Last updated October 2026
The Dunsdale camping area is in the Dunsdale Recreation Reserve at 370 Hokonui Road, about 36 km northeast of Invercargill in a straight line. It is seasonal: Southland District Council closes the reserve for winter each year from late April until late September or October, depending on ground conditions. This year’s closure began on 30 April, and the council’s map says the reserve reopens in late October, so check the site page before you set off.
When it is open, Dunsdale is one of the few council reserves where camping is allowed, tents and non-self-contained campers included. You can stay up to three days in any 30-day period.
Practical Information
- Address
- Dunsdale Recreation Reserve, 370 Hokonui Road, Dunsdale
- Distance from the city
- About 36 km from Invercargill (straight line)
- Season
- Closed for winter, late April to late September or October; current closure from 30 April until late October
- Who can camp
- Tents and non-self-contained camping allowed (council page)
- Maximum stay
- 3 days in any 30-day period
- Toilet
- Public toilet at the reserve (council map)
- Dogs
- On a leash in the camping area
- Fires
- No open fires; gas cookers allowed
- Generators
- 8am to 9pm only
- Cost
- Free
About the Dunsdale Camping Area
Southland District Council’s general rule is that camping on its reserves is not allowed. It has chosen to allow camping on some reserves, and Dunsdale Recreation Reserve is the one it names on its “need to know” page.
The site page includes a map of the area where you may camp, and the council publishes a separate, more detailed Dunsdale Reserve map.
The reserve sits on Hokonui Road, northeast of Invercargill. It is mapped as a tents-allowed area, so it suits tent campers and people in vehicles without self-containment as well as certified campervans. The council’s map shows a public toilet at the reserve. No water, power or showers are listed, so come prepared.
The stay limit is short: three days in any 30-day period, compared with seven nights in 30 days at the council’s standard designated sites.
Winter Closure
Each year the council closes Dunsdale Recreation Reserve for winter, from late April until late September or October. The reopening date depends on ground conditions.
For the current season, the council’s map says the reserve has been closed since 30 April and will reopen in late October. If you are planning a trip close to the reopening, check the council’s Dunsdale page or call the council on 0800 732 732 first.
Rules and Waste
Southland District Council’s Freedom Camping Bylaw 2015 sets the rules here. Open fires are not allowed at its designated sites, but gas cookers and gas barbecues are fine.
Dogs must be on a leash in the camping area, generators may only run between 8am and 9pm, and you shouldn’t freedom camp anywhere in the district for more than one month in any three months.
The council asks campers to leave the area clean, use public toilets where they are provided, drive only on formed tracks and protect native plants and animals. There is no dump station at Dunsdale.
The council’s map shows camper van dump stations at Winton, about 21 km away in a straight line, and Edendale, about 24 km away. The bylaw is under review, with formal consultation planned for late 2026.
Where to Learn More
Southland District Council: Dunsdale: the camping area map, the winter closure and the rules for this site.
Southland District Council: Freedom camping need to know: district rules, the bylaw and the downloadable Dunsdale Reserve map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dunsdale open now?
The reserve closes every winter from late April until late September or October. The current closure started on 30 April, and the council expects to reopen it in late October. Check the council’s page before you go.
Can I camp in a tent at Dunsdale?
Yes. The council says non-self-contained camping is allowed and maps Dunsdale as a tents-allowed area.
How long can I stay?
No more than three days in any 30-day period.
Is there a toilet?
Yes. The council’s map shows a public toilet at Dunsdale Reserve.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash in the camping area.
Where can I empty my tanks?
Not at Dunsdale. The nearest council dump stations are at Winton and Edendale.
Does it cost anything?
No. It is a free council camping area.
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