Campsite Distribution
Campsites are not evenly distributed in country parks. They are scattered in some of the country parks, but some of the country parks don’t even have one. Since Hong Kong is interconnected with hiking trails, excluding the barriers of the sea, knowing the distribution of the campsites in country parks helps you to plan your backpacking trip efficiently.
Lantau Island: This island offers a more primitive natural environment compared to most parts of Hong Kong, with around 80% of its land designated as country parks. There are 14 campsites on the island, all connected by a single long trail, the Lantau Trail.
Sai Kung: Sai Kung boasts the highest number of campsites, with 24 out of the total 41 campsites in Hong Kong located in Sai Kung East and Sai Kung West Country Parks. These campsites are not all linked by a single trail but are connected through multiple hiking trails, forming a network that resembles a spider web on the map.
Northeast New Territories: This is the most remote part of Hong Kong, covered by dense forests and continuous mountain ranges. It consists of two main country parks: Pat Sin Leng Country Park and Plover Cove Country Parks. Despite the vast area, there are only 5 campsites, so you can expect extensive hiking between each campsite.
Middle & West New Territories: This area has 6 campsites, 5 of which are scattered around the highest peak, Tai Mo Shan. These campsites range from very popular to rarely used by campers. Two of them are not even connected to any major hiking trails, making trip planning in this area a bit tricky and requiring a certain level of navigation skills.
Other Outlying Islands: There are 2 campsites on each outlying island: Tung Ping Chau and Tung Lung Chau. “Chau” means island in Cantonese, one of the official languages in Hong Kong. Each of these campsites is unique and popular throughout the year. More detailed information about planning your trip to these islands will be covered in another article.
Camping Code
By law, setting up a tent or starting a fire must be at designated sites while backpacking in Hong Kong. Regulations made under this section may provide that a contravention or breach thereof shall be an offence punishable by a fine not exceeding $5,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year.
Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations 11 (3)
No person shall camp or erect a tent or temporary shelter within country park or special area except:
a. in accordance with a permit in writing granted by the Authority; and
b. in a designated camping site.
Yet, there is still some camping code to follow:
- Camp only in designated campsites
- Light fire only in designated pits and never leave unattended
- Place litter in bins and keep the campsite clean
- Keep your noise down and respect other campers and nearby residents
- Keep water sources clean
- Protect wildlife and plants
- Respect villagers’ property and rights
- Extinguish all fires and tidy up the sites before you leave
- Respect the countryside and conserve the natural environment
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