Lake Taylor Campsite
Lake Sumner Forest Park • Canterbury
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
- About
- Camp beside the lake and explore this highly scenic area by foot or mountain bike.
- Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shelter for cooking
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
- Toilets - non-flush
- Toilets
- Water supply
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only.
- Landscape
- Rivers and lakes
- Access
- Campervan, Car, Caravan
- Unpowered sites
- 15
About this campsite
Lake Taylor Campsite is very exposed to the weather. Check the weather before you go and take appropriate clothing and gear.
Fees and bookings
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 are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.
- 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.
Book Lake Taylor Campsite online.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
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.
Location
NZTM2000: E1538614, N5263862
Latitude: -42.77354706, Longitude: 172.25385563
Know before you go
Trees or branches may fall in windy conditions – try not to camp beneath trees.
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the campsite