West Bay (St Arnaud)
About the campsite:
Set within the forested shoreline of Lake Rotoiti, West Bay Campsite offers a more rugged and spacious alternative to the popular Kerr Bay campground. This DOC standard site attracts campervan travellers seeking quieter surroundings, increased privacy and stronger wilderness atmosphere while remaining close to St Arnaud village services.
The campsite layout is spread across forest clearings with generous spacing between parking areas. Campervans and motorhomes can park beneath native beech canopy, benefiting from natural shade and wind shelter. Facilities are basic but reliable, consistent with DOC standard camping style and low impact environmental management.
The surrounding environment provides direct access to Lake Rotoiti swimming areas, kayaking launch points and lakeside walking tracks. Forest trails connect the campground with alpine foothills and backcountry routes, offering opportunities for both short walks and longer hiking adventures. Birdlife activity is constant throughout the day, adding to the tranquil lakeside setting.
For campervan travellers, West Bay works best as a multi-night base for exploring Nelson Lakes National Park. Staying longer allows visitors to enjoy both water recreation and forest walking without relocating camp. Arriving during daylight makes navigating forest access roads easier and improves site selection.
West Bay Campsite delivers authentic national park camping with space, privacy and direct access to one of the South Island most scenic alpine lake environments.
Address:
Mount Robert Road, Tasman Region 7072, New Zealand
Region:
Nelson Lakes
Campsite Type:
DOC Standard
Cost(pp) NZD:
15
Certified Self-Contain Only?
No