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Home › Diving › Thailand › North › Chiang Mai › Accommodation › Camping

List of Campsites in Chiang Mai Thailand

There are few outdoor experiences that nature lovers enjoy more than pitching a tent in a remote landscape and sleeping underneath the shimmering stars.

This section contains essential information for all travelers who may be planning on camping in Chiang Mai at the designated campgrounds.

Can You Free Camp Legally in Chiang Mai?

There is no shortage of spectacular outdoor destinations for campers around Thailand.

Even so, camping out is not as popular as you may think, mainly due to an abundance of cheap hotels and hostels.

Here's the thing:

Even if you pitch a tent for free in one of the remote areas, it is likely to attract the attention of the local police department.

Note: For the most part, wild camping (also called free camping) is not permitted or encouraged anywhere in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Wild Camping in Thailand

It's fair to say that travelers and backpackers enjoy discovering a private camping spot. But, the safest places for campers to pitch a tent in Chiang Mai are the official designated camping areas.

Why?

In the main, you will be left to your own devices. There will be a lack of personal safety and there may not be any proper places set up for discarding litter.

As a result, "technically" wild camping in Thailand is illegal, unless you have full permission to do so from the landowner. If not, the police may view your bivouac encampment as trespassing.

So, if you decide to take a chance in some distant resting area or mountain top, it's best to camp out in small numbers and for only a few nights at any particular location.

Note: Another section explains more about dengue fever in Thailand and which areas are prone to mosquito infestations at certain times of the year.

Camping in National Parks

Many of the national parklands have designated campsites for travelers to pitch a tent (or rent one). Even so, the most famous National Parks in Thailand charge an entrance fee (about 200 Thai baht). This fee helps to cover the cost of having a park ranger on duty 24/7.

Best Months for Camping in Chiang Mai

In general, year round camping is available throughout most of Thailand's 77 Provinces. But, sheltering under a thin awning during the Thai monsoon season may not appeal to all gadabouts.

Plus, the mountainous regions of the northern provinces often get chilly in the winter, especially Doi Inthanon National Park.

Thailand Wildlife

Chiang Mai has its fair share of amazing wildlife. But, Kui Buri National Park is the place to go camping if you want to see herds of elephants roaming around the forest.

Other wild animals found in Thailand's protected areas include deer, gaurs, Malayan Tapir, macaques, and serpent eagles.

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