Travel

Gia Lai’s lakeside camping boom draws crowds seeking nature escapes

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Lakeside camping and outdoor recreation are rapidly gaining popularity on the Gia Lai plateau as locals and tourists seek nature-focused escapes during the summer months.
Nguyễn Vũ Nhân personally guides visitors in SUP paddling at the Biển Hồ B suspension bridge area. Photo: Ngọc Duy

Around the Biển Hồ B suspension bridge in Biển Hồ Commune, groups of young people and families now regularly gather to paddle stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), set up tents and watch sunsets along the lake. Many visitors bring food and drinks, turning the lakeside into a social space for weekend relaxation.

Nguyễn Vũ Nhân, owner of a mobile camping and SUP rental service in Pleiku Ward, said demand for outdoor equipment rentals has increased significantly, particularly since the start of summer.

“Our main customers now are groups of young people or families looking for outdoor spaces to relax on weekends”, Nhân said. “Previously, many would travel outside the province for short trips, but now camping and SUP paddling around the lakes of the mountain town are attracting much more interest”.

He said some weekends require multiple camping setups around Biển Hồ B, while service providers continue reminding visitors to wear life jackets during water activities.

The Tiên Sơn alluvial plain attracts many children who come to fly kites during the summer. Photo: Ngọc Duy

Alongside mobile services, larger camping destinations are also emerging. Trạm Camping, located in Ea Lũh Village in Biển Hồ Commune, began trial operations in late April 2026 and has quickly become a popular attraction due to its lakeside “mini beach”.

The 800-square-meter site offers camping, swimming, recreation and kitchen facilities. According to manager Tiêu Minh, the project was designed to provide visitors with a new outdoor experience within the natural landscape of the Central Highlands.

“Adults and children can play on the sand, swim in the lake, camp, dine, enjoy the scenery and paddle SUPs”, Minh said. “The swimming area is separated by floating ropes and equipped with rescue and medical measures to ensure visitor safety”.

A Lan (far right) and her family camping at the Tiên Sơn alluvial plain. Photo: Ngọc Duy

The site has drawn increasing numbers of visitors, especially on weekends. Phạm Bình Dương, a resident of Ia Hrung Commune, said he discovered the location through social media.

“The afternoons here are cool, making it ideal for camping and gathering with family and friends after a busy workweek”, Dương said.

In nearby Tiên Sơn 1 Village, lower water levels during the dry season have exposed large alluvial plains that have become gathering spots for campers and picnickers. From morning until evening, families and groups of young people pitch tents, fly kites and spend time beside the lake.

Many visitors have also taken steps to preserve the environment by collecting rubbish and cleaning their camping areas before leaving.

A Lan, a resident of Chư Păh Commune, said her family regularly visits the Tiên Sơn alluvial plain on weekends.

“We prepare food and tents, then gather together”, she said. “The open, natural setting gives everyone a chance to relax after a busy week”.

Danh Hoài Hận, a tourist from An Giang Province, said the area’s peaceful scenery and fresh air left a strong impression during a recent visit.

“I’m impressed by the vast grassy fields, majestic mountains and the beautiful lake”, Hận said.

As visitor numbers rise, local authorities said they are increasing efforts to maintain public order and safety in lakeside areas.

Captain Nguyễn Văn Luân of the Biển Hồ Commune Police said officers regularly patrol camping sites and lakeside gathering areas while reminding visitors to prioritize safety and protect the environment.

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