Published
Updated September 2026

The 6 best beach camping spots in Reunion Island

From Trou d'Eau to Anse des Cascades, 5 spots on the west coast and 1 on the east coast to pitch a tent facing the Indian Ocean. Free, with facilities and tips for each.

6spotsMay-Novdry seasonDaybreakpack-up time

If you love a night outdoors, Reunion Island has some fabulous places to pitch a tent facing the ocean. On the west coast, beach camping is a favourite weekend pastime for local families and friends (barbecues, music, games).

Here are the 6 best spots, with their atmosphere, facilities and practical tips. For camping in the mountains (Maïdo, Piton des Neiges, Mafate), see the full wild-camping page.

The details

The 6 spots in detail

Trou d'Eau beach with a turquoise lagoon, casuarinas and basalt rocks
01The most popular

The Choka spot at Trou d'Eau

La Saline-les-Bains, west

The star of the west coast: 100 m from the main beach, under the casuarina trees, with direct access to the lagoon. Very busy at weekends (families and groups of friends), much quieter on weekdays. A perfect lagoon for snorkelling at sunrise.

On site
  • ·Barbecues
  • ·Snack bars and restaurants
  • ·Public toilets
  • ·Paddleboard and canoe hire
Tip

Arrive before 6pm on Fridays to get a pitch under the trees. Bring mosquito repellent for the night. The car park is unattended, so don't leave valuables in the car.

See the Choka spot guide
The cave pool at Pointe au Sel in Saint-Leu, crystal-clear water between basalt rocks
02

Pointe au Sel

Between Saint-Leu and Étang-Salé

A protected natural site on the rocky coast, with a rock pool of crystal-clear seawater in a cave and basalt shapes carved by the waves. Wilder than Trou d'Eau, ideal if you want peace and quiet, with sweeping views over the west coast.

On site
  • ·Picnic area
  • ·No toilets
  • ·Free parking
  • ·A coastal path nearby
Tip

Check the marine forecast (the SHOM app) before you go: in a heavy swell, waves wash over the rocks and it becomes dangerous. You need a calm sea to enjoy the pool.

See the Pointe au Sel guide
The rocky coast at Pointe des Trois-Bassins with foam over the basalt rocks
03

Pointe des Trois-Bassins

Between La Saline-les-Bains and Saint-Leu

Quieter than Trou d'Eau, with several small coves to pitch a tent and shady corners: more of a hidden gem. There's often a food van in season. A good balance between easy access (a huge car park) and peace and quiet.

On site
  • ·A food van in season
  • ·Several coves
  • ·Shady corners
  • ·A large free car park
Tip

Arrive early on Saturdays to have your pick of the coves. The main beach is exposed to the swell, so sleep in the sheltered corners under the trees.

See the Pointe des Trois-Bassins guide
The wild coast at Les Avirons in Reunion Island with basalt rocks, golden sand and waves
04The wildest

Pointe des Avirons

Étang-Salé, towards Les Avirons

A little-known spot above the black-sand beach at Les Avirons. Very few people, an 'end of the world' feel and no facilities to speak of: this is real wild camping, for those who want to be alone with the sea.

On site
  • ·No facilities
  • ·Volcanic black sand
  • ·Basic parking
  • ·Rough sea
Tip

Bring everything you need (water, a toilet trowel, a lamp). Don't swim here: the coast has strong waves and currents. For a swim, drive 5 minutes to L'Étang-Salé-les-Bains.

See the Pointe des Avirons guide
Étang-Salé-les-Bains black-sand beach fringed with casuarinas and a lagoon in the background
05

L'Étang-Salé seafront

Étang-Salé-les-Bains

The famous black-sand beach at L'Étang-Salé, lined with casuarina trees and grassy areas. Very family-friendly and very busy at weekends and in the school holidays, with the Sunday morning market close by.

On site
  • ·Public toilets
  • ·Snack bars and restaurants
  • ·A play area
  • ·Sunday market
Tip

For peace and quiet, go midweek. At weekends it's lively (music, barbecues): you'll either love it or want another spot.

See the L'Étang-Salé seafront guide
A wild-camping tent at Anse des Cascades in Piton Sainte-Rose at sunrise, with the sea and casuarinas
06East coast

Anse des Cascades

Piton Sainte-Rose, east

The only east coast spot in this list, in a stunning setting: waterfalls that tumble almost into the sea, traditional shelters and white-tailed tropicbirds overhead. You camp under the casuarina trees with an ocean view, in a calmer atmosphere than on the west coast.

On site
  • ·Public shelters
  • ·Built-in barbecues
  • ·Toilets
  • ·A snack restaurant
Tip

Swim in the natural freshwater pool below the waterfalls, not in the sea (strong currents on the east coast). Keep an eye on the weather: the east coast regularly gets big swells from cyclones.

See the Anse des Cascades guide
The mobile option

A campervan to hop between spots

A campervan takes the daily hassle out of packing up. From €50 a day, you can hop between Trou d'Eau, Pointe des Trois-Bassins, L'Étang-Salé and Anse des Cascades without ever taking a tent down.

See the campervan hire guide
Frequently asked questions

Beach camping in Reunion Island: your questions answered

Is beach camping allowed in Reunion Island?
Yes, in designated areas like the ones listed here. Wild camping is tolerated on the public seashore except where the local council has banned it (central Saint-Gilles, some listed beaches). The basic rule: pack up at daybreak (6.30-7am). Police patrol and fine campers in banned areas.
Do I need to book to camp on the beach?
No, all these spots are free (no booking, no fee). But in high season (July-August, school holidays), pitches under the trees go fast, so arrive before 5pm.
When is the best time of year for beach camping?
May to November (the dry season): mild temperatures, little rain, calm seas. December to April (cyclone season) is best avoided: tropical storms, dangerous swell, and beaches closed by official order during a cyclone. Check the prefecture's website the evening before.
What gear do I need for beach camping?
A light, wind-resistant 2-3 person tent, a waterproof groundsheet, a light sleeping bag (nights are mild, 18-23°C), mosquito repellent, a 2 L water bottle, a head torch and a bin bag for your rubbish. No need for a self-inflating mat: a simple mat on sand is fine.
Can I light a fire on the beach?
No, open fires on the seashore are strictly banned (by order of the prefect). Only use the fixed barbecues at the equipped sites (Trou d'Eau, Trois-Bassins, L'Étang-Salé, Anse des Cascades). Bring your own charcoal and put it out completely with water before you leave.
Is there drinking water?
Not always. Trou d'Eau, L'Étang-Salé and Anse des Cascades have public toilets with taps (not always drinkable, check the signs). The other spots have nothing: allow 4-5 L of water per person per 24 hours (drinking, cooking and washing).
What about dogs, fireworks and music?
Dogs are allowed on a lead along the coast, except in banned areas. Fireworks are strictly banned without a permit from the prefecture. Music is tolerated until 10pm; after that, neighbours can complain. Respect for other campers is the golden rule.
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Article updated on 19 September 2026.