Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
Finding a decent campsite is crucial for a proper off-the-grid vacation, whether you’re into au naturel campgrounds, Insta-worthy glamping sites, or the hippie van life experience. You need to take into account the accessibility, affordability, and level of comfort each spot provides. Can you really go a day without mobile data? How willing are you to piss in nature? Do you scoff at fairy lights, or do you welcome chunky pouffe pillows with glee? Fortunately, there’s a long list of campsites near Manila you can choose from, depending on your preferences. Be it lakeside, mountain, or beach, here are some of the most in-demand campsites near Manila.
Bask in a sea of clouds from The Peak Campsite, an outdoor lover’s playground in Tanay, Rizal spread across three connected mountains: Mt. Pugad, Mt. Phoenix, and Mt. Pantalan aka Mt. Binutasan.
Campers can pitch tents on Mt. Pugad’s slopes, doze off under the stars, and wake up to a spectacular sunrise. Cozy kubo and villa accommodations are also available. From the campgrounds, it’s only a short trek to the summit where the panoramic scenery of Tanay mountains awaits.
From Nanay Minda’s Parking, you may start the trek going to The Peak Campsite or ride a 4×4 car to take you there. The ride usually takes 15 – 20 minutes compared to 30 – 45 minutes of trekking. The mountains offer a multitude of fun activities, from an ATV adventure on rugged trails to a refreshing swim in Pipit Falls. Meanwhile, a soak in warm Dutch tubs or kawa baths is a blissful way to end a hike.
Moreover, photo opportunities abound. Our favourite photo spot? Definitely the man-made Nest perched over the mountain’s edge. Plan the perfect overnight getaway under the stars and learn more about The Peak Campsite here.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately two hours
A camping site in Rizal, Kamp Maysawa has welcomed and awed several travellers with its ambience, facilities, and amenities. Aside from having a charming cabin house, this mountain camping site has a spring water pool and a bonfire that guests can fully enjoy.
The cabin house itself can accommodate up to 12 people, but the site also has tents available for more guests. As the area is fairly remote, it can be a challenge to reach. The hosts, however, can provide a 4×4 vehicle service, so make sure to contact them ahead of time. Learn more about this campsite here.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately two hours
Escape the busy life and head to The Private Camp: Daraitan, one of the most refreshing campsites near Manila. The mountain camping site is a little off the beaten path, enthralling guests with its raw surroundings.
Guests have complete access to the river that flows by the rustic campsite; naturally, swimming, fishing, and other water activities are allowed. The Private Camp: Daraitan is also near mountains and waterfalls, so visitors can add hiking and trekking to their itinerary.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately three hours
With its relaxing cafes and overlooking restaurants, Antipolo is undoubtedly a gem for wellness retreats. So, it’s no surprise that the city is also home to some of the most refreshing camping sites in Luzon. Take Singalong Nature Campsite Hill, a small forest complex where families and friends can stay. This camping site in Rizal is but an hour away from Metro Manila, and yet it already feels like an enchanting hideaway.
Singalong Nature Campsite Hill has all the things you would need for a cosy camp out: tents with beddings, wood for a bonfire, solar light, outdoor bathrooms, and kubo function cabanas. You can also enjoy their kawa herbal bath, a fish foot spa, and an in-house cafe and snack bar. Learn more about this campsite here.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately one hour
Nestled in Brgy. Sto Nino in Tanay, Kalikasan Campsite is just a two-hour drive from Manila. It has a vast campground with a main kubo, four tents, cooking and grilling stations, hammocks, a gazebo, and common bathrooms — all included in their budget-friendly rates.
The campsite rents its whole grounds to at least 12 people; complete with card games and other traditional toys, this place certainly makes a great team-building site. Because of its affordability and accessibility, Kalikasan books up fast during the weekends, so better plan your trip here early.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately two hours
Just 30 minutes away from Metro Manila, Camp is the perfect place for quick getaways. Located in San Isidro, Montalban, this oasis boasts a relaxing lakeside view made even better with outdoor sofas and swings. Guests can also try out fishing, soft archery, or bonfire nights. But if you’re in the mood for something more romantic, you can book their outdoor cinema and enjoy a movie under the stars.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately 30 minutes
Sitting in the coolness of Laguna, the Bloc Campsite features several tiny houses across an expansive lakeside area. Guests can try out thrilling water and land activities, including birdwatching, swimming, fishing, and boating.
Floating cottages and docks are available for rent at this campsite near Manila. But guests who prefer to rent out tents still have access to the common bathrooms, bonfire, and other campsite facilities. Learn more about this campsite here.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately two and a half hours
Simplicity and comfort are the best defining traits of Mahatao Island. Its transient houses have modern amenities, including kitchens and bathrooms, as well as undisturbed views of Lake Lumot. For a fee, guests can order meals, go kayaking, rent karaoke, or book a floating nipa hut. The best thing about this campsite is that it offers day tour promo rates, allowing guests to frolic through the campgrounds for a more affordable rate.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately two and a half hours
Cavinti definitely has a chockfull of campsites, but Paradis Island stands out for its dreamy set-ups. This eco-friendly private island has villas, glamping tents, tree huts, and a floating cabana, all dressed in bohemian luxe vibes.
This spot is a bit pricier than other campsites near Manila — but you get your money’s worth, for sure. Aside from dreamy accommodations, Paradis Island has a kawa hot bath, kayaks, bikes, hammocks, fishing gear, and game materials. They also offer a pre-arranged menu, where guests can request meals, ready-to-eat snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately two and a half hours
Ready for a quick adventure? Consider booking this lakeside campsite near Manila. Located in the breezing town of Alfonso, this land spans 1,200sqm, comfortably fitting intimate groups of families and friends.
Suitable even for large gatherings, the listing can accommodate over 25 guests at a time. You can choose to stay at the 30sqm studio-type home or pitch tents across the sweeping campground. Learn more about this campsite here.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately two hours
Also read: 10 Charming Airbnbs in Cavite for the Staycation You Deserve
Want to take your camping trip up a notch? Go for a relaxing vacation at the Nurture Wellness Village. Prioritising adventure as much as rejuvenation, this camping site in Tagaytay boasts luxurious tents, fitness centres, an outdoor pool, and an award-winning spa.
All this said, Nurture Wellness Village still provides the option of renting tents, if you want to go the traditional route. Its tents are all well-lit, with electric fans, mattresses, and toiletries to boot. Learn more about this resort here.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately two hours
Paping’s Staycation & Campsite in Magallanes provides interesting choices of accommodations: a camper van, a tiny house, a capsule room, and a container hostel. Except for the capsule room, all accommodations provide a private jacuzzi; and every guest has access to the outdoor cinema, bonfire, kitchen, and restroom. Add to that the fact that Tagaytay is 20 minutes away — this campsite near Manila is definitely a great pick.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately two and a half hours
Bonfire by the beach, anyone? Puerto Silanguin Cove is just the place to be if you’re planning to go on a DIY camping trip with your pals. Nestled in a tranquil cove in Zambales, this beach camping site near Manila provides the gorgeous ocean views you’ve been dreaming of all this time.
Regularly, this site can accommodate hundreds of campers at a time. If you want to rent it exclusively, you’ll have access to all the luxury tents, complete with queen-sized beds, linens, and toiletries. You can even preorder food and drinks, in case you don’t want to cook your own meals. But if you prefer the latter, Puerto Silanguin Cove also offers cooking equipment and dining facilities. Learn more about this campsite here.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately four hours
With rolling hills and teal waters close by, Pacific Buddies is definitely one of the best campsites near Manila. Located in the paradisal town of Dingalan, this beach camping site sits within reach of public facilities as well as natural wonders. (Don’t miss the Laktas Falls when you come to visit!)
Whether you want to actually camp out in a tent or stay in a more comfortable villa, Pacific Buddies has it all. You can rent out the accommodation of your choice and still have access to the 24-hour front desk, shared refrigerator, and outdoor space. Learn more about this campsite here.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately four hours
Perfect for large but socially distanced gatherings, this is one of the private campsites that lets groups unwind near Manila but away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Eden’s Seafront Village has two beach houses that sleep up to 14 people. If you wish to accommodate more, the spacious beachfront allows guests to pitch private tents.
Six bathrooms are available for sharing, as well as an outdoor kitchen and a barbecue grill. The campsite is also conveniently packed with entertainment facilities: board games, sports equipment, et cetera. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own watersports gear, like snorkel masks or fins. A karaoke machine is also available for rent.
Travel time from Manila: Approximately four hours
Also read: 12 Affordable Beaches Near Manila for Long Weekends & Quick Getaways
What are you waiting for? Gather up those barbecues and marshmallows and enjoy a healing retreat in one of these campsites near Manila.
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This article contains affiliate links. When you book through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. All images courtesy of the respective property listings unless otherwise stated.
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