About this campsite
Camp beside the lake and explore this highly scenic area by foot or mountain bike.
Lake Taylor Campsite is very exposed to the weather. Check the weather before you go and take appropriate clothing and gear.
Department of Conservation
Getting there
Turn off SH7 at Waikari and follow the road to Hawarden (approx. 8.5 km). The road then joins Lake Sumner Rd, which leads to Lake Taylor (approx. 50 km). This is a gravel road that is narrow, has sharp corners and steep drops. The road can be busy – keep left, reduce speed and watch out for traffic.
Department of Conservation
Before you go
Trees or branches may fall in windy conditions – try not to camp beneath trees.
Department of Conservation
Current alerts
Lake Taylor Campsite will be closed from 28 to 30 January 2026, as an arborist will be working on site. No camping will be allowed during this time.
Posted 23 December 2025
Alerts are point-in-time. Check DOC for current alerts before you travel.
Sourced from the Department of Conservation. The campsite facts and the dog rule on this page come from DOC and are used under CC BY 4.0. Details change with the seasons, the DOC page is the source of truth. The terrain drawing above is our own, computed from elevation data.