• • Parson’s Rock
  • Boat Harbour
  • Wildlife Reserve
  • Lochlaird
  • Sailor’s Cutting
  • Falstone Creek
  Ohau C
  • Lake Middleton
• All lakeside environmental camping without the frills. A boat ramp, tap, jetty,
  flush toilets and dump points at some camps. Honesty box for donations. $15
  per family per night per site. $410 per family for season (2 adults and 2 children
  under 15yrs). Extra adults $8 per night. Season board ramp fee separate $50.

Cast your worries aside and relax in this delightfully landscaped setting, situated close to where the Waitaki River meets the sea. It is an easy drive to visit the blue penguins in Oamaru, or visit the heritage area of the Oamaru. This camp has plenty of shelter from the sea breezes and is an ideal spot for a family holiday, fishing for Dad, a wooden tower and slide for the children and plenty of room to play, while Mum can relax. Set out with fishing folk in mind, there is plenty of freezer space and a fish smoker for your catch, as well as a fish preparation room. In season you can try for whitebait, salmon, trout or ocean fish. There is ample level ground for tenting and more than 50 power sites. The two clean, renovated kitchens are well appointed; one with dining facilities and satellite TV, and a large sheltered area comes with free BBQs. The clean, single sex ablutions are refurbished and tidy, while the new modern unisex ablutions are complete with a disability suite. The water is treated and purified and has great pressure for your free shower, the automatic laundry machines are also free and a coin operated dryer is available. There is a dump station on site, your pets are welcome. Eftpos and credit cards are accepted, your friendly host is Derek. Unpowered sites are $15 for one person, and $26 for two. Powered sites are $18 for one person, and $29 for two.

One of those basic beach camp grounds that are sadly becoming rare. 50 power sites on well drained, flat ground. The large kitchen is basic but clean, and there is plenty of freezer and refrigerator space, and an outside covered dining area. Older toilet facilities are clean and tidy, and the laundry includes auto washers and a dryer. There is a trampoline for children, and
pushbikes available to use. It sounds like they have a lot of fun at this camp,
with a stage out back for musical entertainment and the odd golf tournament
with the locals. A short stroll down the road is a small pub, no doubt a
welcome sight on a hot day. Internet is available and your hosts are Stu and
Angie. Tent sites are $20 per adult, $30 for two adults, $13 for an extra adult
and $7 for children. Power sites are $23 per adult, $32 for two adults, $15 for
an extra adult and $10 for children.

The sheltered campsites are in the grounds of the old hospital which has been converted into a lodge, and all facilities are in this complex. A large kitchen has all equipment including a full oven and everything you need to cook or eat with, while the ablutions are spotless and modern with disability access. In the large lounge is a TV, piano, a free pool table and comfy seating, it opens to a sunroom where you can relax and enjoy the southern sunshine. Jan and Craig are your very friendly hosts, who told me they are a pet friendly establishment, but no giraffes or hippos please. Tent sites $16 per adult, 6 to 16 years $8, under 6 years free. Power site, s18 per person.

Located in the Chaslands, this is the geographical centre of the pristine Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park. Travelling on the recently sealed and upgraded Southern Scenic Route (SH92), visitors will find this camp on the McLean Falls Road. Don't miss the Catlins Cathedral Caves only 400 metres away, viewings are two hours either side of low tide. The kitchen is equipped with most cooking and eating utensils and the roomy ablutions are excellent. There is a lounge with a TV and you really must try The Whistling Frog Caf_ and Bar, it is not to be missed as most of the food served here is home grown and raised. You may like to visit the glow-worms, McLaren Falls at the end of the road, or one of the other many activities in the area. This is luxury camping, where pets are welcome and you are given free wifi. Your friendly hosts are Paul and Lynn. Unpowered sites are $45 for two adults and for powered sites $50 for two adults. An extra adult costs $15. Discounts available.

Set in 10 acres of landscaped grounds & offering year-round, warm accommodation to suit all budgets with full holiday park facilities.

Numerous sites scattered in an abundance of old trees, edging the large playing
field.  There are 16 power sites at the end of a circular drive, behind the
council swimming pool.  Old facilities but adequate for what is needed, the
kitchen/dining includes a fridge and a full stove. The ablutions are in good
order, while the laundry has an automatic washing machine and dryer, both
free of charge. A well-kept camp with a modern children’s playground, or take
a swim in the indoor pool complex that is alongside. A dump point is provided,
but the facilities are kept locked, keys are provided on arrival. This camp is
administered by the Clutha District Council, but there is an onsite caretaker
who won’t be far away. Powered sites are $15 per person, tent sites are $13
per person.

This tidy beachside camp reminds us of how things used to be. Sand dunes dominate, with beach walks and the odd friendly sea lion to visit. The kitchen is welcoming, combining cooking equipment and a spot to relax with a book or TV. The office has been recently refurbished, and the camp is under new ownership. There is a basic but clean ablution block and a porch laundry with an automatic washing machine. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. Your hosts are Paula and Lindsay. Tent sites are $13 per adult and powered sites $14 per adult. Children aged 5 to 13 years are $7 and children under 5 are free.

Sailors Cutting Camp Ground has toilet facilities, a boat ramp and caravan/campervan dump stations available.

Camping fees

A peaceful and serene wooded camp ground, with large established trees and
over 30 acres to choose a campsite. The river runs alongside the campsite,
where you can pitch your tent right beside the water and fish for trout. Once
a scout camp, there is great children’s playground come obstacle course,
swimming holes in the river, and a large area for you to set up your tent
or park your van. The campers’ kitchen has electric hobs, hot water, fridges,
microwave and dining area. Ablutions are reminiscent of its prior use with
concrete block buildings, but bright new shower curtains and paint liven things
up and everything is clean and tidy. Owners say a new amenities block is on
the cards in 2016. There is a basic laundry, and a spa and sauna are available
for hire, as well as a dump station. The campground is also dog friendly and
your friendly hosts are Janine and Warren. Non-powered sites are $13 per
person, powered are $15.