Where To Camp in Milford Sound?
Although you can do Milford Sound as a day trip, we highly recommend taking the time to spend at least one night along the Milford Sound Rd. There is so much to see and one day is just not enough to really experience the beauty and wild landscapes of the place. If you haven’t already check out our guide to travelling Milford Sound to give you some ideas on how to best spend your time in the park. So without further ado let’s jump into where you can camp in Milford Sound.
I’ll start this off with a quick mention that there is NO freedom camping in Milford Sound whatsoever. In fact the closest freedom camp to the foreshore is 2 and a half hours away. So with that said, save up and budget some extra dollary doos for your camping experience inside the Fiordland National Park.
What it lacks in freedom camping, it makes up for with beautiful DOC campsites. Honestly these are some of our favourite campsites in the country and we truly think the small fee is so worth it to wake up surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, and to be that little bit closer to the foreshore. All the DOC sites are $15 per person and need to be paid in cash on your arrival. There are no ATMS until you get to the foreshore so make sure you’re getting cash out before you leave Te Anau.
Milford Sound Lodge.
I’ve started with the Milford Sound Lodge Campground as this is the closest camp to the foreshore. It is super pricey ($60 PP) and you do need to book in advance but for the convenience of being so close to the foreshore it’s totally worth it. It’s a great spot to stay if you have an early morning cruise or you want to photograph the foreshore at sunrise or sunset. We stayed here the night before we had the one day Milford Track Experience and it was absolutely perfect for that purpose. We also enjoyed a couple of beers in the lodge after the hike as well as a shower….they also have wifi and with no reception past Te Anau Downs at all this was a lifesaver when we still had work to be done. I mean you kinda can’t go wrong here.
Henry Creek Campsite
The first of the DOC camps along the Milford Sound Road and a great place to start the adventure. With plenty of little bush camps to choose from, campsites that have views of the lake Te Anau and big open camps to accommodate multiple rigs this camp really has all the options for you! The camp has one long drop and zero other facilities (the same as all the DOC camps). We spent a night here when we had 3 days planned in the park and wanted to wake up a little bit closer to where all the good stuff starts to appear (epic mountain views, roadside stops).
Deer Flat Campsite
I believe there are 7 DOC camps along the Milford Sound Road and you really couldn’t go wrong with any of them. Between Henry Creek and Deer Flat you’ve got the Walker Campsite and the Totara campsite. We have yet to stay in these two although we have enjoyed picnic lunches at the locations and they look just as good as the camps we have stayed at. Deer Flat is great for being tucked away in the bush yet you’re still rewarded with mountain views. There is a beautiful waterhole along the river here too. Bring those togs just in case!
Upper Eglinton Valley
The best campground for open plain camp sites! Incredible views of the Eglinton Valley mountain range and a great spot to be for the sunrise or sunset. Probably our favourite of the DOC camp sites!
Cascade Creek Campsite
The last of the DOC campgrounds on your way into Milford Sound. Cascade Creek is still an hour away from the foreshore but if you’re not wanting to pay the $$ to stay in the lodge then this is your next best option! One of the most scenic spots and biggest camp sites. The perfect camp if you’re travelling in a group and probably the best options of sites if you’re staying in a tent (sooooo much flat space). We love this camp for the views of the waterfalls. It really feels like you’re amongst the giants at this spot!
Milford Sound Foreshore
You can park and stay overnight at the foreshore for a ridiculous price! Double check before you go how much it is as it’s always changing and they have only allowed this since the pandemic. The last time we were there it was $20 for 3 hours and an extra $50 to stay between 10pm and 6am. Honestly you’re better off staying at one of the campsites mentioned above.
What To Remember!
Fuel up in Te Anau before you drive in - there is nowhere to get fuel inside!
Bring Cash.
There is no reception.
BRING BUG SPRAY. - Sandflies are next level here.
Be careful on the roads.
Toitu Te Whenua // Leave the land undisturbed.
Travelling in a camper? Need an idea of where else to go in the South Island? Check out our blogs below…