Improved facilities and a campsite warden will welcome campers visiting Dickey Flat Campsite in the Waihi area this summer.

The changes are part of an upgrade to the riverside campsite, which will now reach the Department of Conservation's ‘standard category' and will cost adults $6 a night (children $2).

DOC's visitor assets programme manager Jeff Milham says the changes are intended to improve the visitor experience and provide some work for locals.

'The campsite is popular, but is in need of some care and attention, so we are upgrading the campsite, including four new toilets and some other site improvements.

'We are trialling a warden system to maintain standards”.

The overnight charge must be paid in cash on-site. No prior booking is required, but tent sites are limited to 35.

Dickey Flat Campsite is approximately 10km southwest of Waihi and is accessible by car from the end of Dickey Flat Road in the Karangahake Gorge.

It is accessible from State Highway 2 near Waikino or take the Old Tauranga Road turnoff near Waihi.

Activities include fishing in the Waitawheta River (permits available from Fish and Game New Zealand), walking, and sightseeing.

Fires are not allowed and dogs need to be kept on a lead.

The campsite is on the Crown Walking Track which links the impressive historic sites of the Karangahake Gorge with the Waitawheta Valley and the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park.

A number of day walks options are available, as well as overnight tramps via the Waitawheta Hut.