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.