The best Wild Camping spots in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has many free official AFCD camping areas. However these can be busy, noisy, and quite frankly not great. If you really want to get away from it all, pack up a hammock or tent and head to one of these spots on the map below. From desolate island beaches of the North East to the grasslands of Tai Mo Shan, the more inaccessible the area, the better the spot, so be prepared to put in some work if you want to experience some of the more magical wild camping spots in Hong Kong.
Although technically illegal to camp outside the designated areas, it is a bit of a grey area, and with access to so much amazing countryside and beaches, there is undoubtedly a wild camping culture in Hong Kong. Authorities do tend to turn a blind eye if you are sensible but you do so at your own risk and remember to leave no trace. We have tried all of the spots below, without any trouble at all.
This is not an exhaustive compilation and we are always on the look out for new, special camping spots so please send an email if you know any we haven't included here and we will try them out and add them to our map.
Although technically illegal to camp outside the designated areas, it is a bit of a grey area, and with access to so much amazing countryside and beaches, there is undoubtedly a wild camping culture in Hong Kong. Authorities do tend to turn a blind eye if you are sensible but you do so at your own risk and remember to leave no trace. We have tried all of the spots below, without any trouble at all.
This is not an exhaustive compilation and we are always on the look out for new, special camping spots so please send an email if you know any we haven't included here and we will try them out and add them to our map.
Best for views - Tai Mo Shan Fire Lookout
You can't beat the views across Hong Kong from this delightful spot near the top of Tai Mo Shan. Take a taxi as far as you can up Tai Mo Shan Rd then take the path that leads to the fire lookout point. There is a handy stream nearby so you won't have to carry water.
Best stream camping - Ping Nam
You can hike in on the Nam Shan country trail and your spot is where the trail meets the stream. Even better, go light with a hammock and hike up the lower part of the stream, stopping for a swim under the many waterfalls on the way. This is a fantastic flat area that can accommodate hammocks easily or a couple of tents and you'll drift off peacefully to the sound of the water.
Best secluded beach - Soko Islands
We kayaked across from Lantau during Covid when there were no hydrofoil Macau ferries running. Not an option these days, but if you can find a way there you will be met with not one, but two stunning beaches all to yourself.
Best for families - Tung Ping Chau
Tung Ping Chau, the most remote island in Hong Kong has it all. Closer to China than HK, it's 1.5 hours on the ferry but the beach is a short walk from the ferry pier when you land. There are toilets, showers and plenty of nice restaurants around so you don't have to carry food or water. And the sea is crystal clear.
Best kept secret - Sam Po Shek
Maybe not so much of a secret due to the popularity at weekends, however if you can manage to get out early or find a spare weekday you will be rewarded with a spectacular raised grassy area with beautiful views out to the South China Sea.
Best forest camping - Shing Mun Reservoir
A short walk in from Pineapple Dam to the northern tip of Shing Mun reservoir will see you at a lovely forested area by the reservoir with some relaxing spots to pitch up a tent. There is a stream for water too. Just watch out for monkeys.
