hotel< 1 km
Picnic and recreation area · Sainte-Rose
Anse des Cascades, Sainte-Rose: wild camping by seafront waterfalls and a coconut grove
One of the best-equipped spots on the east coast: waterfalls tumbling down to the ocean, a shaded coconut grove, a small fishing harbour, shelters with barbecues, toilets and step-free facilities. Ideal for a family camping trip.
Sainte-Rose, east coastlocationSeafront + coconut grovetypeCar, on-site parkingaccessFreecost
Anse des Cascades, 2km south of Piton Sainte-Rose, is one of the best-equipped camping areas on the east coast. What makes it unique: waterfalls tumble straight down to the sea at several points, a large shaded coconut grove surrounds the picnic areas, and a small local fishing harbour adds to its charm.
Here's what you need to know before pitching a tent: getting there from the N2, gear for the rainy windward coast, swimming safety in the pools and the site's public facilities, plus nearby activities (a lava tunnel, rafting, Trou de Fer). If you'd rather not sleep in a tent, a campervan fits easily in the large car park, 50 metres from the waterfalls.
At a glance
Anse des Cascades camping at a glance
The experience
A night at the edge of the coconut grove
Arriving. From the main car park, several paths lead to the grassy areas behind the beach. Claim your shelter as early as possible at weekends: the site is popular and fills up fast. For a quieter corner, head for the areas at the edge of the coconut grove, away from the main picnic areas.
The setting. The waterfalls drop here from the cliffs at several points before reaching the ocean. The large coconut grove, dotted with vacoas (screw pines), provides shade that's rare on this stretch of coast. A handful of traditional boats use the tiny fishing harbour: go early in the morning to see the fishermen come back in.
The night. The soundtrack is the waterfalls and the waves on the pebbles, a mix that lulls you into a deep sleep. There is no light pollution over the open sea, so the starry sky is exceptional when the clouds clear. Pack insect repellent: the damp ground behind the beach has more mosquitoes than the open seafront.
The morning. The sun rises straight ahead of you over the ocean, between 5.30am and 6.50am depending on the season. The low light on the coconut grove and the waterfalls makes it the best time for photos.
The setting
Coconut grove, screw pines and a fishing harbour
The coconut grove lining Anse des Cascades is one of the densest and oldest on the island, planted to stabilise the volcanic soil along the coast. Its almost unbroken shade is a rarity on the east coast, where beaches tend to be bare and exposed.
The area looks even better from the sky: you can make out the rocky coastline, the 2007 lava flows that reached the sea further south at Piton Sainte-Rose, and the green cliffs rising inland to 1,500m.
Route
How to get to Anse des Cascades
On the N2, about 2km south of Piton Sainte-Rose village, turn towards the “Anse des Cascades” recreation area. A road then leads down to the seafront car park.
Allow about 30 minutes by car from Saint-Benoît, 50 minutes from Saint-Pierre via the south around the island. The road is paved all the way and fine for any standard car, so there's no need to pay extra for a 4x4: the entry-level models are all you need when you compare hire car prices. There is fuel and shops in Sainte-Rose, 10 minutes away.
Packing list
What to bring for the night
- A windproof, waterproof tent: the windward east coast gets the island's heaviest rainfall, and showers are possible year-round
- A light sleeping bag (15°C is enough): the east coast stays mild at night
- Waterproofs and a rain cover, kept within easy reach
- A head torch: there is no lighting at night
- At least 2L of water per person: don't drink the waterfall water without treating it
- A portable gas stove: fires are only allowed in the built barbecues in the designated areas
- Bin bags: take all your rubbish home. The site only stays clean because visitors keep it that way
- Insect repellent: there is a damp area behind the beach and the mosquitoes come out in force towards the end of the day
Read before getting in the water
Swimming: the pools and the sea
The pools at the foot of the waterfalls are good for a refreshing swim when the sea is calm. Watch out for slippery pebbles, and for currents when the waterfalls swell after heavy rain upstream.
Swimming in the open sea is not lifeguarded and strongly discouraged: there is a shark risk along the whole coastline, and the swell can be strong on the windward coast. Stay within the protected pools, or don't swim at all.
Fires are only allowed in the built barbecues in the designated areas. No fires under the coconut palms or on the pebbles.
Nearby
Things to do around Sainte-Rose
Sainte-Rose sits at the gateway to the wild south and Piton de la Fournaise.
Piton de la Fournaise Lava Tunnel
Caving through the volcano's recent lava flows, 15 minutes south of Sainte-Rose.
See the activity
Rafting on the Rivière des Marsouins
A rafting descent of the east coast's main river, departing from Saint-Benoît 30 minutes away.
See the activity
Bélouve and Trou de Fer Hike
A guided walk to the viewpoint over the island's tallest waterfall, in the uplands above Salazie, an hour's drive away.
See the activity
Also worth combiningAerial view
The Piton de la Fournaise crater from the sky
Anse des Cascades shows you the east coast at pebble level: waterfalls, coconut palms, waves on the rocks. A helicopter shows you the bigger picture: it flies over Piton de la Fournaise, whose Dolomieu crater is visible from the air during an eruption, then follows the 2007 lava flows down to the sea.
It complements the camping trip rather than repeating it. There are 8 routes departing from Saint-Pierre or Saint-Paul, lasting 15 minutes to 1 hour.
From €125 · 210 Manawa reviews · Saint-Pierre / Saint-Paul
See helicopter prices
Other spots
Other wild-camping spots on the east coast and in the wild south
Belvédère de l'Eden, Bras-Panon
Rainforest in the hills above Bras-Panon, with a trail to a panoramic view of the east coast, 30 minutes to the north.
See the spot
Béthléem Îlet, Saint-Benoît
Riverside wild camping on the Rivière des Marsouins with the Notre-Dame de Fatima chapel, 30 minutes to the north.
See the spot
Wild Camping at Puits des Français, Saint-Philippe
A seafront spot in the wild south, on the basalt lava flows south of the volcano.
See the spot
Sleep nearby
Places to stay near Anse des Cascades
For the night before or after your camping trip, here are places to stay within 25 km, on the east coast between Saint-Benoît and the wild south.
hotel< 1 km
hotel3 km
hotel6 kmFrequently asked questions
FAQ: camping at Anse des Cascades
How do you get to Anse des Cascades?
On the N2, about 2km south of Piton Sainte-Rose village, turn towards the "Anse des Cascades" recreation area. A road then leads down to the seafront car park. Allow 30 minutes by car from Saint-Benoît, 50 minutes from Saint-Pierre via the south. The road is paved all the way and fine for any standard car.
Is camping here really free?
Yes, camping is free in the designated area of Anse des Cascades. No booking, no fee. The site is managed by Sainte-Rose town council, which tolerates one-night camping on the grassy areas behind the beach, as long as your tent goes up late, comes down early and you leave no rubbish behind.
Can you swim in the waterfall pools?
Yes, some pools at the foot of the waterfalls are fine for a swim when the sea is calm. Watch out for the current and slippery pebbles, and take extra care with children. Swimming in the open sea is not lifeguarded and strongly discouraged (shark risk and swell).
Are there facilities on site?
Yes, Anse des Cascades is one of the best-equipped sites on the east coast: several car parks, toilets, water points, picnic shelters, built barbecues, snacks and accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility. The tiny fishing harbour adds to its charm.
Can you light a fire on site?
Fires are only allowed in the built barbecues in the designated areas. No fires under the coconut palms or on the beach pebbles. A portable gas stove is the simple alternative. Bring your own wood or charcoal, as nothing is provided.
When is the best time to camp at Anse des Cascades?
The southern winter (May to October) brings the most stable conditions: often clear skies, moderate waterfall flow and less mud. The windward coast is still the wettest part of the island all year, so always pack waterproofs. Avoid weekends and school holidays, when the site fills up from early morning.
What else is there to do nearby?
Sainte-Rose sits at the gateway to the wild south and Piton de la Fournaise: the 2004 lava tunnels 15 minutes away, rafting on the Rivière des Marsouins 30 minutes away, a guided hike to Bélouve and Trou de Fer, or a helicopter flight for the best view of the volcano's crater.
Is the site accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the main area has accessible facilities: parking, accessible toilets and step-free shelters. The area right by the waterfalls and the path along the coconut grove, however, have slopes and uneven paving, so judge them according to your own mobility.