10 Places to Go Camping in Shanghai — From Forest Mornings to Glamping Nights

When Shanghai's skyscrapers meet the great outdoors, a captivating adventure unfolds. The city, renowned for its futuristic skyline and bustling streets, harbors a thriving camping culture that offers a refreshing escape from urban life. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a novice looking to try something new, diverse camping scene Shanghai has something for everyone.​

From the serene banks of the Huangpu River to the lush landscapes of Chongming Island, Shanghai is home to some of the most scenic and well-equipped camping sites in China. In this article, we'll explore the 10 best camping spots in Shanghai, each with its unique charm and attractions. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family-friendly adventure, or a solo retreat, these camping sites are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, grab your tent, and get ready to discover the beauty of Shanghai's great outdoors!

Natural Experience Campsites — Ecological Escapes and Outdoor Relaxation

Haishang Starry Sky Camp (Chongming District)

Haishang Starry Sky Camp

Haishang Starry Sky Camp

If you’ve ever wanted to fall asleep under a real blanket of stars, this place is it.Out on Chongming Island, far from Shanghai’s glowing skyline, the nights turn dark enough for the Milky Way to sneak through. The camp provides telescopes and guided astronomy nights for visitors—and the guides, often local science teachers, speak a polite and charming mix of Mandarin and shy English.It’s silent here except for the soft buzz of cricket song or an occasional boat’s horn winding along Yangtze River.Bring a jacket, however; the inhospitable air drops suddenly after 10 p.m. when sea breezes pick up.

Quick Info of Haishang Starry Sky Camp

🌍 Address: No. 88 Yingchen Highway, Chenjia Town
🚇 Transport: Metro 12 → Chongming Bus 28 → 10-min walk
📱 Booking: Meituan (3-day advance for weekends)
🧥 Must-bring: Thick jacket, star chart app, flashlight
🌌 Best time: Mid-Aug ~ Early Oct (clear sky)

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Oriental Land Camp (Qingpu District)

Oriental Land Camp

Oriental Land Camp

Located on the shore of Dianshan Lake--the city's biggest natural water body, Oriental Land is very beautiful.The first thing that strikes you is the spaciousnessa gigantic expanse of blue that reflects clouds and never seems to be in a hurry.On weekends, possibly you'll hear a jazz band playing while some families set out their collapsible chairs right next to the water.Sometimes visitors arrive just for the sunrise and wake up, splash of coloured light that turns the whole lake silver before six am.One year I once shared a thermos of coffee with a couple from Suzhou, both dressed in fleece jackets, just waiting to see off the mist from that point. It's thatsort of place--easy, a bit reminiscent of the past incertain places.

Quick Info of Oriental Land Camp

📍 Address: No. 6888 Huqingping Highway
🚇 Transport: Metro 17 → 5-min shuttle bus
📱 Booking: Ctrip / "Oriental Land" WeChat mini-program
🧢 Must-bring: Foldable chair, sunscreen, hat
🌅 Best time: 6:00-7:00 (sunrise), weekdays (fewer crowds)

Dongping National Forest Park RV Camp (Chongming District)

Dongping National Forest Park RV Camp

Dongping National Forest Park RV Camp

Whilst deep in Dongping's forest band dear, RV inhabitants encounter a scene that's akin to being in a foreign land. The atmosphere has that wet-mud-green-plant smellUnique to the place where it just rained last night. You still can't tell whether the towels will ever dry or not All the RVs have patios, and it's possible to rent bicycles and ride through small lanes bordered with pinetrees. There are tiny wooden signs set up along them saying zhongyipai (forest paths).People out for their morning jogs will already be waving to you, and it is like a neighborhood inhabited by travelers.Relatively Speaking,if you re not keen on tents the RV cabins cost around 380 yuan a night; can be booked on Ctrip There is Wi-Fi but most people don't even remember it's there.

Quick Info of Dongping National Forest Park RV Camp

📍 Address: No. 2188 Beiyan Highway
🚌 Transport: Long-distance bus → Taxi (30 mins)
📱 Booking: Official website (includes 2 adult tickets)
🥾 Must-bring: Walking shoes, insect repellent, water bottle
🚴 Extra: Bike rental (¥30/hour, kids' bikes available)

Shanghai Sun Island Camp (Qingpu District)

Shanghai Sun Island Camp

Shanghai Sun Island Camp

For people who prefer their nature smoothly maintained Sun Island is custom-built. Take equally glistening green grass, open-air hot springs and white topees on 40 acres of open fields. Children rush about ponds here while mothers and fathers sit at the stable drinking craft ales–that's right, this turns out not a tiny ranching area provided farms It's a fine place to spend a weekend without gatecrashing anyone's peace of mind. Some say it is not camping, so clean it comes out sparkling; I say that this is a way to get back to nature in Shanghai.

Quick Info of Shanghai Sun Island Camp

📍 Address: No. 2588 Shentai Road
🚗 Transport: Self-drive (free parking); Bus Qingji Line → 15-min walk
📱 Booking: Fliggy (hot spring tickets: ¥80/person)
🩱 Must-bring: Swimwear, slippers, change of clothes
🍽️ Dining: On-site farm-to-table restaurant (book in advance)

Family-Friendly Campsites — Play, Learn, and Bond Together

Carmela Family Camp (Fengxian District)

Carmela Family Camp

Carmela Family Camp

The Carmela Camp appears more like a playground than a campsite. You can see inflatable paddle boards, mini zip lines, and happy young women taking children round treasure hunts. Parents generally stand by fires drinking from ice coolers while children in the nearby pet corner caress sheep. The real highlight? An evening kayak trip on the lake – its length is not very long, say around 20 minutes or so but watching rays from sunset jiggle from one end of that small body all over to reach another while still keeping well balanced in the boat – is really worth something special. Expect to pay more than 200 ++ yen per person, in line with the activities.

Quick Info of Carmela Family Camp

📍 Address: No. 450 Fenglu Road
🚇 Transport: Metro 5 → Taxi (15 mins, ~¥30)
📱 Booking: "Mafengwo" WeChat mini-program (family package); on-site single activity tickets
🧒 Must-bring: Kids' life jacket, extra kids' clothes
🍼 Service: Children's care room (diaper table, microwave)

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Yuzu Camp (Baoshan District)

Yuzu Camp

Yuzu Camp

The Yuzu Camp is more modest, but it feels quite intimate. With a lawn stage for tent concerts around dusk, families lay out their own picnic mats on the field, smells of grilled meat drift through the air.Call it the pet blog. When families bring children (which in this case refers to a mother cavorting with her kids who just happen to be animals), the whole atmosphere seems childish. But it's ideal for pet lovers, with rabbits and alpacas grazing in whatever direction they please.Yuzu is one of those places that show camping can be both fun and peaceful at the same time.

Quick Info of Yuzu Camp

📍 Address: No. 2888 Panjing Road
🚇 Transport: Metro 7 → Shuttle bus (10:00-18:00, 30-min intervals)
📱 Booking: No advance for day trips; WeChat ("Yuzu Camp") for camping
🧃 Must-bring: Kids' snacks, wet wipes, small backpack
🚫 Rule: No self-feeding alpacas/rabbits (special feed: ¥10/bag)

Star and Sea Camp (Jinshan District)

Star and Sea Camp

Star and Sea Camp

This one, right inside Jinshan City Beach, is so close that you can walk straight from your tent onto soft sand. First the sweet-sour mix of sea breeze and barbecue smoke hits — somehow it's reassuring. Families ride water karts, kids dig trenches for the tide to instantly fill, and someone always has a portable stereo blaring away. If you're not into that, come on weekdays; it's quieter, cheaper and ya can get a beachfront tent to yourself. For a little less than ¥ 280 but not much less than ¥320 per night. The sunsets here? They're like they were painted just for Instagram.

Quick Info of Star and Sea Camp

📍 Address: No. 7555 Huhang Highway (inside Jinshan City Beach)
🚇 Transport: Metro 22 → Bus 金山 2 路
📱 Booking: "Jinshan City Beach" WeChat (weekends fill fast)
🏖️ Must-bring: Beach mat, sand toys, waterproof phone bag
Activities: Water karts (9:00-17:00); free beach volleyball (first-come)

Themed Immersive Campsites — Cultural Charm and Scene Atmosphere

Hi KING Movie Camp (Songjiang District)

Hi KING Movie Camp

Hi KING Movie Camp

In Shanghai's Chedun Film Park, the camp appears no different than something from bygone cinema. All those old-style facades represent Guanghua buildings too – doorways in the art deco style, neon signs for shops, and fake taxis where everyone wants his picture taken. At night they show black-and-white films that everyone knows and loves on a big outdoor screen while folks loll back on beanbags, some wearing cheongsams or style suspenders just for fun. This is a touristy place, but it doesn't seem to try too hard. As-night falls, it can't help but be true. Quoted rates are around ¥120 per person, and tent beds fetch ¥260–300 per night.

Quick Info of Hi KING Movie Camp

📍 Address: No. 4915 Beisong Highway (inside Chedun Film Park)
🚇 Transport: Metro 9 → Film park shuttle bus (includes entry)
📱 Booking: Maoyan (combo: camp + film park, saves ¥20)
🎬 Must-bring: Vintage clothes, portable charger
🍿 Screening: 20:00-22:00 (classic Chinese films, English subs on weekends)

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Chunye Qiumeng Camp (Jinshan District)

Chunye Qiumeng Camp

Chunye Qiumeng Camp

Hiding in the Jinshan Farmer Painting Village, this resort is a bit like an art museum and a campus tour combined in one.Whitecanvas tents are strung along the edge of the rice fields, and inside them visitors can paint their own works alongside local artists.Furthermore, I joined in a group painting led by an old painter. His Chinese mixed with English where he said, "Being outdoors is art!"He wasn't lying.Then the whole world smells slightly of turpentine and wild flowers.A night here is 200 RMB, but what you take away.... priceless.

Quick Info of Chunye Qiumeng Camp

📍 Address: Lane 8258, Zhufeng Road (inside Farmer Painting Village)
🚌 Transport: Bus Zhu Feng Line → 5-min walk
📱 Booking: Meituan (workshop, max 10 people/session)
🎨 Must-bring: Sketchbook, light jacket
🕑 Workshop: 14:00-16:00 (daily, includes materials/guidance)

Wushe Farm Camp (Songjiang District)

Wushe Farm Camp

Wushe Farm Camp

This is the place people come home to after a day out in the mountains. Join in with the farming activities, go horseback riding with your kids or enjoy an oil massage. Themed around farm culture (农耕文化), Wushe offers daily hands-on workshops: planting vegetables, pressing soy milk, even weaving bamboo baskets. Here you wake up to the crow of real roosters and end the day by the bonfire where locals share old farming songs. It’s not luxury, but it’s deeply grounding. Most visitors stay one night -- tents start at ¥180, and breakfast with local tofu costs another ¥30.

Quick Info of Wushe Farm Camp

📍 Address: No. 108 Xishe Road, Maogang Town
🚗 Transport: Self-drive (GPS "Wushe Farm"); Bus Songmao Line
📱 Booking: "Wushe Farm" WeChat mini-program (choose activity)
🧤 Must-bring: Old clothes, waterproof gloves
🌾 Workshops: Soy milk pressing (9:00-10:30); planting (15:00-16:30); weaving (19:00-20:30)

What to Pack and How to Stay Safe

Essential Gear and Local Rental Options for Campers

You don’t need to bring everything from home. Shanghai’s Decathlon stores and small WeChat shops rent out camping gear, from portable stoves to inflatable beds. If you’re new, don’t overpack — the weather shifts fast, and carrying too much just means sweating early. A power bank, mosquito spray, and a light raincoat are musts. Some locals swear by folding fans and instant noodles; they’re not wrong.

Verifying the Legitimacy of Campsites in Shanghai​

To ensure a trouble-free camping experience, it's crucial to confirm that your chosen campsite is legally compliant. Start by checking the Shanghai Cultural and Tourism Bureau's official website, where you can find a list of registered and approved camping sites. Additionally, look for clear signage at the campsite displaying business licenses and safety certifications.

Another reliable approach is to read reviews on travel platforms like TripAdvisor or Ctrip—frequent mentions of official permits and positive interactions with site management are good indicators of legitimacy. For added peace of mind, you can also contact the local tourism hotline (12301) to verify the campsite's status before making any reservations.

Food, Fire, and Waste — The Unwritten Rules of China Camping

Locals take food seriously — half the time, camping here feels like a giant picnic. Just remember: open fires are not allowed in most parks, but electric grills and butane stoves are fine. Always clean up after yourself — some parks fine campers ¥100–200 for leaving trash. And yes, people might stare if you roast marshmallows; it’s still a novelty here.

Smart Camping in Shanghai: Practical Tips Every Traveler Should Know​

Tip 1: Blend In & Connect at Campsites​

Shared campsites require quiet: Keep your voice down and avoid playing loud music at night.​

Break the ice with neighbors by saying "Nihao" (Hello) and offering local snacks (e.g., dried fruits or nuts); avoid asking personal questions (e.g., occupation, income).​

When talking to campsite staff, use short, clear sentences (e.g., "Could I get some hot water?"). Use translation apps to bridge language gaps:​

Youdao Translation: Supports photo translation for menus/signs; offline mode works even in signal-free campsites.​

BOC Compass: Built-in translation for 30 languages, plus integrated ride-hailing and navigation—one app for multiple needs.​

Remember to thank staff after getting help; this often leads to extra tips (e.g., hidden viewpoints, free on-site facilities).​

Tip 2: Handle Emergencies Calmly​

Summer weather in Shanghai is unpredictable: Check weather apps regularly and follow on-site announcements:​

Shanghai KnoWeather: Official English-version app for Shanghai; provides hourly rain alerts for campsites and supports Fahrenheit/Celsius switching.​

My Weather: Multilingual interface with air quality alerts, ideal for suburban camping environments.​

If a storm hits, move your belongings to indoor shelters (e.g., community rooms, on-site cafes). Avoid staying near trees or lakes, and place a waterproof mat under your tent after rain to keep the interior dry.​

Tip 3: Use Local Resources Wisely​

For supplies: Locate 7-Eleven stores or local morning markets (usually 3–5 km from campsites) via map apps (English mode):​

Amap (Gaode Map English Version): Downloadable overseas; clearly marks English names of markets near campsites and offers lane-level navigation.​

Buy fresh produce at local markets—it’s 30%–50% cheaper than on-site camp shops, perfect for self-cooking.​

For transport: If you don’t have a car, use shared e-bikes (Meituan/Hello Bike)—both support foreign phone numbers. Always wear a helmet and follow local traffic rules (e.g., ride on the right side of the road).​

For activities: Join free weekend events near campsites (e.g., local art exhibitions, open-air markets) to experience authentic local culture.

FAQ: Practical Questions About Camping in Shanghai

Q: Are foreigners allowed to stay overnight at all campsites?

Most legal campsites welcome foreign guests, but some smaller ones might need extra registration. To avoid issues, use Trip.com, Ctrip, or WeChat mini-programs with clear English listings. It’s smart to call ahead, since certain rural zones, like Chongming or Jinshan, sometimes require passport verification. For anyone new to camping in Shanghai, knowing local registration rules helps ensure a smooth start.

Q: What are the best camping months in Shanghai?

Locals say the sweet spot runs from late April to early June, and again in September when the air turns dry. July’s humidity can ruin your mood, and October’s holiday crowds fill every available tent. Checking weather forecasts is a must — a surprise drizzle can hit even on sunny mornings. The best experiences of camping in Shanghai often happen during spring or early autumn when nature feels calm and clear.

Q: How early should I book a campsite?

Popular sites such as Sun Island and Star & Sea Camp can sell out one to two weeks in advance. Booking three days early through apps like Meituan or Fliggy usually secures a spot. For national holidays, book at least two weeks ahead to avoid disappointment. When camping in Shanghai, planning ahead ensures you’ll find ideal spaces and lower prices.

Q: What should I never forget to pack?

Besides your basics — ID, sunscreen, and water — bring mosquito spray and portable chargers. Locals also recommend mini fans and folding chairs. A power bank with 3C certification ensures smooth charging without safety issues. Forgetting one of these often means unnecessary stress. Packing wisely makes camping in Shanghai more comfortable and worry-free.

Q: Can I bring pets to Shanghai camps?

Pet policies differ. Family-friendly sites like Yuzu Camp allow small pets in outdoor areas, while luxury glamping zones usually ban them. Always check listings for “pet-friendly (宠物友好)” labels or ask directly via WeChat chat boxes. Bringing your pets along for camping in Shanghai can make the trip even more memorable if you follow the site’s rules.

Q: Is it safe to swim or kayak in camp lakes?

Only certain places like Sun Island or Carmela Camp permit water activities, and safety jackets are mandatory. Avoid unsupervised lakes or rivers — currents can be tricky even if the surface looks calm. Most camps display “No Swimming” signs in English and Mandarin. Safety awareness is essential when enjoying camping in Shanghai near water.

Q: Are campfires allowed in Shanghai?

Open flames are restricted due to safety laws. Instead, camps offer electric grills or portable gas stoves. Some allow supervised bonfires during events. Always check rules posted near fire zones — fines for violations can reach ¥200. Respecting fire rules keeps camping in Shanghai safe for everyone.

Q: How do I check if a campsite is legitimate?

Visit the official Shanghai Cultural and Tourism Bureau website for a verified list. Legal camps post business permits near entrances. Reading TripAdvisor or Ctrip reviews helps too — look for mentions of clean facilities, visible safety licenses, and responsive staff. Researching in advance ensures your camping in Shanghai trip stays secure and stress-free.

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