The best camping grounds in Napier put you close to Marine Parade, the Art Deco city centre and the Hawke’s Bay wineries, with powered sites, tent pitches and cabins for every kind of trip. Camping in Napier covers central resorts near McLean Park, beach parks at Westshore and Bay View, and a quiet beachfront campground at Waipatiki north of the city. Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park and Kennedy Park Resort are two of the most popular bases for campervans, caravans and family holidays.
1Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park sits on 9 acres of landscaped grounds at Bay View, about 8.5 km north of the Napier i-SITE, with direct access to the beach. Hosts Gene and Jenny Cooper run over 120 camping sites alongside motels, chalets and cabins, which suits campervan travellers and families who want a coastal setting away from the city bustle.
Services
- Beachfront powered and unpowered sites (no tents)
- Powered and unpowered sites in a park-like setting
- Beachfront and beachside motels
- Chalets, ensuite cabins and basic cabins
- Winery, cycling and Art Deco tour bookings through reception
Highlights
- Onsite Snapper Cafe
- Playground with trampolines and a jumping pillow
- Fish cleaning facilities and a dump station
- Regular bus to and from Napier city
Location & Contact
Name: Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Address: 10 Gill Road, Bay View, Napier 4104
Phone: 06 836 7084
Website: napierbeach.co.nz
2Kennedy Park Resort Napier
Kennedy Park Resort is set on 5.7 hectares near the heart of Napier, a short stroll from McLean Park and a short drive from the city’s attractions. Its 92 powered campsites sit among landscaped gardens and mature trees, with villas, motel units and cabins alongside, making it a practical choice for families, groups and motorhome travellers who want resort facilities on site.
Services
- 92 powered campsites, many with fresh water and greywater drains
- Non-powered campsites
- Two-bedroom villas, apartments and motel units
- Kitchen cabins and standard cabins
- Group, school camp and conference bookings
Highlights
- 15 metre pool heated to 28 degrees, plus a children’s beach pool
- Storkey’s Restaurant & Bar on site, with takeaway options
- Jumping pillow, pedal cars, games room and basketball half-court
- Waste disposal station and vehicle wash hose
- Reception open 7am to 9pm
Location & Contact
Name: Kennedy Park Resort Napier
Address: 11 Storkey Street, Napier 4110
Phone: 06 843 9126
Website: kennedypark.co.nz
3Westshore Holiday Park
Westshore Holiday Park sits at the northern gateway of Napier on 1.5 hectares of sheltered, fully fenced grounds, about five minutes’ drive from the Art Deco city and Marine Parade. Westshore Beach is within walking distance and the Ahuriri Estuary Boardwalk and Bird Reserve borders the park, so it suits budget-minded campers, caravanners and families.
Services
- Powered sites for campervans, caravans, motorhomes and RVs
- Non-powered tent sites on a large grassed area
- One and two-bedroom motels
- Family, kitchen, self-contained and basic cabins
Highlights
- Fenced playground with trampoline and swings, plus a flying fox and summer splash pond
- Free BBQs with gas supplied and a covered dining area
- Walking distance to patrolled Westshore Beach and the Westshore shops
- Discount on Interislander fares for guests of Holiday Parks NZ member parks
Location & Contact
Name: Westshore Holiday Park
Address: 88 Meeanee Quay, Westshore, Napier
Phone: 06 835 9456
Website: westshoreholidaypark.co.nz
4Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park
Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park is a family-friendly beachfront campground about 35 km, or a 40 minute drive, north of Napier, 150 metres from a golden sand beach and next to the Waipatiki Scenic Reserve. The site is owned by the local councils and run by Shane and Fay, who keep a rustic, relaxed Kiwi camping feel, and it suits families, surfers and anyone who wants to get away from the city.
Services
- Powered and non-powered camping sites
- Standard, kitchen and self-contained cabins
- Whole-site hire for school camps and sports groups
- Beach wedding venue
Highlights
- Hosting campers since the 1980s
- Bush walks through the neighbouring Waipatiki Scenic Reserve
- Facilities for up to 150 people
- Discounts for NZMCA members
Location & Contact
Name: Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park
Address: 498A Waipatiki Road, RD1, Tangoio 4181, Napier
Phone: 06 836 6075
Website: waipatikibeach.co.nz
Camping Grounds in Napier at a Glance
| Business | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park | Onsite Snapper Cafe |
| Kennedy Park Resort Napier | 15 metre pool heated to 28 degrees, plus a children's beach pool |
| Westshore Holiday Park | Fenced playground with trampoline and swings |
| Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park | Hosting campers since the 1980s |
How to Choose the Right Camping Ground in Napier
- Site type: check whether you need a powered site, a tent pitch or a cabin, and whether beachfront sites allow tents.
- Vehicle requirements: campervans and caravans on powered sites usually need a current electrical warrant of fitness and an RCD-protected lead.
- Location: choose between central Napier, the beach suburbs of Westshore and Bay View, or a quieter spot north of the city.
- Family facilities: look for pools, playgrounds, jumping pillows and camp kitchens if you are travelling with children.
- Booking rules: peak weekends and public holidays often carry minimum stays and prepayment, so book early for summer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Napier Camping Grounds
Where can I camp near the beach in Napier?
Bay View and Westshore are the main beach areas for camping in Napier, both just north of the city centre. For a more remote beachfront camp, Waipatiki Beach is about 40 minutes’ drive north.
How much does a campsite in Napier cost?
Prices vary by season and site type. Tent sites typically start from around $20 per person per night and powered sites from around $50 per night, with beachfront sites and peak periods costing more. Check each holiday park’s website for current rates.
Do I need a powered site for my campervan?
Only if you need mains electricity. Holiday parks usually require campervans and caravans plugging in to have a current electrical warrant of fitness and a certified lead with an RCD. Self-contained vans can often use unpowered sites.
Can I freedom camp in Napier?
Freedom camping is restricted to specific areas and rules in Napier. Check the Napier City Council freedom camping information before parking up overnight, or book a holiday park campsite.
Which Napier campgrounds are closest to the city centre?
Central campgrounds near McLean Park and Westshore are within about five minutes’ drive of the Art Deco city centre and Marine Parade. Bay View parks are a little further north, and some run or arrange transport into town.
Are there DOC campsites near Napier?
The Department of Conservation manages campsites across Hawke’s Bay, usually with simpler facilities than a holiday park. You can search them on the DOC places to stay page.
Are Napier holiday parks good for families?
Many are. Look for a camping ground with a heated pool, playground, jumping pillow or a nearby patrolled beach, and ask about family cabins if you would rather not pitch a tent.
How We Chose the Best Camping Grounds in Napier
Every business in this guide was found by searching for camping grounds in Napier, then checked against what the business publishes itself: its own website, or where it has none, its official social or booking page. Names, addresses and phone numbers come from those pages rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what the business says about itself. We also check that each one is still trading and is actually based in or genuinely serving Napier, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business we can’t confirm from its own pages is not listed.