Outdoor Five campgrounds to visit for enjoying Hokkaido's great outdoors

Lake Shumarinai is one of Japan’s largest man-made lakes, located in the town of Horokanai in northern Hokkaido. It holds Japan’s record for the coldest temperature at -41.2°C, and the chilly climate even in the summer makes it well-suited for camping. In the forest and lakeside campsites, you can drive in and pitch your tent wherever you like, and it is equipped with shower and laundry facilities, so you can enjoy camping in comfort. A wide range of activities is available, and the lake attracts many fishermen as it is home to the rare Sakhalin taimen.

This auto campground is on the high ground overlooking Lake Kanayama. It is located in the town of Minami Furano, which is in central Hokkaido. There are fields of lavender on the lakeshore, so this is a popular spot where you can enjoy the scenery of the lake and the lavender blossoms together every July. The campsite makes use of the expansive grounds and sloping terrain, featuring a recreational vehicle site as well as a standard site, and all areas have electrical power available. The facilities include a dog run, so you can also experience the outdoors with your pets. It also holds surprise fireworks displays from time to time, in which you can view its magnificence from the campground!

Located a 45-minute drive from Obihiro. Operated by the outdoor equipment manufacturer Snow Peak, this campground is open all year round. The gentle sounds of the running river and songbirds can be heard as soon as you enter inside. Surrounded by Tokachi's lush natural beauty, you can forget about the stresses of everyday life and enjoy a unique experience. For first-time campers, the "tebura camp plan" is recommended because you can enjoy camping without bringing your own gear. You can also stay in Jyubako, which are cottage-style wooden mobile cottages designed by Snow Peak in partnership with world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma.

Lake Shikotsu in Chitose is the largest ice-free lake in Japan. Morappu Campsite is located on a sandy lakeshore with a view of Mt. Eniwa on the opposite shore, where you may enjoy a spectacular sunset over the mountains and a starry night sky. There are also permanently placed tents for beginner campers, in addition to a free site where you can pitch your tent wherever you like. There are also a variety of activities available, such as canoeing and standup paddleboarding, that allow you to experience the lake's pristine waters, called "Lake Shikotsu blue." The Kyukamura Shikotsuko hot spring is located a 10-minute drive away, where you can soak in the famously rich waters known for their beautifying effects on the skin.

Rusutsu Resort is one of Hokkaido's largest all-season resorts, located in the village of Rusutsu, about a 90-minute drive from Sapporo. The campground is complemented with hotels and an amusement park, making it ideal for campers with little children. The campsite is located on the ski slopes, which are grassy and bordered by trees. You don't need to carry any of your own gear because you can rent everything from tents and tarps to bonfire stands and Dutch ovens! They also sell Rusutsu-produced local delicacies, allowing you to enjoy great campfire cooking—one of the delights of camping.