hotel4 km
Grand Étang · Saint-Benoît
Grand Étang lake camping: the island's largest natural lake
A remarkable lake in the heart of the national park, in the hills above Saint-Benoît, with camping areas shaded by eucalyptus, a trail to the Bras d'Annette waterfalls, and hiking and mountain biking on the doorstep.
Grand Étang, Saint-BenoîtlocationNatural lake + waterfallstypeCar, parking 3km off the N3accessFreecost
Grand Étang, in the hills above Saint-Benoît, is one of Reunion Island's few permanent natural lakes. Lying at 500 metres at the foot of the cliffs, it is unlike anywhere else on the island: a lake ringed by forest, several waterfalls around the Bras d'Annette, and camping areas shaded by eucalyptus trees.
Here's what you need to know before pitching a tent: getting there from Saint-Benoît, gear for the cooler, wetter uplands and the hikes that start from the car park, plus nearby activities. If you'd rather not sleep in a tent, a campervan fits easily in the car park, a few steps from the lake.
At a glance
Grand Étang camping at a glance
The experience
A night by the lake under eucalyptus trees
Arriving. From the car park, several picnic areas spread out under the eucalyptus trees, close to the lake. Claim your shelter as early as possible at weekends: the site is popular and fills up fast.
The setting. Grand Étang is unique on the island: a true permanent natural lake, fed by several springs and streams, including the Bras d'Annette, which forms several waterfalls upstream. Its dark, still water reflects the green cliffs rising inland to 1,800m.
The loop around the lake. A flat, family-friendly trail of about 1 hour takes you all the way round Grand Étang, with viewpoints over the cliffs and access to quieter pools. Walk the full loop to find some lesser-known waterfalls.
At night. The soundtrack is the waterfalls and the wind in the eucalyptus. Far from any light pollution, the starry sky is exceptional once the clouds clear. Insect repellent is essential: the lakeshore is marshy.
Route
How to get to Grand Étang
From Saint-Benoît, take the N3 towards Plaine des Palmistes for about 8 kilometres. Turn right at the “Grand Étang” sign and continue for 3km to the car park.
The road is paved all the way and fine for any standard car. Allow about 25 minutes from central Saint-Benoît. Buy fuel and supplies before you head up: there are no shops beyond the forestry lodge.
Once you've packed the tent away, you could head back down to Saint-Benoît for rafting on the Rivière des Marsouins, an easy pairing if you hire a car for the trip.
Packing list
What to bring for the night
- A 3-season tent and a 10°C sleeping bag (at 500m, nights drop below 15°C)
- Waterproofs: the windward east side gets the island's heaviest rainfall, and showers are possible year-round
- A head torch: there is no lighting and the eucalyptus canopy is dense
- At least 2L of water per person: don't drink lake water without treating it
- A portable gas stove: open fires are only allowed in the built fire pits
- Closed shoes with grippy soles for the trail up to the waterfalls
- Bin bags: take all your rubbish home, as the site is in the core zone of the national park
- Insect repellent: the lakeshore is marshy and the mosquitoes come out in force at dusk
Read before you pitch
National park core: rules and fragility
Grand Étang sits within the core zone of Reunion National Park. Camping is allowed on the designated areas under strict conditions: pitch late and take down early, light fires only in the built fire pits, take all your rubbish home, no generators, and leave plants and wildlife undisturbed.
The Bras d'Annette waterfalls can rise fast after heavy rain upstream. Don't swim near the waterfalls during weather warnings, and keep away from the riverbed if in any doubt.
Nearby
Things to do around Saint-Benoît
Rafting on the Rivière des Marsouins
A rafting descent on the east coast's main river, departing from Saint-Benoît, 15 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.
See the activity
Horse Riding at Grand Étang
A horse ride around the lake and through the forests of Plaine des Palmistes, beginner-friendly.
See the activity
Also worth doingAerial view
Trou de Fer and the Salazie cliffs seen from the sky
Grand Étang shows you the lake and forest up close. A helicopter reveals the interior: it flies over Trou de Fer, the island's tallest waterfall, 8 minutes' flight to the north-west, and along the Salazie cliffs.
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 camping spots on the east coast
Béthléem Îlet, Saint-Benoît
Riverside camping on the Rivière des Marsouins, with rainforest all around and the Notre-Dame chapel, 25 minutes by car.
See the spot
Belvédère de l'Éden, Bras-Panon
A forest in the hills above Bras-Panon, with a trail leading to an east-coast panorama.
See the spot
Anse des Cascades, Sainte-Rose
Seafront camping on the east coast, where waterfalls drop straight into the ocean, 50 minutes to the south.
See the spot
Sleep nearby
Places to stay near Grand Étang
For the night before or after your camping trip, here are places to stay within 25 km.
hotel4 km
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hotel5 kmFrequently asked questions
FAQ: camping at Grand Étang
How do you get to Grand Étang?
From Saint-Benoît, take the N3 towards Plaine des Palmistes for about 8 kilometres. Turn right at the "Grand Étang" sign and continue for 3km to the car park. The road is paved all the way and fine for any standard car. Allow about 25 minutes from central Saint-Benoît.
Is wild camping here free?
Yes, wild camping is free on Grand Étang's designated areas. No booking, no fee. The site is in the core zone of Reunion National Park, so pitch late and take down early, light fires only in the built fire pits, and take all your rubbish home.
Can you swim in the lake?
A few pools by the lakeshore and at the foot of the Bras d'Annette waterfalls are good for a refreshing dip. Swimming in the lake itself isn't officially banned, but it's best avoided when the water is high and after rain, because of the currents from the inflowing streams. Keep a constant eye on children.
What hikes start from Grand Étang?
Several trails start from the car park: the loop around the lake (1 hour, flat, family-friendly), the climb to the Bras d'Annette waterfalls (2 hours return, moderate ascent, to the tallest of the falls), and a link to the Plaine des Palmistes trail network for experienced hikers.
Are there facilities on site?
The site has shelters, picnic tables, built fire pits and parking. There's no reliable drinking water and no toilets maintained year-round, so come fully self-sufficient. There are no shops up here.
When's the best time to camp at Grand Étang?
The southern winter (May to October) brings the most stable conditions: often clear skies, dry trails and mild temperatures. The windward east is still the wettest part of the island all year, though, so always pack waterproofs. Avoid the cyclone season from January to March.
What else is there to do nearby?
Saint-Benoît is the base for white-water sports on the east coast: rafting on the Rivière des Marsouins, horse riding around Grand Étang, the Bélouve and Trou de Fer hike, or a helicopter flight for the best view of the Salazie cliffs.