Last updated July 2026
Lake Okaro Reserve is a paid freedom camping site on the shores of Lake Ōkaro, approximately 30 kilometres south of Rotorua near Waimangu. Managed by Rotorua Lakes Council, it is one of the few sites in the district that permits tents as well as campervans and motorhomes. The reserve offers basic facilities including a composting toilet, making it suitable for a simple overnight or two-night stay in a scenic lakeside setting.
Practical Information
| Address | 669/859 Okaro Road, Waimangu 3073 |
| Access | Via Waimangu Road (from SH5 north) or Okaro Road (from the south) |
| Cost | Paid — $10 per adult, $5 per child, under 5 free; pay via secure pay link or Penny app |
| Maximum stay | 2 consecutive nights per calendar month |
| Tents permitted | Yes |
| Self-contained vehicles | Yes — self-contained and non-self-contained campervans/motorhomes allowed |
| Facilities | Composting toilet, BBQ, picnic tables, boat ramp and ski lane, water tap (boil for 3 minutes before drinking) |
| Dogs | Permitted (except on the walkway and BBQ area); must be under control |
| Fires / fireworks | Not permitted |
About Lake Okaro Reserve
Lake Ōkaro is a small crater lake south of Rotorua, reached via rural roads through farmland and bush. At around 4 hectares, it is one of the smaller lakes in the region, and the camping reserve sits directly on its shoreline. The setting is remote and low-key, with native bush fringing the lake and a composting toilet as the main on-site structure.
The reserve provides a boat ramp for kayaks and small boats, along with a ski lane. A water tap is available, but the water must be boiled for at least three minutes before drinking. The BBQ and picnic tables support simple outdoor meals during a stay.
Lake Ōkaro is a significant taonga to Ngāti Whaoa and Ngāti Tahu. Visitors are asked to take their rubbish with them and respect the site.
Camping Rules and Facilities
Most Rotorua Lakes Council freedom camping sites restrict use to certified self-contained vehicles, but Lake Okaro Reserve welcomes tents alongside campervans and motorhomes. This makes it one of the more accessible options for tent campers seeking a lakeside location. Non-self-contained vehicles are also permitted here.
Payment is required and collected through the council’s secure pay link or the Penny app. The maximum stay is strictly limited to two consecutive nights per calendar month. Fires and fireworks are prohibited at all times.
What’s Nearby
Lake Okaro Reserve lies close to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, New Zealand’s youngest geothermal system. The valley features steaming lakes, boiling craters and Frying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot spring. It is approximately 5 kilometres by road from the reserve, allowing for an easy half-day visit. Entry fees apply at Waimangu; check current prices on their website.
Lake Rotomahana, site of the former Pink and White Terraces before the 1886 Tarawera eruption, is also accessible via boat tours departing from Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
What Visitors Often Say
Campers appreciate the peaceful lakeside location and the rare permission for tents at a council site. Many note the basic but functional facilities and the short drive to Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Reviewers often mention the scenic setting and easy boat access, while reminding others to boil the tap water and follow the dog restrictions around the BBQ area.
Where to Learn More
Rotorua Lakes Council — Freedom Camping: official rules, fees, site list and current information for Lake Ōkaro Reserve.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley: visitor information, walk options and entry fees for the nearby geothermal attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Okaro Reserve?
At 669/859 Okaro Road, Waimangu, approximately 30 km south of Rotorua. Access is via Waimangu Road off SH5 or Okaro Road from the south.
Is tent camping allowed?
Yes — Lake Okaro Reserve is one of the few Rotorua Lakes Council freedom camping sites that permits tents alongside campervans and motorhomes.
What are the fees?
$10 per adult, $5 per child, under 5s free. Pay via the secure pay link or Penny app using your vehicle registration and site name.
What facilities are available?
Composting toilet, BBQ, picnic tables, boat ramp and ski lane, plus a water tap (boil for 3 minutes before drinking). No showers.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes — dogs are permitted except on the walkway and in the BBQ area; they must remain under control at all times.
What is the maximum stay?
2 consecutive nights per calendar month. Fires and fireworks are not permitted.
How close is Waimangu Volcanic Valley?
Approximately 5 km by road — a straightforward drive that makes a half-day excursion easy to arrange.
Is the water safe to drink?
The tap water must be boiled for at least 3 minutes before drinking.
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