[TW] Bishan: Campground with a Stunning Nightscape

I recently visited the Bishan Campsite (碧山露營場) in Neihu District (Taipei, Taiwan) and loved it. The campground nestled between Mt Dalunweishan and Mt Daluntoushan offers lots of nature. It is also one of just two public campgrounds in Taipei and consists of 37 campsites. With a capacity for over 200 pax, the design of the space is spacious, relaxing, and family-friendly. It has a north and south area linked by a skywalk bridge with some pretty stunning nightscape views of Taipei City & Taipei 101. What’s more, the newest section of the campground in the north was opened in 2022 so they’re pretty new still!

Amenities

1. Power sockets are available. Do bring an extension plug for ease of usage.
2. Warm showers & toilets are available.
3. Filtered water dispensers (cold, warm, and hot water) are available.
4. Washing areas are available.
5. Street lighting is available within the campsite before 10 pm.

Costs

• Fees/costs: It’s free!

Application

• Who can apply: Currently the application appears to only be open to foreigners holding an ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) and Taiwanese citizens, so foreign travellers cannot apply themselves.
• How and when to apply: Online application opens from 7-30 days before the intended date of camping. Alternatively, head down to the campsite before 5 pm on the day itself to try your luck since many campers cancel their application last minute. Note that you can only apply via Taipei Pass if you apply in person.
• Steps to apply:
  1. Head to the official website where you can check the calendar for availability of campsites
  2. Click apply – you will have to complete your identity authentication before you can log in to apply. The options for identity authentication include:
     • Taipei Pass member
     • Mobile line verification via cellular data network. Not applicable for prepaid cards, and lines belonging to foreigners and enterprises.
     • Mobile Citizen Digital Certificate (via mobile app) or Citizen Digital Certificate (via card reader)
     • National Health Insurance card (via card reader)
     • LDAP
  3. You can then select the desired campsite and date for application. If the campsite is available, your reservation will go through; otherwise, you may choose to be waitlisted if the desired campsite has been reserved

Opening hours & Getting there

• Is public transport available: Yes
• Is parking available: Yes
• Opening hours: The campsite is open for booking from Thursday to Monday (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday). The public (non-campers) can also visit the campsite from 9 am to 5 pm for sightseeing.
• Check-in/out: 2 pm to 1 pm the next day
• Other things to note:
  • You will need to submit multiple applications if you intend to camp more than 1 night
  • The road winding up to the campground is slightly narrow and steep so be careful when driving / riding
  • Some hikers sightsee around the campground in the morning so don’t be alarmed seeing an influx of people around the campground

Things to do in the area

• There are several hiking trails in the area to explore. I have seen many hikers around the campground in the morning but have not explored the hiking trails myself. Some trails to explore in the area include Dalunweishan, Daluntoushan, and Zhongyongshan.
• Bishanyan Temple (碧山巖) is a place of worship that is also popular for viewing the cityscape and Sakura blossoms (~ February).