Mangatainoka Campsite sits beside the Mohaka River in Kaweka Forest Park, adjacent to the Mangatainoka Hot Springs — three soaking pools set on a small manuka terrace with decking and valves to control water flow.

The campsite is free to use and can be reached by a 3–4 hour tramp from the end of Makahu Road, roughly 75 km north-west of Napier, with all major river crossings bridged along the well-marked track.

The site is also a popular destination for paddlers running the upper Mohaka River, who pull out at a sandy beach on river-right to find an established camping area complete with a steel BBQ, picnic tables, and glow-worms nearby.

Note that land upstream of the hot springs is private, and the access ford 7. 5 km from the road end can become impassable after heavy rain.