Camping at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations and Rates
The park has two NPS-managed campgrounds, with 25 sites in all, and both are tent-only. Both charge a fee: $15 per night at Nāmakanipaio and $10 per night at Kulanaokuaiki. The park entrance fee applies in both cases; see the Fees and Passes page. Backcountry camping is also possible with a free permit.
Campgrounds in the park (2)
- Campground Nāmakanipaio first come, first served · 16 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Kulanaokuaiki first come, first served · 9 sites Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Hawaiʻi Volcanoes campgrounds by the numbers
2 official campgrounds inside the park, 25 campsites in total, 16 of them reservable.
| Campground | Sites | Booking | Fee / night | Open | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nāmakanipaio | 16 (16 tent only) | Reservations and first come | from $15 | Closed Jun 9 to Jun 9 | toilets, potable water, firewood, cell service |
| Kulanaokuaiki | 9 (9 tent only) | First come, first served | from $10 | Year round | toilets, cell service |
Source: National Park Service (NPS API), retrieved October 6, 2026. Fees and dates change: check the campground page before you go.
Can You Camp Inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?
Yes. The park allows camping in designated campgrounds and backcountry camping in designated areas. Setting up a tent outside an official site is prohibited and may result in a fine.
The setting comes with one major difference: you'll be sleeping on an active volcano. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) fumes move through the park depending on the wind direction. Elevation adds another challenge. The two campgrounds sit between 3,200 and 4,000 feet. Bring warm layers, even in summer. In fair weather, nighttime temperatures in the summit area range from 54 to 59°F.
Campgrounds in the Park
The table below the map summarizes the key details, including sites, rates, services, and how sites are assigned. The sections below explain the differences that matter when you're choosing a campground.
Nāmakanipaio Campground
Nāmakanipaio is the park's main campground, with 16 tent sites. It's at about 4,000 feet along Highway 11, roughly 31 miles south of Hilo. The site is a large grassy clearing bordered by eucalyptus and ōhiʻa trees.
It's the only one of the two campgrounds with running water. Restrooms and fire rings round out the amenities. Nearby, Hawaii Volcano House offers cabins that you can book directly through the property.
Reservations: A mix of both systems. You can reserve some sites in advance through recreation.gov; the rest are assigned on arrival on a first-come, first-served basis. During the busy season (July and August, plus holiday weekends), unreserved sites may fill up as early as the beginning of the afternoon. Arrive early.
Rate: $15 per night.
Good to know: A one-day temporary closure is scheduled for June 9, 2027. If your trip is near that date, check NPS alerts before you leave.
Kulanaokuaiki Campground
Kulanaokuaiki is a primitive campground with 9 sites at 3,200 feet along Hilina Pali Road, away from the main tourist traffic. Every site is walk-in and has a picnic table. Accessible restrooms are the only facility available. There is no drinking water, and fires aren't allowed.
The practical takeaway is simple: bring all the water you'll need. There are no refill stations in this part of the park. Plan on at least 4 liters per person per day.
In return, you'll sleep among fields of hardened lava. The nighttime quiet, occasionally broken by the cracks of cooling ground, is an experience in itself.
Tents only. RVs and trailers can't access the campground.
Reservations: First-come, first-served.
Rate: $10 per night.
RV vs. Tent: Which Site Is Right for You
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes isn't designed for large RVs. Neither campground offers electrical hookups or a dump station. Nāmakanipaio accepts smaller vehicles at a few sites; Kulanaokuaiki is tent-only.
If you're traveling by RV, the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes RV camping guide covers the island's specific limitations and nearby lodging alternatives.
Camping Nearby: Campgrounds Outside the Park
When all 25 NPS sites are full, or if you want more amenities, you'll find several options on the Big Island. The Hilo area, about 31 miles north along Highway 11, has county campgrounds and forest sites. The private campground selection is more developed around Kailua-Kona, which is farther away.
For lodging in and around the park, see Hawaiʻi Volcanoes hotels and lodges. Hawaii Volcano House remains the only lodge within the park boundaries.
Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping
The park allows backcountry camping in designated areas if you obtain a free permit from the Backcountry Office (Visitor Emergency Operations Center, at the park entrance). The permit is issued to a specific person and is limited in duration.
One park-specific constraint is that some backcountry areas may close without notice if volcanic activity requires it. Check conditions the morning you leave. The Hawaiʻi Volcanoes hiking routes identify the trails open to backcountry camping and detail the areas where it's allowed.
How and When to Reserve a Campsite at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
Kulanaokuaiki operates strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations. Nāmakanipaio uses a mixed system: you can reserve some sites through recreation.gov, while the rest are assigned on arrival. Check availability before you leave so you don't arrive without a site.
During the busy season (July and August, plus U.S. holiday weekends), Nāmakanipaio's unreserved sites fill quickly each day.
You book Hawaii Volcano House cabins directly through the property, several weeks ahead during the busy season.
The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. To choose the best weather window, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes weather explains seasonal variations by elevation zone.
Rates: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?
Both NPS campgrounds charge a fee. Nāmakanipaio costs $15 per night, while Kulanaokuaiki costs $10. The $5 difference reflects the services available: running water and campfires are allowed at Nāmakanipaio, while Kulanaokuaiki has restrooms only.
The park entrance fee is added to the campsite rate. The America the Beautiful pass covers admission to all U.S. national parks and other federal recreation sites. For entrance fees and annual pass options, see the National Parks Fees and Passes page.
Safety and Good Practices for Volcanic Camping
Camping at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes requires precautions you wouldn't need in an ordinary park.
Volcanic gases (vog and SO2): Sulfur dioxide from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater can reach the campgrounds depending on the wind direction. People with asthma or respiratory or heart conditions should monitor the NPS daily bulletins and keep their medications close at hand. If concentrations are high, head down to a lower, better-ventilated area.
Volcanic ground: Stay on designated trails. The lava crust may be thin and conceal a thermal cavity or a void. The park advises against any off-trail travel at night.
Water: Kulanaokuaiki has no drinking water on site. Fill up before entering the park, in Hilo, or along the way. Nāmakanipaio has running water, but always carry a backup supply in case of an interruption or heavy demand.
Wildlife: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes has no bears or alligators. It does have feral pigs and mongooses, which may rummage through your belongings if you leave food or trash accessible. Store everything in your locked vehicle or in the food storage boxes available at the sites.
For all current regulations, check the information posted at the park entrance or available on the NPS website.
Which Campground Should You Choose?
You're tent camping and want the fullest volcanic experience: Kulanaokuaiki. Primitive, quiet, and surrounded by lava fields, it offers an immersion with no safety net. Bring all your water. There's no water source on site.
You have kids or want basic comforts such as running water, restrooms, and permitted fires: Nāmakanipaio. It's better equipped, larger (16 sites versus 9), and partially available for advance reservations.
You're traveling in a small RV: Nāmakanipaio only. Check the size limits before committing to the road.
You want a roof over your head: The Hawaii Volcano House cabins are next to Nāmakanipaio and offer a middle ground between camping and a lodge. The Hawaiʻi Volcanoes guide summarizes all lodging options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Yes. The park has 2 NPS campgrounds with 25 sites in all, and both are tent-only. Backcountry camping is also possible with a free permit obtained at the park entrance.
Which campground should you choose at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?
Nāmakanipaio (16 sites, $15/night) is a good fit for families and campers who want water on site and the option to have a fire. Kulanaokuaiki (9 sites, $10/night) is for self-sufficient campers: there's no drinking water, and fires aren't allowed.
When should you reserve a campground at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?
Kulanaokuaiki is first-come, first-served. Nāmakanipaio uses a mixed system, with some sites available for advance reservations through recreation.gov. During the busy season (July and August, plus holiday weekends), check availability on recreation.gov and arrive early for unreserved sites.
How do you camp at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?
Choose your campground, set up on an available or previously reserved site, pay the park entrance fee, and follow volcanic safety guidelines, including monitoring gas conditions and staying on designated trails.
How much does a night of camping cost at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?
Nāmakanipaio costs $15 per night, while Kulanaokuaiki costs $10. The park entrance fee applies in both cases. See the Fees and Passes page for current amounts and annual pass options.
Are there lodges or cabins for rent in the park?
Yes. Hawaii Volcano House offers a lodge and cabins inside the park, just steps from Nāmakanipaio Campground. Book directly through the property.
Which Hawaiian island should you visit to see volcanoes and camp?
The island of Hawaiʻi, also known as the Big Island, is the only island with an active volcano accessible to the public. It's the clear choice if you want to combine camping with volcano viewing.