Camping Near Thames

There are few better ways to wake up on the Coromandel than in the Kauaeranga Valley, with mist lifting off the river, tui in the trees and the jagged Pinnacles somewhere above the cloud. Camping near Thames ranges from that kind of back-to-nature bush site to easy holiday-park comfort and quiet coastal spots up the Pohutukawa Coast. Here is how to pick your patch.

A campsite among native forest in the Kauaeranga Valley near Thames — Nights under native bush in the Kauaeranga Valley. Photo: Photos by Angela (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Kauaeranga Valley DOC campsites

About 20 minutes east of Thames, the road up the Kauaeranga Valley threads past a series of Department of Conservation campsites, among them Wainora, Whangaiterenga and Booms Flat. These are simple, honest sites: mostly non-powered, with long-drop or basic toilets, cold water and the river close by for a swim. What they lack in facilities they make up for in setting, ringed by native forest and the walls of the Coromandel Forest Park. They are hugely popular in summer, so book through DOC well ahead.

Dense native forest in the Coromandel Forest Park near Thames — The Coromandel Forest Park wraps around the valley campsites. Photo: Krzysztof Golik (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Camping up high: the Pinnacles Hut

If you would rather trade the tent for a bunk, the Pinnacles Hut is one of the most popular backcountry huts in the North Island. Walk up the historic Webb Creek packhorse track in the afternoon, watch the sunset from near the summit, and wake early for the climb to the top. It is a proper mountain hut and books out fast, so reserve with DOC in advance. Full detail is in our walks and tracks guide.

Holiday parks and coastal camping

Travelling with a campervan, or just want a hot shower and a camp kitchen? A holiday park in Thames itself gives you powered sites, cabins and family facilities within walking distance of Pollen Street. For salt air, head north up the coast to settlements like Tapu and Waiomu, where you can camp close to the beach and the Waiomu Beach Cafe. Find operators in the Thames business directory.

Know before you go

Book ahead. Kauaeranga campsites and the Pinnacles Hut fill over summer, long weekends and school holidays.
Pack for the valley. Bring drinking water, insect repellent, warm layers and wet-weather gear; mountain weather turns quickly.
Watch the fords. The valley road crosses streams that can become impassable after heavy rain, so check conditions with DOC.
Freedom camping is limited. Restrictions apply across the Thames-Coromandel district; use designated sites and check council rules.

Make a trip of it

Prefer a roof over your head for part of the trip? Compare where to stay in Thames, and line up the walking in our walks and tracks guide.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I camp near Thames?

You can camp at the Department of Conservation campsites in the Kauaeranga Valley, at a holiday park in Thames, or at coastal spots up the Pohutukawa Coast such as Tapu and Waiomu.

Do I need to book Kauaeranga Valley campsites?

Yes, especially over summer, long weekends and school holidays. Both the DOC campsites and the Pinnacles Hut are booked through the Department of Conservation.

Can you freedom camp in Thames?

Freedom camping is restricted across the Thames-Coromandel district. Use DOC campsites, holiday parks or designated sites, and check current council rules before you stay.

Are there powered sites near Thames?

Yes. A holiday park in Thames offers powered sites, cabins and facilities for campervans and families, within walking distance of the town centre.

Is the Kauaeranga Valley good for tent camping?

Very. Its DOC campsites sit among native forest with river swimming nearby, making it one of the best tent-camping areas on the Coromandel, though facilities are basic.