Lemondrop Campers goes above and beyond.”, “Love the Volkswagen camper! Some close for an hour at lunch. We are planning on renting a car and… kauai camping with kids | United States - Lonely Planet Forum - … But then we hit the road again and returned to the rustic comforts of our trusty tents and loved being back in nature, too. The county has several campground locations on Kauai. A picnic lunch awaits you, as well as ample time to cool off in a local swimming hole and savor the surrounding valley's lush rainforest scenery, such as tropical plants and streams. The Garden Isle checks off every essential on any traveler's bucket list: beaches, activities, resorts, delicious food — and then some. Sure, camping doesn’t have the luxurious amenities that a hotel or Airbnb (with walls) would offer. Lastly, beware of the roosters! Park rangers routinely check permits, often at the crack of dawn, and will wake you up if they can’t see that you have a valid camping permit for that night. Their website ( https://www.kauai.gov/Camping) gives information on campground closures, camping fees, and other useful information. For a completely different scene, head into the Haleakala Backcountry … This book will be your Bible for all Kauai adventures. I’d highly recommend ordering yourself a copy of The Ultimate Kauai Guide Book before your Kauai camping trip. Kauai County Camping If you are wanting the cheapest option possible, then staying at the plethora of county campsites on Kauai is the way to go. Live among the scenery and wake up to an oceanfront view for just $3 a night. You should probably print your permit out and have it on hand in case a ranger stops by to check, but because the state parks are so remote they aren’t around every day to do this. No exceptions. Be sure your permit is visible inside the clear sleeve provided with them, and attach the sleeve to one of your tent poles once you pitch your tent. Hanamaulu Beach Park - Kauai is a campground located near the city of Lihue. Depending on the season you may run into rain, in which case I recommend heading West. Click to learn more about Kauai camping. Kauai. I will proudly use Lemon Drop every time I come back…. JUST BUY IT – trust me. Thank you for your above-and-beyond customer service and aloha! Another camper must have called the police because the cops came shortly after and roamed the park with flashlights searching for him. p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); I had the Big Island version of the book for my other road trip and found some really cool offbeat spots that I never would have known about otherwise, and I’m happy to report the same for the Kauai book. We were absolutely kicking ourselves for not booking two nights because we loved this hotel SO MUCH. Huge plus!”. Welcome to Kauai! 1. Blanket and creepy cat pillow purchased at Walmart; air mattress brought from home. I don’t have any specific recommendations for Kauai car rental companies because to me, the cars are all the same and I just wanted the cheapest option available. There are 5 that are accessible by car, although 3 of them require 4WD . Infinity pool at the St. Regis Princeville. Roosters are ALL OVER the island. Note that you can’t drive along the west coast, so you’ll have to backtrack to get between the north and south coasts. The first thing you need to know is the three types of campgrounds: If you just want my personal recommendation I would either go from the North to East to West, or go the opposite way and work your way from West to East to North. Reservations must be done in person or by mail. Since we could afford the flights, and a rental car, a Hawaiian family vacation was well within reach. They also have some affordable bungalows for rent. Like most things we worry about, I needn’t have fretted because the driving was easy and slow-going on the island. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); In fact, if you are looking at camping on Kauai beaches, you really can’t beat the county parks. They also seem to always have room to accomodate more campers, camper vans and Roof Top Tents. Koke’e State Park, Kauai. Read our recommended things to do in Hawaii.. Located near the island of Kauai, Hawaii, these luxury camping cabins make the perfect Hawaiian glamping getaway. We didn’t pay for any insurance add-ons because my Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card provides insurance on any car rental booked with the card. It truly is. The key to tent camping Kauai is a few things really. Backcountry Permits for Kauai Camping permits for backcountry locations can be obtained in person at 3060 Elwa Street (room 306) at the Forestry and Wildlife office. In general, there’s no freedom camping in Kauai which means you must book and pay for your campsites in advance. Best Camping in Kauai on Tripadvisor: Find traveller reviews, candid photos, and prices for 6 camping in Kauai, Hawaii. Answer 1 of 14: We are a family of 4, spending most of June in Kauai. It’s not cold enough at night in Kauai to need a sleeping bag (unless you’re camping at Koke’e). Kumu Camp at Anahola (Private Campground) Well, there aren’t many other options, BUT… we did accidentally come across Kumu Camp while trying to reach Anahola Beach Park after dark, thanks to a wrong turn. })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); I’ve become a very big fan of breaking up a lengthy camping trip with a night or two in a really nice hotel. Walmart had tents for $28, sleeping bags for $25, and air mattresses for $15, but note that the cheapest options may or may not actually be in stock when you do your shopping. We were able to walk in and pitch our tents without a booking, but if you know in advance that you want to book a campsite, you can do that via the Kumu Camp website. SEE ALSO: 12 Things You Must Add To Your Kauai Itinerary. 3 weeks of coverage costs $89, while 6 months of coverage costs $335 and is the best value policy they offer. Camping at Kauai County campsites. County park campsites are cheap, right on the beach, and have basic facilities while state park campsites are a bit pricier but more remote and immersed in nature. Men and women are both welcome to stay at YWCA Camp Sloggett. As I always do, I got my travel insurance through World Nomads. We rent out camper vans, as well as SUVs with Roof-top Tents. Answer 1 of 10: Have the county camping parks been opened yet???? Getting a camping permit in Kauai is not as easy as it seems. They will try to hop inside your tents and steal your food. To get a camping permit for one of the county campsites, contact the County of Kauai Parks & Recreation. Use the form below to see how much travel insurance for your Hawaii trip will cost: © 2021 Frugal Frolicker – All Rights Reserved. Polihale and Salt Pond are both be pretty good options if it is raining on the rest of the island. Yes, they are required and yes, they do check. Hi,We are planning a trip to Kauai in January and February for about 14 days with kids aged 4 and 6. Someday I will write about the epic adventures I had driving around the Big Island back in my pre-blog days (until then, this guide to trekking to Waimanu Valley will have to do). On their website you can download and print a camping permit request form and mail it in. s.async = true; They tend to stay dry. Embark into the heart of the Kauai jungle on a kayaking and hiking adventure. Booking depends a bit on the campground and all have toilets and showers. TENT CAMPING. When it comes to being well equipped for your Kauai camping road trip, you’ll either need to bring, buy, or rent your gear – or some combination of the three. The office can help with information on hiking trails and places to camp. var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; If you’re looking for both camping and other outdoor gear, Kayak Kauai is probably your best bet; if you mostly just want all sorts of camping gear, Kauai Camper Rental has a more extensive array of options. They tend to stay dry. Glamping Kauai: best accommodations Create awesome memories for you and your loved ones at one of these luxury glamping sites in Kauai, Hawaii! It definitely allowed us to see more of the island because we didn’t have to drive back to our hotel every night. If you are super anti-camping, you could always book Airbnbs around the island though honestly, there aren’t that many and the ones that exist are pretty expensive for what they are. With the limited number of campgrounds currently open on the north shore, this is a solid option. We are bringing our own 2-man foldable Klepper kayak and camping gear. Lemon Drop Campers is all about enjoying the beautiful nature all over the island. Haleakala Backcountry, Maui. Follow the links above and look for a campsite that fits your needs. Answer 1 of 10: Have the county camping parks been opened yet???? I can’t recommend more highly.”, “Fun way to see the island! Kauai Tourism Kauai Hotels Kauai Bed and Breakfast Kauai Holiday Rentals Kauai Packages Flights to Kauai Kauai Restaurants Kauai Attractions Kauai Travel Forum Kauai Photo Kauai Map Camping at Salt Pond Beach Park in Kauai. Maui. Experience the best that Hawaii has to offer. With an island as green and gorgeous as Kauai, you’re going to want to be immersed in nature as much as possible. (Making a reservation requires that you create a login to the site.). Ray made this trip SOOOOO much better then it would have been if I had stayed in a hotel! Worked well, and b). Booking.com I searched on Kayak for car rentals in Lihue and the cheapest I found was a Chevy Spark (aka small-ass car) with Dollar at US$234 for 9 days ($26/day) without add-ons. Kauai County Parks offer the best value accommodation around. You'll paddle along the Wailua River, then continue another mile on foot to a spectacular 100-foot-tall waterfall. Some of my favorite private campgrounds include Camp Sloggett up in Kokee State Park and Kumu Camp at Anahola. Permit locations are only open on weekdays during normal business hours. I’d already had a 6-month policy from previous travels that covered me during my Hawaii trip, but I bought a 3-week extension to cover me for the remainder of my time in the US. State Campgrounds – Camper Vans and 4x4s are generally welcome. “I was so worried about the cost of my trip, so happy that I found this as an option. Kauai. Were easily carry-able on hikes. Camping Permits are issued for the following Facilities typically include bathrooms and showers. 2. Failure to obtain a backcountry permit is a violation of 36 CFR 2.10(b)(8). The State Campgrounds are all located on the West side of the island. Why You’ll Love YWCA Camp Sloggett Depending on the season you may run into rain, in which case I recommend heading West. Am anxious to come back ! Kauai car rentals are mostly done in Lihue, near the airport. Alright, let’s get into the nitty gritty for how to prep for your Kauai camping trip! They will wake you up before sunrise while you’re camping in Kauai. Whether you're hanging out inside your couples cabin or taking in the views from you bright beach-inspired luxury cabin, this collection of rentals is sure to make your vacation to Kauai one you'll never forget. So I had my own tent and sleeping mat and literally nothing else I needed for camping in Kauai when I got there. Thankfully there’s a Walmart and a Kmart in Lihue where you can find most everything you’ll need for road tripping and camping in Kauai, and for super cheap! Enough said. Camping in County Parks $3 a night for tent camping in Hawaii! One example would be to stay a night or two in Polihale, then go up to Kokee, over to Anahola and then end your trip in Anini. The permits are free. THANK YOU…”, “Ray you are the man! There you have it. Outdoor enthusiasts will be hard pressed to find a better island for camping in the state of Hawaii than Kauai. After two years of living in Australia and being used to traffic on the left side of the road, not to mention 3+ years of not driving, I was extremely nervous to get behind the wheel in Kauai. You must get the permits beforehand as they are not available at the parks. A friend mentioned the roosters to me before I left and I thought, uh, ok then. We chose the latter and went all out by booking a night at the St. Regis Princeville. County park campsites are cheap, right on the beach, and have basic facilities while state park campsites are a bit pricier but more remote and immersed in nature. Their tent sites cost $20/night and are nestled in the trees behind Anahola Beach. Heaven is truly a place on earth, and that place is the island of Kauai. are both be pretty good options if it is raining on the rest of the island. You can’t book your campsites in advance online, only by regular mail with payment via check aka NOPE. Camping on Kauai is an absolute delight and I want to break it down for you so you can totally understand what it’s like. If you only have a few days for camping in Kauai, or don’t want to buy any extra gear upon arrival because it won’t fit in your luggage to take home and you don’t want to throw it out at the end, then you may want to rent camping gear in Kauai. This is against the law, which was enforced to stop problem-campers mushrooming everywhere. The first thing you need to know is the three types of campgrounds: State Campgrounds – Camper Vans and 4x4s are generally welcome. There are six locations, but the hours vary. For just $3 a night per adult we had a little piece of Hawaiian beach all to ourselves. I slept through the entire thing so I can’t say I was scared, but I’d advise being cautious and maybe pitching your tent near others. Here, glampers will have some of the best amenities, five-star facilities and most importantly, lush tropical surroundings. Kauai Backcountry Adventures, Lihue: See 11,733 reviews, articles, and 1,973 photos of Kauai Backcountry Adventures, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 19 attractions in Lihue. If you have more than 2 people for your Kauai camping trip I’d recommend shelling out a bit more money for a roomier car. Again, be sure to make arrangements as soon as possible and be sure to get a permit if needed. This was the smallest and cheapest option available one month in advance and was definitely… cozy for two people and massive amounts of luggage and camping gear. Great way to get around the island, regardless of the terrain. Haena Beach Park With Mount Makana (Bali Hai) behind you and nothing but … You’ll find good descriptions, learn about the amenities, the camping rates and you’ll be able to make your reservation right on the site. That would be a great plan that I would recommend following if you want to cover the whole island. Where To Go Camping In Kauai In general, there’s no freedom camping in Kauai which means you must book and pay for your campsites in advance. He and his savvy guides lead regular trips (with shuttles from the Wailua River Marina) through Waimea Canyon to Waipoo Falls ($126) and through Kokee to dazzling overlooks of Napali via the Nualolo or Awaawapuhi trails ($126). Pro Tip: Skip the sleeping bag and buy cheap sheets and a fleece blanket at Walmart instead. Last but not least: don’t start your Kauai camping trip without booking travel insurance! Even with this splurge, you can save money compared to if you had spent every night in a budget hotel or Airbnb. Anini Beach Park Anini Beach on the north shore of Kauai is one of the best snorkeling and swimming beaches due to a long, protective fringing reef that fronts its shores. Each type of campground has it’s own rules and booking system. I recently embarked on my second road trip around the Hawaiian islands. The number one reason to visit Kauai is to come backpacking on the Napali Coast. Most if not all of the car rental companies will provide a complimentary airport pickup/dropoff service to customers, which means you can go straight from baggage claim to the rental counter within minutes. Every park is closed for a couple hours a week for maintenance, so be sure to plan around the closures. You’ll want to book early if you’re planning to stay in Kokee State Park Campground or Polihale because they tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Still, it’s there if you want to splurge on a cool Kauai camping trip experience. Most of them right on the beach. You won’t have all the amenities that come with hotels, but you’ll have experiences that can’t be duplicated anywhere else in the world. YWCA Camp Sloggett is a small campground on the north side of Kauai. We experienced one such character at Haena Beach Park on the North Shore, who bumbled into the camping area babbling and then shouting around the bathroom block around midnight. There are currently 7 beach parks open for camping, but each one closes on a certain day of the week to prevent people from squatting at one park for too long. Backcountry camping is available in Waimea Canyon but not in Koke’e State Park. "Our guide, Jessica, was fantastic - very friendly, knowledgeable about the area and local flora, and kept the whole trip enjoyable, with *great conversations* and lots of laughs." Camping in Kauai is a spectacular way to experience the natural beauty that the island has to offer. This Kauai, Hawaii campground was origilly built in 1925 within Koke’e State Park. The pali, or cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur of deep, narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea. Check the website for the locations to obtain the camping permits. Kauai County Parks are open and easily accessible off of main roads, so there is a chance of crazy characters venturing into the park where they don’t belong. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile roundtrip hike that you should absolutely attempt. Most camping permit fees are $3/ per night for adults. Oahu. Each type of campground has it’s own rules and booking system. "We would definitely recommend Kauai Hiking tours to anyone looking for some adventure and hiking with reliable, knowledgeable and great guides in Kauai!" We highly recommend this 4×4 camping truck!”, “Ray keeps the vehicles in great condition and the renting process was so easy. It can cover you in the case of a car accident, injury from an adventure activity, or travel/baggage delays. Camping permits for the Na Pali Coast are very much in demand. Kauai's State Parks offer some of the beautiful and peaceful locations to camp in the world. County Campgrounds – Every camper must pitch a tent. Click on the photos below to see what Hawaii State Parks offer camping and lodging on an island, as well as the associated fees (and link to make reservations). Have to drive from Lihue to the end of the Ultimate Kauai Guide book your. Kauai adventures days with kids aged 4 and 6 all Kauai adventures, are. The hours vary rent out camper Vans and 4x4s are very much in demand campground has it s! 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