Camping is a fun and rewarding way to connect with nature. In Taiwan, the island’s diverse landscapes—from towering mountains and lush forests to pristine beaches and winding rivers—offer countless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. It’s also a fantastic activity for families, allowing you to create unforgettable memories together while escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.
However, for first-time campers, especially those used to the comforts of urban living, camping can feel like an entirely new challenge. Spending the night outdoors without air conditioning or a refrigerator may seem daunting. But don’t worry—this guide will introduce various camping styles, safety tips, essential equipment, and popular camping destinations in Taiwan. If you’re curious about camping, keep reading to find out more!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work!
Table of Contents
Types of Camping
Traditional Camping
This classic form of camping involves pitching tents at designated campgrounds. While seasoned adventurers might prefer finding a remote, untouched spot in the wilderness, most people will find it easier and safer to camp at established sites. These campgrounds often provide basic amenities like restrooms, showers, and waste disposal to ensure both comfort and environmental preservation.
In Taiwan and many other Asian countries like Japan and China, camping regulations are quite strict. Camping is usually only allowed in designated areas, where rules help maintain safety and protect the environment. Many campgrounds even offer rental equipment, though some require you to bring your own gear.
Glamping
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, glamping—short for “glamorous camping”—might be the perfect choice. Glamping sites in places like Hualien and Miaoli offer pre-set tents equipped with modern comforts, such as beds, air conditioning, and even on-site restaurants. It’s like staying in a hotel but with a touch of camping adventure, making it ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy nature without giving up convenience.
For international travelers, bringing your own camping gear can be bulky and inconvenient. Glamping offers the perfect solution—you get to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature without having to pack tons of equipment. Here are some great glamping spots in Taiwan. One of them, Glamping in Tainan by Vanaheim, also provides tents and space for campers who want to pitch the tents themselves.
Beach Camping
Beach camping is a popular option in coastal regions like Kenting. While the experience is similar to traditional camping or glamping, you can also enjoy water activities during your stay. However, always check local regulations, as some beaches may have restrictions or require permits for camping.
RV Camping
Camper vans are a growing trend in Taiwan, offering a hybrid of mobility and comfort. These converted vans come equipped with essentials like a bed, storage cabinets, and a small kitchen, making them perfect for short trips or camping adventures. For more details, check out our dedicated guide to RV camping in Taiwan: 7 Best Routes, Campsites, and Essentials.
Camping Tips
Weather Matters
Since camping takes place outdoors, weather conditions play a crucial role in planning your trip.
- Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers, such as cherry blossoms, make this season ideal for camping.
- Summer (June–September): Great for beach camping and swimming, but be mindful of typhoon season, which can bring heavy rains.
- Fall (October–November): With cooler temperatures and clear skies, autumn is perfect for outdoor activities.
- Winter (December–February): Southern or coastal regions are suitable for winter camping, while higher altitudes can get very cold.
During Taiwan’s plum rain season (May–June) and typhoon season (July–September), it’s best to avoid camping. Always check the weather forecast in advance to ensure a safe trip.
For a detailed breakdown of Taiwan’s weather, see our guide: Taiwan Weather by Month: Seasons, Temperatures, and Packing Tips.
Permits and Reservations
Some campsites, especially those in national parks, require permits. Here’s what you need to know:
- Commercial Campgrounds: Most commercial or public campgrounds in Taiwan do not require additional permits. Simply book your spot through the official website or a booking platform and pay the necessary fees. These campgrounds often provide full facilities, including restrooms, showers, and BBQ areas.
- National Parks and Nature Reserves: For camping in national parks or protected areas, permits are typically required and can be applied for online, check this out: Hike Smart Taiwan Service
- Yushan National Park: High-altitude sites like Paiyun Lodge require advance permits.
- Shei-Pa National Park: Popular spots like campsites near Dabajianshan require permits.
- Taroko National Park: Certain areas, such as the Tianxiang Campground, require permits, especially for eco-protected zones.
- Yangmingshan National Park: While camping areas are limited, specific locations may require permits.
- Alishan Forest Recreation Area: Some areas require advance booking and permits.
- Wild Camping: Camping outside designated areas is generally prohibited in Taiwan, especially in national parks and protected areas, where violators may face fines. In non-protected mountain areas, wild camping might not require permits, but adhering to “Leave No Trace” principles is essential to protect the environment.
Environmental Protection & Safety
While enjoying camping, it’s crucial to protect the natural environment. The golden rule is “Leave No Trace”—carry out all your trash, including food packaging, tissues, and non-biodegradable waste. To keep water sources clean, avoid washing dishes or dumping wastewater near them. Use eco-friendly cleaning products and dispose of wastewater away from streams or lakes.
Respect nature by refraining from picking plants or disturbing wildlife habitats. Follow the environmental rules set by the campsite. Avoid approaching wildlife for your safety and theirs, and never feed them to maintain their natural diets. Since food can attract animals, store it in sealed containers away from your tent.
For fire safety, only light fires in designated fire pits or using portable stoves to minimize environmental impact. Keep fires away from tents, tree branches, and flammable materials. Always supervise the fire and extinguish it completely before leaving or going to sleep.
Check the weather forecast before your trip. Be prepared for rain and wind. If severe weather (e.g., a typhoon) is expected, it’s safer to reschedule. For mountain camping, even after a typhoon has passed, risks like landslides, mudflows, falling rocks, and rising rivers may persist for days. Wait at least 1–2 days after light rain, 3–5 days after heavy rain, and up to 7 days in high-risk areas before camping. Pay attention to local government warnings in these regions.
Choose a flat camping area and avoid riverbanks or low-lying areas prone to flooding. Always carry a first aid kit with essentials like bandages, disinfectants, gauze, and mosquito repellent. Most importantly, familiarize yourself with the campsite’s emergency contact information and seek help immediately in case of encounters with dangerous animals or emergencies.
Gear & Essentials
What you pack depends on the campsite. While many campsites provide basic amenities, more remote locations may require additional gear.
- Tent: Ensure it’s waterproof, especially during rainy seasons.
- Sleeping Bag & Mat: Nights in the mountains can get cold, so bring warm options.
- Portable Stove & Cooking Gear: Not all campsites have BBQ pits—check beforehand.
- Lightweight Tableware: Durable stainless steel or plastic sets are ideal.
- Lighting: Headlamps or lanterns are essential for nighttime activities.
- First Aid Kit: Handle minor injuries and insect bites effectively.
- Trash Bags & Food Storage Bags: Carry enough to collect all waste and protect food from wildlife.
Camping Tips – Food Preparation
Unless you’re staying at a glamping site with restaurant services, you’ll need to prepare your own meals. Camper vans often include mini refrigerators, making food storage easier. For regular camping, bring non-perishable and easy-to-prepare ingredients.
Recommended Ingredients:
- Convenience Foods: Instant noodles, rice, bread, oats, and canned goods are lightweight and easy to prepare.
- Snacks: Nuts, dried fruits, energy bars, and chocolate are great for quick energy boosts during outdoor activities.
- Perishable Foods: If you have cold storage, bring marinated frozen meat (chicken, beef, or pork) for cooking at the campsite. An insulated cooler with ice can keep food fresh for 1–3 days, depending on the weather.
- Vegetables: Choose hardy options like carrots, cucumbers, potatoes, and onions.
Plan your menu in advance and opt for simple, one-pot dishes like stews, curries, or soups. These are easy to cook and clean up afterward. BBQ favorites like sausages, corn, and chicken wings are also great options for a classic camping experience.
Popular Camping Spots in Taiwan
- Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園)
Renowned for its dramatic cliffs and stunning marble gorges, Taroko National Park offers an awe-inspiring natural landscape. Visitors can hike scenic trails like the Shakadang Trail and capture breathtaking views of the rugged terrain.
- Camping Type: Traditional Camping
- Scenery: Towering cliffs, deep gorges, and marble canyons
- Cost: Free or low cost (depending on the campsite)
- Facilities: Restrooms, camping areas
- Cooking: Bring your own equipment; no centralized cooking area
- Equipment Rental: Not available; bring your own tent and cooking gear
- Difficulty: High—challenging terrain with gorges and cliffs. Requires outdoor skills and camping experience.
- Qingjing Farm (清境農場)
Qingjing Farm is a serene getaway featuring rolling hills and grazing sheep. Visitors can enjoy sweeping mountain views, farm activities like feeding animals, and the crisp highland air.
- Camping Type: Glamping, Traditional Camping
- Scenery: Panoramic mountain views, lush hills, and sheep pastures
- Cost: Higher for glamping; moderate for traditional camping
- Facilities: Restrooms, showers, restaurants
- Cooking: Designated cooking areas, BBQ options, nearby restaurants
- Equipment Rental: Tents and portable stoves available
- Difficulty: Low—ideal for beginners and families, with well-equipped facilities.
- Kenting National Park (墾丁國家公園)
Known for its pristine beaches and coral reefs, Kenting National Park is perfect for coastal camping. Visitors can enjoy beach activities like snorkeling and diving under the tropical sun.
- Camping Type: Beach Camping, Traditional Camping
- Scenery: Coastal beaches, coral reefs, tropical landscapes
- Cost: Moderate
- Facilities: Some campsites offer restrooms and showers
- Cooking: Bring your own equipment; some campsites have BBQ areas
- Equipment Rental: Limited tent and stove rentals at some locations
- Difficulty: Medium to high—basic facilities, suited for seasoned campers who enjoy beach adventures.
- Alishan (阿里山)
Alishan’s misty forests and towering peaks offer a mystical camping experience, especially during sunrise over the sea of clouds. The area is known for its iconic forest railway and serene hiking trails.
- Camping Type: Traditional Camping
- Scenery: Ancient forests, misty mountains, breathtaking sunrise views
- Cost: Moderate
- Facilities: Restrooms
- Cooking: Bring your own equipment; BBQ allowed
- Equipment Rental: Not available; bring your own gear
- Difficulty: Low to medium—accessible environment with stunning sunrise views, suitable for beginners.
- Green Island Camping (綠島露營), Taitung
Green Island offers an adventurous camping experience, combining coastal views with activities like snorkeling, diving, and soaking in saltwater hot springs.
- Camping Type: Beach Camping, Traditional Camping
- Scenery: Pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs
- Cost: Low
- Facilities: Some campsites offer restrooms
- Cooking: Bring your own gear; some BBQ areas available
- Equipment Rental: Not available
- Difficulty: High—remote island camping with marine activities, ideal for adventurous campers.
- Lanyu (蘭嶼)
Lanyu is a remote island paradise with unspoiled volcanic coastlines and crystal-clear waters. It’s a haven for diving enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility in a wild, untouched setting.
- Camping Type: Traditional Camping, Beach Camping
- Scenery: Rugged coastlines, volcanic formations, turquoise waters
- Cost: Free or low
- Facilities: Basic; some campsites have simple restrooms
- Cooking: Bring your own equipment; some BBQ areas available
- Equipment Rental: Limited rentals available in some areas
- Difficulty: High—remote and minimally equipped, ideal for adventure seekers.
- Hubaotan Campsite (虎豹潭露營區), Yilan
Nestled by a riverside, Hubaotan Campsite offers lush greenery, clear waters, and a family-friendly environment. Enjoy swimming, picnics, and peaceful countryside views.
- Camping Type: Traditional Camping
- Scenery: Riverside setting surrounded by greenery
- Cost: Moderate
- Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas
- Cooking: BBQ allowed; picnic areas provided
- Equipment Rental: Not available
- Difficulty: Low—ideal for families and beginners, offering a comfortable camping experience.
- Longpan Park (龍磐公園), Kenting National Park
For a rugged experience, Longpan Park features dramatic cliffs and open grasslands overlooking the ocean. It’s perfect for stargazing and exploring untamed landscapes.
- Camping Type: Beach Camping, Traditional Camping
- Scenery: Cliffside ocean views and expansive grasslands
- Cost: Free
- Facilities: None
- Cooking: Bring your own equipment; portable stoves recommended
- Equipment Rental: Not available
- Difficulty: Medium to high—basic facilities but rewarding for nature lovers.
- Qingjing Sky Ridge (清境天梯露營區), Nantou
Located in the central highlands, this mountain campsite offers panoramic views of valleys and peaks. Its cool climate is ideal for summer getaways and scenic hiking trails.
- Camping Type: Traditional Camping
- Scenery: Stunning mountain and valley views
- Cost: Moderate
- Facilities: Restrooms, showers, BBQ areas
- Cooking: BBQ areas available
- Equipment Rental: Not available
- Difficulty: Medium—requires basic camping skills.
- Wuling Farm (武陵農場露營區), Taichung
Wuling Farm is a favorite spring destination for cherry blossoms and summer retreats with cool mountain air and lush greenery.
- Camping Type: Traditional Camping
- Scenery: Cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery, and mountain views
- Cost: Moderate
- Facilities: Restrooms, showers, convenience stores
- Cooking: BBQ areas available; food can be purchased at convenience stores
- Equipment Rental: Tents and portable stoves available
- Difficulty: Low to medium—family-friendly with ample facilities.
- Lalashan (拉拉山露營區), Taoyuan
Lalashan offers tranquility amidst ancient trees and forested mountains, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and birdwatching.
- Camping Type: Traditional Camping
- Scenery: Ancient forests and serene mountain landscapes
- Cost: Moderate
- Facilities: Restrooms
- Cooking: Bring your own equipment; BBQ allowed
- Equipment Rental: Not available
- Difficulty: Medium—suitable for experienced forest campers.
- Dawu Mountain (大武山露營區), Taitung
Dawu Mountain offers secluded camping with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and forested landscapes. Its remote location is ideal for explorers seeking a challenge.
- Camping Type: Traditional Camping
- Scenery: Scenic ocean and mountain views
- Cost: Low
- Facilities: Basic
- Cooking: Bring your own equipment; portable stoves recommended
- Equipment Rental: Not available
- Difficulty: High—remote and minimally equipped, suited for experienced campers.
- Fenniaolin Campsite (粉鳥林露營區), Yilan
This coastal campsite features a pebbly beach and rugged shoreline, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking ocean views and tranquility.
- Camping Type: Beach Camping
- Scenery: Pebbly beach and coastal cliffs
- Cost: Low
- Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas
- Cooking: Bring your own equipment; BBQ allowed
- Equipment Rental: Not available
- Difficulty: Low—perfect for beginners and families.
Summary
Camping in Taiwan’s diverse landscapes offers a unique way to connect with nature. First-time campers should start with beginner-friendly spots and well-equipped campsites to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Remember, the key to camping is creating lasting memories, not stress!
