Where to Camp in Te Anau & on the Milford Road
- Alice Neilson - Fiordland Enthusiast & Writer
- Mar 26
- 7 min read
We often get asked about camping options in Te Anau and along the Milford Road. Many visitors to Fiordland travel by campervan or caravan, and knowing where you can and cannot stay is important, especially on the Milford Road, where specific rules apply.
In this guide, we cover our recommended campsites in Te Anau, the camping options along the Milford Road, and a suggested three-day itinerary for exploring Fiordland by campervan.
Key Takeaways
Te Anau has three main holiday parks suitable for campervans, caravans, and tents, each with full facilities including showers, kitchens, and dump stations
All campsites along the Milford Road are Department of Conservation (DOC) sites, with the exceptions of Eglinton Valley Camp and Milford Sound Lodge
Freedom camping is not permitted along the Milford Road, so you must stay in a designated campsite
DOC campsites have basic facilities (long-drop toilets, no showers) and require online booking year-round
Stock up on fuel, food, and water in Te Anau before heading onto the Milford Road
The CamperMate app is a useful tool for finding dump stations, water filling stations, showers, and campsite information throughout New Zealand
Recommended Campsites in Te Anau
Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park
The biggest advantage of the TOP 10 Holiday Park is its location right across the road from Te Anau's shops and restaurants, with only a 7-minute walk to the lakefront. This family-run park has powered and non-powered sites, cabins, and motel rooms. There is also a communal kitchen, BBQ, hot showers, laundry, free WiFi, kids’ playground, and a hot tub.
The spacious sites work well for larger such as big campervans and caravans, and the giant jumping pillow and play area make it a good option for kids.
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park
For those wanting lake views, Lakeview Holiday Park looks directly out over the water to the surrounding mountains, with around a 10-15 minute walk into town.
This family-owned park has been welcoming guests for over 65 years. Facilities include modern kitchens, hot showers, BBQ areas, guest lounges, laundry, free WiFi, a drying room for tramping gear, and a seasonal spa pool (October to April). The Lake2Lake Cycle Trail from Te Anau to Manapouri also begins right outside the front gate.
This campground is great for larger vehicles and has powered and non-powered sites, plus cabins and motels.
Tasman Holiday Park
Tasman is a smaller option located just a 2-minute walk from town and directly across the road from the lake's edge. Facilities include a communal kitchen, hot showers, laundry, free WiFi, a complimentary sauna, and hot tubs for hire. The park manager also hosts a campground BBQ on Friday evenings.
The smaller site sizes mean it's better suited to smaller campervans and vans rather than larger motorhomes.
Campsites Along Milford Road
Important Info for Camping on the Milford Road
You can’t freedom camp anywhere along the Milford Road. The Department of Conservation (DOC), the government agency for New Zealand's natural and historic heritage, manages campsites along the Milford Road.
You must stay in one of these designated campsites, and rangers monitor this, so if you're found camping outside a designated site, you will be asked to move on. You are required to take all rubbish with you when you leave a DOC site.
These rules exist for habitat protection and visitor safety. The Milford Road passes through Fiordland National Park, and restricting camping to designated sites helps keep the protected area clean and prevents trampling of sensitive habitats.
In the event of an earthquake, flooding, or other emergency, having all campers in known locations also means help can reach people quickly.
DOC campsites along the Milford Road have long-drop toilets but no showers. There is no power, and water is available from streams and rainwater tanks at some sites, but you need to boil it before drinking.
You must book online from the DOC website year-round. Fees are $18 per adult and $9 per child (5–17) per night, and DOC Campsite Passes are also accepted.
Top tip: If you're exploring New Zealand by campervan or caravan, the CamperMate app is well worth downloading. It helps you find dump stations, water filling stations, showers, campsite reviews, and other useful facilities across the country.
Henry Creek Campsite (DOC)
Located 23km north of Te Anau near Te Anau Downs, Henry Creek is the closest DOC campsite to Te Anau. It sits beside the pebbly banks of Lake Te Anau with 30 sites that comfortably accommodate campervans, plus smaller private sites in regenerating beech forest. Campfires are not permitted here.
Walker Creek Campsite (DOC)
Walker Creek is one of the smallest campsites on the Milford Road, with space for around 5 setups beside the Eglinton River. It is best suited to campervans, although there are a few flat spots for tents. Campfires are permitted in designated fireplaces.
Totara Campsite (DOC)
Sheltered from the road by beech forest, Totara campsite has around 20 sites in a wide field beside the Eglinton River. The open valley is good for larger caravans, and tenters have plenty of grassy spots to choose from. Campfires are permitted in designated fireplaces.
Deer Flat Campsite (DOC)
Located 62km north of Te Anau beside the Eglinton River, Deer Flat campsite has 15 sites amidst beech forest and a grassy meadow. The river is popular for swimming and fly-fishing. Note that this campsite is prone to flooding in heavy rain. Campfires are permitted in designated fireplaces.
Eglinton Valley Camp (Private)
Eglinton Valley Camp at Knobs Flat is the only private serviced campground on the road between Te Anau and Milford Sound. The camp is located about 63km from Te Anau.
Unlike the DOC sites, Eglinton Valley Camp has hot showers, a shared kitchen and dining area, laundry facilities, and rubbish disposal. They offer cabins. The sites are suitable for tents and campervans, but there are no powered sites available.
The camp works closely with DOC to protect threatened species in the area. Book in advance as it fills up quickly.
Kiosk Creek Campsite (DOC)
Situated beside Eglinton Valley Camp, Kiosk Creek has 10 grassy sites with great views of the Earl Mountains. The campsite is named after a kiosk once run by the wife of a road worker there.
Being beside Eglinton Valley Camp, it’s handy for accessing flushing toilet facilities and a water tap if needed during the day. Bring your own drinking water. Campfires are permitted in designated fireplaces.
Upper Eglinton Campsite (DOC)
A very small campsite with just 3 sites, Upper Eglinton campsite is located 68km north of Te Anau. It offers magnificent valley views and is near the Earl Mountain walking tracks. The gravel access road is not suitable for larger vehicles. A secluded option for those wanting minimal neighbours. Campfires are permitted in designated fireplaces.
Cascade Creek Campsite (DOC)
Cascade Creek is the largest DOC campsite on the Milford Road with 120 sites, located at the lower end of Lake Gunn, 71km north of Te Anau. It is also the closest DOC campsite to Milford Sound.
The campground is set back from the road, giving it a peaceful and sheltered feel and also making it safer for families with children.
The Lake Gunn Nature Walk starts here, and you're close to excellent day hikes, including Key Summit and Lake Marian.
The campsite is great for both tents and larger vehicles, but it can reach capacity on busy summer days, so book ahead. Campfires are permitted in designated fireplaces.
Milford Sound Lodge (Private)
At the end of the Milford Road, Milford Sound Lodge is the only overnight campervan option right at Milford Sound. There are just 20 powered sites tucked under the rainforest canopy.
Facilities include a guest kitchen and lounge, hot showers, laundry, and the on-site Pio Pio Restaurant.
This campsite is for campervans only, as the gravel ground is unsuitable for tents. Bookings are essential, and you should book well ahead. The sites are usually fully booked from November through April, with a minimum 2-night stay during peak season.
Suggested 3-Day Camping Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Te Anau
Check into one of the three recommended holiday parks. Use this time to fill up on fuel, stock up on food and water, and empty your sewage tank. Te Anau is the last place to get supplies before heading into the national park.
Spend the evening enjoying the town. Walk the lakefront, grab dinner at one of Te Anau's restaurants, or check out the Fiordland Cinema.
Day 2: Camp at Cascade Creek
Head onto the Milford Road and take your time enjoying the scenic stops on the way to Milford Sound, such as Mirror Lakes and the Eglinton Valley lookout. Stop for the restrooms at Knobs Flat on the way, as these are the last flushing toilets before Cascade Creek.
Cascade Creek is roughly halfway between Te Anau and Milford Sound and feels peaceful and remote despite being the largest campground on the road. Walk the Lake Gunn Nature Walk through the beech forest in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening near the riverside.
Day 3: Milford Sound
Get an early start from Cascade Creek and drive for about an hour to reach Milford Sound.
Arrive in time for a mid-morning cruise. After your cruise, head back along the Milford Road, enjoying some additional Milford Road stops on your way back to Te Anau, where you can continue to your next destination.
Camping in Te Anau and along the Milford Road can be a great option for travellers exploring Fiordland by campervan. Understanding where camping is permitted, what facilities are available, and how to plan your route helps make the experience smooth and enjoyable.
With a bit of preparation, you can explore this part of Fiordland while staying in some of the most scenic campsites in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book DOC campsites in advance?
Yes. DOC campsites along the Milford Road require online booking year-round through the DOC website. If no availability is showing online, the campsite is full. No sites are held for people arriving without a booking.
Do DOC campsites have showers?
Some DOC campsites in New Zealand have showers, but most don’t. Milford Road campsites only = have very basic facilities, including longdrop toilets and cooking shelters.
The CamperMate app is a great resource for finding campsites with showers and other helpful facilities throughout New Zealand.
Are there dump stations on the Milford Road?
There are no dump stations along the Milford Road. The nearest facilities are in Te Anau, so campervans should empty waste tanks and refill fresh water there before heading into Fiordland National Park.
