Lake Ōkāreka Campsite

The Lake Ōkāreka campsite allows campers on a budget to camp in a safe and secluded setting on the picturesque northern shores of Lake Ōkāreka. It's located 15 minutes from central Rotorua. Take your kids fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. There’s a fantastic playground at nearby Boyes Beach, a trail to an infamous jumping rock nearby, and a 10km walking track around Lake Ōkāreka. Toilets, a cooking shelter and tables are available for use.

Fees (No Bookings):

• Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
• Child (5 - 17 years): $9 per night
• Infant (0 - 4 years): Free

Payment is accepted by EFTPOS, debit, or credit only. The camp manager will visit during your stay to collect the fee. Please note that it is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no bookings accepted.

Campsite Details

• No Reservations​
• 12 non-powered campervan sites
• Room for many tents on grassed areas

The campsite is managed by the Lake Ōkāreka Community Association under contract to the Rotorua Lakes Council. Fees will be collected.

​Department of Conservation link

Directions
Drive east out of Rotorua city on State Highway 30 towards Whakatane for 3km. Take a right turn onto Tarawera Road at the large roundabout and drive for about 4.5km, and turn left onto Ōkāreka Loop Rd. Once you reach the settlement, turn left onto Miller Road and continue for 2km. The turn-off to the Ōkāreka campsite is on the right where the sealed road ends. (Access to the campsite is sealed.)

Know before you go

• Lake water must be boiled before drinking.
• There is limited room at the campsite.
• Site not suitable for vehicles over 6 meters in length. 
• Fires are not permitted at any time.
• Dogs are not allowed in areas administered by DOC in the Rotorua area.

Boyes Beach Campsite

Boyes Beach is the largest beach on Lake Ōkāreka and is particularly popular during the summer months for activities such as swimming, fishing and picnicking. Facilities include a picnic area, barbecues, children's playground, showers, toilets with drinkable water taps and a designated overnight parking area for motorhomes and campervans. A walkway connects Boyes Beach to the Lake Ōkāreka Campsite, passing two local jumping rocks along the way, and continues for a 10km circuit around the lake.

Fees (No Bookings):

• Adult (18+ years): $20 per night
• Child (5 - 17 years): $10 per night
• Infant (0 - 4 years): Free

Payment is accepted by EFTPOS, debit, or credit only. The camp manager will visit during your stay to collect the fee. Please note that it is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no bookings accepted.

Campsite Details

• No Reservations
• ​No Tents Allowed
• Picnic Area
• Barbecues (Electric)
• Drinking Water and Dishwashing Facilities
• Children's Playground
• Public Toilets
• Paid Hot Showers ($2)
• Cellphone Charging Unit ($1/hour)
• Mobile homes are permitted to stay for a maximum of two consecutive nights.
• Overnight camping only, as this is a park & beach area during the day.
• Mobile homes are only permitted to park within existing defined car-parking areas.​

The campsite is managed by the Lake Ōkāreka Community Association under contract to the Rotorua Lakes Council. Fees will be collected.

Directions
Drive east out of Rotorua city on State Highway 30 towards Whakatane for 3km. Take a right turn onto Tarawera Road at the large roundabout and drive for about 4.5km, and turn left onto Ōkāreka Loop Rd. Once you reach the settlement of Ōkāreka, turn left onto Miller Road and continue for 800m.