Ōtaki Forks Campsite sits within Tararua Forest Park in the Wellington/Kapiti region, about 19 km inland from Ōtaki township and roughly 1. 5 hours' drive from Wellington or Palmerston North.

It serves as a base at the main western entrance to the park, where the Waiotauru River meets the surrounding forest landscape. The campsite offers up to 150 unpowered sites and is accessible by car, campervan, and caravan.

Three access points lead directly to the Waiotauru River, with good swimming holes nearby. Facilities include flush toilets, tap water (untreated — boil before use), and cooking shelter. The site is wheelchair accessible, and dogs on a leash are permitted.

No rubbish facilities are provided, so visitors must pack out their waste. From the campsite, activities include swimming, fishing, kayaking, and tramping into the Tararua ranges. Bookings are required, and the campsite operates seasonally.

The surrounding open river terraces and regenerating bush reflect the area's history of farming and sawmilling.