7 Best Camping Grounds – Queenstown

Being New Zealand’s adventure capital, it’s no secret that Queenstown is host to some incredible views.

If you’re planning to visit this amazing location– choosing accommodation that offers the best value-for-money in an optimal spot can often seem difficult. No worries though, that’s why we’re here!

Let’s unearth Queenstown’s top 7 camping grounds for 2023, and explore the best facilities and activities along the way:

1. Hampshire Holiday Parks – Queenstown
2. Mrs Woolly’s Campground
3. Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park
4. Cameron Flat Campsite
5. Pleasant Flat Campsite
6. More Lake Campsite
7. Hampshire Holiday Parks – Arrowtown

Hampshire Holiday Parks – Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

This first location is perfect if you don’t want to feel too remote — it’s close to shops, attractions and activities — and it’s only 400 metres from the centre of town.

The site offers a combination of powered and unpowered sites, and is designed to fit campervans and tents right beside the panoramic view of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables’ Mountain range.

If that hasn’t convinced you, Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park also provides an extensive range of facilities, so let’s run through a few options included in your stay:

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Spacious Kitchens
• Barbeque (coin-operated)
• Showers and Toilets
• Laundry
• TV Room
• Playground

Planning to visit Queenstown soon? Check out the campground’s accommodation for more information on availability and local attractions.

Mrs Woolly’s Campground

Glenorchy, New Zealand

A bit eccentric, but a top site nonetheless!

Mrs Woolly’s Campground is the perfect pit stop if you’re heading towards the ‘great divide’ of the Southern Alps — Mount Aspiring National Park.

Like you’ll find with most of the campsites on this list, this spot is host to some incredible backdrops, with a walk to the lakefront only minutes away.

With 33 unpowered sites, 5 powered and 7 tent-only spots available, the campground also provides access to clean modern facilities. What’s more? Each kitchen has access to extra pottery, utensils and fridges, so don’t worry if you can’t find that missing fork.

Given the range of activities available — both for kids and adults, don’t miss out on Mrs Woolly’s Campground on your way in or out of Queenstown.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Shared facilities – A well-maintained kitchen area with prep tables, pots, pans and cookware, refrigerators, barbeques and picnic benches
• Sanitary facilities – Toilets, coin-operated showers and laundry facilities.
• Children’s play area
• Rental bikes
• Nearby activities – Hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, helicopter tours, photography tours, 4-wheel drive tours, jet-boating and more.
• Mrs Woolly’s pantry
• Electric bikes Glenorchy
• Mrs Woolly’s general store

Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park

Queenstown, New Zealand

Looking for something with a boutique feel?

Like most other campsites, you’ll find a communal kitchen, laundry, BBQ and free Wi-Fi available — but what sets the Queenstown Holiday Park apart is a range of luxury experiences (without being overpriced). 

Start with a cosy wood burner for that cold night, or indulge in the site’s hot tub and movie room. Located a little further away than Lakeview Holiday Park, this particular campground also offers a free shuttle bus into town — which is about a 10-minute drive.

With a range of self-contained cabins, motel rooms and campervan sites available, check out the Queenstown Holiday Park if you’re heading towards the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Free WiFi
• Free courtesy shuttle
• Modern communal bathrooms
• Large communal kitchen & dining area
• Private hot tub
• 24-hour coin-operated laundry
• Free Gas BBQs
• Bikes for hire
• Movie room
• Climbing wall
• Giant chess
• Jumping pillow
• Playground

Cameron Flat Campsite

Haast, New Zealand

About 15 minutes north of Makarora township, Cameron Flat is an ideal stop for your road trip adventure. Accommodating campervans, cars and caravans on site, this caravan park is located right beside a river — offering a direct view of the Southern Alps.

Whilst facilities are quite basic, we’d recommend staying the night if you’re passing through the Western side of the South Island. You’ll have access to toilets, an undercover area and water — and for as little as $8 (NZD), you can pocket your savings for what matters most — the adventure!

Since this particular campground is part of the Department of Conservation, just bear in mind you’ll have to make a booking ahead of time.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Tent / Camping sites
• Toilets
• Shaded sites
• Picnic tables
• Water supply
• Wheelchair access
• River access
• Bushwalking / Walking trails
• Hunting
• Fishing

Pleasant Flat Campsite

Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

Head about 16 minutes upstream and you’ll find Pleasant Flat Campsite!

Offering an incredible view of Mount Hooker, this campsite also offers facilities very similar to Cameron Flat, with 30 non-powered sites available for $8 (NZD) per night.

You’ll have access to toilets, shelter and water — and if you download the AllTrails app ahead of time — you’ll also be able to find some great tracks to take you along the Haast River down to Thunder Creek Falls.

Just like our fourth campground, you’ll have to make a booking ahead of time through the Department of Conservation.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Shelter for cooking
• Toilet
• Water from tap (boil or treat first)
• Wheelchair access
• 22 non-powered/tent sites
• Fishing
• River access

Moke Lake Campsite

Ben Lomond, New Zealand

On the outskirts of town – about 20 minutes away – prepare for the breathtaking views of Moke Lake. Here you’ll not only have the freedom to park your campervan or pitch a tent just about anywhere along the shoreline, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of some nearby activities.

If you enjoy a brisk walk, you have the option of taking two tracks: the first one — a 2.5 hour loop around Moke Lake, and the other — also a 2.5 hour walk towards Lake Dispute.

But if that’s not your thing, don’t worry! Moke Lake also provides access to horse riding, kayaking, swimming, fishing and mountain biking — so be sure to enquire in advance if you’re up for it.

With a private campsite, water access, sinks, toilets and an undercover cooking area, it’s perfect for feeling remote, even though you’re only a short drive to the centre of Queenstown. Our only piece of advice? Some of these campsites — especially this one — are available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, so in peak season — plan ahead!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Plenty of space for parking up a campervan
• Fresh water taps (boil or treat first)
• 50 non-powered tent sites
• Shelter for cooking

Hampshire Holiday Parks – Arrowtown

Arrowtown, New Zealand

Alright sorry, we know — this last campground isn’t technically in Queenstown, but it’s only about 20 minutes away from the centre of town — perfectly situated for wine tasting, lookouts, or skiing at Coronet Peak.

With 140 powered sites available, in addition to self-contained cabins and lodges — it’s a great location to rest just outside of Queenstown, hosting shower and toilet facilities for those arriving by campervan, and a guest laundry and communal kitchen for all.

As we mentioned, skiing is one of the highlights! Arrowtown Holiday Park provides a direct shuttle bus to the ski club, but even if you’re not up for it, the view from the top is still spectacular. Closer to the park, the township also boasts some wineries, cafés and walking tracks to take up your day, plus some amazing eateries.

Looking for something a little more settled, but don’t want to miss out on the views? We recommend checking out the Arrowtown Holiday Park ahead of your next camping trip.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• BBQ area facilities
• Laundry facilities
• Kitchen facilities
• Playground
• Tennis Court
• Free parking
• Bicycle rental
• WiFi

Now that we’ve looked at the best camping grounds in Queenstown, which sites are you planning to visit in 2021?

Still unsure? Check out the latest deals and offers on campervan hire in New Zealand.

Need a touch more info? Learn more about New Zealand’s best campgrounds so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring this beautiful country!