5 Campsites in Hong Kong to spend the weekend outdoors

As built up as Hong Kong may be, it also has places that take you away from the city without needing to go overseas or take time off work. Between the numerous parks, outlying islands and long lines of beaches, you can find a proper campsite and spend a night under the stars less than an hour from your door. 
In fact, there are 41 designated campsites, as listed on the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, most free and available on a first-come-first-served basis.
October to April tends to be the most comfortable stretch to camp. It’s too hot and humid in summer and you sure don’t want to be caught outdoors during typhoon season. 
Here are five spots to consider if you're just starting out: 

1. Pui O

Pui O is about as close to a starter campsite as Hong Kong gets. It sits directly by Pui O beach on Lantau, with 54 camp bays, free barbecue pits, and toilets and showers, that are shared with beachgoers. Since it’s right by the beach, it’s a great place to view the sunset.  
Small shops and beachfront kiosks sell drinks, snacks and basic supplies nearby, so you can get food and equipment if you plan to have a barbeque. 
Kids can spend the afternoon digging for clams at low tide. It gets busy on weekends and public holidays, so arrive early.
Location: Lantau Island

2. My Seaside Park

For those who’d rather skip the tent pitching, My Seaside Park is a paid, privately run site with glamping tents, kitted out with mattresses, though a bring-your-own-tent (BYOT) option exists too at a lower price. 
A small on-site canteen offers drinks and snacks for purchase and other camp essentials such as mosquito coils. There’s even a small refrigerator per camp provided. The site's biggest draw is beginner-friendly surf lessons, available for both kids and adults, right off the beach it backs onto. Pets are allowed too. 
Location: Cheung Sha, Lantau Island

Saiyuen turns camping into more of an adventure weekend than a wilderness excursion. Spread across roughly 11 acres on Cheung Chau's southwestern tip, it offers a range of glamping options from fully equipped tents with proper beds and aircon, to themed options such as a dome-shaped tent, Mongolian ger, Native American teepee, and African safari tent. A Wild Camping option lets you pitch your own tent but you still get access to the site’s drinking water dispenser, showers and washrooms.
Within, the adventure park is home to rock climbing and tree top canopy walk, bubble soccer, and archery combat. For those who fancy something less strenuous, there are also arts and craft workshops, simple lawn games, cooking workshops and pickleball. 
Weekends fill up fast, so book ahead.
Location: Cheung Chau

4. Sai Wan

Located in Sai Kung East Country Park, the Tai Long Sai Wan campsite is widely considered one of the area’s most scenic spots. Four beaches make up the bay — Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Tai Wan, and Tung Wan. It’s also a popular surf spot, with Sai Wan being beginner-friendly and Tai Wan catering to more experienced surfers.
Adjacent to Section 2 of the MacLehose Trail, it allows hikers to easily combine camping with an outdoor trek. The trail is moderately difficult, but if you aren't up for a strenuous hike, you can head to the nearby waterfalls along Sheung Luk Stream instead.
At the main Sai Wan beach area, you'll find three small eateries: Hoi Shan Restaurant, Oriental Restaurant and Bar, and Waves Cafe.
As the campsite is quite exposed, you’ll be subject to the elements and high tides, so take care not to pitch your tent too close to the water.
Location: Sai Kung

5. Tung Lung Chau

Tung Lung Chau is the most stripped-back option here, and worth knowing that going in. It's a small, largely uninhabited island best known for rock climbing and the ruins of a Qing dynasty fort. Enjoy some light hiking to Nam Tong Peak, the highest in the area, which rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and islands. Don’t miss a piece of ancient history while you’re here. Follow signs from the public pier to Hong Kong’s largest and possibly prehistoric rock carving that resembles a dragon. 
Ferry services only run on weekends so it can be crowded at times. There are a couple of small eateries, Holiday Store and South Garden Store, so you can still grab a bite if you don’t have enough food. 
Location: New Territories

Wherever you decide to go, be sure to check the weather forecast for sudden changes, if there are fire warnings and make sure you’re well prepared with sufficient food, water and gear.