Mid-December, escaping the year-end noise, I tried a paid auto-campground for the first time. Mori-no-Makiba Auto Campground, in Sodegaura, Chiba — a former pasture turned campground.
Basic info
Mori-no-Makiba Auto Campground
| Address | Sodegaura City, Chiba |
| Phone | 0438-75-2966 (reception 9:00–17:00) |
| Fee (motorcycle) | ¥1,600 per tent (¥1,900 in peak season) |
| Reservation | Phone reservation required |
| Open fire | Not allowed (raised fire pit only) |
| Facilities | Showers, hot-water taps, toilets, shop (firewood, charcoal, food) |
Field characteristics
The sites are sloped grass, very open. Few wind-blocking trees around, though, so on a windy day the perceived temperature drops fast. In a December camp, cold-weather gear is a must.
Being a paid campground, it leans family and group. That night, I was the only solo camper. Pitching alongside families, with everyone in their own quiet bubble, is its own solo-camp luxury.
Fire and December cold
Bought firewood at the shop and got a fire going. Open fire is forbidden; you need a fire pit. Watching the flames with a beer in hand, the year-end noise that had been bothering me earlier just receded.
December camping is cold. But the cold is exactly why a fire becomes essential — and the fire is exactly why the cold becomes enjoyable. With proper layering, winter camping is actually pretty comfortable.
Verdict
As a first paid auto-campground, Mori-no-Makiba was a fine pick. The facilities are sorted, and access from Tokyo and Kanagawa is reasonable. For a solo motorcycle camp, ¥1,600 is fair.
Next time I'd like to try a forested site with proper wind cover.
Travel guide (general info)
※ This section combines public information with the author's notes; please confirm the latest road, weather, and operating details on the official sites.
About Mori-no-Makiba Auto Camp Ground
- Location: 410 Hayashi, Sodegaura City, Chiba. A former pastureland with sloping grass sites — the open feel is the main draw.
- Sites: free placement, no marked plots. Vehicles can park beside the tent (auto-camping).
- Facilities: hot-water taps, flush toilets, hot-water showers (paid), and a shop (firewood, charcoal).
- No open fire: a fire stand is required. Take care not to scorch the turf.
Booking, fees & winter use
- Reservation: by phone only (9:00–17:00, TEL 0438-75-2966).
- Indicative fee: motorcycles from ¥1,600 per tent (peak season ¥1,900+); confirm current rates on the official site.
- Winter: open year-round, but with little wind cover — bring a winter sleeping bag and an insulated mat to block cold from the ground.
- Terrain: the whole site slopes; pitch with the head end uphill.
Access & the surrounding area
- By car: about 15 min from Anesaki-Sodegaura IC (Tateyama Expressway). About 1 h from central Tokyo via the Aqua-Line and Kisarazu JCT.
- Public transport: about 10 min by taxi from Nagaura Station (JR Uchibō Line).
- Shopping: supermarkets and home centres around Sodegaura City.
- Nearby: Bōsō Peninsula Michi-no-Eki, Mother Farm, and Tokyo German Village are within a 30-minute drive.