Image: Ayesha Harnett | Creative Commons
Lake Taylor.
Lake Taylor Campsite

Located in Lake Sumner Forest Park in the Canterbury region

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.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
  • Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Pay online at the time of booking.

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. 

Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book. 

Bookings

Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Friday 15 May 2026.  

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
  • Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
  • Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Bookings are required all year.

Book Lake Taylor Campsite online.

Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.

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.

Location

NZTM2000: E1538614, N5263862
Latitude: -42.77354706, Longitude: 172.25385563

Trees or branches may fall in windy conditions – try not to camp beneath trees.