Namakanipaio Campground
Drive-up tent camping in a eucalyptus grove inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, minutes from the Kilauea overlooks after dark
The main drive-up campground in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, set in a grove of tall eucalyptus and ohia at around 4,000 feet. Staying inside the park is the whole point: you can drive out to the Kilauea overlooks after dark to see any active glow without a two-hour round trip from Hilo or Kona, and be back at the tent in fifteen minutes. A small number of simple cabins have historically been available alongside the tent sites. It is genuinely cold at night by Hawaii standards, and rain is common.
Pricing
$30/vehicle national park entry plus a per-night camping fee. Cabin availability has varied over the years, so confirm what is open before you plan around it (verify)
Common Questions
- How much does Namakanipaio Campground cost?
- Admission to Namakanipaio Campground is paid. $30/vehicle national park entry plus a per-night camping fee. Cabin availability has varied over the years, so confirm what is open before you plan around it (verify)
- What ages is Namakanipaio Campground good for?
- Namakanipaio Campground is best for kids ages 3 to 18+.
- Is Namakanipaio Campground stroller friendly?
- No, Namakanipaio Campground is not considered stroller friendly.
- Can I bring my dog to Namakanipaio Campground?
- No, dogs are not allowed at Namakanipaio Campground.
- How hard is Namakanipaio Campground?
- The difficulty level is easy. Plan for about 24 hours.
- Is Namakanipaio Campground free?
- No, there is a cost to visit Namakanipaio Campground. $30/vehicle national park entry plus a per-night camping fee. Cabin availability has varied over the years, so confirm what is open before you plan around it (verify)
- What should I bring to Namakanipaio Campground?
- Warm sleeping bags, rain gear, warm layers, headlamps, camp stove, groceries from Hilo or Volcano village
- How long does Namakanipaio Campground take?
- Most families spend about 24 hours at Namakanipaio Campground.
- When is the best time to visit Namakanipaio Campground?
- Year-round, but pack for cold rain. Nights near the summit drop into the 40s and 50s.
- Is there parking at Namakanipaio Campground?
- Parking at the campground. Park entry pass required at the gate.
Plan Your Visit
Highway 11, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718