Looking for the next road trip? If you need a dose of nature and outdoor adventure, why not take your car on a camping trip!
Car camping is an awesome alternative to camping tours as you can enjoy the privacy and freedom of driving your own car. You set your own pace, bring more things with you, and even get to explore off the beaten track!
It can also be cheaper — in some cases and depending on your vehicle, you only need to shell out for the parking fee. As for your sleeping setup, you can either bring your own tent or create your own little sleeping quarters inside your car!
Sounds exciting? Start your engine and head to these car camping spots that are only a short drive from Metro Manila!
Viewscape Nature Park, Tanay
Viewscape Nature Park is one of the best places near Manila for car camping — sleep under a starry night sky and wake up to a sea of clouds sweeping over the Sierra Madre mountains.
Car camping costs PHP 1,000 per vehicle with one own tent (extra fee for additional tent pitching). Tent rentals are also available, starting at PHP 400.
Location: Sitio Maysawa, Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
Facebook: Viewscape Nature Park
Camp BOA, Tanay
Also in Rizal, Camp BOA is a refreshing campsite where you can set up camp under the shade of trees and by the side of Lanatin River. The site is bike and 4×4-friendly!
Overnight camping is only PHP 800 per person (PHP 500 for day trips), which is already inclusive of parking and tent pitching. Camp BOA also offers hiking tours for those who want to explore the area further.
Location: Sta. Ines Rd., Tanay, Rizal
Facebook: Camp BOA
Windfarm Nature Escape, Pililla
Perfect for nature immersion, Windfarm Nature Escape is not only a campground but also an integrated farm and agri-tourism site. It is located in Pililla’s mountainous area and near the famous windmills, with lots of amenities and different camp areas to choose from.
A car camping slot costs PHP 1,000 for one vehicle with one own tent, inclusive of a designated grilling station and bonfire area. PHP 250 entrance fee for overnight is separately paid.
Location: Monte Alegre St. (Rambo), Sitio Bugarin, Brgy Halayhayin, Pililla, Rizal
Facebook: Windfarm Nature Escape
Kalmado Campsite, Tagaytay
Nestled in the outskirts of Tagaytay, Kalmado Campsite is perfect for car-campers on a budget as overnight camping costs only PHP 200 per head, and you don’t have to worry about separate fees for parking and tent pitching! If you don’t have your own, tent rental ranges from PHP 300 to 500.
The campsite has amenities to make your campout comfortable, such as bathrooms and cooking facilities. It’s likely to get really chilly at night, so be sure to bring thick jackets!
Location: Zambal Rd., Tagaytay, Cavite
Facebook: Kalmado Campsite
Camp Spotted-wood at Villa Escudero, Quezon
Tucked in the vast estate of Villa Escudero is the green and lush Camp Spotted-wood, comprised of 25 campsites and eight sites with riverside views. The campground has firepits and bonfire areas for your grilling sessions, as well as clean toilets and showers and a charging station.
Rates are PHP 500 for adults and PHP 300 for kids aged 5-12, while parking only costs PHP 200. Pets are also welcome!
Location: Villa Escudero, Km 91, Tiaong, Quezon Province
Facebook: Camp Spotted-wood at Villa Escudero
Edna’s Beach and Campsite, Calatagan
Just because you’re going camping doesn’t mean you should just stick to the mountains. If you’re a beach lover, head to Edna’s in Batangas where you can camp close to the sea. This campground is also a good jumpoff point for the popular Little Boracay.
Tent pitching ranges from PHP 200 to 500, with a separate fee for parking by the beach (PHP 600 if with awning and PHP 350 without). Tent and kubo rentals are also available.
Location: Brgy. Sta. Ana, Calatagan, Batangas
Facebook: Edna’s Beach and Campsite
Batis ng Kalikasan, Laguna
Another car camping spot perfect in the summer is Batis ng Kalikasan in Santa Maria, a close neighbor of Pililla, Rizal. It features an open green space next to a cool stream or batis where you can easily take a dip and freshen up.
Car camping is at PHP 1,000. They also offer all-in camping packages starting at PHP 2,300 for overnight, which already include a tent good for five persons, bed, table, chairs, and cooking equipment.
Location: Brgy. Calangay, Kalye Putol, Sta. Maria, Laguna
Facebook: Batis ng Kalikasan
Find more ideas for your next road trip on KKday!
*Featured image via Camp BOA, Camp Spotted-wood, Viewscape Nature Park
