Best camping sites in Hong Kong

While a beachside vacation may not happen anytime soon, camping in Hong Kong’s countryside might be your best option for a relaxing getaway for now. We’ve screened through all the choices out there and put together a list of campsites with fresh water supply, great stretch of space and even scenic views. Grab your tents and spend some quality time with family and friends at these idyllic camping spots – getting in touch with mother nature is just one ride away.

Read more: Camping gear essentials and where to get them

Long Ke Wan

Here we are at the third beach of Tai Long Wan. Just as its neighbours, Long Ke Wan also boasts crystal clear waters and fine sand. While the long stretch of white sand is very inviting, you can also pitch your tent in the grass field behind the beach. With fire pits nearby, throw a barbecue and enjoy the dazzling night sky with no skyscrapers in sight.

How to get there: From Sai Kung Town Centre, take a taxi to High Island Reservoir and follow the signs along the hike for Long Ke Beach. Alternatively, you can take a speedboat from Sai Kung Pier.

Wan Tsai Peninsula

If camping at the beach is not your thing, consider this campsite in Sai Kung. Tucked away in Hoi Ha Wan, Wan Tsai Peninsula holds a large expanse of greens, overlooking the blue waters. Although it takes a bit more effort to get there, the campsite is well-equipped with hygienic facilities, barbecue pits, benches and tables. Note that there are two separate campsites: Wan Tsai West Campsite and Wan Tsai South Campsite, both accessible via the Wan Tsai Nature Trail.

How to get there: From Wong Shek Pier, take the Wan Tsai-bound ferry. Once you’ve arrived at Wan Tsai Pier, follow the stony path and you will reach the campsite in five minutes. Alternatively, you can take green minibus 7 from Sai Kung to Hoi Ha Village, follow the Tai Tan Country Trail and you will arrive at the campsite in around 45 minutes.

Ham Tin

Crowned as a hidden gem also in Sai Kung’s Tai Long Wan, Ham Tin is also a camping favourite. Boasting white soft sand and gentle waves, the beach also has its own tuck shop that offers food and drinks. Though the beach takes a decent hike to reach, the scenes of sunrise and sunset at the beachfront are totally worth it. Don’t worry about carrying your gears all the way, tents and sleeping bags are also available for rental.

How to get there: From Sai Kung Town Centre, take bus 94 for Wong Shek Pier and alight at Pak Tam Au. Follow the track down MacLehose Trail Stage 2 and you’ll reach the campsite in about 75 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a speedboat from Sai Kung Pier.

Tung Lung Chau

One of Hong Kong’s most underrated island, Tung Lung Chau offers something for everyone. From family-friendly outings to rock climbing walls suitable for all levels, making it the perfect place to spend a day out of the city.  If you are looking to stay overnight, the island’s campsite is located on the northeast of the island with two piers located about 10 to 20 minutes away. This campsite is a great choice for all levels thanks to nearby local restaurants to give meal options as well as barbeque pits, benches, tables, information boards and rubbish bins spread throughout.

How to get there: Take a ferry from Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier in Yau Tong or Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter in Sai Wan Ho

Hok Tau

Located in Pat Sin Leng Country Park, Hok Tau Reservoir spans across Tan Shan River. Surrounded by three hiking trails, the campsite features a picturesque environment with lush greeneries and fresh water streams. After setting up your tent, take a walk to witness the magnificent dam and emerald waters. For hiking buffs, challenge yourselves to Ping Fung Shan and Pat Sin Leng.

How to get there: Take green minibus 52B from Fanling MTR Station and alight at Hok Tau Tsun Terminus. Walk along the road for Hok Tau Reservoir and you will reach the campsite in about 15 minutes.

Tap Mun

Also known as Grass Island, Tap Mun is filled with green meadows and friendly cows. After a breezy ferry ride, you’ll arrive at the secluded seaside neighbourhood of Tap Mun. Set right next to the shore, the campsite attracts campers and picnic-goers alike. When night descends, enjoy stargazing while listening to the splashing waves against the cliff. As a fishermen village, Tap Mun is also home to seafood restaurants and local stores so you don’t have to worry about food supplies.

How to get there: Ferries leave from Wong Shek Pier and Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier.

Read more: 10 day trips in Hong Kong when you can’t travel

Tai Tan Campsite

Just a walk from Wong Shek Pier, Tai Tan campsite is another perfect spot for camping amateurs. With a spacious field on the hillside, this camp site has basic amenities like barbecue pits and washrooms. If you’re up for a hike, follow the Tai Tan Country Trail for scenic views of Long Harbour. For a brisk walk, go with the Tai Tan Tree Walk which also features 18 tree species along the path.

How to get there: Take bus 94 from Sai Kung Bus Terminal for Wong Shek and get off at Tai Tan bus stop.

Sai Wan

Located on the eastern coast, Sai Kung’s Tai Long Wan is home to four beautiful beaches, one being Sai Wan. This campsite is popular for families and friends, especially during the weekends. Easily accessible via MacLehose Trail Stage 2, Sai Wan is also close to the Sheung Luk Stream and Sai Wan Stargazing Site.

How to get there: From Sai Kung Town Centre, take a taxi or minibus 29R to Sai Wan Pavilion. Follow the track down MacLehose Trail Stage 2 and you’ll reach the campsite in about 40 minutes.

Read more: Where to go stargazing in Hong Kong

Nam Shan

Situated on the south of Lantau Island, Nam Shan holds an extensive stretch of grassland. Its barbecue area is also the biggest in Lantau Country Park which can accommodate up to a hundred people. The tranquil yet accessible area is also just a walk away from the Nam Shan viewing point. There you’ll find sweeping views of Mui Wo and Pui O Bay.

How to get there: Take bus 3M from Tung Chung Town Centre and alight at Nam Shan station.

Pui O Campsite

Managed by LCSD, Pui O Campsite is equipped with 54 camp bays, barbecue pits and changing rooms. As the campsite sits right next to Pui O Beach, campers can enjoy a beach day while smoking up some s’mores on the site’s free barbecue pits. Applications for camp bays are available on-site, but do note that advance booking is needed during Chinese New Year holidays, Labour Day and National Day.

How to get there: Take bus 3M or A35 from Tung Chung Town Centre and alight at Bui O Public School.

Tung Ping Chau

Known for its unique geological features of rock formation, Tung Ping Chau is an island located closer to China then Hong Kong itself and boasts an incredible marine park along with rich vegetation and rare bird species. The campsite includes all the necessary facilities such as barbeque pits, benches, tables, drains and clotheslines. The area is popular for those chasing an idyllic sunrise. There are also few local restaurants open on the weekends and public holidays so set your alarm and enjoy fresh uni (sea urchin) over fried rice.

How to get there: Take a ferry from Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier on on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays

Read more: 7 hidden beaches in Hong Kong

This article is first written by Katrina Lau on August 31, 2020 and last updated by Melanie Cox on November 11, 2020.