[Camping Mecca] Tried it out! Recommended campsites in Aikawa Town, Kanagawa Prefecture picked up

There are many free campsites authorized by the local government along the riverbed in Aikawa Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. As I have often used them for casual camping, I picked up two recommended campsites I have visited plus a day-use hot spring.

I tried going with a Jimny! Recommended campsites in Aikawa Town, Kanagawa Prefecture

In the vicinity of the Nakatsugawa River in Aikawa Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, there are free campsites authorized by the local government. They are used by many campers. This time, I will report on the Akuta Youth Square and the Nakatsugawa Sendai Lower Riverbed campsite, both of which I have used.

Akuta Youth Square, with its calm atmosphere popular among solo campers

Among the many campsites, Akuta Youth Square stands out for its calm atmosphere, which attracts many solo campers. The area is spacious and can accommodate a large number of campers. The riverside area is particularly popular, so if you’re lucky enough to find an open spot, it’s a win. Firewood is not available on-site, so you will need to bring your own or buy it at a nearby store.

One point to note is that the closer you are to the bridge, the louder the sound of traffic becomes. I stayed very close to the bridge once, and even late at night, there was quite a bit of traffic, so I was woken up several times.

Although there are few standing trees, it is possible to set up a hammock. Among various accommodation methods, this is a good place for camping beginners to practice. There is no running water, but there are portable toilets, providing minimal facilities.

In addition to the main area under the bridge, there are scattered spots where you might also be able to camp, so it might be fun to search for hidden spots.

Convenient campsite with a great location: Nakatsugawa Sendai Lower Riverbed

The Nakatsugawa Sendai Lower Riverbed is a highly functional campsite featuring sites along the stream as well as vast wooded areas. This site also has toilets and firewood is available for sale. It is very popular, possibly due to its good location, and is always crowded.

Located away from busy roads, it is relatively quiet, which is appealing. However, as mentioned before, due to the high number of visitors, it is also good to understand that the level of quietness will depend on the spot you choose.

For a less crowded option, the large riverside area away from the wooded sites seems promising. Its location means you are less likely to come across other campers, making it recommended if you want to enjoy some tranquility.

Refresh yourself at a day-use hot spring after camping

If you enjoyed camping in Aikawa Town, I recommend the Sagami-Shimokuzawa Onsen Yuraku no Sato nearby. You can enjoy a variety of hot springs and meals. Although it can be crowded as it is a city hot spring, it is the perfect place to heal your body after camping. I love that the dining area has plenty of seats, and the counter seats make it easy to eat alone.

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