Spring is a wonderful time of year in Taiwan. The weather is warming up after winter but hasn’t reached that unbearable summer heat, flowers are blooming, and with Lunar New Year behind us, people are in high spirits for the year ahead. A mecca for outdoor activities, along with hiking, heading to the beach and cycle and scooter trips, camping is an incredibly fun option for people in Taiwan looking to spend some time enjoying the great outdoors. With spring nights warm enough for you to be outside, a camping trip is ideal during this time of year. Organized by what part of the island they’re on, here is a guide to Taiwan’s best camp sites. (Read more: Glamping for kids in the heart of Taipei)
North Taiwan
Longmen Camping Site 龍門露營度假基地
Situated on the northeast coast in New Taipei City’s Gongliao district (貢寮區), Fulong/Fulong Beach (福隆海水浴場) is one of the most popular destinations for weekend getaways in Taiwan. Near the bank of the Shuangxi River (雙溪), the Longmen Camping Site is a 37-hectare area where campers can camp at a variety of campsites, including grass areas, wooden areas, automobile camping, as well as in log cabins. There are 231 spaces for camping in total, accommodating around 1,000 people. Food and other camping necessities are available to purchase onsite, while water sports and other campsite activities are available. Advanced booking is required, please check the price list (website in Chinese) for staying at Longmen. (Read more: 5 Fantastic Things to do Around Fulong Beach)
Bishan Campground 璧山露營場
In Taipei’s Neihu district (內湖區), Bishan Campground is home to 42 campsites for guests to enjoy a night in the forest. A short walk from the S2 bus stop at Bishan Temple (碧山巖), the campsite is free to stay at, as long as you apply in advance, and facilities include a bathroom with showers, picnic tables, and a large open area for gatherings. From the top of the hill, you have a great view of the Taipei skyline, including Taipei 101, which is extra spectacular at night. Check out this post from Foreigners in Taiwan for a more detailed look at camping at Bishan.
Na Sun Na Gu Camping Site 那山那谷
Located at Jinyang Village (金洋村) in Yilan county’s Nan’ao township (南澳鄉), the Na Sun Na Gu Camping Site has a variety of grounds for camping, including in the forest area, at the grassland area, and by the ecological fish pond. The campsite has excellent bathroom facilities, electricity, vending machines, and camping gear is available for hire. Local activities include tubing and river trekking, as the Nan’ao South River is just a very short walk from the camping site. Camping here costs $1,500 per pallet or turf campsite. You can find more info here. (Read more: Riding the River Rapids in Yilan)
Central Taiwan
CMP Village 勤美學
Ever wanted to go glamping in Miaoli? Art, nature, and a touch of Hakka culture, according to Taiwan Everything, here you can stay at Shangrilla Paradise, camping around the theme park’s impressive large bamboo dome. There are 15 yurt-like tents, each big enough to fit up to four people. They have A/C in the summer and heating in the winter, carpeted floors and the interior is dominated by an enormous bed complete with piles upon piles of pillows. A stylish restroom/washroom area, DIY experiences including pottery making, guest speakers leading courses, a stay here is a wonderful, unique experience, with stays starting at NT$3,800 per person.
Zhongzheng Camping Area 中正露營區
Fond at Taichung’s Dakeng Scenic Area (大坑風景區), this camping area can accommodate more than 1,500 campers and offers all the expected public facilities, as well as gear rental. The nearby Acacia forest houses both a butterfly and a firefly restoration area, with a popular time to come and see them fluttering around being between April and June. Other attractions in the area include Carton King Creative Park (紙箱王創意園區) and a hiking trail, while to camp here you must register at the camping administration office.
Southern Taiwan
Hu-Tou Pei Scenic Area 虎頭埤風景區
On Hutou mountain (虎頭山), around 15km away from Tainan, the scenic area is Taiwan’s first and oldest reservoir. Around the camping area there are several recreational/leisure facilities, including a swimming pool, barbecue area, youth activity center, restaurants, a dining center, Tiger Moon Pavilion, a lake-viewing platform, while fishing is also permitted with a license. Entry to the scenic area is NT$80 for adults, while discounts are available for the elderly and children etc.
Shady Tree Campground
In the wonderful Kenting National Park (墾丁國家公園), Shady Tree Campground near Jialeshui (佳樂水) is widely regarded as the best place for camping in all Kenting. In the middle of the park, giving you great access to all of Kenting by scooter, the campground, costing NT$250 per person, has platforms for tents, simple cabins, hot water showers, electricity and a communal area, while there is also the option of a private 8-person cabin with two bathrooms for NT$800 per person. (Read more: A First Timer’s Guide to Kenting National Park)
Eastern Taiwan
Taroko National Park 太魯閣國家公園
Home to the stunning Taroko Gorge, camping within Taroko National Park is a great option for those wanting to spend a day or two enjoying what the park has to offer. At Heliu Campground (合流露營區), at the eastern entrance of the Lushui Trail (綠水步道), campers can stay for NT$300 per night on one of the 12 wooden tent platforms. There are toilets and cold-water showers and there are no reservations, it is a case of first-come first-served. Lushui Campground 900m west of Heilu is also an option. There are no toilets or showers and as a result, camping here is free. (Read more: Explore Taroko Gorge)
Shitiping Campsite 石梯坪露營區
65km along the coastal highway in Haulien county, Shitiping is an area of dramatically terraced volcanic rock and raised-coral formations, with its name literally meaning stone steps. There is a basic campsite near the area’s visitor center where you can spend the night, which is perfect if you’re on a scooter trip around Taiwan. (Read more: Coastal Hualien – Taiwan’s “Secret” Backyard Garden)
Xiaoyeliu Camping Area 小野柳綠營區
In Taitung and costing NT$800 per ground on weekdays and NT$1,000 on weekends, Xiaoyeliu Camping Area is a great place to stop off on your east coast travels. There are 48 non-shelter platforms for tents, ten sheltered platforms, a barbeque pit, pay-per-use showers, toilets, and a small water park area for children. The site isn’t far from Fukang Port, which is the ferry port used for visiting Green Island. (Read more: Go Green: A Guide to Visiting Taiwan’s Green Island)
More options for springtime escapes in Taiwan…
- 9 National Parks to Visit in Taiwan
- The Taipei Grand Trail: Discovering the Secret Wildness of the Capital
- Five Wild Hot Springs in Taiwan
(Cover photo/Sleepoutside)
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