Spending time with nature through camping is something we should consider from time to time. It may not be glamorous, but camping can definitely bring something exciting as you’ll get closer to nature while you encounter new experiences on the ground.
And fortunately, as the Philippines is brimming with natural wonders, you can expect several camping spots across the country and even nearby Metro Manila. Here are 11 camping sites in the Philippines where you can take a breather away from the big city.
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Image credit: Anawangin Cove via Facebook
Few hours away from Metro Manila, Anawangin Cove in San Antonio, Zambales is a perfect camping site for those looking forward to escaping the stress of city life. Lined with trees and surrounded by majestic mountains, the cove features clear turquoise waters where you can swim and snorkel in peace.
You can pitch your own tent here, but if you don’t have the time to buy one, renting a tent starts at P500 (~USD9.05) per night.
How to get there: At Victory Liner’s terminal in Cubao, take a bus going to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales (P437, ~USD7.91) via Olongapo. Get off the bus once you’re in San Antonio, then take a tricycle (starts at P30, ~USD0.54) going to Barangay San Miguel or Pundaquit.
From Barangay San Miguel or Pundaquit, ride a boat (starts at P200, minimum of 10 people) going to Anawangin.
Entrance fee: P50 (~USD0.90) per head
Address: Anawangin Cove, San Antonio 2206, Zambales
Among the coves in Zambales, Silanguin Cove is the least touristy. And you can experience this cove by yourself by camping at Puerto Silanguin Beach Camping Resort, the cove’s camping site surrounded by reddish mountain ranges and pine trees.
Image credit: Puerto Silanguin Beach Camping Resort via Facebook
Rent starts at P2,000 (~USD36.08) per head, and the fee includes a round-trip boat tour.
How to get there: From Cubao, ride a bus to Iba, Zambales. Get off at San Antonio Market, then catch a tricycle to Pundaquit.
Address: Silanguin Cove, San Antonio 2206, Zambales
Contact: 0917 157 8502
Email: puertosilanguin@yahoo.com
Camping tends to be nature-themed, but you can also actually enjoy a camping experience while feeling the vibe of a Greek-inspired island. You can head over to Fortune Island, a 27-hectare island off the west coast in Nasugbu, Batangas that is known for its crumbling pillars and statues resembling the Greek Acropolis in Athens.
Camping on the island is allowed, with tent rentals starting at P300 (~USD5.41).
The island once housed the exclusive Fortune Island Resort Club, but the resort had to close in 2006 mainly due to a lack of freshwater sources. But the island has still become a tourist destination in Batangas because of the resort’s remaining Greek-inspired structures.
How to get there: At DLTB Buendia Terminal, take a bus going to Nasugbu, Batangas. Once in Nasugbu, ride a tricycle going to Fortune Island Resort at Barangay Wawa.
From Fortune Island Resort, hop on a boat going to Fortune Island.
Overnight camping fee: P500 (~USD9.05)
Address: Fortune Island, Nasugbu, 4231 Batangas
Image credit: Tripadvisor
For campers looking forward to enjoying their stay with thrilling activities, there’s something in store for them at Taal Lake Yacht Club, located in Talisay, Batangas. The club welcomes campers to set their tents on its grounds, and aside from sailing and camping, you can also enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, and picnicking at their club.
While camping, you can also be rewarded with a view of Taal Lake, as the club is situated right on the lake shore. You are encouraged to bring your own tent, but in case you don’t have one, inform the club in advance as they only have limited tents available for rent. Each of their tents (P500, ~USD9.05 per night, sleeps 2) includes queen size foam pad, 2 pillows, and a sheet.
How to get there: At DLTB Bus Station in Gil Puyat, Pasay, take a bus to Tagaytay (P95-P150, ~USD1.71-USD2.71), then take a taxi going to Talisay, Batangas (P290-P350, ~USD5.23-USD6.31).
Entrance fee: P300 (~USD5.41) per head
Address: Santa Maria, Talisay 6045, Batangas
Contact: 0917 123 1403
Image credit: Rayven Bragado via Google Maps
If you’re one of those campers who wants to surround themselves with greenery, then going to the Mapanuepe Lake is for you. Located in San Marcelino, Zambales, it only takes approximately 3-4 hours before you land in this New Zealnd-like view.
Image credit: Liz Dela Cuesta via Google Maps
There’s a number of reasons why this is a perfect place to take a break from the city life. For one, there are no commercial establishments, which means that the massively open space is at your disposal.
You can take a break from technology and enjoy things the simple way from fishing to exploring the lake while on a boat to gathering round a camp fire and just be around people.
How to get there: Currently, there aren’t trips to Zambales that go as far as San Marcelino. Aside from owning a four-wheel drive vehicle, an alternative would be joining group tours that start at P899 (~USD16.22) per person. Such package tours cover necessities including a shuttle to and from Manila to Zambales, boat transfer, and tent accommodations.
Address: San Marcelino, Zambales
Hidden in the forest of San Fernando, Cebu, Bacalla Wood Campsite is a camping ground where you can take an immersive escape with nature.
Nestled high above the city, the camping ground is marked by a wooden treehouse and overlooks Cebu’s mountainous hills. Near the campsite, there are seven waterfalls including the Bugho Falls so you can enjoy other activities by taking a dip in their pools.
Image credit: @kuhangtope via Instagram
The camping fee, inclusive of electricity, maintenance fees, bathroom use, drinking water, kitchen use, and breakfast, is only P200 (~USD3.61) per night.
Tent rentals begin at P300 (~USD5.41, good for two), while a group of four can rent a tent at P600 (~USD10.82). For large groups, one tent is at P1,000 (~USD18.04). You can also bring your own tent and set it up on the site for free.
Keep in mind though that there’s no Wi-Fi installed here, because everyone is encouraged to truly unplug.
How to get there: At Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride an air-conditioned bus (P60, ~USD1.08) to San Isidro, San Fernando. Once you’ve reached San Isidro, San Fernando’s town proper, ride a motorcycle (P90, ~USD1.62) to Bacalla Wood Campsite.
Entrance fee: P100 (~USD1.80) per head
Address: Ilaya-San Isidro Rd., San Fernando 6018, Cebu
Contact: 0923 825 6945
Email: bacalla.campsite@philippineextremesports.com
Image credit: The Camp Avenue via Facebook
If you’re going on a holiday in the beach town of La Union, skip the usual hotels and check out Camp Avenue La Union where you can enjoy being closer to the town’s natural wonders. The camping ground encourages a humbler way of living with their tents and huts for rent.
You can bring your own tent and pitch it on their site (P500, ~USD9.05, per head), but you can also rent a tent at P750 (~USD13.53). Their tent comes with throw pillows, mattresses with insulation foam, and use of a shower area. But if you want to level up a bit, they also offer Bali huts (P800, ~USD14.43 per head).
You won’t end up famished while camping here, as they have their own restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have also started offering unlimited grilled food (P300, ~USD5.41 per head), so campers can also have barbecue feasts all day, every day.
How to get there: From Cubao, ride a bus going to Ilocos or Abra. Once you’re in Taboc, La Union, tell the driver to drop you off at Camp Avenue.
Address: Taboc, Urbiztondo, San Juan 2514, La Union
Contact: 0918 686 3331 | 0917 794 2293
Email: thecampavenue@gmail.com
Camping sites that offer activities such as an island-hopping tour aren’t quite common. So if you’re the more adventurous type of camper, check out Keelooma Island Camp in Linapacan, an island between El Nido and Coron.
Keelooma offers a 3-day and 2-night (3D2N) package (P19,000, ~USD342.71), which is good for a maximum of 12 people. This includes a camping experience in their traditional open-air bahay kubos and an island-hopping tour from Coron to El Nido or vice versa, so you can make the most of your camping experience in Palawan.
The camping ground offers you the simple island life. There are no other furnishings available in the kubos other than mattresses, bedding, pillows, and mosquito nets.
Image credit: Keelooma
And during the day tour, you’ll board Keeloma’s traditional boat to visit and snorkel in the secluded beaches of El Nido and Coron.
How to get there: From Manila, fly to Coron, then hop on a boat going to Linapacan.
Address: Patoyo Island, Linapacan 5314, Palawan
Contact: 0928 723 1471 | Keelooma Island Camp’s website
Email: info@keelooma.com
For tourists visiting Cebu, stopping over at Sirao Peak for a one-night camping stay is a good idea. High above Cebu at 700 meters, it has been a popular camping spot where you can sleep under the stars and catch a panoramic view of the city dotted with lights at night.
Image credit: @brynnemejares via Instagram
Beginners can reach the peak as the trails here are easy. You’ll pass by rivers and falls when walking on Budlaan Trail, while the Backdoor Trail is the trail trekkers most often take when going down from the peak.
How to get there: Ride a motorcycle from JY Square Lahug to Sirao Peak (motorbike rental starts at P100, ~USD1.80).
Entrance fee: Free
Address: Mount Sibugay or Sirao Peak, Brgy. Sibugay, Cebu City 6000
Image credit: BLOC Camp Site via Facebook
If you’re a fan of the tiny house movement, you might want to check out the BLOC Camp Site that is located in Cavinti, Laguna. Situated beside Sierra Lake, the campsite is known for their unique cube houses, and fortunately, they also offer tent rentals on their lush camping grounds.
Image credit: @bloc.campsite via Instagram
They have floating tents, perfect for soloists or couples. If you’re going with your barkada, they also offer a group of tents. These are currently not open for booking, but check back on their website or make an enquiry for booking info. The site has regular bonfire activities, and you can enjoy a boat ride, among other water activities, in the lake.
How to get there: From Manila, ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Get off at the boundary between Sta. Cruz and Pagsanjan. Take a jeep going to Cavinti. Alight at the jeepney terminal of Cavinti, then take another jeep going to Brgy. Bukal. Once at the barangay, ask the locals where the BLOC Camp Site is.
Address: Brgy. Bukal, Bukal-Cansuso Road, Cavinti 4013, Laguna
Contact: 0936 969 9644 | BLOC Camp Site’s website
Image credit: Jing Samonte via Google Maps
For campers going to Benguet, the Mount Kalugong Cultural Village is a great choice. Aside from its famous hat-shaped rock formation, this camping site offers a magnificent view of Baguio, the strawberry fields, its surrounding pine trees, and the town of La Trinidad itself.
What’s more, you can also check out the eco park and coffee house when you arrive at the top. Thanks to its even surfaces and organized setup, you can easily start pitching your tent before exploring the place.
Image credit: Edmund James Rano via Google Maps
Apart from the eco park and coffee house, you can go for a three-minute hike to reach the Tayawan View Deck, where you can see a more scenic view of La Trinidad.
Of all things, take advantage of the incredible rock formations and snap a memorable photo or two. Just remember to practice safety at all times.
Camping fee is priced at P250 (~USD4.51) per person.
How to get there: From Manila, ride a bus going to Baguio. Victory Liner bus operator offers bus rides for P618 (~USD11.18) per person. From Baguio, ride a jeep and get dropped off on the road going up to Mt. Kalugong. If traveling with a vehicle, you can drive all the way to the eco park. Just remember to proceed with caution as the road will be steep. If you travel on foot, the hike takes up to 30 minutes to get to the top.
Address: Kalugong Rd, La Trinidad, Benguet
Contact: 0949 898 0328
Email: mountkalugong@yahoo.com
Taking a breather with nature is indeed a good idea when you want to recharge, away from your responsibilities.
Not only is camping full of nostalgic fun, but immersing yourself in the relaxing scenery of natural wonders across the country can also boost your overall well-being.
For more places where you can take breaks, you can check out our lists of Instagrammable Baguio hotels & Airbnbs, camping tents to buy in the PH, and over-the-top Airbnbs & private island resorts in the PH. For more attractions in the country, visit The Smart Local Philippines.
Cover image adapted from: @cvramirezz via Instagram, The Camp Avenue via Facebook
Article originally published by Addie Pobre on 15 March 2021. Article was updated by Jaya Fanoga on 1 July 2023.
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