Teetotal Campsite
Nelson Lakes National Park • Nelson/Tasman
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
- Use this campsite as a base to explore nearby Nelson Lakes National Park.
- Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible
- Toilets - non-flush
- Toilets
- Water supply
- Activities
- Boating, Kayaking and canoeing, Mountain biking, Skiing and ski touring, Swimming, Walking and tramping
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
- Landscape
- Alpine, Forest, Rivers and lakes
- Access
- Campervan, Car, Caravan
- Unpowered sites
- 12
About this campsite
This is an easily accessible campsite just west of the village of St Arnaud and close to the Nelson Lakes National Park.
It offers excellent mountain biking through summer and is connected to St Arnaud by a 1.2 km dual walking and mountain biking track.
Facilities
Nearest dump station is Kerr Bay Campsite in St Arnaud.
Fees and bookings
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
During summer: Pay at the onsite 'iron ranger' or at Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre in St Arnaud during opening hours. You may also pay the camp host if they are available (credit/bank card payment is accepted).
During winter: Pay at the Rotoiti/Nelson lakes Visitor Centre or use the self-registration kiosk.
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
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.
Getting there
Turn off SH63 1 km west of St Arnaud.
Access: gravel
Location
Latitude: -41.7928, Longitude: 172.8337
Know before you go
- Take repellent for sandflies.
- Dogs are allowed in Teetotal Campsite, just outside Nelson Lakes National Park, but are not allowed in the national park.
- Be aware of wasps in the summer months.
-
There is a firing range around 1.5 km northwest of the campsite. You are unlikely to hear any gunshots from the campsite, but you may see or hear the firing range if you go walking or biking in Teetotal recreation area. The firing range is fenced and signposted. If a red flag is flying at the range, expect to hear gunshots.
High fire risk
There is a year-round fire ban in this area. Never light a campfire here.
The vegetation surrounding Teetotal Campsite is highly flammable. A campfire in this area could easily get out of control and spread to St Arnaud Village and the National Park.
Activities
Mountain biking
Teetotal mountain bike tracks range from easy to expert.
Walking and tramping
Walking and tramping in nearby Nelson Lakes National Park covers short walks, day walks and overnight/multi-night tramps.
Water activities
Swimming, boating and kayaking are possible in Lake Rotoiti. There is a boat launch at West Bay and Kerr Bay.
Winter activities
Ice skating is possible on Duck Pond, right at the Teetotal Campsite.
The Rainbow Ski Area is 45 minute drive.
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the campsite