Top Horse Camping near Kailua, HI

Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Kailua? It's easy to find Kailua campgrounds for horse camping with The Dyrt. These scenic and easy-to-reach Kailua campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Kailua, HI (1)

    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground

    1. Namakanipaio Campground

    16 Reviews
    53 Photos
    42 Saves

    Nāmakanipaio Campground is located 31.5 miles south of Hilo on Highway-11 at 4,000' elevation. It is a large, open grassy area with tall eucalyptus and 'ōhi'a trees. This campground has restrooms, water, picnic tables and barbecue pits. Campfires are permitted in the barbeque pits only. If there are more than 2 people in your party, you can expand to 4 people per site with another tent. Maximum stay is 7 days.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

Recent Equestrian Reviews In Kailua

16 Reviews of 1 Kailua Campgrounds


  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Feb. 23, 2024

    Namakanipaio Campground

    Proximity to NP & Volcano house ++

    Roddy efficient grass sites - big enough for a couple or snag multiple for a family. Little cabins you can rent too. Bbq at each site l, mowed grass, bathrooms and sinks. Grab dinner at volcano house and have all day and night to explore the NP

  • Alejandro G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Oct. 31, 2021

    Namakanipaio Campground

    Amazing Travel

    The campground was lovely. Great location, just down the road from Volcano House (where you go to check in). We stayed in a cabin and it was excellent. The doors have key cars swipe (don't forget your key, the doors lock automatically behind you!) The shower was good and even the complimentary shower gel in the women's shower was nice! Dinner at Volcano House was good. I only wish we had stayed more than one night to be able to explore the area more.

  • Karrieanne W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Aug. 13, 2018

    Namakanipaio Campground

    Currently Closed

    Due to the draining of the Lava Lake and constant earthquakes in Volcanoes National Park, this area is closed. At this time it is uncertain that it will open again.

  • Karrieanne W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Aug. 13, 2018

    Namakanipaio Campground

    Closed due to volcanic activity

    I love camping at this spot. Namakanipaio has wonderful views the Milky Way, and used to have a great view of the glowing lava lake. It was a short hike to Jagger Museum, that now is being consumed by the caldera. With daily earthquakes in the area, it is no longer safe. you can not even stop in the highway in that area. Hopefully it will open again in the future.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Jun. 16, 2018

    Namakanipaio Campground

    Colder than you think

    Awesome access to lots of trails and of course the volcano. Wouldn’t go right now with the eruptions but worth the visit in the future.

    Bring extra warm stuff; can get windy and quite chilly at night.

  • Kristen P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Jun. 16, 2018

    Namakanipaio Campground

    10 miles from anything you are used to (except a bathroom 😂)

    This camping site is great! It’s 10 miles inside the volcanos national park. At the end of the drive there is parking for about 4 vehicles and a very clean and nice structure housing a pit toilet with paper. No running water, no fires allowed. Camping stoves ok. There are I believe 10-12 sites some right off the lot some farther out ours was up over a hill so you could not see any other sites or the lot from our location. There was a picnic table in each site. You pay at the gate (we got the year pass) and then $10 a night you put it in the bash box on site and put the receipt at your site if you happen to love for the day. We both tent camped and put up hammocks. You are in the shadow of Laura loa volcano and when we went you could see the glow of the main crater from our site however with the recent activity I am pretty sure the level may be too low now.

    We hikes for a half hour towards the crater glow in the night to get to a ridge to look out over the valley. The moon was bright enough you didn’t need flashlights. It’s very windy at night and the temp drops. I had a sleep mat in my hammock and slept in sweats with a blanket and Summer sleeping bag. Our hammocks were swaying in the wind all night.

    One of the best sites was the moon setting behind Mauna Loa just before sunrise and then watchingbehr sure from purple to pink to red as the sun came up from behind us and cast colors on her. A few miles farther on the drive you will reach a dead end with a pavilion and an incredible view of the Pacific.

    Its close enough to hilo we left our site for the day and went to the hilo parks to swim than did all of the volcano park activities in the early evening.

  • Tarah W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Oct. 30, 2017

    Namakanipaio Campground

    A Volcano at Midnight

    Pretty epic experience sleeping so close to Pele. The best entrance to see the volcano at night is a bit of a drive/back ride but well worth it! Talk to locals in Pahoa and Keaau for tips on how to see the best views of the volcano. Cheap site about like $15 i believe.

  • Sharon N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Sep. 8, 2017

    Namakanipaio Campground

    Walking distance to Volcano crater!

    A friend came to visit from off island and I had to take her to see Volcano National Park. We tent camped one night at this campground. It has toilets and a large pavilion, that we utilized to cook and eat under due to early morning rain. The night we stayed was verily quiet with not many other campers. I paid in the onsite dropbox with a check, but I am sure there is a way to probably pay online. Unfortunately there are no shower facilities.

    The all time highlight is that 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.

    The campground is technically outside of the national park and if you hike in there is no park fee.

  • Dave G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Jun. 5, 2017

    Namakanipaio Campground

    Arrived and Left in Awe

    We were able to snag a walk up site right at check out time, which is when you should arrive if you want to camp here. The campground was full by dinner time. The huge upside of this campground is the proximity to the Jagger Museum and the inner caldera of the volcano. You can hike from the campground to the caldera overlook and if you get lucky with a cloudy night sky, you'll be treated to a fiery display with the volcano glow lighting up the sky. The only downside of this campground is that there are no showers for tent campers. Definitely not something that would prevent us from returning.

  • Elliott B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Sep. 27, 2016

    Namakanipaio Campground

    Kind of a green desert...

    Nice, open sites with decent amenities. You don't really have a lot of privacy at all... but you should be off exploring the park! I say desert, because it can get so hot during the day and turn around and get really cold at night.

  • Jessica F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Sep. 25, 2016

    Namakanipaio Campground

    No showers, unless you make friends with someone in a cabin

    I stayed here in spring of 2007, and was struck by how similar it was to Northern California, with the tall eucalyptus trees, and cute little cabins.

    The camping bathroom didn't have showers, but the communal bathroom for the cabins did, and a sympathetic cabin renter let me into that bathroom. (I'm a bike tourist, so I really need the shower.)

    I spent two nights here, because the second day I went for the dusk hike among the lava fields. Note to bikers, make friends with someone at the bottom who can drive you up, because it is a big climb not to be biked up in the dark.

    There was a pavilion with a stone fireplace that was very attractive for groups.

  • Eric N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Aug. 23, 2016

    Namakanipaio Campground

    Volcanoes NP

    Very quiet location with nearby access to incredible hiking. The higher altitude kept the temperatures in the low 60's and perfect for sleeping. Not very many campers so it was a peaceful evening.

  • Christy K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakanipaio Campground
    Jul. 25, 2015

    Namakanipaio Campground

    Nice grassy open area and very clean

    We stayed here Thanksgiving night prior to spending a day in Volcanoes national park. Given the holiday, everything was closed in town so make sure you bring some food and supplies. It was also pretty quiet and felt very safe.

    In the middle of the night we woke up to RAIN! And if anyone knows rain in Hawaii is HARD - so make sure you are prepared if you decide to camp in Hawaii.

    This is a great way to be close to the volcano park to get an early start.

    There is a paystation on site and restrooms, firepits and picnic tables.



Guide to Kailua

Camping near Kailua, Hawaii, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a secluded getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are many trails nearby, including the Kalopa Nature Trail, which is easy and takes you through beautiful greenery. One camper mentioned, "The Kalopa State Rec Area park/beach is one of my favorites. It has such a jungle feel to it."
  • Snorkeling: Head to Punalu`u Beach Park for some of the best snorkeling. A family shared, "We had some of the best snorkeling we have ever had, here. We saw turtles, tons of fish, and 1 shark!!"
  • Exploring Volcanoes National Park: Camping at Nāmakanipaio Campground gives you easy access to the park. One visitor said, "Great access to the beach, a beautiful warm beach, nice hike access."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Kalopa State Rec Area said, "The native plants in the area are beautiful, there is even a small gated garden with all the native plants inside labeled."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy Spencer Beach Park. A parent noted, "Kids really enjoyed this location and we had no issues staying."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Punalu`u Beach Park are well-maintained. One camper mentioned, "The beach was clean, they had garbage cans along the whole beach and seemed like people were actually using them."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Many campgrounds, including Nāmakanipaio Campground, have strict no alcohol policies. A reviewer pointed out, "This site is AWESOME!" but noted the rules.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kulanaokuaiki, are primitive with no drinking water or showers. A visitor advised, "Make sure and bring lots of water (you'll want it)."
  • Crowded During Peak Times: Popular spots like Spencer Beach Park can get busy. One camper said, "It always seems to be packed out and the crowd has been a little rough every time I've been."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Spencer Beach Park that offer amenities like picnic tables and bathrooms. A parent shared, "This is such a serene park, lots of parking, trails to hike up to the heiau."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities. One family enjoyed hiking in the morning and relaxing on the beach later, saying, "We pretty much just sat our bums in the sand and water the rest of the day."
  • Bring Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at Kalopa State Rec Area mentioned grabbing groceries nearby for meals.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: If you need electric hookups, make sure to choose campgrounds like Nāmakanipaio Campground that offer them. One reviewer noted, "Roddy efficient grass sites - big enough for a couple or snag multiple for a family."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular RV spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Punalu`u Beach Park said, "This beach Park is close to the town, which makes it nice for food."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of the location. One camper mentioned, "We also went down to the beach that isn't far away. Drove about 15 minutes to reach the beach."

Camping near Kailua, Hawaii, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for families and solo adventurers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kailua, HI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kailua, HI is Namakanipaio Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.