3 MONTHS FREEPlan your Hawaii trip with offline maps, RV Trip Planner, and the Free Camping Map.Try PRO
Try PRO free for 3 months

Dog-Friendly Camping near Waimalu, HI

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Bellows Field Beach Park features pet-friendly camping on Oahu's eastern shore with sandy tent sites situated alongside a tranquil beach setting. The park accommodates tent campers, RV users, and those seeking cabin or glamping options, all with pets permitted throughout the grounds. Campground facilities include picnic tables, drinking water, showers, and toilets. Most sites lack clear sectioning with campsites fairly close together, though each typically includes two picnic tables and ample space for setting up tents. The bathrooms are maintained in good condition despite sometimes requiring campers to cross the main road to access them.

    Six pet-friendly campgrounds surround the Waimalu area, including Sand Island State Recreation Area in Honolulu and Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park, both offering beach access for dogs and their owners. The campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities—some feature electric hookups and water connections while others maintain a more primitive setting. Most campgrounds have fire rings where permitted, though Sand Island prohibits fires. Kahana Campground's beachfront sites allow pets to enjoy the sand and water alongside their owners, with the secluded bay offering protected swimming most of the year. Campsites directly on the sand provide convenient beach access through small paths leading to the water. Bellows Air Force Station, which requires military ID for access, provides additional pet-friendly camping options with both tent sites and cabin rentals available.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Waimalu (5)

      1. Bellows Field Beach Park

      4.4(15)15mi from WaimaluRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Camping in hawaii is special no matter the time and place. Bellows has been a favorite because the waves are perfect for buggie boarding and the beach is peaceful."

      "Because you need to have military access to enjoy this beautiful beach park."

      2. Sand Island State Recreation Area

      3.7(7)7mi from WaimaluTents

      3. Bellows Air Force Station

      3.7(3)14mi from WaimaluTents, Glamping

      "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."

      from $27 - $169 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Camp Mokuleia

      4.8(5)23mi from WaimaluTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This campground is very close to the highest concentration of rock climbs in all of Hawaii!"

      "The bathrooms are a walk away inside a yurt. We were assigned a bathroom for just our site and given a key for it. "

      5. Maui County Park Papohaku Beach Campground

      5.0(1)49mi from WaimaluRVs, Tents

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Presented byLifeStraw

    Review campgrounds, win gear.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time



    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Waimalu, HI

    70 Reviews of 5 Waimalu Campgrounds

    • Saraj B.The Dyrt Admin User
      Feb. 24, 2025

      Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

      Camping in Jurassic Park aka Kahua Kuou Campsite

      If you need a break from the constant buzz of Honolulu, Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Gardens was my perfect getaway. Just a short 8-mile drive from Waikiki, this is a tropical paradise tucked beneath the Ko‘olau Mountain Range.

      PROs:

      -Views! Towering green cliffs in the misty jungle. 

      -No City Noise, Just Nature - no honking, no sirens - just chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the occasional gecko. 

      -Luxury (by camping standards). Plenty of bathrooms with running water, foot-washing stations, and dishwashing sinks. 

      -Roomy, Level Campsites - Plenty of foliage to make your site private.

      -Hiking Trails - I recommend going to the lake. Though I read beforehand that fishing was allowed, it was posted not allowed this past weekend.

      -Cool Mountain Nights - Temps drop to a comfy 70°F.

      Tips:

      -You NEED a Permit - No permit, no camping. An attendant checks at the entrance gate. I recommend reserving 1-2 weeks in advance to guarantee your spot. I bought a 3-day permit to stay 1 night as that was the only option. Camping is only allowed on weekends, Friday through Monday.

      -Bring Bug Spray - The biting gnats will eat you alive. Other than that, there were no other pests, besides the occasional chicken wanting my dinner.

      -Expect a Little Rain - The Ko‘olau Range is basically a cloud magnet, so pack a rain jacket/poncho.

      -Pack light - Parking is in a lot and you have to walk in to your site from there.

    • Ben A.
      Jun. 10, 2024

      Bellows Air Force Station

      Great for a weekend retreat from the craziness othe week.f

      Me and my wife cone camping here at least 10 times a year if not more. It s a great place to be with the sound of the breaking waves at every camping site and a lot of good amenities. 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. The staff is always so welcoming and its truly a great place to spend your time.

    • Jake C.The Dyrt Admin User
      Aug. 8, 2023

      Maleka Farm

      Vanlife or tent camping in Hawaii

      Jake from the Dyrt here!  Maleka Farm is a great spot for those needing a place to rest while exploring the area.  Check them out and be sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!

    • D
      Apr. 27, 2022

      Kahana Campground — Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park

      Beachfront Camping

      One of the few areas you can camp right on the beach. It is a bit loud because it's right next to the road but it's definitely a trade off with waking up next to the ocean and the beautiful mountains surrounding. The bathrooms are pretty good as far as camp bathrooms go.

    • A G.
      Dec. 15, 2021

      Mālaekahana State Recreation Area Campground

      Family friendly and affordable paradise

      Hidden gem for those wanting a more authentic Oahu experience! I suppose we came "off-season" and post-pandemic, so we might be a bit fortunate; We felt like we were at our own little piece of paradise. We stayed in the Hale 14 which was great because it was close enough to walk to and hear the waves, but far enough that I felt like my son wouldn't wander off into the surf. My son is 5 and I feel this is the perfect age to stay off the beaten path. Our Hale was so affordable and exactly what I'd expect when paying less than $60 a night. You can only stay 10 days. There is a gate to keep random cars out of the camping area. The beautiful cove has great beginner waves for surfing. The "beds" are vinyl and not too thick, but of you're taking advantage of everything it shouldn't be a problem. This is not the Ritz (which I have frequented), however it's perfect for a single mom wanting to show her son the world on a budget. We will definitely be back. So grateful for this place having a family friendly, budget friendly Hale away from home! Be ready for roosters to wake you in the morning and cold showers. But I'll take Hawaii on a budget any day. If you really feel the need, get a hotel on your arrival and departure and just Live Aloha the rest of your stay!!!

    • A
      Dec. 12, 2021

      Mālaekahana State Recreation Area Campground

      Wow

      My Wife and I just moved here and had a hankering for camping. This place is definitely an amazing gem. Beach was beautiful and the camp ground was kept well.

    • Michael
      Jul. 8, 2021

      Mālaekahana State Recreation Area Campground

      Minimalist Beach Shack

      This was a fun stop on Oahu. Keep expectations low as the amenities are few and far between. The beach shacks are pretty raw, but it's nice to have a place to keep stuff safe. There was no mattress on the bed, and the whole thing was crawling with ants. But it had electricity, a bit of privacy, and a porch to hang out on. Two-minute walk to the ocean from our site. They also had car/tent camping area for those with the gear. Outdoor shower with no privacy screen. Looking forward to staying here again.

    Guide to Waimalu

    Bellows Field Beach Park and Sand Island State Recreation Area accommodate pets throughout their grounds, with Bellows offering direct beach access where dogs can enjoy the water. Both parks maintain picnic tables and drinking water access at pet-friendly sites. Camp Mokuleia and Kahana Campground in Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park also welcome pets, though all Hawaii campgrounds enforce leash policies. Campers report the bathrooms at these locations are generally clean with reasonable facilities. Sand Island's camping area is one of the least visited parks, providing a quieter atmosphere for campers with pets who may be sensitive to crowds.

    The oceanfront sites at Bellows Air Force Station allow military ID holders to camp with pets amid prime beach access where the sound of breaking waves reaches every campsite. Trails near these campgrounds provide options for pet exercise, with three hiking paths accessible from Bellows alone. All Hawaii state park campgrounds require advance reservations through their online system, with weekend dates filling quickly, especially during summer months. The Crouching Lion trail near Kahana Campground offers a steep but rewarding hike with pets, though its muddy conditions necessitate proper hiking boots. For military families, Bellows Air Station provides additional amenities including a small store, gas station, mini golf and driving range within walking distance of pet-friendly camping areas.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Waimalu, HI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Waimalu, HI is Bellows Field Beach Park with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Waimalu, HI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 dog-friendly camping locations near Waimalu, HI, with real photos and reviews from campers.