hotel2 km
State forest · Étang-Salé
Étang-Salé Forest: free camping on an ancient sand dune
A dry forest in the south-west, growing on an ancient sand dune, with two picnic and camping areas: shelters, fire pits, parking and step-free access. Hiking and mountain-bike trails start right from the picnic areas.
Étang-Salé State ForestlocationTwo picnic and camping areasareasCar, on-site parkingaccessFreecost
Étang-Salé's state forest is one of the best-equipped dry forests on the island. Growing on an ancient sand dune, it has two well-organised picnic and camping areas, just 5 minutes from the seafront but a world away: shade, soft ground, hiking and mountain-bike trails, and pétanque (boules) pitches.
Here's what you need to know before pitching a tent: getting there from the N1, gear for a dry forest, forestry rules and fire risk, plus nearby activities (quad biking, bungee jumping, surfing). If you'd rather not pitch a tent, a campervan fits easily in the car parks, a few steps from the picnic areas.
At a glance
Étang-Salé forest camping at a glance
The experience
A night in the dry forest
Choosing your area. The first area, 250 metres past the main entrance, is the easiest to reach and the busiest at weekends. The second, about 1,500 metres further on, is quieter. Both have the same facilities: timber shelters, built barbecue pits, picnic tables, parking and step-free access.
The setting. The forest grew up on an ancient sand dune: soft ground, deep shade and a cool, dry feel, very different from the rainforests of the east coast. The trees are a mix of planted filaos (casuarinas) and protected native species.
On-site activities. Several hiking trails cross the forest, some suitable for mountain bikes. There are children's play areas and pétanque pitches around the picnic areas. Allow half a day to walk the whole forest.
At night. Under the canopy and away from the seafront, it gets almost completely dark. It's quiet too: just the wind in the filaos and the odd night bird. Go on a weekday for peace and quiet, as weekend crowds can spoil the mood.
Route
How to get to the forest
Coming from the north on the N1, take the first exit signed “Étang-Salé” and turn left. At the intersection, head right towards Étang-Salé-les-Hauts. The first area is 250 metres further on the left, the second about 1,500 metres beyond that.
Allow about 20 minutes by car from Saint-Pierre, 30 minutes from Saint-Leu, 1 hour from Saint-Denis. Fuel and shops are 10 minutes away in the Étang-Salé-les-Bains shopping area.
Packing list
What to bring for a night in the forest
- A 3-season tent: the dry forest stays mild at night, a 12°C sleeping bag is enough
- A head torch: there is no lighting at night and the canopy is dense
- Bottled water: bring a supply, as the taps aren't always working
- A portable gas stove, plus charcoal if you plan to use the built barbecue pits
- Closed shoes: hiking and mountain-bike trails start right from the picnic areas
- Bin bags: take all your rubbish home, as the forestry office (ONF) keeps a close eye on litter
- Insect repellent: less of an issue than on the windward coast, but still useful at dusk
- Sunscreen for time out of the shade: the west coast sun is strong from 9am
Read before you pitch
Fire risk in the dry forest
Étang-Salé state forest burns very easily: dry sandy ground, trees that hold little moisture, and an afternoon breeze that spreads any fire fast. The risk peaks from September to December, at the height of the dry season.
Fires are only allowed in the built barbecue pits and fixed barbecues. No fires at the forest edge, no cigarette butts on the ground, no improvised barbecues on the grass. The forestry office patrols all year. If anything happens, the Saint-Louis fire station is 15 minutes away.
Always bring your own wood or charcoal, as collecting wood in the state forest is not allowed, and make sure your fire is completely out before you leave.
To combine
Things to do at Étang-Salé
The west coast has the island's best activities, just 5 to 15 minutes from the forest.
Quad Biking on the West Coast
An electric quad bike trip through the trails around Étang-Salé and the hills above Saint-Pierre, beginner-friendly.
See the activity
Bungee Jumping in Reunion Island
Air Jump: bungee jumping at Étang-Salé, one of the most accessible spots on the island.
See the activity
Surf Lessons in Reunion Island
Learn to surf on the gentle waves of the west coast, just 5 minutes from the forest.
See the activity
Also worth doingAerial view
The west coast and Piton de la Fournaise seen from the sky
The forest wraps you in shade under the canopy. A helicopter shows you the rest of the island: Étang-Salé's long black sand beach, the volcanic southern point, and on the longer routes, the active crater of Piton de la Fournaise.
It complements the forest 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 forest camping spots and beaches
Étang-Salé Seafront, Black Sand Beach
The other Étang-Salé spot, this time right on the coast: 1,500m of black sand beach with full facilities.
See the spot
Tévelave Forest, above Les Avirons
A similar state forest in the hills of the west coast, with shelters and fire pits spread over 9km.
See the spot
Vaudeville Picnic Areas, Trois-Bassins
A nearby forest spot on the same west coast, with a similar feel.
See the spot
Sleep nearby
Places to stay near the forest
For the night before or after your camping trip, here are places to stay within 25 km, on the west coast.
hotel2 km
hotel3 km
hotel3 kmFrequently asked questions
FAQ: camping in Étang-Salé Forest
How do you get to Étang-Salé forest?
Coming from the north on the N1, take the first exit signed "Étang-Salé" and turn left. At the intersection, head right towards Étang-Salé-les-Hauts. The first area is 250 metres further on the left, the second about 1,500 metres beyond that. The road is paved all the way and fine for any standard car.
Is wild camping here free?
Yes, wild camping is free in Étang-Salé's state forest. No booking, no fee. The site is managed by the French forestry office (ONF), which tolerates one-night camping on the picnic areas, as long as your tent goes up late, comes down early and you leave no rubbish behind.
What's the difference between the two areas?
The first area (250m after the entrance) is the quickest to reach and usually the busiest at weekends. The second (1,500m further on) is quieter, so better if you want some peace. Both have shelters, barbecue pits, picnic tables, parking and step-free access.
Is there a water point and toilets?
The main areas have taps (untreated water, so treat or boil it before drinking) and toilets. They are not always well maintained, so bring some drinking water and toilet paper just in case.
Can you light a campfire?
Fires are only allowed in the built barbecue pits and fixed barbecues. No fires at the forest edge or anywhere outside a proper structure. This dry forest on an ancient dune burns very easily: the forestry office patrols all year, and even more closely in the dry season.
When's the best time to camp in the forest?
The southern winter (May to October) brings the most stable conditions. The dry forest copes well with the summer heat, but it gets busy at weekends and in the school holidays, so weekdays are a better bet. Fire risk peaks from September to December, so take extra care with any flame.
What else is there to do nearby?
Étang-Salé sits at the heart of the sporty west coast: electric quad biking, Air Jump bungee jumping 5 minutes away, surf lessons on the gentle waves, paragliding at Saint-Leu 15 minutes away, or a helicopter flight for the best view of the lagoon, the Maïdo cliffs and Piton de la Fournaise.
Is it accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, both main areas are set up for visitors with reduced mobility: step-free shelters, accessible toilets and reserved parking spaces. Not all the forest trails are wheelchair-accessible.