Kid-Friendly Adventures: Our Favourite Camping Spots For The Whole Family

Where the wild things are.

With so many awe-inspiring and incredibly diverse landscapes, it feels as though Hong Kong was made for camping. With mountains, beaches, marine and country parks, we’re spoilt with epic campgrounds to choose from. There are 41 government-controlled sites scattered around every corner of this SAR, equipped with washroom facilities and, in some cases, even showers! Many sites require hours of arduous hiking, while others are just a short car ride away. If you’re looking for easy to reach and convenient camping spots, then look no further than our top five, family-friendly Hong Kong campsites. 

Read more: Best Hikes For Families: Where To Go Hiking With Kids In Hong Kong

Kids and grown-ups alike love the little islet of adventure that is Tung Lung Chau. Dramatic views, plenty of coastline to explore and lots of hills to climb, make this camping getaway one for the whole family. It’s uniquely situated among ruins of a fort once used by pirates. There are a few restaurants and small shops on the island, but camping facilities are limited to dry-toilets and stream water only, so stock up on the essentials before arrival. Wet wipes, anyone?

Getting there: Catch a ferry from Sam Ka Tsuen Pier in Kowloon across the Victoria Harbour to Tung Lung Chau (every Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays) before strolling 20 minutes to the campsite.

Address: Tung Lung Chau Campsite, Tung Lung Island, Hong Kong (east of Hong Kong island)

For more information about the Tung Lung Chau campsite see the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website.

This site stands out as Hong Kong’s easiest to access, while also perfectly placed for convenience. With restaurants, shops, and public bus stops nearby, the beachside gem of Pui O offers truly hassle-free camping on Lantau Island. This site really does offer it all, right down to a pristine white sandy beach cradled by cloud-tipped mountains. Be sure to book in advance here or call 2852 3220 (open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6:15pm, closed Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays).

Getting there: From Central ferry pier six, take the Lantau Mui Wo ferry (the fast ferry takes around 30 minutes while the slow boat takes around one hour). On arrival, take bus number 1 or 4 from Mui Wo ferry pier, both go through Pui O. Alternatively, you can take the 3M or A35 bus from close by the Tung Chung Metro station.

Address: Pui O Campsite, Pui O Beach, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2984 1116

For more information about the Pui O campsite see the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Holiday Camp website.

Without a doubt, Ham Tin Wan is our favourite beach campsite in the whole of Hong Kong. This large stretch of sand acts as a magnet to weekend tent-pitchers, making it a great place for kids – and adults – to meet new friends. Upon arrival, you’ll find two restaurants, toilets, and even showers at this remote yet accessible spot by the sea. This an ideal weekend break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Getting there: Take a taxi or minibus 29R from Sai Kung Town to Sai Wan Pavilion, and hike for over an hour to the campsite. If you’re with younger ones the trek might be a bit challenging, so opt for speedboat tickets from Sai Kung pier (prices available on request) to get you there in easy, but exhilarating fashion.

Address: Ham Tin Wan Beach, Sai Kung East Country Park, Sai Kung, Hong Kong

For more information about the Ham Tin Wan campsite see the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website.

For those who prefer sunbathing the day away on the sand, but sleeping at night on grass, you’ll find a perfect blend of both at Lantau’s Lo Kei Wan. One path leads to and from this idyllic spot, where a robust tree line separates white sand and verdant campground. Make sure to stock up on everything before you arrive, as dry-toilets and seasonal river water are all that’s on offer.

Getting there: Taking bus 11 from Tung Chung to Shui Hau Village, you’ll need to walk 30-minutes up and down a few small hills before arriving at this secluded spot.

Address: Lo Kei Wan, Lantau South Country Park, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

For more information about the Lo Kei Wan campsite see the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website.

A journey through the picturesque rolling countryside of Sai Kung, will deliver you to a land lost in time. Complete with an abandoned village and dreamy little piers for children to fish from, this is an excellent place to unwind. Its campgrounds are fully kitted out with BBQ pits, dishwashing sinks, showers and flushing toilets that are well looked after, though you do need to book in advance and there might be a small fee for using the main YHA site. There is even a Hassle Free Camping option, which includes glamping tents kitted out with airbeds, pillows and bedding (even Bluetooth speakers!) and can be used all year round (from $540 for a group of up to three). However, there’s a grassy area next-door for the more adventurous “wild” campers, with access to the public washrooms. (Reservations and customer service: 2788 1638, main hostel: 2328 2458, info@yha.org.hk.)

Getting there: Take the 94 bus (96R on a Sunday) from the Sai Kung bus terminal to Wong Shek Pier, then take the Tsui Wah ferry to the Chek Keng pier, or charter a private motor-boat for around $150. The boat takes approximately 10 minutes (the hostel is located in front of the pier). If your family are up for a walk, take the 94 bus to Pak Tam Au and walk part two of the MacLehose Trail towards Check Keng Village (around 40 minutes).

Address: Bradbury Hall, Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association, Chek Keng, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong.

See the Hong Kong Youth Hostel Association website for more information about Bradbury Halls youth hostel and campsite.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on 29 March, 2017, and updated on 12 February, 2019.