get to Halape ranging from 8-11 miles - people choose them based on elevation gain and how bad it is on your knees when hiking with a full pack on. Check with the backcountry office when you get your permits about the water supply there. There is generally plenty of water available at the beach site but bring your water filter or purification tablets! Bring fishing gear or a knife to collect opihi to eat. Be aware of the earthquake/tsunami history of the campsite in the past - the park rangers are good about telling you what to do in case of anything! Overall it's a mini paradise with a gorgeous beach to yourself. Walk over to Halape Iki for another perfect little beach cove.

  • Sasha W.
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Whittington Beach Park

    So beautiful

    This beach park offers so many activities, views, and great places to eat. This is one of my families favorite places to visit when coming to Hawaii. It is a drive from the big island, but definitely worth it. We stayed here 1 night before heading back to the big island. So glad we decided to make the trip. Its located on the south side of the big island, in the Ka'u District. One incredible thing about this beach and camping here is you get the best views of the ocean. It honestly doesnt get any better than that. We also enjoyed snorkeling here, too. I would highly recommend that. We also did a diving tour, which is one of the reasons we decided to come to this part of the island. The diving was incredible, highly recommend. We saw a shark, so many turtles, and lots of fish. One great thing about the park is there is no cost to come, which is awesome! We were warned, however, that the locals dont really take too kindly to people staying here. Not sure why, but everyone warned us. We camped in a spot that was hidden, so we didnt have any troubles. Just FYI before you plan to come here or stay long. Again, we stayed only 1 night and honestly were only in our camping spot for maybe 6hrs total. Just to sleep.

  • Jordan B.
    Apr. 16, 2021

    Halape Shelter — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    Top-3 camping site

    Halape is one of the most amazing places I've ever camped. Spent 3 nights there in January 2013 after about 15 miles hiking in from the west. Didn't see a soul the whole time, and we were in the national park for 5 days. The highlight of the trip was harvesting mussels off the rocks, climbing up the coconut palms to get fruit, and cooking up the mussels in coconut water with some curry powder we brought in. Most incredible foraged meal I've ever had. The lilikoi that grows on the hillsides just up from the beach are delicious too. It's hard to get to but worth the trip!

  • Brittany R.
    Mar. 19, 2025

    Whittington Beach Park

    Absolutely beautiful spot!

    We actually just stumbled upon this campsite as we were trying to get a view of the coast line and wow! What a beautiful place! And it’s free!! Not many of those on the island. We didn’t actually end up staying here because we were headed up to Volcano but it was so nice that we considered changing our plans just to stay here. I’d highly recommend!

Guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Experience the beauty of nature with dispersed camping near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This area offers unique opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

  • Enjoy a secluded beach experience at Halape Shelter — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, where you can harvest mussels and climb coconut palms for a truly unique foraged meal.
  • Snorkel with turtles and vibrant fish at Whittington Beach Park, where the clear waters provide an excellent underwater adventure.
  • Explore the stunning landscapes and hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views, especially around Halape, which is known for its isolation and natural beauty.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

  • When planning your trip to Halape Shelter — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, remember to obtain your camping permits from the backcountry office on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Be prepared for the elements at Whittington Beach Park, as there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, so bring your own supplies.
  • Always check the local conditions and safety guidelines, especially regarding the area's earthquake and tsunami history, when camping at Halape.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Halape Shelter

  • Halape Shelter offers a unique opportunity for those seeking solitude, as many visitors report not encountering anyone during their stay, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat.
  • The beach at Halape is not only beautiful but also provides access to fresh seafood, allowing campers to enjoy a truly local dining experience right from the shore.
  • Hiking to Halape can be a rewarding challenge, with trails ranging from 8 to 11 miles, providing a sense of accomplishment upon arrival at this stunning destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Halape Shelter — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

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