The Department of Conservations Kauaeranga Valley campgrounds, which are located near Thames, have been severely damaged by vandals.

As a result, the grass fields have been turned into mud pits and the place has been trashed.

DOC ranger Peter Hall told Larry Williams the vandals targeted six out of the nine campgrounds.

"They are all quite significantly damaged and the visitor centre also was partly damaged."

LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER HALL SPEAKS TO LARRY WILLIAMS