Avoid the Crowds at These 5 Local Campsites

Kate Patrimonio

Last updated 26 Mar 2024

Enjoy a piece of nature to yourself at these lowkey campsites!

When people think of Hong Kong, fast-paced business districts immediately come to mind. It's a concrete jungle where people from all sorts of industries work hard and play hard—and that includes us. As much as we love the hustle, our bodies crave to reconnect with mother nature every once in a while. Good thing Hong Kong is made up of more than 200 islands, 40% of which are natural reserves and parks open to the public.

Imagine not only exploring Hong Kong’s environmental wonders but also spending the night surrounded by nature under the stars. Sounds awesome, right? From coastal campsites with a view to tropical rainforests within lush mountains, we list down 5 local camping sites for an overnight camping experience that will recharge your soul. The best part? We made sure that it’s far away from the maddening crowds.

1. Tung Lung Chau

Along the coast of Clear Water Bay Peninsula lies Tung Lung Chau, a small island best known for its rugged shoreline, historical sites, and outdoor activities fit for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to scale its imposing landscape via rock climbing, or opt for a leisurely stroll through the many hiking trails all over the island. You can also check out a few historical sites on your visit, such as Hung Shing Temple and a prehistoric stone carving thought to be the largest of its kind in Hong Kong.

The scenic camping grounds can be found on the northeast side of the island, accessible via two piers a few minutes away. Enjoy an overlooking view of the South China Sea and a great selection of nearby local restaurants. Picnics are also possible with the use of the campsite’s benches, tables, and barbecue grills.

Klook tip: An average of five ferries travel to Tung Lung Chau on weekends, so make sure to check your chosen pier’s schedule ahead of time.

Location: Tung Lung Chau Island, New Territories, Hong Kong
How to get there: Ride a ferry from either Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier (accessible via Yau Tong MTR) or Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter (Sai Wan Ho MTR)

2. Long Ke Campsite, Sai Kung

Now that the summer season is here, trips to the beach are high on everyone’s list. But instead of squeezing in with the crowd at the famous Big Wave Bay, why not camp in Long Ke Wan instead? This tropical campsite’s soft sand and crystal clear waters make for a picturesque weekend getaway. A beginner-friendly walking trail from Pak Dam leads to the accessing point of the beach, which is surrounded by ancient rock formations worthy of exploration.

Make your visit a stress-free holiday by booking a two-day hiking and camping experience via Klook. No need to worry about meals or camping tents because both are included in the price. What’s better is that you’ll get to enjoy the company of a professional guide and other outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy hiking, stargazing, and a peaceful stroll by the beach in this group tour.

Book a 2D1N hiking and camping tour with fellow nature lovers through Klook!

Location: Long Ke Wan, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
How to get there: From Sai Kung Town, ride to the end of Sai Kung Man Yee Road. Start from the dam over High Island Reservoir and continue hiking up north via Section 1 of the MacLehose Trail.

3. Tung Ping Chau

Take a walk on the wild side of Tung Ping Chau, an outlying island included in the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Its rocky landscape is made up of shale rock and siltstone, layered sedimentary rocks that have helped shape the island’s dramatic cliffs and rock formations. Catch the towering Kang Lau Shek (Barbican Stone) overlooking the sea, or marvel at the Lung Kok Shui’s shape that resembles the spine of a dragon. There are more of these shapely landforms by the western coast, so let your imagination run wild for a fun hike along the walking trail.

Just when you thought Tung Ping Chau couldn’t get any more beautiful, nightfall comes and proves you wrong. Its distance from the cities allows campers a full view of the twinkling night sky and tranquility unlike no other. The campsite has functioning toilets and eating areas, as well as a barbecue pit if you ever fancy a grilled meal. Small restaurants are also available to guests.

Klook tip: Since it’s a remote location, the signal is weak in Tung Ping Chau. The ferries only visit the island a few times a week so make sure to time your visit accordingly to avoid being stranded.

Location: Tung Ping Chau, Plover Cover Extension Country Park, Hong Kong
How to get there: From Ma Liu Shui Pier, take the Tsui Wah ferry and alight at Wong Ye Kok Pier.

4. Hok Tau

Hidden amidst the trees of rural Pat Sin Leng Country Park is Hok Tau, a small campsite frequented by local wildlife. Its remote location is surprisingly easy to visit, but still offers a secluded setting for campers looking for some quiet alone time. Its surrounding forest and proximity to a freshwater stream lend a cool respite from the summer humidity of the city. See more of the land area via Ping Fung Shan and Pat Sin Leng, hiking trails that will test your stamina.

The campsite’s facilities are an improvement compared to other government camps - the grounds are paved and cleared, there’s a barbecue pit good for groups, a few working sinks, and most importantly, the toilets flush. Although its size is limited, it has a cozy feel to it that promotes social interaction.

Location: Hok Tau, Pat Sin Leng Country Park, New Territories, Hong Kong
How to get there: From Fanling MRT Station, take a minibus (52B) and alight at Hok Tau Tsuen Terminus. Hok Tau Reservoir is a 15-minute walk from Hok Tau Road.

5. Nam Fung Wan (Yuen Ng Fan)

If you’re an experienced hiker and camper, then Nam Fung Wan is the challenge you’ve been waiting for. The camping site is deep in the thick jungles of Yuen Ng Fan and the hike towards its location may prove intense for beginners. However, what makes it worth the sweat is the panoramic view of the nearby High Island Reservoir and the gentle sound of waves that carry over to the campsite. You can also enjoy extreme water sports at the West Dam.

In addition to its teeming greenery, Nam Fung Wan’s remote location never fails to grant campers a starry night. You won’t even need fancy stargazing equipment; all you need to do is look up and keep a close eye on any meteors. It’s also worth mentioning that the camp runs on limited facilities, so expect to bring additional items during your stay.

Location: Nam Fung Wan, Sai Kung West Country Park
How to get there: You can either ride bus 94 at Sai Kung Bus Terminus (weekdays) or bus 96R at Diamond Hill Bus Terminus (public holidays) to Pak Tam Chung. From there, take the Man Yee Road to High Island Reservoir. Once you reach the junction of Sheung Yiu Country Trail and Man Yee Road, turn on your right-hand side until the secondary dam before West Dam. Continue on to the country trail for 15 minutes until you arrive at the campsite.