A roundup of free campsites in Shiga Prefecture. Also introducing lakeside green spaces where you can BBQ!
When it comes to Shiga Prefecture, it’s one of the regions in Kansai with an especially large number of popular campgrounds.
In particular, campgrounds near Lake Biwa are popular across the board, showing that many people dream of lakeside camping.
What’s more, in summer you can enjoy swimming in the lake, making these spots especially popular with campers bringing kids.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of campgrounds in Shiga Prefecture where you can camp for free.
In fact, there aren’t that many free campgrounds, so the main focus will be on the lakeside green spaces along Lake Biwa.
There are other lakeside green spaces not listed here, but note that barbecues are not allowed at those locations.
Now, let’s dive into the free campgrounds in Shiga Prefecture!
campground
Rokuha Park Day-Camp Forest
Within Rokuha Park, a nature park in Kusatsu City, there is a reservation-only, free-to-use campsite called “Day Camp Forest.” Please note that parking fees apply in July and August. Unusual for a free campsite, it’s equipped with sinks, prep counters, and even a disposal area for barbecue ashes—very convenient. Overnight stays are not allowed, so it’s for day camping only, but it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy barbecues and outdoor cooking in nature. Since advance reservations are required, you won’t run into situations like “We went, but it was too crowded to get in,” which is reassuring.
| Name | Rokuha Park Day-Camp Forest |
| Address | 7-11 Oiwake, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga Prefecture |
| Business hours | 10:00〜16:30 |
| phone number | 077-564-3838 |
| SNS | |
| Website | https://www.park-698.net/yoyaku/ |
Kogan Ryokuchi Kitayamada-1 to Kitayamada-3
Kitayamada-1 to Kitayamada-4 are located about a 15-minute drive from Kusatsu Station. Of these, the areas where you can barbecue are the three spots up to Kitayamada-3. While they’re close to the city center, they feature spacious grounds, making them great for casual outings. The Sazanami Kaido runs right alongside, but there are shrubs between the road and the park, so it looks like you can comfortably enjoy overnight camping with a tent. Note that Kitayamada-2 doesn’t have a parking lot or restrooms, so if you have a lot of gear, we recommend bringing a carry cart.
| Name | Kogan Ryokuchi Kitayamada-1 to Kitayamada-3 |
| Address | Kitayamada-cho, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Business hours | 24 hours |
| phone number | 077-584-5330 |
| Website | https://www.seibu-la.co.jp/park/kogan/facility/ |
Kogan Lakeside Green Space Minami-Mitsutani
Like Sone-numa Park, this is a lakeside green space within Hikone City. While Sone-numa Park is a bit away from Lake Biwa, Mitsutani Park sits right along the lakeshore, offering views of Lake Biwa from within the park. The biggest draw of Mitsutani Park is that, in addition to open areas where you can camp and have barbecues, it also has a playground and an athletic field. The field requires an advance-use application, but the playground is always open. Have a family barbecue and then let the kids play on the equipment—it's especially recommended for campers with children!
| Name | Kogan Lakeside Green Space Minami-Mitsutani |
| Address | Minami Mitsuya-cho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Business hours | 24 hours |
| phone number | 077-584-5330 |
| Website | https://www.seibu-la.co.jp/park/kogan/facility/ |
Lakeside Green Space Tenjingawa River Mouth
Among the lakeside green spaces on the west side of Lake Biwa, the only place where you can have a barbecue is the Lakeside Green Space at the Tenjingawa River Mouth, located roughly halfway between Katata and Ogoto. Please be careful when visiting, as the entrance road is so narrow that two cars can barely pass each other. You’ll also need to walk a bit from the parking lot, so having something like a carry cart to transport your gear is convenient. The park juts out into the lake like a small cape compared to other areas, so if you look to the north, you can enjoy a clear view of the Biwako Ohashi Bridge.
| Name | Lakeside Green Space Tenjingawa River Mouth |
| Address | 2-1 Katata, Otsu-shi, Shiga |
| Business hours | 24 hours |
| phone number | 077-527-8806 |
| Website | http://shigakoen.com/koganryokuchi/koganryokuchi_katata |
Kawamichi Lakeside Green Space -1 to -3
In the lakeside green space in Nagahama City, barbecues are only allowed in three areas: Kawamichi-1 through Kawamichi-3. There’s a supermarket just a few minutes away by car, so shopping is easy. Because this spot is away from central Otsu, on some days you can spend a relaxed, uncrowded time here—one of the perks of the Kawamichi lakeside green space. Kawamichi-2, which has an adjacent parking lot, is convenient for casual use, but Kawamichi-1 and Kawamichi-3 may be less crowded since they’re farther from parking. If you have a way to transport your gear, such as a carry cart, those areas are recommended!
| Name | Kawamichi Lakeside Green Space -1 to -3 |
| Address | Kawamichi-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Business hours | 24 hours |
| phone number | 077-584-5330 |
| Website | https://www.seibu-la.co.jp/park/kogan/facility/ |
Koganshokuji Kihan Island -1 to Kihan Island -3
The lakeside green spaces closest to Aeon Mall Kusatsu are Kihanshima-1 through Kihanshima-3. They’re conveniently located near the centers of Otsu and Kusatsu, and offer easy access from Kyoto and Osaka, with plenty of nearby shopping options. As with other lakeside green spaces, there are no washing stations, trash disposal areas, or equipment rentals, so be sure to bring everything you need and take all your garbage home with you. Just across the promenade from the lakeshore, there’s a broad lawn—perfect not only for barbecues but also for picnics with Lake Biwa right in front of you.
| Name | Koganshokuji Kihan Island -1 to Kihan Island -3 |
| Address | Yabasecho, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Business hours | 24 hours |
| phone number | 077-584-5330 |
| Website | https://www.seibu-la.co.jp/park/kogan/facility/ |
Shina Lakeside Green Space 1, Shina 2
This is a lakeside green space in the northern part of Kusatsu City. Among the Shina areas, Shina-1 is especially popular with campers because it covers a large area. You can freely pitch a tent and stay overnight as if it were a free campsite, so campers in the Kansai area should definitely check it out. There are Shina-1 through Shina-3, but only Shina-1 and Shina-2 allow barbecues, so please be careful not to mix them up. As with other lakeside green spaces, even where barbecues are permitted, open fires are prohibited. Be sure to use a barbecue grill or fire pit, make use of a fireproof mat, and take care not to damage the grass and trees!
| Name | Shina Lakeside Green Space 1, Shina 2 |
| Address | Shina-cho, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Business hours | 24 hours |
| phone number | 077-584-5330 |
| Website | https://www.seibu-la.co.jp/park/kogan/facility/ |