The Best National Parks in Kenya for Camping

BLACK LEOPARD 4X4 HIRE
2 days ago
3 min read

Camping in Kenya isn’t just about pitching a tent anywhere scenic, it’s about knowing which national parks actually allow camping, what type of camping is permitted, and what level of preparation is required.

Some parks offer well-maintained public campsites with facilities, while others only allow special campsites, unfenced, unfacilitated, and reserved exclusively for you. Understanding the difference can make or break your trip.

Below is a practical guide to the best national parks in Kenya where camping is allowed, what kind of camping experience each offers, and who they’re best suited for.

1. Lake Nakuru National Park

Our Jimny 5 door at Rhino special campsite - Narkuru National Park

Best for: First-time campers, short safaris, easy access

Lake Nakuru is one of the easiest and most rewarding places to camp in Kenya. The park is compact, wildlife-dense, and well-managed, making it ideal if you want to camp inside a national park without committing to a long, remote expedition.

You’re allowed to camp at:

Makalia Falls Campsite (public) – with toilets, showers and dedicated cooking area safe from Baboons!
Several special campsites (Kambi Nyati, Rhino, Reedbuck, Chui) – private and fully self-sufficient

Read our Nakuru camping guide for more info.

Why it’s great:

Excellent roads
High chances of seeing rhino, giraffe, buffalo, and lions
Iconic viewpoints like Baboon Cliff

Good to know: Special campsites have no facilities, so you need to arrive fully equipped.

2. Tsavo East National Park & Tsavo West National Park

One of our Defender 110's at the Shetani Lava Flow - Tsavo West

Best for: Space, scale, proper wilderness camping

Tsavo East and West are vast, dramatic, and far less crowded than parks closer to Nairobi. Camping here feels big! Long distances, open landscapes, and fewer vehicles.

You’ll find:

Public campsites with basic facilities
Remote special campsites deep inside the park

Why it’s great:

Classic red-elephant landscapes
Huge sense of scale
Excellent for multi-day camping safaris

Good to know: Distances are long and some tracks are rough, a capable 4×4 is essential.

3. Amboseli National Park

Our fully equipped Hilux at Manjaro campsite - Amboseli

Best for: Iconic views, photography, short camping trips

Amboseli offers one of the most recognisable camping backdrops in Africa, elephants crossing open plains with Mount Kilimanjaro rising behind them.

Camping options include:

Public campsites with basic facilities
Limited special campsites for private groups

Some of the best campsites lie outside the park, such as Manjaro Campsite. Read our Amboseli Camping Guide for more detail.

Why it’s great:

Incredible photography opportunities
Flat, open terrain
Easy to combine with a short safari

Good to know: Dusty conditions and strong winds mean good camp setup matters.

4. Hell’s Gate National Park

Best for: Relaxed camping, cycling, walking safaris

Hell’s Gate is one of the few parks in Kenya where you can walk and cycle, making it very different from the typical safari experience.

Camping is allowed at:

Well-established public campsites

Why it’s great:

Dramatic gorges and cliffs
Safer, more relaxed camping environment
Ideal for families and first-time campers

Good to know: Wildlife density is lower than Nakuru or Amboseli, this is more about scenery and freedom.

5. Meru National Park

One of our Defender 110's in Meru National Park

Best for: Experienced campers, low crowds, raw Kenya

Meru is one of Kenya’s most underrated parks. It’s remote, beautiful, and far less visited, making it perfect for campers who want space and solitude.

Camping options include:

Public campsites
Isolated special campsites along rivers and plains

Why it’s great:

Lush landscapes and rivers
Excellent wildlife with minimal traffic
Feels genuinely wild

Good to know: Preparation is key, fuel, water, and recovery gear matter here.

Public vs Special Campsites: what’s the difference?

Public campsites

Basic facilities (toilets, sometimes showers)
Shared with other campers
Easier for beginners

Special campsites

No facilities at all
Exclusive use for your group
More private, more immersive
Require full self-sufficiency

Many of Kenya’s best camping experiences happen at special campsites, but only if you’re properly equipped. Check out our fleet for a vehicle that can take you there!