Oahu Camping Guide: All 25 Campgrounds & How to Book

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Oahu camping is abundant and easy to book! There are many beachfront campgrounds, and they’re all easily accessible. Here is your comprehensive guide to Oahu camping.

Oahu camping stands out from the other islands due to the ease of finding and booking a campsite. All booking systems are straightforward, and campgrounds only require a single booking. You don’t have to worry about booking reservations, permits, and entry for a single campground.

Oahu has something for everyone, and it has the most beachfront camping, though not necessarily on the best beaches. The only thing you won’t find is hike-in sites. You won’t find campgrounds that require backpacking like you can find on the other islands. If you’re interested in a more adventurous camping experience, check out our camping articles on the other Hawaiian Islands:
Maui Camping
Kauai Camping
Big Island Camping

Get the lay of the land with our FREE Oahu Travel Guide
Stay on one of the Best Oahu Beaches
Fill your days with incredible activities with these Things to Do on Oahu
You’ll want nice weather for a camping vacation, so pick the Best Time to Visit Oahu

Oahu Camping at a Glance

Map of Oahu Camping Spots

Oahu Camping FAQ

Can you camp on any beach and anywhere on the island?

No, beach camping is only designated campgrounds & with proper permits, but there are TONS on Oahu!

Can you sleep in your car on Oahu?

Yes, vehicle camping is available but only in designated campgrounds. Check the Cabin section of this article for which campgrounds allow vehicle camping.

We took to van life for a few nights and explored Oahu’s windward coast. You can check out our experience in the video below!

Is there any free camping on Oahu?

Nope, all camping requires a paid reservation.

Is camping on Oahu safe?

Yes, while the property crime rate is close to the national average, the violent crime rate in Hawaii is far lower than the national average. The elephant in the room is homelessness, and these folks call many of these campgrounds home. Oahu has the largest homeless population of all the islands, primarily around the Waianae Coast and Honolulu. 

They don’t go unnoticed, and some have noisy mopeds that they drive through the parks. Knowing what to expect will help avoid surprises and make your time better. Stick to the center of camping areas, keep cars locked, and treat everyone you encounter with respect.

We find it helpful to check Google reviews to see if there is a common complaint and if it impacts the camping experience.

How much does it cost to camp on Oahu?

Camping on Oahu costs $30-$50 + fees for non-residents, private campgrounds set their own rates, usually $25+ per night. Honolulu City and County campsites cost $10 per night, but must be booked in either 3- or 5-day blocks, regardless of how long you stay. State campgrounds cost $30 per night.

Oahu is the cheapest island to visit, and camping will save you thousands on lodging. If you’re looking for more ways to save on your vacation, check out these budget resources:
How to Get A Cheap Ticket to Hawaii: 5 Insider’s Tips
How to Have a Luxury Hawaii Vacation for Less: 12 Ways to Save

Can you have campfires on the beach?

No, campfires are not permitted on beaches. While you’re likely to see someone breaking the rules, don’t follow their example because it is illegal and dangerous.

Not only can it cause widespread fires, but it can also injure beachgoers. Respect the ‘aina (land), others, and your wallet (no one wants the fines associated with violations) by keeping the fire in the grill, not on the beach.

What is Rapid ‘Ohi’a Death (ROD)?

The ‘Ohi’a is the most abundant native tree species on the Hawaiian islands, and it’s dying at an incredible rate due to a fungal disease called Ceratocystis. Infected trees die within days or weeks, and the state of Hawaii is working hard to stop the spread and protect the ‘Ohi’a.

It has affected all districts in Hawaii, but it is especially important to be aware of it if you plan to camp on Kauai or the Big Island. To prevent the spread to other areas and islands, disinfect all your gear (including hiking equipment) with 70% alcohol.

Here are two great resources for learning more:
National Park Service
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

Oahu Camping Permits and Reservations

Lucky you, camping on Oahu is the simplest compared to the other islands! You don’t have to worry about park entry fees, on top of camping fees, on top of parking fees. Oahu campsites are more expensive than some on other islands, but a parking permit is included, all costs are per campsite, rather than per person, and bookings are made through one of two websites (for government-run campgrounds).

State campsites can be booked 30 days in advance through Wiki Permits. City and County campsites can be booked 2 weeks in advance through the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Private campgrounds have their own conditions and booking systems.

Campsites: Legal Oahu Camping Locations

A quick note on legal Oahu camping: many government-run and private campgrounds do not allow alcohol, so if you would like to have alcohol at a campground, double-check that it’s allowed.

Oahu State Campsites

Camping costs $30 per night per campsite for up to 10 campers for non-residents and $20 for Hawaii residents. Each campsite has a maximum stay of 5 consecutive nights within 30 days unless otherwise noted. Each of these campsites can be booked at this website.

Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park 
This campsite is situated on the beautiful Kahana Bay Beach on Oahu’s east coast. The area was a fishing village prior to western contact and is relatively untouched. Kawa Stream meets the beach in two spots, and Huilua Fishpond sits on the southern end of the beach, making it a unique spot to set up camp.

There are 10 campsites. Camping is available Friday through Wednesday 2 pm – 12 pm.

Here are some amenities you can look forward to:

• Tons of hiking trails
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Drinking water
• Picnic tables
• Boat launch

Note: No alcohol is permitted at this campsite
Learn more and book a site at Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana. 

Malaekahana State Recreation Area 
This area has a state-run and a privately-run campground. The northernmost area is privately managed and is closed for renovations. The closure can occasionally affect availability at the State Recreation Area, and while it was supposed to reopen in the summer of 2024, the project has been extended through 2025. Camping is still possible here, by there may be occasional availability issues.

This is another beachfront campground that sits along the narrow Moku’Auia Beach and Laie Bay. There is a small island off the shore, known as Goat Island, which is a seabird sanctuary and can be accessed by foot during low tide. The campground is located just a 5-minute drive from the town of Laie and the Polynesian Cultural Center.

There are 37 campsites. Camping is available Friday through Wednesday 3 pm – 12 pm.

Here are some amenities you can look forward to:

• Restrooms
• Showers
• Drinking water
• Picnic tables
• Trash cans
• Fishing

Note: No alcohol is permitted at this campsite
Learn more and book a site at Malaekahana State Recreation Area.

Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area 
Just 12 miles away from Waikiki, you’ll feel a whole world away. This campground is in a forest of Norfolk pine and eucalyptus trees, a stark contrast to the surfer towns of the north shore and the metropolitan beach city vibe of Waikiki. 

This is a small campground with 10 sites. Gates are locked at 6:45 pm or 7:45 pm seasonally and vehicles are locked in for the night. Camping is available Friday through Wednesday 2 pm – 12 pm.

Here are some amenities you can look forward to:

• Restrooms
• Showers
• Drinking water
• Picnic tables
• Pavilions
• Grills
• Trash Cans
• Hiking (5-mile ‘Aiea loop trail)

Note: No alcohol is permitted at this campsite
Learn more and book a site at Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area.

Looking for more ways to get on the water?
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Sand Island State Recreation Area 
Sand Island is a heavily industrialized area just off the shores of Honolulu, between the cruise ship terminal and the Honolulu Airport. Freight piers and warehouses are outside the state recreation area. 

I know I’m not selling this campground at this point, and that’s because it won’t be for everyone. You’ll have views of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America cruise ship and dozens of airplanes flying in and out of the HNL airport, but you’ll also get uninterrupted ocean views right in between. Whether you have little ones fascinated by big ships and airplanes or this just sounds like your cup of tea, you’ll love it here! Otherwise, there are plenty of other wonderful campgrounds on this list.

This campground only offers weekend camping. There are beaches in the State Recreation Area.

Here are some amenities you can look forward to:

• Restrooms
• Showers
• Picnic Tables
• Pavilions
• Trash cans
• Drinking water
• Fishing
• Walking paths
• Alcohol is permitted at this campground

Learn more and book a site on Sand Island.

Oahu City & County Campsites

There are 16 campgrounds run by the City and County of Honolulu. They all cost $10 per night, but must be booked for either 3- or 5-night stays, regardless of how long you plan to use the site. 3-night sites cost $32.75 after fees, and 5-night stays cost $53.22 after fees. 

Here are some helpful things to know about Honolulu City and County Campsites

• Some campgrounds convert from 3-night to 5-night spots during Department of Education breaks, those campgrounds are labeled as “3-day camping (converts)”
• Permits accommodate up to 10 campers and 3 vehicles.
• Reservations open 2 weeks in advance at 5 pm on Friday. 
• Camping starts at 8 am on Fridays and ends 8 am on Monday (3-day camping) or Wednesday (5-day camping) unless otherwise noted.
• All campsites are closed Wednesday and Thursday.
• Be sure to read up on any other rules specific to the campground you choose.

Bellows Field Beach Park

• Waimanalo, East Oahu (directions)
• 3-day camping
• 50 campsites
• On one of the best beaches on Oahu, Waimanalo Beach, which is great for swimming year-round.
• Located within an active military training site, which is closed Monday 8 am to Friday 12 pm
• The park is closed nightly from 8 PM to 6 AM, so campers must be at their designated campsites during those hours.

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens
There are 3 campsites within the botanical gardens located in Kaneohe, East Oahu (directions) These are the only city campgrounds not on the beach. All sites are for 3-day camping from 9 am Friday to 4 pm Monday.

Kahua Kuou: 8 campsites
Kahua Lehua: 5 campsites
Kahua Nui-Makai: 15 campsites, can be reserved for large groups with at least 30 days notice.

Kalaeloa Beach Park

• Ewa Beach, 20 minutes from Ko’Olina (directions)
• 3-day camping
• 13 campsites
• Note: Eisenhower Road in the campground is unpaved
• Camping is available Friday 12 pm – Monday 8 am
• This campground has a quiet and remote feel, the beach is wonderful for surfing and fishing.

Ma’ili Beach Park

• Waianae, West Oahu (directions)
• 3-day camping
• 14 campsites
• This campground is an excellent place to watch the sunset as it faces west.

Check out some of Oahu’s infamous areas
The 21 Best Things to Do in Waikiki
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21 Amazing Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore
Polynesian Cultural Center Review: Is a Visit Worth the Price?

Swanzy Beach Park

• Kaaawa, East Oahu (directions)
• 3-day camping
• 9 campsites
• Not far from Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana campground and plenty of hiking. This is also a decent place to go fishing.

Kea’au Beach Park

• Waianae, West Oahu (directions)
• 3-day camping (converts)
• 22 campsites
• This site has beautiful ocean views, but it’s not a great place for entering the water.

Kualoa Regional Park
There are two campgrounds at this site: A and B. Kualoa A has 3-day camping, 7 campsites, and can be reserved for large groups with at least 30 days notice. Kualoa B has 5-day camping and 14 campsites. 

• Kaneohe, East Oahu (directions)
• 3-day and 5-day camping
• Kualoa A is closed during the summer, open Labor Day weekend through Memorial Day weekend
• Gates are locked 8 pm to 7 am.
• This campground is in a beautiful location, with outstanding ocean and Mokoli’i views to one side and lush mountains to the other. Kualoa Ranch, with a host of activities, is just on the mountainside of the road.

Check out some of the activities at Kualoa Ranch:
Kualoa Ranch Malama ‘Aina Experience (get dirty on the ranch!)
Jurassic Valley Zipline Adventure at Kualoa Ranch
UTV Tour in Jurassic Valley at Kualoa Ranch

Kaiaka Bay Beach Park

• Haleiwa, North Shore (directions)
• 5-day camping
• 7 campsites
• This is another spot with wonderful views, but not a good place to enter the water directly. 

Hau’ula Beach Park

• Hau’ula, East Oahu (directions)
• 5-day camping
• 8 campsites
• This campsite is in a rural area just south of Laie (where the Polynesian Cultural Center is)

Hunananiho Beach Park

• Waimanalo, East Oahu (directions)
• 5-day camping
• 10 campsites
• Gates close 7:45 pm – 6 am
• This is one of 3 campsites along Waimanalo Beach, a beautiful white sand beach. These campsites do get complaints about loud music, and while it’s a beautiful beach during the day, the vibe can be less comfortable at night.

Kalaniana’ole Beach Park

• Waianae, West Oahu (directions)
• 5-day camping
• 12 campsites
• This campsite is just off of Nanakuli Beach, 10 minutes north of Ko Olina.

Kokololio Beach Park

• Laie, East Oahu (directions)
• 5-day camping
• 5 campsites, can be reserved for large groups with at least 30 days notice.
• Gates closed 8 pm – 7 am 
• This campground is always in high demand, and with limited spots you’ll be hard-pressed to get in. The beach is lovely, but narrow. It’s just a 3-minute drive to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Lualualei Beach Park

• Waianae, West Oahu (directions)
• 5-day camping
• 6 campsites
• Only 1 vehicle is permitted per campsite
• The ocean views and sunsets here are beautiful

Waimanalo Beach Park

• Waimanalo, East Oahu (directions)
• 5-day camping
• 10 campsites
• This is the southernmost campsite on Waimanalo Beach. These campsites do get complaints about loud music, and while it’s a beautiful beach during the day, the vibe can be less comfortable at night.

Learn more about each site and book a Honolulu City and County campsite here.

Private Oahu Camping (Cabins, Yurts, Vehicle Camping, and Tent Camping)

You can find unique camping or cabin options around the island on sites like Hipcamp, VRBO, or AirBnB, but those sites come and go, so we’ve focused on well-established campgrounds.

Camp Palehua
Camp Palehua is located in Kapolei, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina. It is part of a large agricultural and conservation area and offers tent, vehicle, and cabin camping. The cabins have electricity and range from bunkhouses to 4-bedroom, fully equipped houses.

Pricing starts at $25 per person per night + fees for tent and vehicle camping. Bunk houses start at $30 per person per night + fees. The cabins start at $200 per night + fees.

No alcohol is allowed on the premises.

Gates close 10 pm – 7 am

Amenities include:

• Basketball court
• Fire pit
• Pool ($)
• Hiking ($)
• Other paid activities put on by the camp

Learn more and book Camp Palehua.

YMCA Camp Erdman 
YMCA Camp Erdman offers a retreat on the North Shore. It’s located 15 minutes from Waialua and 45 minutes from Honolulu.

You won’t find all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii, but an all-inclusive camp? The YMCA checks that box! Families and groups can take advantage of special all-inclusive weekend camps with a cabin, planned activities, and meals included. Prices for a group for the whole weekend start at $800.

Other times throughout the year you can book a cabin or yurt for groups up to 6 starting at $175 per night for non-residents and $135 per night for residents.

Amenities include:

• Swimming pool
• Archery range
• Alpine tower
• Art studio
• Fire pits
• Hiking trails
• Human foosball
• High ropes course

Learn more and book YMCA Camp Erdman.

Malaekahana Beach Campground
This area has a state-run and a privately-run campground. The northernmost area is privately managed and is closed for renovations. This campground was supposed to reopen in 2024, but the project has been pushed back to 2025. You can check their Facebook page for renovation updates.

This campground is located on Oahu’s North Shore in Kahuku, just 15 minutes from Turtle Bay. It offers tent, vehicle, and cabin camping. Prices may change when they reopen, but their rates prior to closing were less than $10 per night for tent and vehicle camping, and their cabins started at $60 per night for up to 4 people.

Malaekahana Beach Campground offers equipment rentals such as SUPs, surfboards, and bikes. Check out their website to learn more.

Maleka Farm
Located in Laie, Maleka Farm is a small farm that offers tent camping, campervan or vehicle camping, glamping tents, and cabins. There is plenty of hiking nearby and the cafe where the movie 50 First Dates was filmed is just under a mile away. Tent and vehicle camping rates are $50 per night, and glamping tents and cabins start at $150 per night. 

Learn more and book a site at Maleka Farm.