Are you ready for a new adventure in Hong Kong after all those beach days and barbecues? Look no further! We’ve carefully curated a list of the best camping sites and spots that promise an unforgettable outdoor experience. With Hong Kong’s autumn weather at its finest, it’s the perfect time to pitch your tent, gather around the firepit, and immerse yourself in the magic of camping!
Chek Keng — Sai Kung
Chek Keng is a popular camping spot in Sai Kung, despite being an unofficial campsite. Here, you can visit the 19th-century Holy Family Chapel, a Grade II historic building near section 2 of Maclehose Trail, or take the challenge and hike up Sharp Peak, which is just 25 minutes away.
Most campers prefer settle on the grassy area near the water; however, it is strongly recommended to pitch your tent on higher ground to avoid the risk of water damage during high tide. As it is not a recognised campsite, visitors should plan responsibly, especially since facilities may be limited. Luckily, there are stores nearby for supplies, and the area tends to provide a quieter camping experience.
Difficulty: Medium
Facilities: Public toilet, stores
Source of water: Tap
Where: Chek Keng, Sai Kung
Getting there: Take Bus 94 from Sai Kung Town Centre and get off at Wong Shek Pier, then take ferry or kaito to Chek Keng
Grass Island — Tai Po
Grass Island, or Tap Mun, is one of the most popular camping spots in Hong Kong, despite being an unofficial campsite. Many campers come for the vast grassy areas and stunning ocean views. Since it’s not an official site, the facilities are basic. You can enjoy delicious sea urchin fried rice at the village while soaking in the tranquil surroundings. Just be sure to pack enough supplies and warm clothing for the chilly evenings!
Difficulty: Easy
Facilities: Pavilions, stores, and public toilet
Source of water: Tap
Where: Grass Island, Tai Po district
Getting there: Take Bus 94 from Sai Kung Town Centre and get off at Wong Shek Pier, then take ferry to Grass Island (Tap Mun)
Hok Tau — Tai Po
Hok Tau Campsite is a beginner-friendly campsite in Tai Po. Set at the base of Shek Au Shan, you can camp and hike to nearby Lau Shui Heung Reservoir and Sha Lo Tung, an ancient village that has perhaps the largest dragonfly habitat in Hong Kong. Thanks to its abundant trees, you can enjoy the sounds of birds and cooler temperature by the streams, even in the summer heat. It is well-equipped with amenities including barbecue pits, toilets and showers.
Difficulty: Easy
Facilities: Barbeque pits, benches and tables, clotheslines, bathrooms, pavilions and flushing toilet with sinks
Source of water: Tap
Where: Hok Tau, Pat Sin Leng Country Park
Getting there: Take Minibus 52B from Fanling MTR Station and get off at Hok Tau Tsuen Terminus then walk towards Hok Tau Reservoir
Long Ke Wan — Sai Kung
This small campsite is great for experienced outdoors lovers! You’re next to Long Ke Wan, a calming beachside location with clear water and a refreshing sea breeze. The High Island Reservoir is equally stunning. The site provides a welcome break from the busy city. Facilities include barbecue pits, tables, and toilets, and you can find MacLehose Trail (Stage 2) hiking routes nearby.
Difficulty: Easy if you take kaito; Hard if you hike over with camping gear
Facilities: Barbeque pits, benches, tables and dry toilet pits
Source of water: Seasonal stream water supply
Where: Long Ke Beach, Sai Kung East Country Park
Getting there: Bus 94/96R from Diamond Hill MTR Bus Terminal on Sundays/holidays, or Minibus 7 from Sai Kung Town, alighting at Pak Tam Chung, followed by a hike. Alternatively, take kaito from Sai Kung Town Centre
Man Cheung Po — Lantau Island
This is an easily accessible but small-sized campsite. Fully equipped with barbecue pits, tables and benches, toilets, clotheslines, and proper drainage, you’re close to Tsz Hing Monastery and numerous pools, rock formations, and beautiful flying dragon imagery, all of which are very Instagrammable! Immerse yourself in nature with a soothing waterfall and wonderful birdsong and take life at a slower pace.
Difficulty: Easy
Facilities: Barbeque pits, benches, cloth lines, drains and tables, dry toilet pit
Source of water: Seasonal stream water supply
Where: Man Cheung Po, Lantau South Country Park
Getting there: Bus 11 to Tai O runs from Tung Chung Town Centre, then enter through Keung Shan (South) Catchwater and along Lung Tsai Ng Yuen to the end. This takes you to Lantau Trail (Section 5) where you’ll end up at the campsite
Nam Fung Wan — Sai Kung
Another hiker’s dream, with quick access to the MacLehose Trail and Chong Hing Water Sports Centre for activities including surfing, canoeing, kayaking, and sampan riding in the lake. The reservoir provides stunning scenery as does the adjacent Sheung Yiu Country Trail, with plenty to do for active families, couples, and friendship groups! Facilities include barbecue pits, tables, and toilets. Again, bring your own water.
Difficulty: Easy
Facilities: Barbeque pits, benches and tables, dry toilet pits
Source of water: Seasonal stream water supply
Where: Nam Fung Wan, Sai Kung East Country Park
Getting there: Bus 94/96R from Diamond Hill MTR Bus Terminal on Sundays/holidays, and hike along the MacLehose Trail (Stage 1)
Nam Shan — Lantau Island
This is a large campsite with barbecue areas and additional cooking space, tables, clotheslines, raised camping platforms, bathrooms, and flushing toilets (!) – you’ve also got access to tap water. The site is perfect for beginners and a favourite for school trips. You’re also near Nam Shan Viewing Point and Lantau Trail (Stages 1 & 2).
Difficulty: Easy
Facilities: Pavilion, barbeque pits, benches and tables, cloth lines, cooking places, camping platforms, bathrooms and flushing toilets with sinks
Source of water: Tap
Where: Nam Shan, Lantau South Country Park
Getting there: All buses from Mui Wo, or Bus 3M from Tung Chung Town Centre and get off at Nam Shan
Ngong Ping — Lantau Island
For a weekend getaway on Lantau Island, why not stay a night at Ngong Ping Campsite? Featuring six well-equipped tent spaces, each with tables and cooking areas, it’s beginner- and family-friendly. Add a trip to the iconic Big Buddha and head to Tai O Fishing Village the next day for a relaxing experience. To reach the campsite, you can even ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car.
Difficulty: Easy
Facilities: Benches, cooking places, tables, camping platforms and flushing toilets
Source of water: Tap
Where: Ngong Ping, Lantau South Country Park
Getting there: Take Bus 23 or Ngong Ping 360 from Tung Chung Town Centre and get off at Ngong Ping
Ngong Ping — Ma On Shan
That’s right, there’s more than just cable cars at Ngong Ping! This is a fairly large campsite with access to several fantastic viewpoints, including Pyramid Hill. You’re in good company, too, as local nature and wildlife make their homes at this site. The woodland has fabulous feng shui too… what’s not to like? Facilities include barbecues, benches, toilets, and good drainage, but bring water.
Difficulty: Medium
Facilities: Barbeque pits, benches, tables, drains, dry toilet pits
Source of water: Seasonal stream water supply
Where: Ngong Ping, Ma On Shan Country Park
Getting there: Minibus NR84 from Ma On Shan, alighting at the Village terminus, or Minibus 3 to Po Lo Che, followed by a hike.
Pak Fu Tin — Lantau Island
Experienced campers will love this site along Lantau Trail. You’ve got access to barbecue pits, plenty of tables, space for your clothes to dry, and bathrooms. Note that the water supply is solely stream water, so pack extra bottled water or bring purification tablets. You’ll be immersed in the woodlands of Mui Wo Valley for your trip which makes for a peaceful weekend or day out. Make sure to arrive early as the campsite is small and hosts 20 to 50 tents.
Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Facilities: Barbeque pits, tables, benches, drains, cloth lines and dry toilet pit
Source of water: Seasonal stream water supply
Where: Pak Fu Tin, Lantau South Country Park
Getting there: Bus 3M from Tung Chung or Mui Wo and get off at Nam Shan. Hike 30 minutes to reach the campsite
Po Toi Island — Outlying Islands
Nestled off the southern coast of Hong Kong, Po Toi Island is a hidden gem for camping enthusiasts. With its rugged terrain, breathtaking sea views, and unique rock formations (Hi, “Palm Cliff”), it’s a nature lover’s paradise. People are drawn to Po Toi for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning 360-degree views of the South China Sea. With only a few ferries making the journey each day, it’s the perfect spot for those seeking a true escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Keep in mind that there are only three restaurants on the island, so bring everything you need for your camping trip.
Difficulty: Medium
Facilities: Composting toilet located at a distance
Source of water: Water well near the pier
Where: Po Toi Island, Southeast of Hong Kong Island
Getting there: On Tuesdays and Thursdays, take kaito to Po Toi island departs once a day at 10am from Po Toi Ferry Terminal in Aberdeen. On weekends and on public holidays, ferries runs from Aberdeen. Campers usually choose to pitch their tents on the grassland near Palm’s Cliff. From the pier, hike about 45 minutes along a mountain path to reach this campsite.
Pui O — Lantau Island
Pui O Campsite is a “five-star” camping destination located right next to the serene Pui O Beach. Known for its superb facilities, including designated camp bays and barbecue pits, it perfectly caters to first-timers. When the tide is out, many people enjoy clam digging or simply relax while watching the sunsets at the beach. Weekends can be crowded, so advance booking on the LCSD website is highly recommended to secure your spot.
Difficulty: Easy
Facilities: Barbeque pits, benches and tables, pavilions, stores, restaurants, public toilet and changing rooms
Source of water: Tap
Where: Pui O Campsite, Pui O Beach, Lantau Island
Getting there: Take Bus 1 or 4 from Mui Wo or Bus 3M or A35 from Tung Chung Town Centre. Get off at Bui O Public School
Shek Pai Wan — Lamma Island
Only 25 minutes away from Central or Aberdeen, Lamma Island is probably one of the most convenient camping spots if you’re not far from Hong Kong Island. Surrounded by lush greenery and considered a must-visit destination for seafood lovers, Lamma is home to various camping sites. While most campers choose to go to the north of the island (Yung Shue Wan) to camp on Powerstation Beach, one of the best (and lesser-known) camping areas is on the south side of the island (Sok Kwu Wan). If you’re up for a remote camping experience on the beach, head to Shek Pai Wan. There aren’t many facilities, but there’s a shop that serves food and more.
Difficulty: Medium
Facilities: Stores, Public Toilet
Source of water: Bring your own water or get bottled water from the stores
Where: Shek Pai Wan beach, Lamma Island
Getting there: Take a ferry from Central to Sok Kwu Wan (see schedule) then hike 1 hour to Shek Pai Wan, or take a ferry from Aberdeen to Mo Tat Wan (see schedule) and then hike 0.5 hours to Shek Pai Wan
Tai Long Wan — Sai Kung
For an adventurous challenge, lace up your hiking boots and head to Tai Long Wan. While the steep slopes can be tough to tackle with camping gear in tow, the reward lies in the serenity and tranquillity of its pristine beaches. On the Tai Long Wan Hiking Trail, there are four stunning beaches nestled close to one another: Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Wan and Tung Wan. Among them, Ham Tin beach serves as an official campsite, equipped with amenities like barbecue pits, picnic tables, and clotheslines to support your outdoor experience.
Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Facilities: Barbeque pits, benches, cloth lines, drains, tables, stores and dry toilet pit
Source of water: Seasonal stream water supply or get water from the stores
Where: Ham Tin beach, Sai Kung East Country Park
Getting there: Take minibus 29R from Sai Kung Town to Sai Wan Pavilion, then hike for 45 minutes on Tai Long Wan Hiking Trail
Tai Mong Tsai — Sai Kung
A top choice for car campers, Tai Mong Tsai Campsite is easily accessible by private vehicles or public transport. Situated in Sai Kung West Country Park, this compact yet well-equipped campsite provides facilities such as pavilions, barbecue pits and public toilets. Surrounded by trees, this campsite offers peaceful environment to enjoy a retreat in nature. Nearby, you can hike to Cheung Shan, where panoramic views of Kau Sai Chau, Sharp Island and Sai Kung Hoi await on clear days.
Difficulty: Easy
Facilities: Pavilions, barbeque pits, benches and table, clothesline, drains, flushing toilets with sinks
Source of water: Tap
Where: Tai Mong Tsai Campsite No. 1, Sai Kung West Country Park
Getting there: Take Bus 94 from Sai Kung Town Centre and get off at Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp Station; or take Minibus 9 to Lady MacLehose Holiday Village
Tung Lung Chau — Outlying Islands
Another accessible campsite, surrounded by a Qing Dynasty era fort and an ancient dragon-like rock carving, perfect for those who want to learn a bit more about Hong Kong’s history. Facilities on this island off Clear Water Bay Peninsula include barbecue pits, tables, rubbish bins, and pavilions for shelter. Again, bring your own water.
Difficulty: Medium
Facilities: Barbeque pits, benches and tables, information boards, rubbish bins, pavilions and dry toilet pits
Source of water: Seasonal stream water supply
Where: Tung Lung Chau is off the tip of Clearwater Bay Peninsula
Getting there: Kaito ferries run from Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier in in Lei Yue Mun, and another from Sai Wan Ho
Tung Ping Chau — Outlying Islands
Truly a hidden gem, Plover Cove is home to Tung Ping Chau campsite with a fantastic view of Kang Lau Shek and beautiful flora and fauna to investigate. You’re also a stone’s throw away from a viewing point which is perfect for stargazing on clear nights, how romantic! Facilities include barbecue pits, tables, good drainage, clotheslines, toilets, and pavilions for shelter. Bring your own water.
Difficulty: Easy
Facilities: Barbeque pits, benches and tables, drains, clotheslines, pavilions and dry toilet pits
Source of water: Seasonal stream water supply
Where: Tung Ping Chau, Plover Cove Extension Country Park
Getting there: Tsui Wah ferries run from Ma Liu Shui Pier to Tung Ping Chau, then walk for 20 minutes to Sha Tau Tsuen. Ferries run from 9am on weekends with an extra 3:30pm ferry on a Sunday.
Header image credit: THEHKHUB
