Sakon Nakhon has the Phu Phan range right behind the city, so camping is closer than you would expect. Three of our five grounds are in Mueang district, and Phu Pha Daen Forest Park is only about 20 km from town — a province where you can finish work and be pitched by evening.
Two grounds charge nothing to pitch; the national park starts at ฿30, a private camp charges ฿150 per person, and one resort offers pitches at a higher price. All have showers, and three of the five have electricity and rental gear.
Counted across the 5 campsites shown on this page, ordered by how many list each one.
In the hills, Phu Pha Yon National Park's Tao Ngoi zone has a gentle access road that ordinary cars can manage, with a viewpoint and trails, and Phu Pha Daen Forest Park lets you pitch beside a clear stream at the foot of the mountain. By the water there is a camp on Huai Krachoe reservoir in Mueang district, a riverside ground open around the clock with hot showers, kayaking and swimming, and a Phu Phan resort with a rooftop viewpoint and a fishing pond.
November to February is the comfortable time: cool air on Phu Phan and clear skies for stargazing. In the rains the streams and waterfalls of the forest park run full and the forest is lush, though you should plan for rain at night. In the hot season the waterside grounds beat the hill ones, because you can cool off in the water.
The free forest-park grounds have limited facilities: bring food, drinking water and lighting. Only one of the five grounds has a restaurant, but every zone is close to town, so shopping on the way is easy. Sakon Nakhon has an airport, so you can come without a long drive and rent a car in the city.
Two grounds are free; the national park starts at ฿30 and a private camp charges ฿150 per person, with resort pitches costing more.
Not far — most grounds are in Mueang district or about 20 km from town.
At some — three of the five rent gear. For the free forest-park ground, bring your own.
