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Screen-printed illustration: Tent set up on the grass at Hosmer Grove Campground, between native heath and wet forest

Camping at Haleakalā: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations & Fees

By Erika Müller · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Haleakalā

Yes, you can camp inside Haleakalā National Park, and it's often the best way to experience the park at your own pace. Four campgrounds are available across two geographically separate districts: the Summit District (the volcano, high elevation, and stars) and the Kīpahulu District (the coast, waterfalls, and tropical warmth). Two sites are accessible by car, while the other two sit deep in the crater and require several hours of hiking and a permit. Reservations are required for most sites through Recreation.gov.

Campgrounds in the park (4)

Map: Campgrounds in the park Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside Haleakalā?

Yes, but only at designated official campsites. Backcountry camping outside those sites isn't allowed anywhere in the park, including the crater and the volcano's slopes. The park is divided into two districts that aren't directly connected by road, so allow two to three hours of driving across the island of Maui to get from one to the other. Choose your area before booking based on what you plan to do during your stay.

Campgrounds in the Park

Hosmer Grove (Summit District)

Hosmer Grove is the only drive-in campground in the Summit District. It's near the main entrance, at about 7,200 feet above sea level, in a eucalyptus forest planted in the early 20th century. There are a few tent-only sites, with no electrical hookups or water for RVs. Restrooms and drinking water are available on site. It's an ideal base for campers who want to watch sunrise from the summit without having to drive back down the night before.

Kīpahulu (Kīpahulu District)

Kīpahulu Campground sits on the oceanfront, just steps from ʻOheʻo Gulch (the “Seven Sacred Pools”). The atmosphere is completely different from the summit, with dense tropical vegetation, the sound of waves, and mild temperatures year-round, reaching 81°F during the day. Restrooms and drinking water are available, but there are no RV hookups. Reservations through Recreation.gov are required for most sites. This is also the gateway to the trails leading up to Waimoku Falls on the Pīpīwai Trail.

Holua and Pālikū (Backcountry, in the Crater)

Holua and Pālikū are two campgrounds inside the crater, accessible only on foot from trailheads in the Summit District. Holua is about 6.2 miles from the Halemauʻu Trailhead, while Pālikū is even more remote, at about 9.9 miles. Both sites have basic toilets, but no drinking water is available, so bring a filter or purification tablets. A wilderness permit is required through Recreation.gov, and the number of sites available each night is strictly limited. Never head into the crater without that permit in hand.

RV Camping vs. Tent Camping

None of the campgrounds in Haleakalā National Park offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Self-contained RVs can technically reach Hosmer Grove and Kīpahulu, but the Summit District road is winding, narrow, and full of hairpin turns. Vehicles longer than 23 feet will be difficult to maneuver. For RV travelers looking for sites with hookups, the Haleakalā RV camping guide covers the options outside the park on Maui.

Camping Nearby: Campgrounds Outside the Park

When the park campgrounds are full, which is common from March through August, several county and private campgrounds are available on Maui, especially around Hāna and in the more accessible parts of central Maui. These alternatives let you stay close to the park while enjoying a little more comfort. For all overnight options, including lodges, hotels, and guesthouses, you'll find every address in Where to Stay at Haleakalā.

Backcountry Camping and Wilderness Camping

Camping outside designated sites is strictly prohibited throughout the park. Holua and Pālikū, however, offer a wilderness experience that few parks in America can match: a night at the bottom of a volcanic crater, a star-filled sky with no light pollution, cold wind, and absolute silence. You need to obtain a wilderness permit through Recreation.gov and plan your dates well in advance. The route, distances, and elevation gain for the crater trails are detailed in the Haleakalā hiking guide.

How and When to Reserve Camping at Haleakalā

All reservations go through Recreation.gov. The booking window generally opens six months before your desired date. During the high season, from May through September, the best sites sell out within minutes of opening. Set an alert on Recreation.gov and log in at the exact time. During the low season, from November through February, availability is much better. To find the season that offers the best camping conditions, the best time to visit Haleakalā guide has all the seasonal details.

One crucial detail is often overlooked. Entering the Summit District between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. requires a separate timed entry reservation, also through Recreation.gov. Campers already in the park before 3 a.m. are exempt.

Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping at Haleakalā Cost?

Exact fees are posted and regularly updated on Recreation.gov. Expect to pay anywhere from a few dollars to around $20 per night, depending on the site and season. Wilderness permits come with additional processing fees. The park entrance fee, $30 per vehicle in 2026, is always added to the camping fees. The $55 annual Haleakalā pass pays for itself after two visits in a year. For entrance fees and annual passes, the National Parks Fees & Passes page explains the different options.

Camping Safety and Best Practices

Cold at the summit. At Hosmer Grove, nighttime temperatures regularly drop below 41°F and can fall below 32°F in winter. Wind makes it feel much colder. Bring a sleeping bag rated for below-freezing temperatures and a wind-resistant tent. A waterproof jacket is essential. At the summit, clouds can replace sunshine in less than an hour.

Food protection and wildlife. The nēnē (the Hawaiian goose, a protected species and symbol of the island) frequents the campgrounds and approaches campers without fear in search of food. Don't feed it. Feeding nēnē disrupts their natural behavior and is illegal. Store all food in your vehicle or in an airtight container. Rats and mongooses patrol at night. Our Haleakalā wildlife page introduces the species you'll encounter in the park.

Elevation. The Summit District reaches 10,023 feet. Some campers experience headaches or mild shortness of breath. Stay properly hydrated and ascend gradually if you're coming directly from sea level.

Which Campground Should You Choose?

If you're coming for sunrise at the summit of the volcano, Hosmer Grove is your natural base, just a few miles from the main Summit entrance. If you prefer the coast, warmth, and waterfalls, Kīpahulu is the right fit. If you're looking for a full crater adventure and have the legs for it, choose Holua (a half-day hike) or Pālikū (a full day and even more isolated). For families with young children, Kīpahulu is the clear choice. It's much warmer, more accessible, and the natural pools will keep little ones occupied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp at Haleakalā?

Yes. Haleakalā National Park has four campgrounds: Hosmer Grove and Kīpahulu are accessible by car, while Holua and Pālikū, inside the crater, require a wilderness permit and several hours of hiking. Camping outside designated sites is prohibited.

Which campground should you choose at Haleakalā?

It depends on your plans. Choose Hosmer Grove in the Summit District for sunrise and high elevation, Kīpahulu on the coast for tropical warmth and waterfalls, or Holua or Pālikū for a night in the volcanic crater with a required permit.

When should you reserve a campground at Haleakalā?

Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, with a booking window that generally opens six months in advance. During the high season, from May through September, sites sell out within minutes of opening, so be logged in at the exact time.

Can you drive up to Haleakalā without a reservation?

Between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., a timed entry reservation is required to enter the Summit District. Outside those hours, you can enter with the park entrance fee, which is $30 per vehicle in 2026. Campers already in the park before 3 a.m. aren't affected.

How much does a night at a Haleakalā campground cost?

Fees vary by site and season. Check Recreation.gov for current prices. The park entrance fee, $30 per vehicle in 2026, is added to the camping fees. The annual pass, $55, is a good value starting with two visits.

What is the curse of Haleakalā?

A Hawaiian tradition holds that taking volcanic rocks or black sand home brings bad luck. Beyond the belief itself, it's illegal: removing any natural object from an American national park can result in a federal fine. Leave the rocks where they are.

Is Haleakalā active?

Haleakalā is a dormant shield volcano, but it's geologically active over the long term. This poses no immediate risk to campers. It does explain the strict prohibition against leaving designated trails, since the crater's rock formations are fragile and often sharp.