Freedom Camping

We welcome responsible campers who are prepared to look after our environment and follow some simple rules.

If your campervan is fully self contained (with a toilet, waste water and rubbish facilities on-board) then you may camp overnight for free on most land administered by Council away from the town centres and residential areas. There is some public land including DoC reserves which are excluded.  Observe all no camping signs.

 Please check the map below for clarification.

In return you must:

• Be away from the town centres and residential areas within the district.
• Dispose of your waste water at one of  the waste disposal dump stations and put your rubbish in bins provided within the town centres or at the Council transfer stations.
• Not light any fire.
• Leave the area as you found it, free of litter.
• Stay a maximum of two nights

Freedom camping in the No Freedom Camping Zones is not permitted and is likely to result in an infringement notice for which a fine of $200 is payable.

>> Download the Freedom Camping Zones maps (pdf 2.96 MB)       

If you do not have a fully self contained campervan then you cannot freedom camp anywhere in the Lakes District and must stay in a camping ground if you wish to camp.

Freedom camping without a self-contained campervan will result in a $200 instant fine.  

Camping Grounds and conservation campsites

There are many camping grounds within the lakes district including low cost camps with toilets and running water through to holiday parks with hot showers and cooking facilities. It is best to book these over the popular holiday periods.

>> Get details about local camping grounds in the Lakes District
>> Visit the Department of Conservation website for more information about conservation campsites around the Lakes District (external link in new window)

 Freedom Camping Strategy

>> Download the Freedom Camping Strategy here