Twenty minutes drive from Tokoroa you’ll find some of the best freedom camping at Lake Whakamaru Reserve.
Freedom camping at Lake Whakamaru Reserve is governed by the South Waikato District Council – they’ve provided a number of wonderful freedom camping areas in the district including this one. Whakamaru, not far from Mangakino sits alongside the Waikato river. Lake Whakamaru Reserve is accessed off state highway 30.
Freedom camping at Lake Whakamaru Reserve is ideal if you want somewhere lakeside, peaceful, and beautiful, but with a few of life’s luxuries on site – cell phone coverage, internet coverage, and hot showers!
Freedom Camping at Lake Whakamaru Reserve
Lake Whakamaru Reserve is one of a number of camp sites in the area that now have free hot showers on site. Water tanks supply the showers which are heated by gas. That being said, the camp rules allow for a 2 minute shower only. However, when you’re the only campers there, you could probably stretch that limit a little?!
Each end of the campsite has a shower and toilet block, they’re longdrop toilets, but the facilities are clean, fresh, and well maintained – with toilet paper and handwash gel. Unfortunately one shower block was closed when I visited due to vandalism. However, the showers at the end I stayed at were great!
There are barbecue facilities on site and a number of picnic tables scattered throughout the grounds.
The area is huge, there’s plenty of room for campers. There were about 5 other campers staying while I was there. Enough to have a bit of security, but also not be crammed in and living next door to each other! This was in August and I’d imagine the area gets a lot busier over the summer season.
Cell phone reception was good, as well as adequate internet coverage on Spark / Skinny – good enough to get some work done.
Dogs are allowed – must be on a lead at all times.
You can stay for 2 consecutive nights at a time. Longer stays require a camping permit which is available from the South Waikato District Council.
For a look around, watch our short video here on You Tube.
Lake Whakamaru Reserve is a stop on the Waikato River Trails, once surrounded by many tall trees, the area is now cleared of trees. The northern end has a boat ramp. Apparently the swimming is good too in the summer time. The reserve is quiet, and felt like a safe location to stay.
Freedom Camping at Lake Whakamaru is highly recommended by us. Another great spot to stay is Lake Aniwhenua. Check out our article about freedom camping at Lake Aniwhenua here.
