Lake Ōkaro sits south of Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty, a significant taonga (treasure) to the Ngati Whaoa and Ngati Tahu tribes. The reserve is accessible from Waimangu Road to the north and Ōkaro Road to the south.

This is a simple, quiet campsite with plenty of room and good shelter, making it an easy and accessible place to overnight, though space can get tight when it's busy. Facilities include composting toilets, picnic tables, electric barbecues on a timer, and a ski lane and boat ramp, all within a designated wildlife area.

A highlight is the easy 2.5km track around the edge of the lake, which includes short boardwalk sections and lovely wetland views. It's a well-liked little spot that visitors say they'd happily return to.