In Changhua County, Taiwan, efforts to expand the legal development of campsites are gaining momentum following recent regulatory reforms introduced by national authorities.
Since July 2022, the Ministry of the Interior has revised the “Non-Urban Land Use Control Rules,” and the Ministry of Transportation amended the “Key Points for the Management of Campsites” in June 2023.
These changes ease restrictions on non-urban, agricultural, pastoral, and forestry land smaller than one hectare, allowing more private landowners and small businesses to enter the camping sector.
As a result of these policy updates, Changhua County has seen a noticeable uptick in interest from local operators, according to United Daily News.
The county’s City View Office reported that more than ten businesses have submitted applications to establish campsites, many of which already operate farms and orchards.
These applicants aim to integrate camping with activities such as fruit picking to diversify their offerings and attract a wider visitor base.
Currently, there are four legal campsites in the county. These include the Shetou Qingshuiyan Hot Spring Camping Area, situated on recreational land, and three leisure farms with camping facilities: Jinxi in Erlin Town, Giraffe in Puyan Township, and Xingqi in Yongjing Township.
Two other sites have had to cease operations due to violations related to unauthorized construction and land use.
In response to the growing interest and to ensure compliance with the various regulations surrounding farmland use, soil and water conservation, and building permits, the City View Office has been proactive.
Since last year, it has conducted counseling briefings and established a dedicated team to provide on-site guidance and legal consultations. These efforts are intended to help applicants navigate the complexities of the approval process and support the transition to legal operations.
The City View Office noted that over ten companies have submitted applications to establish campsites, with many of the applicants operating farms or orchards and seeking to combine camping with fruit-picking activities to offer varied guest experiences.
Among the applications, three have already passed the first stage of approval. All are located in the hillside areas of Shetou Township, and are now undergoing further review, including assessments related to hillside land conservation and building permits.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality industry, this development highlights Taiwan’s shift toward encouraging rural land diversification and agritourism.
The regulatory easing creates a path for small-scale landowners to enter the camping and glamping market legally, emphasizing the growing importance of aligning agricultural operations with experiential tourism.