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Saint-Joseph · wild south · black sand
Ti Sable Beach: black-sand wild camping in the wild south
A discreet black-sand cove 200 m from the Saint-Joseph skate park car park. A modest beach, but with shaded grassy clifftop spots and a coastal path to the cemetery. The best-kept secret in the south.
Black sanddiscreet cove200 mwalk from the car parkCardirect accessFreeno booking
Saint-Joseph, in the wild south, isn't the town best known for its beaches. Ti Sable beach is nevertheless a well-kept secret: a modest black-sand cove, shaded grassy spots on the cliff above, and a maintained coastal path leading to the Saint-Joseph cemetery.
You reach it via a 200 m walk from the car park near the skate park, right in the town centre by the sea. There are quite a few tent spots, often shaded, on the upper section, plus a few secluded corners further west. For anyone travelling in a fitted van, the car park lets you sleep as close to the sea as possible.
At a glance
The Ti Sable camping essentials
Route
How to reach Ti Sable
From Saint-Joseph town centre, head towards the seafront and the skate park. A proper car park sits right next to it, free of charge. Allow 200 m of walking to reach the beach. There's no official « Ti Sable » signage: it's a local name used by residents. Allow 30 minutes from Saint-Pierre and 1h30 from Saint-Denis.
Backpack
What to bring
- A 3-season tent: nights by the sea stay mild (18-22°C) year-round
- Mosquito repellent: there are mosquitoes on this stretch of coast in the wet season
- A head torch: no public lighting on the beach
- 1.5L of water per person: no guaranteed water point, plan to be self-sufficient
- A gas stove: very few built fire spots, only the remains of stone circles
- Bin bags: all rubbish leaves with you
- Closed sandals: a few pebbles and rocks on the beach, watch your footing
Regulations
Wild camping in the National Park: the rules
- 'Tents and other hammocks must be pitched before sunset and taken down in the morning'
- 'Do not light campfires': only stoves and the built, designated fire spots are permitted
- 'Take all your rubbish away with you', including biodegradable waste
- 'The use of generators is prohibited'
- 'No harm may be done to wildlife or plant life'
- 'Leave the site as you found it'
Source: Parc national de La Réunion: Wild camping in the Park core. Ti Sable beach isn't in a restricted zone.
Combine it with
Activities to combine from Saint-Joseph
With tubing on the Langevin river only 15 minutes from the beach, a night here and a morning on the river go well together, and a car covers that short hop: car hire deals are worth a look while you plan the south.
Langevin river tubing, Saint-Joseph
An inflatable-ring descent down the Langevin river, 15 minutes from the beach.
Discover
Langevin river canyoning
A guided water descent 15 minutes away, one of the finest canyons in the south.
Discover
Explore a lava tube
The wild south's signature volcanic caving experience, 30 minutes from Saint-Joseph.
Discover
Also worth combiningAerial view
The wild south and lava flows from above
Camping at Ti Sable gives you the wild south's coastline. The helicopter gives you the Grand Brûlé lava flows, Cap Méchant and the Enclos Fouqué crater in a few minutes of flight.
Departing from Saint-Pierre, 30 minutes from Saint-Joseph. Ideal as a half-day combined with a night on the beach.
From €125 · 210 Manawa reviews · Saint-Pierre / Saint-Paul
See helicopter rates
Stay nearby
Accommodation near Saint-Joseph
hotel< 1 km
lodge3 kmLes Bungalows les Vanilliers, Sud Sauvage avec piscine
Saint-Joseph
★ 8.1/10 (18 reviews)
From
€64/night
hotel4 kmOther spots
Other wild-camping spots in the wild south
Wild camping at Puits des Français, Cap Méchant
25 minutes away, another wild south spot, a large grassy area by the sea.
See the spot
Wild camping at Puits Arabe, Saint-Philippe
Another historic well in the wild south, 30 minutes from Ti Sable.
See the spot
Pointe de la Table, Saint-Philippe
A wild spot alongside recent lava flows, a volcanic atmosphere.
See the spot
Frequently asked questions
FAQ: Ti Sable beach
How do you get to Ti Sable beach?
From Saint-Joseph town centre, head towards the skate park by the sea. The car park is right next to it; allow 200 m of walking from the car park to reach the beach. There's no official 'Ti Sable' signage, it's a local name. Allow 30 minutes from Saint-Pierre, 1h30 from Saint-Denis.
What facilities are there on site?
The beach itself is small and its size varies with the tides. Above it, grassy clifftop areas provide most of the tent spots, often shaded. On my visit, there were no proper built fire spots (just a few remaining stone circles). A maintained path runs along the coast to the Saint-Joseph cemetery for a walk.
Do you need a permit to camp at Ti Sable?
No, wild camping is free and unrestricted within the core of Reunion Island's National Park. Basic rule: pitch your tent after sunset and take it down in the morning, no campfires outside the built spots, take all your rubbish home with you. Ti Sable isn't in a restricted zone.
Are there more secluded spots?
Yes, a few metres further west from the main beach, you'll find more secluded spots on the low cliff, away from the area that gets busy at weekends. Go for these spots if you're after peace and quiet. It's first come, first served, especially in high season.
What weather should you expect in the wild south?
The wild south is exposed to swell and trade winds. Rain is more frequent than on the west coast, especially in the late afternoon. Favour the dry season (May to November). Check the tide and swell if you plan to get close to the edge: the coastline is sharp in places, and waves can catch you off guard.
What activities are there in and around Saint-Joseph?
Tubing and canyoning on the Langevin river are the standout activities, 15-20 minutes away. 30 minutes away, exploring the lava tubes remains the wild south's signature experience. For the widest perspective, a scenic flight over the Grand Brûlé gives you the recent lava flows in a few minutes.
Page last updated 18 September 2026. GPS coordinates approximated for central Saint-Joseph on the seafront.