Young Forks Campsite
Backcountry campsiteLocated in Mount Aspiring National Park, OtagoOpen
Current advisories
Predator control for Mt Aspiring National Park
01 June 2026
A predator control operation using toxic bait containing 1080 was completed on 2 March 2026. The operation area includes Mt Aspiring National Park. It is open to the public with warning signs in place at key entrances. There may be toxic carcasses and bait (green coloured pellets) in the area. Do not touch the bait or animal carcasses. Water supply at the huts will be unaffected as tanks will be disconnected from the guttering, but as usual we recommend treating water before drinking. This operation is part of DOC's National Predator Control Programme to protect native species. First published on 16 September 2025. Last reviewed on 2 June 2026.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai alerts.
- Booking
- Not bookable
- Power
- None
- Toilet
- Non-flush
- Drinking water
- Boil first
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzThis campsite is part of the Gillespie Pass Circuit. It is approximately 4-6 hours walk in from the Blue Pools.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map and tracks
Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 44.17165° S, 169.14308° E
About this place
This is a walk-in, backcountry campsite in the Wanaka/Makarora area. Camp in the Young Valley as part of the Gillespie Pass Circuit.
On the way here
Gillespie Pass Circuit · 3 - 4 days
Makarora to Young Hut
Time: 6 to 7 hr
km Access to the Young valley is signposted on the left, 2.5 km north of Makarora. Cross the stile and follow the orange poles to the junction of the Young and Makarora rivers. Do not attempt to cross the Makarora River if: Trampers have drowned attempting this crossing. If Makarora River is too high to cross safely, there are three options Once across the Makarora, follow Young River on the true left to a swing bridge at the junction of the North and South branches (3 to 4 hours). The track divides after the bridge, and the Young Forks campsite is 200 m upstream, with an open shelter and toilet which campers are encouraged to use. The track to Young Hut (550 m) continues downstream to cross a grassy flat then enters the forest on the true left of South Branch, just beyond the junction. The track climbs steeply for 100 m and then sidles through a series of unstable slips to reach Stag Creek. From here, it’s a steady climb to Young Hut. Camping is not allowed around Young Hut. The cleared area is a helicopter landing site.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Fees and bookings
First-come, first-serve
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Young Hut
Serviced • 20 bunks • Otago • 4.3 km
Young Hut is a serviced 20-bunk hut located in the Wanaka and Makarora area of Otago. Bookings are required to stay at the hut during the summer season.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Siberia Hut
Serviced • 20 bunks • Otago • 7.5 km
Siberia Hut is a serviced 20-bunk hut located in the Wānaka/Makarora area of Otago. Booking is required for stays during the summer season and can be arranged…
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Makarora Cafe Motor Home Park
Otago • 11.3 km
Makarora Cafe Motor Home Park is a campsite located in the Otago region. The site is associated with the Makarora Cafe and is situated in the Makarora area.
Kerin Forks Hut
Serviced • 10 bunks • Otago • 11.4 km
Kerin Forks Hut is a serviced 10-bunk hut located in the Wanaka/Makarora area of Otago.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Siberia Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Marlborough • 408.7 km
Siberia Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the South Marlborough area.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby
Young River Link Track
Intermediate • 3 -4 hr • 14 km • 9.45 km away
Makarora Bush Walk
Easiest • 15 min • 700 m • 9.63 km away
Blue Valley Track
Advanced • 2-3 hr one way to Camp Flat • 2.5 km to Camp Flat • 9.92 km away
Mount Shrimpton Track
Advanced • 5 hr return to bush edge • 6 km • 10.69 km away
Blue Pools Track
Easiest • 1 hr 30 min return • 3.2 km • 10.85 km away
Contact
Wānaka Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park
Regional DOC service centre.
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- OpenStreetMap Campsites · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.
- DOC Campsites (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).