Camping in Hokkaido? That's wild! And I don't even have enough equipment.
Don't you tend to avoid it for that reason?

There's no need to worry. All the campsites I'm about to introduce have cottages or lodges.
Some campsites even offer rentals of everything you need, starting with tents.
Wouldn't you agree that a trip that takes you deep into nature, offering a more exciting experience than an ordinary trip, is also very appealing?

This time, we'll introduce seven recommended camping spots throughout Hokkaido.

Table of contents
1. Hoshi ni Te to Todoku Oka Campsite (Nakafurano Town)
2. Funka Bay Panorama Park Auto Resort (Yakumo Town)
3. Auto Resort Tomakomai Alten Auto Campground (Tomakomai City)
4. Bifuka Island Forest Park Campground (Bifuka Town)
5. Ecology Park Tokachi (Otofuke Town)
6. Iwanai Resort Park Marine View (Iwanai Town)）
7. Okhotsk Tentland Auto Campground (Abashiri City)
8. What is the best time of year to enjoy camping in Hokkaido?
Final thoughts

This campsite is located in the plateau area of ​​Furano, closer to Mount Tokachi.
The facilities are minimal but sufficient. Of course, you can enjoy it even if you come empty-handed, but the amount of lighting is minimal. At night, it's truly dark.

This campsite offers a chance to enjoy a beautiful starry sky, a starry night that city dwellers often don't know about.

I am moved to know that Japan still has such a beautiful night sky.
And if you're lucky, you'll see a sea of ​​clouds in the morning. Before you know it, you'll see sheep grazing all around. There are rabbits too.

A place where you can experience a completely different sense of time flowing.
For those who have moved beyond the typical hotel-staying, sightseeing trips, and are more experienced travelers, and who truly love Hokkaido's nature, this is a must-visit spot.

[Basic Information: Star-Reaching Hill Campsite]
Address: Nakafurano Beberui, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-44-3977 (year-round) 090-1302-1422
Campsite operating information
Opening period: April 29th to October 10th
Check-in: 13:00-17:00
Check-out: Tent sites - 11:00 AM, Bungalows - 10:00 AM
Center House Opening Hours:
Administration building: 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM Shop: 20:00 AM - 20:30 PM
Cafeteria: 11:00 AM - 18:00 PM Showers: 18:00 PM - 17:30 PM
Deck open: 07:30 AM - 09:00 AM, 18:00 PM - 20:30 PM
Camping fees: Usage fee + Site fee
Admission fee: Adults/Junior high school students and older: 700 yen; Children/Elementary school students and younger: 400 yen; Dogs: 200 yen per dog.
Site fee:
Rider-only site: 10 tents for 300 yen
Auto campsite: 20 plots, 1,000 yen
Campervans & Trailers: 4 plots, 1,500 yen
5-person bungalow: from 7,500 yen 4-person bungalow: from 6,000 yen
Two-person bungalow: 5,000 yen; Two-person trailer house: from 3,500 yen
*All prices are per building.
Overnight stay in the parking lot: 300 yen per vehicle
◆Day-trip camping fees: Adults (junior high school age and older) 700 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) 400 yen, Dogs 200 yen each

Image source:Hoshi ni Todoku Oka Campsite Homepage

Image source:Yakumo Town Photo Library

Yakumo Town is located in Futami District. It is the only town in Hokkaido that has two seas within its boundaries: the Sea of ​​Japan and Funka Bay.
This auto campsite is located on the Funka Bay side.
In terms of daytime views, this campsite boasts the best scenery among those I'm introducing today.

Harvester Yakumo, an organic restaurant famous as the birthplace of herb-fed chicken, which originated from a KFC farm, is also located nearby.
The park, with its gentle slopes, is equipped with all the necessary facilities, including indoor and outdoor playground equipment.

Image provided by: Yakumo Town

They also have a small number of lodges, so you can fully enjoy the area even without a tent or campervan.
Funka Bay is also famous for its scallop farming. Be sure to enjoy freshly caught scallops whole at your BBQ!

[Basic Information: Funka Bay Panorama Park Auto Resort]
Location: Hamamatsu, Yakumo-cho, Futami-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0120-415-992
FAX reservations: 0137-62-3316 (during the business hours listed below)
Check-in: 13:00 - 18:00 (Lodge: 15:00 - 18:00)
Check-out: By 11:00 AM the following day (Day camp: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
Admission fee: Free for infants, 500 yen for elementary school students and older, 1,000 yen for junior high school students and older (Saturdays, the day before holidays, and during summer) Free for infants, 520 yen for elementary school students and older, 1,030 yen for junior high school students and older
Day camp (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
Free tent site: (1 site) 300 yen (Not available during peak season in July and August, as priority is given to overnight guests)
Lodges: (12 units) 10,300-12,400 yen (2 units are barrier-free / includes cooking facilities, flush toilets, and sleeping bags)
Campsite (grass): (20 plots A, B, D) 3,000-3,600 yen (includes electricity, cooking sink, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor table; C does not include a cooking sink)
Campsite (grass) C: (10 plots) 2,000-2,600 yen (includes power supply, cooking sink, sewage drain, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor table (Campsite C does not include a cooking sink)).
Free tent site (grass): (25 plots) 500 yen - 1,030 yen (no facilities)

Located west of Tomakomai City, Alten boasts a vast site with views of Mount Tarumae in the distance.
Nestled in the heart of a mountain, a rare and precious place in the world, this facility offers an unforgettable experience of the outdoors.
The facilities are impressive, offering activities such as canoeing and horseback riding.

With park golf and plenty of playground equipment for children, the whole family can enjoy themselves all day long.
Even if it rains, the BBQ house is all-weather, so you can relax. There's also a natural hot spring bathing facility where you can soothe your tired body after a day of fun.

In terms of the quality and size of its facilities, this facility ranks among the best of those we're introducing today.
This campsite is conveniently located near both the route to Lake Shikotsu and the route to southern Hokkaido, making it easy to incorporate into your travel plans.

It's also the closest campsite after disembarking from the ferry. It's an ideal base for enjoying Hokkaido at a relaxed pace.

[Basic Information: Auto Resort Tomakomai Alten Auto Campground]
Location: 421-4 Tarumae, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido
For reservations and inquiries: 0144-67-2222
(Fax number for the hearing impaired: 0144-67-2888)
Check-in/Check-out:
Available year-round from 13:00 to 17:00 (15:00 to 17:00 for cottages) and from 8:00 to 11:00 the following day.
Admission Fee: Please inquire about day camp fees for all sites.
Log cabins and other accommodations: 28 units available, accommodating 4, 5, 6, or 9 people, from 9,000 yen to 24,000 yen.
(30% OFF from November to March 30th)
(Electricity, running water, bathroom/toilet, kitchen, camping table (amenities vary depending on price))
・Camping car sites (grass): 11 plots, 6,300 yen (50% off from November to March)
(Power supply, running water, sewage drain, camping table)
Individual tent sites (grass): 11 plots, 5,775 yen (50% off from November to March)
(power supply)
Individual tent sites (grass): 87 plots, 4,200 yen (50% off from November to March) to 5,250 yen (closed from November to March).
Semi-auto campsite (grass): 11 plots, 3,150 yen (closed November to March)

There aren't many high-quality campgrounds in the northern Hokkaido region.
However, in terms of convenience, this is one of the most well-equipped campsites north of Asahikawa.

Directly connected to a roadside station. Features experiential learning facilities and natural hot springs.
An aquarium that exhibits sturgeon. It offers everything from canoeing and boating to fishing.

If you don't like campsites, there are also accommodations available, and you can enjoy Bifuka beef at the restaurant.
This campsite is not just about its natural beauty.

This location is extremely useful, both as a base for traveling north towards Wakkanai and as a base for extending your trip to the Okhotsk region.

[Basic Information: Bifuka Island Forest Park Campground]
Address: Bifuka Island Forest Park, Bifuka-cho, Nakagawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 01656-2-2900 / FAX: 01656-2-2901
Campsite operating period: Early May to late October
Reception hours: Check-in 8:30 AM - Check-out until 15:00 PM the following day
Usage fee:
Adults (18 years and older): 300 yen
Children (elementary school students): 150 yen
Free for young children (preschoolers)
Auto campsite
Reception hours: Check-in: 13:00 onwards
Check-out: Until 12:00 the following day
Usage fee: 2,500 yen per night per site (per vehicle)
Log cottage: Accommodates 2-6 people, 15,000 yen/room
Check-in 15:00/Check-out 10:00
Parking capacity: Up to 5 cars per building

Ecology Park is a vast park spanning 400 hectares along the banks of the Tokachi River.
It's commonly known as Ecopa.

Located near Tokachigawa Onsen, this spot offers a quintessential Hokkaido holiday experience, with a variety of large playground equipment and multi-purpose facilities nestled amidst abundant nature.

Animals such as Hokkaido chipmunks and red-crowned cranes can be seen, and in the summer, lilies of the valley bloom with delicate flowers.
A facility themed around the coexistence of nature and humanity.
Each campsite space is spacious, allowing you to relax and unwind.

Furthermore, the Tokachigawa Onsen, famous throughout Japan as a hot spring known for its beautifying properties, is located nearby, allowing you to enjoy a truly luxurious time soaking in an open-air bath while gazing at the tranquil yet flowing scenery of the Tokachigawa River.
This campsite is a perfect fit for those who want to experience the vastness characteristic of Hokkaido.

[Basic Information: Ecology Park Tokachi]
Location: Tokachigawa Onsen area, Otofuke-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido
For reservations and inquiries: 0155-32-6780 FAX: 0155-32-6785 (FAX for the hearing impaired)
Check-in/Check-out: 13:00-17:00 (Cottages: 15:00-17:00), 8:00-11:00 the following day
Admission fee: Adults 1,200 yen, Children 600 yen (for overnight guests)
Day camp: 700 yen for adults (high school age and older)
Day camping: Free tent site 400 yen
Large cottage: (10 people per cottage, 29,000 yen (23,200 yen))
Cottage (for 7 people): 3 units for 20,300 yen (16,200 yen)
Small cottage: (for 5 people) 3 units 14,400 yen (11,500 yen)
Trailer house: (for 5 people) 3 units 14,400 yen (11,500 yen)
Private campsite: (30 plots) 1,500 yen (1,000 yen)
(Prices in parentheses are for the off-season)
Free tent sites: 70 plots, 1,000 yen each
Day camping: 70 sites available for 400 yen (free site usage).

Image source:Iwanai Tourism Association Website

If Panorama Park has the best daytime view, then this campsite has the best nighttime view.
Located at the western base of the Shakotan Peninsula, Iwanai Town is a historic fishing town.
Cod caught in winter and sea urchins caught in summer are particularly famous.

The campsite, situated on a hill overlooking the town, is easily accessible from the city center, making it possible to have a meal near the harbor before heading out for camping.
For hot springs, head to the nearby Iwanai Onsenkyo hot spring area. There are many day-trip hot springs to choose from, so you might have trouble deciding.
The hot spring water warms you to the core, healing both your mind and body.

The main attractions of this campsite are definitely the view of the town and the fishing lights floating off the coast of the Shakotan Peninsula.
Needless to say, it stirs up a sense of romance.

This campsite has it all: great food, easy access, and beautiful scenery. It also has good connections from Niseko.

[Basic Information: Iwanai Resort Park Marine View]
Address: 350-8 Unozuka, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai-gun, Hokkaido
For reservations and inquiries: 0135-61-2200 FAX 0135-61-2188
(Until the reservation start date, contact the Parks Section of the Construction and Housing Division, Iwanai Town)
TEL 0135-62-1011・FAX 0135-62-3465)
(Fax number for the hearing impaired: 0135-61-2188)
Check-in/Check-out: 13:00-17:00, 7:00-10:30 the following day
Reservations accepted throughout the entire business period: (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) from April 1st at the Center House.
Admission fee: 1,000 yen for junior high school students and older, 500 yen for elementary school students (charged only on the first day for consecutive nights)
Day camp: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Admission fee: 500 yen for junior high school students and older, 250 yen for elementary school students.
Campervan site: 2,500 yen
Campsite with power: (1,500 yen, 1,250 yen without power)
Free tent site: 500 yen
Cottages (2nd floor loft): 9 units available, accommodating 5 people, 12,000 yen (flush toilet, bedding, kitchen, refrigerator, TV/VCR combo, etc.)
Campervan sites (grass): 13 sites available from 5,000 yen (includes electricity, running water, sewage drain, and cooking area).
Campsite (grass): 23 plots, 3,000 yen (with power supply (15A))
Campsite (grass): 17 plots, 2,500 yen (no facilities)
Free tent site (grass): 10 plots for 1,000 yen (no facilities provided)

Image source:Tabinavi Abashiri

This auto campsite is located on Mt. Tento, which offers a panoramic view of Abashiri city.
One of the selling points of this place is the pleasant view from its elevated position.
With its stunning views of Lake Abashiri and the distant Shiretoko Peninsula, combined with its excellent facilities, this is the number one high-quality campsite on the Okhotsk Sea side.

With large playground equipment for children, the Northern Peoples Museum, and the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum all nearby, it's a comprehensive outdoor facility where you can spend the whole day having fun.
There's also an indoor kids' play area, so children won't get bored even if it rains.
It can truly be described as a campsite for families.

There are several campsites on the Okhotsk Sea side, but this is the one where even the youngest children can play safely.

[Basic Information: Okhotsk Tentland Auto Campground]
Address: 1 Yasaka, Abashiri City, Hokkaido
For reservations and inquiries: 0152-45-2277 FAX 0152-45-2095
Fax number for the hearing impaired: 0152-45-2095
*Web reservations available　http://tentlandor.jp
Check-in/Check-out: 13:00-19:00 (14:00-19:00 for lodges), 8:00-11:00 the following day
Facility maintenance fee (per night) (for tent site users)
●Peak season rates: 1,100 yen for junior high school students and older, 500 yen for elementary school students.
●Special Weekend Discount: 750 yen for junior high school students and older, 350 yen for elementary school students
●Special weekday discount: 500 yen for junior high school students and older, 250 yen for elementary school students.
* Off-season rates apply for group bookings.
(If staying in a lodge)
●Regular price: 1,500 yen for junior high school students and older, 700 yen for elementary school students.
●Special Weekend Discount: 1,100 yen for junior high school students and older, 500 yen for elementary school students
●Special weekday discount: 700 yen for junior high school students and older, 500 yen for elementary school students.
* Off-season rates apply for group bookings.
Day camp (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Facility maintenance fee: 500 yen for high school students and older (free for junior high school students and younger)
Free tent site: 450 yen per tent
Lodge A: 11 units (for 6-8 people) 9,500 yen - 19,000 yen (TV, bathtub, shower, refrigerator, kitchen, toilet, bedding, gas stove, cooking utensils, etc.)
Lodge B: 6 units (for 4-5 people) ¥6,200 - ¥12,500 (TV, shower, refrigerator, kitchen, toilet, bedding, gas stove, cooking utensils, etc.)
Campervan sites (grass): (8 sites) 1,900 yen - 3,700 yen (includes electricity, running water, sink, and sewage drainage (dump station))
Private campsite (grass): (20 plots) 1,300 yen - 2,500 yen (electricity, running water, sink)
Free tent site (grass): (22 plots) 300 yen - 500 yen * Shared kitchen

Due to the climate, many campsites in Hokkaido are closed during the winter months.

There probably aren't many people who would attempt camping in the extreme cold of minus 20 degrees Celsius.
This means the season spans six months, from May to October.
Of these, July is probably the best month.

It's the most pleasant time of year, and it doesn't have the high humidity you find on Honshu.

Even in August, after the Obon festival, you'll need to prepare for the cold at night, and in October, when you can enjoy the autumn foliage, the nights get quite chilly.
I think a certain level of preparedness is necessary for outdoor activities, especially at night.

Final thoughts

Many people believe that camping in Hokkaido, where you can fully enjoy its natural beauty, is the best experience, and there are also campervan exhibition and sales events held quite frequently.
That just goes to show how much the people of Hokkaido love camping.

Consequently, the number of campsites and the quality of their facilities are also quite impressive.
The choice of location depends on the type of camping experience you're looking for.

Because there are places that are truly for advanced campers, where even the toilets are not adequate, and where you feel like you're one with nature—these are wild campsites that are more appropriate for such people.
If you don't have much equipment, the easily accessible campsites listed here, which offer a wide range of rental items, are probably the best choice.

Each of Hokkaido's campsites is full of its own unique charm, so please do try them out and enjoy them!

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