Campsites near Schofield Barracks offer diverse terrain options from windswept beaches to sheltered inland locations. The North Shore area receives consistent trade winds year-round, with coastal sites experiencing stronger gusts than protected inland camping areas. Sites along Oahu's eastern shore typically have fine white sand that easily migrates into tents and equipment during windy conditions.
What to do
Beach exploration: Mālaekahana State Recreation Area features a stunning coastline that's ideal for both swimming and water activities. According to one visitor, "the beach is really nice white sand though a bit windy and they have surf board rentals and some small surf breaks."
Surfing for beginners: Sand Island State Recreation Area offers gentler waves perfect for learning. "The water is great for some body surfing," notes one camper, making it accessible for those new to ocean sports.
Kayaking opportunities: The protected waters near Bellows Field Beach Park are perfect for paddling excursions. As one visitor mentions, "Can go kayaking. Good trees for shade so you don't get too hot," providing both water activities and comfortable rest areas.
What campers like
Security features: At Mālaekahana State Recreation Area, campers appreciate the controlled access. "The campsites themselves are blocked off by a gate with a keypad entry so there aren't random cars driving by your campsite ever," reports one reviewer, highlighting the privacy benefits.
Protected camping spots: Many visitors prefer sites with natural windbreaks. "Initially I was bummed I didn't get a beach front campsite, ours was only a 30 second walk to the beach. But because it's the windward side, it was sooo windy and we really appreciated our campsite set a little farther back from the beach and protected by trees."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms as a significant plus. One visitor noted, "The bathrooms have flush toilets and are very clean! Bring your own roll of TP to share. There are outdoor beach showers and outdoor sinks throughout the campground to get water, wash dishes and brush your teeth."
What you should know
Gate restrictions: Many campgrounds enforce strict access policies. At Mālaekahana, as one camper warns, "Watch out for centipedes; I got bit and it was extremely painful," highlighting an often overlooked natural hazard.
Beach conditions vary seasonally: Water hazards can affect swimming safety at certain times. One camper at Maleka Farm notes it's "a great spot for those needing a place to rest while exploring the area," suggesting it works well as a base camp rather than a destination itself.
Military access requirements: Some facilities have restricted entry. At Bellows Field, "There is actually both a civilian and military campground. The civilian side is for the true camping enthusiast. The military side has both campgrounds and cabins, with a mini golf course and a mini-mart."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly beaches: Some locations offer safer swimming conditions for younger campers. At Sand Island, one visitor mentions, "The beach isn't the nicest but it's good for little kids and there's a nice surf break if the swell is in."
Shaded play areas: Look for campgrounds with natural canopies. Bellows Field offers "Good trees for shade so you don't get too hot" and spaces where children can play protected from direct sun.
