They say experience is the one of the best gifts we can give our children. And bringing them outdoors would make that gift top-notch!
It was in the middle of pandemic when a good friend invited us to go camping. I was hesitant at first because I have not gone camping ever! I did not know what to expect most especially for my then 5-year-old daughter. Plus, we lived in a very small condo unit so storage space would be a challenge for me. But in the end, we still went and I am so happy we did because my daughter loved the experience, too.
Fast forward to today, with 15 campsites visited, I consider myself a mommy-camper! My small family and I experienced camping in different seasons – extreme cold and heat, heavy rain and ultra dry, name it and it just adds up to the adventure camping brings!
If this sounds like an adventure you’d like to try, let me share with you 7 beginner-friendly, tried and tested campsites near Metro Manila.
We went here with my daughter’s school friends and their families. Imagine the delight in their eyes when we picked them up from school and went straight to this campsite! We found our spot and pitched our tents under the coconut trees. The campground offers huge place for kids to run and play different sports. They have a zipline and a playground, too.
Dipping and lounging in the river adds up to the fun. Getting to the river area was an adventure on its own because we had to go down 170+ steps!
We stayed for 3D2N and the place is truly family friendly – not to mention, they have the cleanest toilet and bath and wash area! They also offer Kubo For Rent if you opt not to pitch a tent. If it’s your birthday and you come with 5 paying guests, they’ll treat you to free entrance – just don’t forget to bring your ID with your date of birth.
Rates:
Adult (ages 11+): ₱300 on weekdays, ₱400 on weekend and holidays
Children (ages 5-10): ₱150 on weekdays | ₱200 on weekend and holidays
Children (ages 0-4): Free
Free tent pitching
Car/moto camping: ₱200 per car per night (car park next to your tent)
For inquiries, contact: 0939-306-1531 | Facebook | Instagram
We felt at home in Lucia’s as we walked around the whole vicinity. They offer a huge campground and they also have regular rooms and cabins. The good thing here is, when you book for camping and pitch your tent, you can also use the same amenities they provide to those who avail of room and cabin accommodations. The campground is very close to the common toilet, shower area, and pool. We had a great time camping here as kids can swim all day, play in the playground, fly a kite, or just simply run and roam around. If you don’t have much cooking gears, you can opt to order in their resto or have some food delivered to the area.
A bed and breakfast located in Metro Tagaytay / Silang, Cavite, Lucia’s offers the cool breeze all year round! If you’ll camp during dry season, I advise you bring a tarp shelter to shield yourselves from the sun.
Rates: ₱800 per head per night entrance fee, free for ages 5 and below
Inclusions:
- Tent pitching
- Use of camping area for 24 hours upon arrival (earliest time for check in: 10am)
- Use of common restrooms
- Access to resort amenities (swimming pool, jacuzzi, gazebo, other common areas)
- Use of griller
- Bonfire setup is available for P800
For inquiries, contact: 0917-544-4005 (look for Reyn) | Facebook | Instagram
We went here with a bigger group and the campsite did not disappoint. I recommend the place not just for camping, but also for get togethers. It’s also very accessible since it’s right by the main road.
I’d say Driftwoods is really good if you are a beginner or if you have young kids. If you want to pitch a tent for day use but opt to stay in a room at night, they offer casitas good for up to 4 pax.
You will never run out of fun outdoor activities when you camp here. Aside from its huge grounds for playing every outdoor game you can think of, you may also rent mountain bikes and ATVs if you are into exploring the park!
Rates:
Day Camp (8am to 5pm): ₱500/head
Overnight: ₱600/head
Kids ages 7 and below are free of charge
For inquiries, contact: 0917-516-6797 | Facebook | Instagram
We got immersed in the camping life all thanks to this campsite – the very first one we visited. It offers camping near the river with a view of mountain vistas. It’s an ideal quick nature getaway offering both tranquility and adventure.
Our experience was superb and it made us experience the beauty in simplicity. There was no electricity and no signal – just the river and spacious ground, and the company of friends and family. They also offer a River Retreat accommodation. It’s an entire house good 15 pax, in case you want to experience the great outdoors but can’t commit to staying in a tent just yet. If this is your first time camping and you do not have enough gears yet, don’t worry because they have several basic needs you can rent out.
Rates:
Overnight Camping: P600/pax
Kids ages 12 and below are free of charge
For inquiries, contact: preservetanay@gmail.com | Facebook | Instagram
If you’re into a farm style setup where your kids and pets can roam, Silangan Blankspace is for you. Located just an hour away from the Metro, this campsite will make you experience the breeze of Tagaytay at night and enjoy the wind in the morning, thanks to the coconut trees. It also offers exclusive car camping experience!
I also recommend this camp for large groups. The kids and kids-at-heart in our group enjoyed the bonfire and movie night setup. If you want to chill, relax, and not cook at all, they also have a resto and café ready for you. If you don’t have a tent but you want to try camping, they do offer DFY camping wherein they setup your tent, cooking gears, table and chairs, bonfire and breakfast meal.
For me, this is what campsites should be – easy, simple, and peaceful.
Rates: DIY Camping: ₱600/night per adult (without breakfast) | ₱900/night (with breakfast)
For inquiries, contact: 0929-408-9266 | Facebook | Instagram
This campsite requires driving for a little over 2 hours from Metro Manila but it sure is worth it! Unlike the other campsites where you can park your car beside your tent, H&B offers a unique experience: a 10-15 minute walk from the car parking to the campground! We truly enjoyed walking while admiring the view, while our camping gears and other stuff are carried by a horse. Your kids can ride the horse, too!
You can pitch just beside the river or choose to stay in the garden area. Don’t worry about the heat of the summer, because there are trees that shade a lot of areas. You can also just dip in the river to freshen up! Another good thing about this campsite is they have a store, a restaurant, and camping necessities for rent. That means, you can just go and try camping with minimal gears or none at all. You’ll really be here to experience a worry-free camping.
Rates: Day tour Rate: ₱100/head Overnight Rate: ₱200/head Tent rental: ₱300/tent (Good for 2-4 pax)
For inquiries, contact: Facebook | Instagram
With only less than 2 hours drive from Manila, you could see the 360-degree views of Mount Makiling, Mount Makulot, Mount Banahaw, Sierra Madre, Taal lake, Taal Volcano, and Tagaytay. The view is really splendid and there’s a huge space to pitch your tent and setup your gears. Perfect for kite flying, kids playing in the grass, or just simply reflect and feel the wonderful beauty of nature. I found this place very healing; in this place, I have proven that nature could really bring peace.
Since it’s summer time and the place is totally open, I recommend that you bring a tarp shelter to shield you from the scorching heat of the sun. Even during the peak of summer, the place is always windy. Just to be sure, bring sunscreen and rechargeable fans!
Rates: ₱200 per car, ₱400 / head per night; kids ages 7 and below are free of charge
For inquiries, contact: 0965-062-2148 | splendorhills@gmail.com | Facebook | Instagram
Every tent pitching and breaking camp offers wonderful memories for my little family. From picking the right gears, choosing a theme (or not), planning which campsite to go to – everything is part of the camping experience. Camping may not be for everybody, but I suggest you try it out even for once. You will never regret being close to nature. I find joy in watching my daughter thrive in this environment; for me, it teaches her more valuable lessons than what a classroom can offer. It does the same to adults, too. There’s just happiness in savoring the moment, admiring the vast beauty of the outdoors.
See you at the campsites!