Outdoor enthusiast and Chatteris Tutor G Zimmerman tells us the ins and outs of camping in Hong Kong.

 

As an avid lover of all things outdoors, when I first came to Hong Kong in the fall of 2021, I knew that I would enjoy the city for its beautiful country parks, pristine beaches, and endless hiking trails. What I was less prepared for, however, was how easy and accessible it can be to camp in all of these stunning locations across Hong Kong. For anyone interested in fully immersing themselves in the Hong Kong scenery (or even just doing one night at an official campsite), here’s my guide to camping in Hong Kong!

 

Why Go Camping

But first, why exactly should you go camping in Hong Kong? For starters, it’s way more beginner-friendly than you might think. With accessible gear rentals, drinking water, and even showers, some spots only require you to bring a change of clothes! For the more experienced campers, many locations exist in which you can feel lightyears away from the city while only being an hour and a half out. Camping in Hong Kong brings you closer to the nature that makes the city so special, exposing you to incredible flora, unexpected fauna, and the stars that so rarely make an appearance over the smoggy centre.

 

 

What to Bring

Food & Water

Ready to hit the trails? First things first: food and water. Always pack extra, just in case the water fountain’s off or the local shop is closed. And be sure to watch out for the wild boars and cows! Keep your food secure, or you might end up with a hungry cow raiding your campsite like these unlucky campers.

 

 

When planning meals, if you bring uncooked items, don’t forget your cooking gear. Essentials include pans, grills, fire starters, and a lighter. If you’re less keen to cook (like me), grab a Subway sandwich on your way. There’s a Subway location right by the Star Ferry Pier on the Central side that’s very convenient if you’re camping on any of the other islands that leave from there.

Camping Gear

Camping gear in Hong Kong is pretty standard, with the added bonus of rental options right at some campsites. Here’s a quick list of what you might need:

Must-haves:

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag or blankets
  • Food and water
  • Trash bag
  • Change of clothes
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunscreen and bug spray

Optional:

  • Sleeping mat
  • Camping pillow
  • Cookery
  • Fire materials
  • Hammock
  • Swimsuit and towel

Pack light since you’ll be hiking to your site, and remember, you’ll have to carry your trash back, so keep it manageable!

Clothing

Bring at least one change of clothes. In winter, it’s a great extra layer to stave off the chills, and in summer, it’s a dry backup after your first set inevitably becomes sweat-drenched. Long pants are a must for hiking—trust me, the foliage may look friendly, but it is not! And don’t forget your hat and sunglasses.

Cash

Some campsites are in areas where cash is king, so keep some on hand for food or boat rides to popular spots.

 

How to Get Camping Gear

Renting

Not ready to commit to gear? No worries! Renting is super easy in Hong Kong, especially at Ham Tin Beach and Pak Lap Bay, where you can reserve gear right from the shops on the beach. Just call ahead and bring cash. If those spots don’t work, check out Holimood for online rentals. They offer everything from basic gear to luxury setups without breaking the bank!

Buying 

Buying Secondhand: More keen to buy? Check out Facebook Marketplace and Carousell for second-hand gear. Just be cautious of scams—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many campers leave gear behind when they move, so you can almost always snag a deal!
Buying New: If you prefer to buy new, Decathlon is your best bet. They have a solid selection at reasonable prices, perfect for casual campers. This is the tent that my friends all use for only 399HKD!

Where to Camp

One of the reasons that I specifically love camping in Hong Kong is because of how many different options there are for camping experiences by location. Camping in the forest? Absolutely. Camping on a ridgeline? Of course! Camping by the beach? You know it! As well, Hong Kong has a couple of different campsite types to offer: from government-sponsored campgrounds, to campsites closer to facilities, and campsites far out.

Scenery Type

Forest Camping: Offers shade and a cosy vibe, especially in winter. Just keep food secure from the local wildlife!
Ridgeline Camping: Amazing views! Just be cautious of monkeys and make sure you have enough space for your setup.
Beach Camping: Great for swimming, but watch out for tides! Make sure you’re a safe distance from the water or your fire may fall victim to the sea as ours once did!

 

 

Campsite Type

Government Sponsored: Hong Kong has 41 government-maintained campsites, complete with amenities like running water and BBQ pits. Perfect for beginners, but they can get crowded.
‘Wild’ Camping: If you’re feeling adventurous, ‘wild’ camping lets you pitch your tent almost anywhere, as long as there’s no signage against it. ThruHikingHK is the source that I usually use when finding new camping destinations or daydreaming about my next trip. Just remember to pack out what you pack in!

 

When to Camp

You can camp almost year-round in Hong Kong! Spring and fall are ideal—warm enough for swimming but not too hot. Winter’s also lovely with fewer bugs and comfortable temps. And summer? Avoid, avoid, avoid! The heat and humidity alone can make it a sweaty ordeal, to put it lightly. Be prepared to battle relentless bugs, sweaty sunscreen dripping into your eyes, and the human-sized oven that will be your tent!

 

Conclusion

With all of these things in mind, I hope you’re ready to give camping in Hong Kong a shot! My friends who’ve joined me have always had a blast and can’t wait for the next trip. As long as you are cognisant of your surroundings and respectful of the nature that you’ll be immersing yourself in, you are sure to have an enjoyable and memorable experience no matter where you pitch your tent!

 

As a Chatteris Tutor, there are all sorts of opportunities to explore Hong Kong – click here to apply.