Camping in American Samoa: Homestays, Ofu Camping, and Practical Tips
The National Park of American Samoa is unlike any other park managed by the NPS. You won't find a single developed campground or numbered site on recreation.gov. Instead, the park offers something unique in the national park system: sleeping with a Samoan family in a living village, or pitching your tent beside one of the South Pacific's most pristine lagoons.
The quick answer. The park has no traditional campground. The most immersive lodging option is the homestay program, coordinated by the NPS on three islands: Tutuila, Taʻu, and Ofu. Primitive camping is available on Ofu. Admission is free, and you don't need a reservation on recreation.gov. Everything goes through the visitor center in Pago Pago.
Campgrounds in the park (0)
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can You Camp Inside the National Park of American Samoa?
Yes, but not in the usual sense. The park has no campground with restrooms, water spigots, or numbered sites.
Dispersed camping outside designated areas is prohibited, as it is in every U.S. national park. Instead, you'll find something much more unusual here: an official homestay program and a primitive camping area on Ofu.
The Homestay Program: The Park's Signature Lodging Option
The park developed a homestay program in partnership with families in nearby villages. You'll stay in a Samoan household, often in a fale, a traditional open-sided home, and live at the village's pace. As far as we know, it's the only U.S. national park to include this kind of cultural immersion in its official lodging options.
How it works. The visitor center in Pago Pago is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It can connect you with participating families on Tutuila, Taʻu, and Ofu. Contact the park before leaving the mainland. Availability varies, and Taʻu and Ofu require an additional domestic flight from Pago Pago.
What to expect. Conditions are rustic: a basic mattress, no air conditioning, and a mosquito net are essential. Samoan hospitality is genuine, but hotel-style comfort isn't part of the deal. It's best to know that before you go.
Rates. Each family sets its own terms, whether for lodging only or lodging with meals. The NPS doesn't maintain a centralized rate schedule. Ask for details when you contact the park.
Camping on Ofu: Tent Camping Beside a Coral Lagoon
Ofu has a primitive camping area beside Ofu Beach, considered one of the South Pacific's most pristine beaches. Sites are basic, with no running water, electricity, or permanent services. You'll need to be completely self-sufficient.
To reach Ofu, you'll take a domestic flight from Pago Pago, with about 20 minutes in the air. Flights are infrequent, and weather can cancel them without warning. Always bring more supplies than you think you'll need. There are no stores on the island.
This type of trip is best for experienced travelers who are comfortable with remote-area logistics and unpredictable tropical weather.
Dispersed Camping and Backcountry
American Samoa doesn't have a formal backcountry camping permit, and most park trails are designed for day hikes. Primitive camping on Ofu is the closest equivalent to backcountry camping here: remote, without services, and fully self-sufficient. For details on the park's trails and trail access, see the American Samoa hiking guide.
RVs: Not an Option Here
You can't bring an RV to American Samoa. The islands are accessible only by air, with a long-haul flight from Honolulu followed by domestic flights. There are no ferries from the mainland and no RV rentals in the territory.
If you usually travel by van or RV, the closest alternative is to rent a car on Tutuila and use Pago Pago as your base, then stay in a homestay or camp lightly on the other islands.
Staying Outside the Park: Guesthouses in Pago Pago
Pago Pago has a handful of hotels and guesthouses that work well as bases for exploring the park. Options are limited, and you usually book directly with the property, often by email. For the full range of lodging options, see the American Samoa lodging guide.
On Taʻu, the most remote island, lodging outside the homestay program is almost nonexistent. A homestay isn't just one option among several here. It's the only solution.
How and When to Book Your American Samoa Trip
This park doesn't use recreation.gov for reservations. Here's what to do:
- Contact the visitor center before you leave. The NPS can connect you with host families and share current conditions, including closed trails and seasonal weather issues.
- Book your domestic flights as early as possible. Flights to Ofu and Taʻu are limited, and weather cancellations are common during the wet season.
- Pack supplies for Ofu: purified water, enough food for your planned stay plus two extra days, and a basic first-aid kit.
The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Admission is free. For complete logistics, including flights, connections, and travel between islands, the American Samoa access guide has all the key information.
To choose the right time to visit, the American Samoa seasons guide covers the months and the best weather windows.
Rates: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in American Samoa?
Admission is free. You don't need to pay a fee or have an America the Beautiful pass.
- Camping on Ofu: As of this writing, the NPS doesn't charge an official campsite fee. Check with the visitor center, since policies can change.
- Homestays: The host family sets the rate, based on the arrangement, from lodging only to full board.
- Main expense: Flights. The ticket from Honolulu to Pago Pago, followed by domestic flights to Ofu and Taʻu, will account for most of your trip budget.
The park overview has the key information for planning your trip.
Safety and Good Practices in the Field
Tropical Rain and Cyclones
American Samoa receives between 10 feet and 25 feet of rain each year, depending on elevation and exposure. During the wet season, from October through May, downpours can be intense and tropical cyclone risks are real. Follow official U.S. weather advisories before and during your trip. The American Samoa weather guide covers monthly averages and the calmer periods.
Mosquitoes, Wildlife, and Heat
There are no bears or dangerous snakes on the islands. You should still plan for the following:
- Mosquitoes: They're present year-round and may carry dengue. DEET repellent and a mosquito net are essential, especially if you're sleeping in an open-sided fale.
- Coral and sea urchins: Water shoes protect your feet while snorkeling and walking across shallow reef flats.
- Heat and humidity: The heat index regularly tops 95°F during the wet season. Keep drinking water on the trails.
Respecting Samoan Villages
The park passes through inhabited villages. Leave No Trace principles apply, but local fa'asamoa customs, the traditional Samoan way of life, add important considerations. Always ask permission before crossing private property, avoid revealing clothing in village areas, and respect the timing of Sunday religious ceremonies.
Which Type of Trip Is Right for You?
| Traveler profile | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Cultural immersion, manageable budget | Homestay on Tutuila or Taʻu |
| Untamed nature, complete self-sufficiency | Primitive camping on Ofu |
| Basic comfort, a base for exploring | Guesthouse in Pago Pago (see the Where to Stay page) |
| Families with children | Homestay (local support, no tent setup on unfamiliar ground) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp inside the National Park of American Samoa?
The park has no developed campground. You can camp primitively on Ofu or stay with a local family through the NPS-coordinated homestay program.
What is American Samoa?
American Samoa is an unincorporated U.S. territory in the South Pacific, between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, about 2,500 miles southwest of Honolulu. Its national park protects tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and thriving Samoan villages.
Why is American Samoa a national park?
Congress authorized the National Park of American Samoa in 1988 to protect a rare tropical ecosystem under U.S. management, including rainforest, coral reefs, and fa'asamoa cultural heritage. The park is managed through a partnership between the U.S. government and the local government of American Samoa.
What is the nationality of people from American Samoa?
People from American Samoa are U.S. nationals, not U.S. citizens under the Constitution. They can travel with a U.S. passport and settle on the mainland, but they can't vote in presidential elections unless they live in one of the 50 states.
How do you visit the National Park of American Samoa?
You can reach Pago Pago by long-haul flight from Honolulu, taking about 5.5 hours. The visitor center in the village of Pago Pago is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Domestic flights then connect Tutuila with Ofu and Taʻu.
What's the best season for camping in American Samoa?
The dry season, from June through September, brings less rain and almost no risk of tropical cyclones. It's the recommended window for camping on Ofu or hiking in the park. The When to Visit American Samoa guide covers the seasons so you can fine-tune your itinerary.