Ruqayyah Snyder
Belize is a great destination for camping, with a range of options available to suit different preferences and budgets. From beachfront camping in Caye Caulker to remote sites in the rainforest, there's something for everyone. For those who want a more luxurious experience, there are also glamping options, offering private cabins and pools.
If you're looking for a low-cost campground, The Boat Yard in San Pedro offers camping on a private beach for $7.50, including tent rental. The Belize Audubon Society also provides camping in eight public preserves for as little as BZ$5 (around US$3).
For those who prefer a more remote experience, there are plenty of options for backpacking and hiking to more secluded spots. Maya Forest and Las Cuevas Research Station are great choices for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Belize has a variety of campgrounds and sites to choose from, whether you're looking for a basic, budget-friendly option or a more luxurious glamping experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Campsite Name | The Boat Yard, Backpacker's Paradise, Caye Caulker, Mayan Wells, Tropical Education Center, The Trek Stop, Caribbean Village Campground and RV Park, Victor's Inn & Foodery, Inglewood Camping Grounds, Cuxlin Ha Resort, Honey Camp Beach Club & Resort, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Crooked Tree Lodge, Community Baboon Sanctuary, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Amigo's Restaurant, Caesar's Place, Old Mai Gate Village, Barton Creek Outpost, Douglas Da Silva Forestry Station, Las Cuevas Research Station, Cosmos Camping, Martz Farm, Five Blues Lake National Park, Mayflower Bocawina National Park, Belize Audubon Society, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Location | San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Sarteneja, Caye Caulker, Altun Ha Ruins, Belize Zoo, San Ignacio, Corozal Town, Corozal District, Off the Northern Highway near Orange Walk Town, Mile 68- Western Highway, San Ignacio, Cayo District, Punta Gorda, Toledo District, 7.6 miles off Northern Highway near Orange Walk Town, Off Northern Highway, mile 61.1 heading south, Crooked Tree Village, Off Belize City Bypass, mile 2.9 or 4.2 heading south, mile 16.2 on Western Highway, Western Highway, mile 45.2 heading west, mile 10.9 on Chiquibul Road, accessed from Western Highway at mile 47.3, tent camping, including tent rentals, camping area is behind the soccer field, tent camping, hook-ups, beds, hammocks, and tent camping, tent camping, special sites for tent camping, entry costs BZ$5-$20 (near US$3-$10), accommodation in private cabins ($54 per night), dormitories ($20) and bunk beds ($8) |
| Cost | $7.50 including tent rental, $5 without, $7 BZ per person, $25 BZ room for three, $10 BZ per person, $11 BZ per person, 15-amp outlets (with enough power to run air conditioners), water and dump at each site, bathrooms, showers, internet station, bottled water, 15-amp outlets (with enough power to run air conditioners), water at each site. Dump station, bathrooms, showers, restaurant, bottled water, 30-amp outlets and water at each site, dump station, bathrooms, showers, two palapas, 15-amp outlets (with enough power to run air conditioners), water at each site, two dump stations, bathrooms, showers, 15-amp outlets, water available, bathrooms, showers, swimming pool, restaurant, $7.60, limited to a few small spots next to the visitor center, ample space for tents and RVs, nine miles from the main road, tent camping, ample parking and easy access, hook-ups, tent camping, including tent rentals, camping area is behind the soccer field, tent camping, hook-ups, beds, hammocks, and tent camping, tent camping, tent camping, special sites for tent camping, entry costs BZ$5-$20 (near US$3-$10), accommodation in private cabins ($54 per night), dormitories ($20) and bunk beds ($8) |
| Other Information | A 10-minute walk from downtown San Pedro, excellent mosquito-screened common area with tables, hammocks, power and a kitchen, very basic, shared bathrooms but awesome hot showers, a place to grill and covered picnic tables outside, beautiful property, friendly owners and a great place to camp, a pet howler monkey and a pond for fishing, just watch out for the biting flies, the closest place to stay by the Belize Zoo, brand new bathrooms with gigantic showers and covered picnic tables, a great place to stay before crossing into Guatemala, a big covered area with tables next to the kitchen with power and wifi, the butterfly house was interesting, watch out for tarantula holes if you're pitching a tent, the longest-established campsite and the first one available when crossing into Belize from Mexico, a large campsite is behind the restaurant and inn, on a flat, hard surface, the best-equipped RV park in Belize, hosts a resident Mottled Owl that can be heard at night and sometimes seen flying at dawn, Plain Chachalacas visit at dusk, an excellent and newly constructed technical school, the entire area is enclosed by a high fence and 24-hour security guard, the school welcomes RV'ers as a way to enhance their programs in tourism education and as a resource for ongoing funding, within two blocks of the RV campsite is Stann Creek, and between the creek and the campsite some 84 bird species have been tallied, including Yellow-headed Parrot, not really a campsite, but readily accommodates RV'ers, including large rigs, with electrical cords and water hoses, but no sewage dump, during a 2007 stay, 61 species were found at the resort, including Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Ruddy Crake, Rufous-breasted Spinetail, and Crimson-collared Tanager, a Striped Cuckoo called incessantly, two-mile gravel access road is often quite rough, access road is difficult for large vehicles and in the process of being rebuilt, electricity and water can be made available, best suited for smaller rigs or tents, the Belize Audubon Society offers camping in the eight public preserves it maintains |
What You'll Learn
San Pedro Campgrounds
San Pedro, a town on Ambergris Caye, is a popular destination for tourists visiting Belize. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, glowing aqua waters, and abundant marine life. San Pedro Campgrounds are among the many low-cost campsites in Belize.
One option for camping in San Pedro is The Boat Yard, a private campground located a 10-minute walk from downtown San Pedro. Camping on their private beach costs $7.50, including tent rental, or $5 without.
For those looking to explore the marine life that Ambergris Caye has to offer, there are many snorkelling and SCUBA diving sites just minutes away from the island. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular spot, offering a two-stop snorkelling trip. The first stop is Hol Chan, where you can snorkel around and over the reef, spotting fish, rays, eels, and sometimes even a manatee. The second stop is the famous Shark-Ray Alley, where you can jump in and swim with sharks.
In addition to marine activities, San Pedro also offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. The east side of the island, where the town of San Pedro is located, is where most of the action happens. Here, you'll find resorts, hotels, and homes enjoying cool sea breezes and gorgeous ocean views.
When planning your trip to San Pedro Campgrounds, keep in mind that the perfect time to visit depends on your preferences. If you're looking for dry and sunny weather, January to April is the best time to go. However, there's no wrong time to visit, and each season has something unique to offer. For example, if you visit during the San Pedro Lobster Festival in July, you'll get to experience the warm weather and enjoy delicious lobster dishes.
So, whether you're looking for beachside camping, marine adventures, or exploring the town, San Pedro Campgrounds in Belize offer a range of exciting options to suit your needs.
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Belize City Campgrounds
Belize City is a great place to base yourself for a camping trip in Belize. The country's largest city, it is located on a small peninsula and offers a range of historical, cultural, and architectural attractions, as well as great food and a vibrant nightlife.
The Belize Audubon Society
The Belize Audubon Society, located on Fort St. in Belize City, offers camping in eight public preserves that it maintains. Entry costs between BZ$5 and BZ$20 (approximately US$3-$10), depending on the park. This price does not include a tent, so be sure to bring your own.
Goff's Cay
For a more off-the-beaten-path camping experience, consider the deserted island of Goff's Cay, located about 10 miles east of the mouth of the Belize River. This island offers a quiet escape from the city, with beautiful coconut trees and sandy beaches. You can arrange transportation to the island through local boat drivers, and be sure to bring all the supplies you'll need for your stay.
Gecko Landing
If you're looking for a more social camping experience, Gecko Landing, the base for kayakbelize.com, offers tent spots in a picturesque lot surrounded by water on three sides. The site is located in the heart of the village of Placencia, with easy access to restaurants and shops. The site also offers access to a shower/bathroom, and you may even spot iguanas and crocodiles in the nearby canal.
The Boat Yard
For a private campground experience, The Boat Yard in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is a 10-minute walk from downtown. Camping on their private beach costs $7.50, including tent rental, or $5 if you bring your own tent.
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Camping near the Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo is located in La Democracia Village, roughly an hour's drive west of Belize City. The zoo is situated within 29 acres of tropical savanna and is considered one of the best zoos in the world. It is unique in that it serves as a wildlife refuge and education centre for orphaned or rescued native Belizean animals.
The zoo is home to approximately 200 animals, representing over 45 native species. The animals are either born at the zoo or were injured in the wild and could not be returned to their natural habitat due to their injuries. The zoo offers a variety of tours, including a guided nocturnal tour, nature walks, and encounters with tapirs and jaguars.
If you're looking to camp near the Belize Zoo, the Tropical Education Centre (TEC) is the closest option. Located adjacent to the zoo, TEC is a lodge, learning centre, and training facility set on an 84-acre site of tropical lowland savanna in the heart of the Maya Forest Corridor. Camping at TEC costs $10 BZ per person, and the facilities include brand new bathrooms with large showers and covered picnic tables. It is a popular choice for those interested in doing the night tour of the zoo.
In addition to the camping facilities at TEC, there are also cabins available for those who prefer a more solid roof over their heads. The cabins provide a comfortable base for exploring the zoo and the surrounding area.
So, if you're planning a trip to the Belize Zoo and want to immerse yourself in the nearby tropical wilderness, camping or staying in a cabin at the Tropical Education Centre is a great option. With its proximity to the zoo and its focus on education and conservation, it provides a unique and engaging experience for visitors.
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Camping in the rainforest
The rainforests of Belize are home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including thousands of species of exotic birds, wildlife, and gorgeous flowers. Among the wildlife are globally endangered animals such as jaguars, armadillos, coatis, and tapirs, Belize's national animal. Birdwatchers can spot keel-billed toucans, harpy eagles, hawks, woodpeckers, colourful parrots, tiny hummingbirds, warblers, and jabiru storks, to name a few. The country's commitment to conservation is evident, with over 50% of the rainforest under government protection, making tourism the second-leading source of revenue.
For those seeking a camping adventure in the rainforest, there are numerous options to consider. Belize offers a range of eco-lodges, jungle resorts, and campsites that cater to various preferences, from luxury glamping to rustic experiences. Here are some suggestions for rainforest camping in Belize:
- Belize Rainforest Retreat at Chaa Creek: This retreat offers a camping-in-the-jungle experience with their Rainforest Eco Pods, allowing guests to connect with nature while still having access to resort amenities. Chaa Creek is a pioneer of ecotourism in Belize and is located just a few miles from San Ignacio.
- Blancaneaux Lodge: Owned by renowned director Francis Ford Coppola, this secluded lodge is nestled in the Mountain Pine Ridge Nature Reserve. Surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, wildlife, and Maya ruins, it is the perfect getaway for those seeking isolation from civilisation.
- Bocawina Rainforest Resort: This eco-friendly resort is located within the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, boasting thousands of acres of lush jungle, refreshing waterfalls, and ancient Maya sites. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, ziplining, and rappelling down waterfalls.
- Table Rock Jungle Lodge: Located in Cristo Rey Village, Table Rock offers a convenient riverside jungle setting just a 20-minute drive from Downtown San Ignacio. In addition to their charming bar and restaurant, they provide free river tubing and canoeing for guests.
- Programme for Belize (PFB): This NGO manages the Rio Bravo Conservation Area in Northern Belize and offers extremely secluded campsites for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. La Milpa Field Station, one of their campsites, is a favourite for those seeking a rugged experience in the heart of the rainforest.
- Monkey River Village: This village, located in the Toledo District, serves as a great base for exploring the Belizean Rainforest. The Monkey River Tours are a must-do, as they offer the opportunity to witness the stunning flora and fauna of the broad-leaf subtropical rainforest, including iguanas, howler monkeys, crocodiles, and various bird species.
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RV camping
Belize has a range of RV camping options, from well-equipped RV parks to dry camping in parking lots. Here is some detailed information on RV camping in Belize:
RV Parks
In 2001, Belize had only one fully-equipped campground for RVs, but since then, more have been built, and all the major highways now have at least one campground with water, electricity, and dump facilities. Here are some of the top RV parks in Belize:
- Caribbean Village Campground and RV Park: This is the longest-established campsite, located just 9 miles from the Mexico border. It offers 15-amp outlets, water, dump facilities, bathrooms, showers, an internet station, and bottled water. A range of bird species can be spotted here, including the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl and Keel-billed Toucan.
- Victor's Inn & Foodery: Located near Orange Walk Town, this campsite has similar offerings to the Caribbean Village Campground, with the addition of a restaurant. Birdwatchers can hear the call of the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl at night and spot Gray-headed Kites and Collared Forest-Falcons in the mornings.
- Inglewood Camping Grounds: Regarded as the best-equipped RV park in Belize, Inglewood is located in San Ignacio and offers 30-amp outlets, water, dump stations, bathrooms, showers, and palapas. The area is enclosed by a high fence, and a 24-hour security guard patrols the site. Birders can listen out for the Mottled Owl and spot Plain Chachalacas at dusk.
Dry Camping
If you're travelling with just one or two RVs, you can often make arrangements to dry camp in the parking lots of various establishments, such as gas stations, restaurants, bars, and stores. Many hotels also offer dedicated spaces for RV camping. Here are some locations that have been known to offer dry camping for RVs:
- Honey Camp Beach Club & Resort: Located 7.6 miles off the Northern Highway near Orange Walk Town.
- Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary: Off the Northern Highway, with a rough, gravel access road.
- Crooked Tree Lodge: Off the Northern Highway, with an access road that can be difficult for large vehicles. Electricity and water are available.
- Community Baboon Sanctuary: Off the Belize City Bypass, about 9 miles from the main road. This location is best suited for smaller RVs or tents.
- Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary: On Mile 16.2 of the Western Highway, offering tent camping.
- Amigo's Restaurant: Ample parking and easy access on the Western Highway.
- Caesar's Place: On Mile 45.2 of the Western Highway, offering hook-ups.
Other Considerations
When RV camping in Belize, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, duties on RVs can be quite high, at around 70% of the value of the vehicle. Additionally, while there are RV parks available, these may not always have wastewater hookups, so you may need to bucket out your wastewater.
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Frequently asked questions
The Belize Audubon Society offers camping in the eight public preserves it maintains. Entry costs BZ$5-20 (around US$3-10) depending on the park. The Boat Yard in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is also a budget-friendly option, with camping on a private beach costing $7.50 including tent rental, and $5 without.
There are several campsites in Belize that cater to tent campers. Some of the most popular options include Backpacker's Paradise in Sarteneja, The Trek Stop in San Ignacio, and Mayan Wells near Altun Ha Ruins.
While Belize had only one "real" campground for RVs in 2001, several more have been built since then. All of the major highways now have at least one campground with water, electric, and dump facilities. Some of the best-equipped RV parks in Belize include Inglewood Camping Grounds in San Ignacio and Caribbean Village Campground and RV Park in Corozal Town.
