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Kōkeʻe State Park Campground Introduce

Kōkeʻe State Park Campground is a hidden gem nestled within the picturesque landscape of Kōkeʻe State Park on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. This charming campground offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With its limited number of campsites and serene surroundings, it’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Hawaiian wilderness.

Located at 4187 Muhihi Rd, Waimea, HI 96796, Kōkeʻe State Park Campground is part of a larger network of campgrounds and RV parks. The campground is situated within Kōkeʻe State Park, which is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and numerous hiking trails. This makes the campground an excellent base for exploring the park’s attractions.

Kōkeʻe State Park Campground features a small number of campsites, just 9 in total. This limited capacity ensures a more secluded and intimate camping experience. However, due to its popularity, it’s essential to book your campsite well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. The campground is managed by the state park system, which provides basic amenities but encourages visitors to bring additional supplies for maximum comfort.

One of the standout features of Kōkeʻe State Park Campground is its proximity to some of the best hiking trails in the area. The main hikes within the park are easily accessible from the campground, allowing visitors to hit the trails early and enjoy a full day of exploration. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for a peaceful walk through nature, there’s something here for everyone.

Guests staying at Kōkeʻe State Park Campground can expect a mix of basic but functional amenities. The restrooms are available for use, though they have been described as “filthy” and only have cold water. This is an important consideration for campers planning to stay here. There’s no hot water or showers on-site, so visitors should come prepared with their own water and sanitation supplies if needed.

Despite its modest facilities, Kōkeʻe State Park Campground offers a unique experience that many visitors find appealing. The small number of campsites means fewer crowds, allowing for a more tranquil stay. The cool mountain air can be a pleasant surprise for those used to the tropical heat, though it’s advisable to bring layers as temperatures drop significantly at night.

Customer feedback highlights both the positive and negative aspects of staying at Kōkeʻe State Park Campground. Many guests praise the campground’s convenient location near hiking trails, the peaceful environment, and the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area. One visitor described it as a “hidden gem” and appreciated the opportunity to connect with nature.

However, there are also areas for improvement mentioned in reviews. The cleanliness of the restrooms and the lack of hot water have been consistent points of concern. Visitors suggest that the state park could enhance the campground experience by improving restroom facilities and ensuring regular maintenance. Despite these issues, many campers still find Kōkeʻe State Park Campground to be a worthwhile destination for its natural beauty and outdoor opportunities.

If you’re planning a visit to Kauai and are looking for a unique camping experience, Kōkeʻe State Park Campground is worth considering. Just remember to book early, prepare for cool weather, and bring your own water and sanitation supplies if possible. With its stunning location and proximity to hiking trails, it’s a fantastic option for nature lovers.

  • Conveniently located near Kōkeʻe State Park’s main hiking trails
  • Limited campsites available (book in advance)
  • Cool mountain weather requires layers for comfort
  • Basic restrooms with cold water only
  • Secluded and peaceful camping experience

Location

HawaiiKauai CountyWaimeaMuhihi Road

Customer Reviews

3.0
58 reviews
J
Jan
Feb 15, 2025

Beautiful campground when weather is good. Only 9 campsites, you need to book permits well ahead. Cold at night, only about 8° Celsius. Restrooms very filthy and cold water only. Could be amazing if State Park would provide tiny upgrades and regular cleaning for restrooms.

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Mathieu Cloutier
Dec 11, 2024

Nice camp ground. Not a lot of people can camp there so book in advance. The flowers surrounding the camp sites smells divine! The campground is well situated within the park really close to the main hikes wicht makes it convenient to be on the trails early! But the showers/toilets were filthy and no hot water. We skipped the showers while we were there...

A
Alison Forde
Aug 16, 2024

We spent 4 nights here and could have done with less. From other reviews we were prepared for it to be challenging to find our site. Luckily another couple was able to point us in the right direction (side note: their rental Jeep was drilled into and drained of fuel by thieves in the park while they were hiking). Is it that hard to have a map by the parking lot to show where the very few campsites are? The fire pit was non-functional/destroyed long ago. The path to the campsite hadn't been trimmed in a long time and was very overgrown, which would leave you wet with rain/dew whenever you walked through it. The washrooms are very old and very tired, but were always stocked with toilet paper at least. Bring your own hand soap - having mostly only experienced car camping with Ontario Parks, I was surprised there was no hand soap as part of the facility. And yes, there certainly are roosters that will wake you up between 4 and 5 am, but it's pretty quiet otherwise. We didn't have mosquitoes or other undesirable bugs bothering us.

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Lucy Davidson
Aug 14, 2024

Lovely peaceful campground. We stayed there 2 nights with a tent and the bathroom was cleaned whilst we were there. Pitches are very secluded (included picnic table) and stars were amazing with zero light pollution. At the pitch it felt like no-one else was around (pitch 5). Kokee lodge is 5 minute walk away with food/cocktails and gift shop. Perfect location for local hikes. Lots of chickens (of course - you’re in Hawaii)

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Marie Jourdain
May 16, 2024

I am definitely not recommending this campground. I spent four nights there, not once the bathroom (already very dirty when I arrived) has been cleaned. Very very dirty. The shower works but only freezing water. The sites have space, which is nice. Mine was so wet though because of the rain that the soil put a lot of dirt to my tent. No reception. This campground has a lot of potential with great location, but it is to wonder where the money goes!

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Rudy Rizzo
May 24, 2025

We stayed on campsite 6 and we had enough space, a little faucet and a table. It's a wonderful walk in campground. On the flip side, service is a bit below what expected for a 15$/person stay. Toilets are not well cleaned, water doesn't run on some sinks and hot water is unavailable (and trust me, you long for it despite being in "warm hawaii"). There are no outlets not covered spots to eat wherein if raining (and it does so very often, bring your rain gear!). Closeby there is a wonderful lodge + souvenir shop + museum. There are plenty of hikes that departs very close to the location which we liked so much. Mind thr wild roosters. They won't miss the chance to wake you up at 6am o'clock!