China Great Wall Hiking and Camping Sites, Tips & Experience

A walk to the famed great wall of China helps travelers understand more about the culture and heritage of China. Winding its way through mountains, rivers, deserts, the great wall is also a wonderful spot for hikers and out-doors lovers. Beijing is the best place to visit the Great Wall for hiking and camping. And there are many different sections of Great Wall in Beijing with unique features and natural scenery.

On this blog, we introduce to you the best hiking routes of Beijing Great Wall with camping sites, where you can explore along the ancient watchtowers and rugged mountain trails, discover famous/remote sections with breathtaking views, and spend memorable nights on the Wall beneath the stars.

Why Hike and Camp on the Great Wall of China

Jinshanling- Simatai Section - Hiking and Camping Resort!

Jinshanling and Simatai section is around 2.5 hour's driving from Beijing city center, which is famous for its broad filed of vision, dense guard towers, unique landscape and complete military defense and excellent state of preservation. Hike from the original and primitive ancient Gubeikou Great Wall, to the well-preserved Jinshanling Great Wall, and then to the partially destroyed western section of Simatai, which witness the historical changes of the Great Wall.

Besides the hiking tours, a camping overnight on Jinshanling or Simatai Great wall enable travelers to better see and understand this cultural heritage better. 

Gubeikou Camping Site

Camping at the foot of the Great Wall: After descending from Panlongshan Great Wall and exiting the scenic area gate, you can camp on the flat ground near the river or on a flat area near the watchtowers. Experienced hikers (or those led by local guides) can camp and spend the night on the platform near the General's Tower – a more authentic experience.

Scenic Area Parking Lot: You can park here and camp in your own tent, paired with toilets, streetlights, and other basic facilities.

Jingshanling Camping Site: 

Location: Near the Jinshanling Great Wall Tunnel, Luanping County, Chengde City.

Camping is prohibited within the Jinshanling Great Wall scenic area. However, the campsites at the foot of the Jinshanling Great Wall (professional campsites or farmhouses) are only about 500 meters from the Great Wall – offering a panoramic view of the majestic Great Wall.

Simatai Camping Site: 

Similarly, camping is not allowed on the Simatai Great Wall. 

Simatai Reservoir (also known as Yuanyang Lake), located at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall, is a famous campsite in the outskirts of Beijing. You can choose from several campsites on the east or west banks of the reservoir.

Great Wall Stargazing Tent Camp: Located in Langu, Gubei Water Town, about 6 kilometers from the Simatai Great Wall, it backs onto the wall. This is a relatively luxurious option, offering ready-made tents and complete bathroom facilities. 

>> Recommended Great Wall of China tours from Beijing:

Mutianyu Great Wall -  the Best Section for Families to Hike & Camp

Mutianyu Great Wall is located at Huairou County, 70 km from Beijing City, which is quite famous for the charming autumn scenery as well as "people-free" opportunities. With its unique architecture it is called "The Wall where an eagle has to bend his wing". In 1998 US former President Clinton and his family came and visited it. After that, many political heavyweights and international celebrities kept visiting Mutianyu. 

Camping on the top of Mutianyu Experience

"I don't know how long we had been climbing. Finally, we reached the beacon tower. By then, everyone was already drenched in sweat. After climbing another lookout tower, we reached the chosen spot to set up the tents. We set up two tents, brought several layers of moisture-proof pads, laid them out, and placed the sleeping bags and inflatable pillows. Although it was early autumn, the night-time Great Wall felt like it had entered winter earlier. "

"The Great Wall at night adds an extra touch of tranquility and mystery. The undulating mountains in the distance are all shrouded in a thin layer of mist. The wind gradually grew stronger. We found two large umbrellas on the beacon tower, which were just perfect for blocking the wind and would make us much warmer. These were the umbrellas used by the local people who were selling goods on the Great Wall during the day. "

"The wind died down at four o'clock in the morning. On this quiet Great Wall, I suddenly lost my sleepiness. Gently, I reached out to the tent outside and, with my eyes accustomed to the darkness, I could even make out the general outlines of some objects. Standing at the edge of the wall, even with my breath held, I could still hear a lot of movement below the wall. It must be some nocturnal animals."

"By around five o'clock in the morning, the sky was just beginning to lighten. There was a thin layer of cold mist. Our friends set up their equipment and waited for the rising sun. At this time, the Great Wall looked like a huge dragon raising its head above the mountains. The sun was already rising in anticipation, and the world immediately changed from a cold color palette to a warm one. The golden light shone on the Great Wall, making it extremely magnificent."

This is the experience of one of the local guides from Easy Tour China during a camping trip on the Mutianyu Great Wall in 2018. Now, camping is not allowed on the Mutianyu Great Wall. You can choose several campsites at the foot of the mountain with excellent views

Mutianyu Camping Sites:

Huanghuacheng Lake Side Great Wall Hiking and Camping - Ideal for Beginners, Kids and Seniors

Based on your physical condition, Huanghuacheng offers hiking routes ranging from 5 to 18 kilometers, suitable for different levels, including beginners and experienced hikers. Walk along the wooden walkway and explore the Ming Dynasty chestnut garden. Or climb the steep wild Great Wall and the fire prevention path on the back mountain. 

Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall is the only section of the Great Wall in Beijing that extends into the water, and it is also the only section where you can camp by the lake.

Huanghuacheng Camping Site

Official campsite of the scenic area: Located near the parking lot, the wooden platforms and tents are all ready.

Nearby wild campsites: You can camp on the grasslands around Xishuiyu Village.

Badaling - Juyongguan Great Wall Hiking & Camping

Badaling and Juyongguan Great wall section is the most popular and easily accessible part. Situated in Yanqing County, 60km northwest of Beijing, Badaling great wall is best-preserved and most imposing sections built in Ming Dynasty.

Great Wall Hiking & Camping Tips

1. Currently, sleeping on the top of the Great Wall (watchtower) is not allowed / illegal. Staff will ask people to leave. It's a pity, but you can still choose the campsites under the foot of the Great Wall - a legal and recommended alternative option.
2. At Easy Tour China, sometimes we can offer camping inside the enemy towers (the sections that are abandoned and not open to the public). Please talk to us in advance and confirm if your travel date can be arranged.
3. The best time for China Great Wall camping is June, September and early October, with pleasant temperature and charming scenery. We don’t suggest that the travelers will hike and camp at the Great Wall during the rainy days in July and August. There are a lot more chances of lightings in this period. Few people got hit before on the Great Wall. The Great Wall camping would be canceled or replaced with a home stay at the nearby village if the weather not good.
4. The mountain area is very cold at night. Even in summer (with a temperature of 30 degrees during the day), camping requires a down sleeping bag, a moisture-proof pad, and a warm waterproof jacket.
5. After the camping ends, please take all the garbage with you.

Related reading

More trip ideas in June