Pros & cons
PROS
- Wide views of glacial moraine and big-valley sunsets
- Quieter alternative right off Milford Road, handy for Milford Sound
- Flat, reasonably sheltered sites set back from the road
CONS
- No water facilities; drop toilet only
- Sandflies can be relentless
Overview
A low-key DOC campground tucked beside Kiosk Creek in the Eglinton Valley, this spot trades frills for Fiordland drama. You’re camping with front-row views of glacial moraine deposits and long evening light sweeping across the valley.
Setting & vibe
It sits just off the Te Anau–Milford Highway near Knobs Flat, but far enough from the road to feel peaceful. Expect open mountain vistas, birdsong in the mornings, and a west-facing aspect that hangs onto the sun late in the day.
Facilities & logistics
This is a DOC Standard campsite with basic facilities: a drop toilet and vehicle-accessible grassy areas for tents and vans. There’s no tap or filling station—bring all your own water. It’s first-come, first-served, and fires are only permitted in designated fireplaces when no fire ban is in place (check DOC’s current advice before you strike a match).
Wildlife
Birdlife is a genuine perk here. Campers report robins, tūī, bellbirds, tomtits, kingfisher, weka, and even kea overhead. Keep binoculars handy at dawn and dusk when activity picks up.
Little local wander
Follow the creek bed upstream and look for a faint track crossing—there’s a short jaunt to a small waterfall in under 10 minutes. It’s a fun leg-stretcher without leaving camp.
Why pick this over others
If you want a quieter, more natural feel than the larger Milford Road campgrounds, this is a sweet under-the-radar choice. It’s also a convenient overnight before a Milford Sound day.
Best time to visit
- Late afternoon to sunset: the west-facing valley lights up beautifully for photos and lazy camp chairs.
- Weekdays are typically very quiet; even in busier periods it sees lighter use than the big-name campgrounds.
- Expect limited mobile service; don’t rely on it for plans or weather.
Where it is
-44.9747, 168.0191Tips for Kiosk Creek Campsite
- 01Bring all drinking water—there’s no tap or filling station on site.
- 02Arrive by mid‑afternoon for your pick of the flattest, most sheltered spots.
- 03Pack sandfly repellent and cover up at dusk.
- 04Reception is limited here; download maps and info before you arrive.
- 05From camp, wander upstream along Kiosk Creek to a small nearby waterfall.
Amenities
Near Kiosk Creek Campsite
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayKnobs FlatMilford Road’s go-to pit stop with flush loos and valley viewsRestroom · Parking
1.8 mi awayDore Pass RouteRugged back door to the Milford Track—no boat required.Challenging · 6.2 mi · 6.1 hr
1.9 mi awayDeer Flat CampsiteRiverside DOC camp on Milford Road with big views and quiet vibesCampground · Restroom
3.3 mi awayUpper Eglinton CampsiteTiny DOC camp with big Eglinton Valley viewsRestroom · Parking
3.7 mi awayMirror LakesTiny lakes that perfectly mirror the Earl Mountains on calm daysTrailhead · Pullout
4.5 mi awayMistake Creek TrackWild beech valley to open flats with a walk wire and crossings.Challenging · 6.2 mi · 3.5 hr
5.2 mi awayMilford TrackFour days of rainforest, alpine pass, and waterfalls to Milford SoundChallenging · 33.2 mi · 22 hr
6.4 mi awayCascade Creek Nature WalkShort beech-forest loop with easy Lake Gunn and mountain peeksEasy · 0.9 mi · 45 min
