Singapore is famously known as a fine city, and not just because everything is so clean and orderly. There are fines for littering, smoking in certain places, and even when you break certain MRT rules, such as eating or drinking on the train.
So it should come as no surprise that camping in Singapore comes with its own set of rules too. Before you pitch your tent and settle in for a night under the stars, here are some camping rules you might be breaking without realising it. Keep them in mind, lest your relaxing night outdoors ends with an unexpected fine.
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Image credit: NParks
There’s paperwork for everything in Singapore, from buying a house to getting married. But if you thought escaping to the great outdoors would free you from all that admin work, we hate to break it to you: even camping requires a permit.
Depending on where you’re planning to pitch your tent, you’ll need to apply to either NParks for designated parks, or the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) for overnight camping on the islands. The good news is that camping permits are free, so at least you won’t have to pay for the privilege of filling in more paperwork.
Screenshot from: AXS
You’ll have to apply for a camping permit with NParks at least 2 weeks before your camping date if you’re planning to camp at a designated park.
There are a few conditions to take note of:
Apply for an NParks camping permit online using Singpass or at an AXS station.
Screenshot from: SLA
If you’re planning to camp on one of Singapore’s islands instead, you’ll need to apply through SLA. Each application allows you to book a camping ground for up to 6 days, with a maximum of 12 campers per application.
You’ll also need to submit your application at least 14 days before your intended start date, and your booking period must include the day you plan to leave.
Apply for a camping permit with SLA.
Camping on Lazarus Island.
Image adapted from: Donovan Fong via Facebook
Singapore may be pretty small, but that doesn’t mean you can just plonk your tent down wherever there’s a nice patch of grass. Camping is only allowed at specific locations and within their designated camping areas.
You can pitch your tent at Pasir Ris Park, West Coast Park, East Coast Park, Pulau Ubin, Lazarus Island, and Pulau Hantu.
P.S. Check out our guide to the best camping spots in Singapore.
Here’s a quick look at the designated camping areas at each location:
| Location | Camping area | Barbecue pit | Nearest carpark |
| Pasir Ris Park | Area 1 | Pits 1 to 23 | Carpark A |
| Area 3 | Pits 34 to 45 | Carpark D | |
| West Coast Park | Area 3 | Pits 1 to 9 | Carpark 3 |
| East Coast Park | Area D (except Cyclist Park) | Pits 25 to 40 | Carparks D1, D3, D4 & D5 |
| Area G | Pits 59 to 80 | Carpark G | |
| Pulau Ubin | Jelutong, Mamam & Endut Senin Campsites | – | – |
| Lazarus Island | Areas A to F | – | – |
| Pulau Hantu | Areas H, J & K | – | – |
Image credit: NParks
Even Mother Nature has office hours in Singapore. At approved campsites, your camping period runs from 9am on your booking day until 9am the following day.
Image credit: @theglampcampsg via Instagram
A common misconception is that camping permits are only necessary if you’re actually staying overnight. But according to NParks, a permit is required to set up a tent even during the day, regardless of how long you intend to use it.
So nope, you can’t wiggle your way out of the paperwork by saying, “I’m not camping, I’m just sitting in a tent.”
Image credit: Fai Bushfield via Facebook
Got your camping permit? Great. But before you start planning that BBQ feast, don’t assume your permit comes with a barbecue pit.
BBQ pits must be booked separately on a first-come, first-served basis, and you can reserve a pit up to 2 months in advance. Prices range from $12 to $20 per day, depending on the location.
Book a barbecue pit online.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Александр Лич via Pexels
If your idea of camping involves sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows and pretending you’re in a coming-of-age movie, you’ll have to skip that part in Singapore.
Open flames, portable gas stoves, and LPG cylinders aren’t allowed in the parks. We recommend booking a BBQ pit instead if you’re planning to cook.
Alternatively, keep things fuss-free by picking up ready-to-eat food from nearby convenience stores, packing meals that don’t require cooking, or bringing self-heating meals that can be warmed up without an open flame.
Image credit: Fai Bushfield via Facebook
Yes, you read that right: your tent needs to be at least 5m away from the next one. Fun fact: it was first introduced during the COVID-19 era to allow for safe distancing, and has since stuck around – it’s still mentioned on NParks’ website for camping at various parks.
While the original intention was to keep campers safely spaced out, there are some perks to having a little extra breathing room too, such as more privacy and less crowding.
Although you probably won’t spot officials on-site measuring the distance between every tent with a measuring tape, and campers may not follow the 5m rule to a T, there’s no harm in giving everyone some space.
Image credit: Winson Low via Facebook
This one should be a no-brainer in Singapore, but it’s still worth mentioning: don’t leave your rubbish behind after packing up your tent.
As part of your camping permit, you’re responsible for keeping your camping area clean, so make sure all your rubbish goes into the bin.
Pro tip: Bring a few trash bags along so you can chuck everything in as you go.
Image credit: Animal & Veterinary Service
Admire wildlife from a distance, but please don’t share your snacks. Feeding wildlife is illegal under the Wildlife Act.
If you’re caught, you could face a maximum fine of up to $10,000. Even if that monkey looks like it’s giving you puppy-dog eyes, keep your snacks to yourself – your packet of biscuits isn’t worth a $10,000 camping souvenir.
Depending on the offence, you could be issued a warning, told to stop the activity or asked to leave the area. More serious breaches may result in enforcement action, including fines.
You might not always see an officer patrolling the campsite with a checklist, but it’s probably best not to adopt the “surely nobody will notice” mindset. Stick to the rules, especially when it comes to getting the right permits and following safety precautions, and you can spend your night camping without worrying about an unexpected visit from the authorities.
Image credit: Biddy Low via Facebook
Honestly, a little admin work and consideration for your fellow campers is a small price to pay for a night away from the usual concrete jungle. Just follow the rules, clean up after yourself, and you’ll be fine, literally.
More camping ideas:
Cover image adapted from: @theglampcampsg via Instagram, Biddy Low via Facebook
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