Camp Utopia (Badol Camping Grounds) Kapangan’s Nature Escape
As I am in pursuit in visiting all 82 provinces of the Philippines, aka #Project82PH, I am beginning my 2025 Travel Season in Kapangan, Benguet’s best kept secret – CAMP UTOPIA. This important and strategic landmark in the wilderness of Kapangan also played a pivotal role during World War II.
Camp Utopia: Kapangan’s Historical Core
Read also: Pusan Point Travel Guide
Being the third highest peak in the municipality of Kapangan, Camp Utopia served as a strategic military distribution center during World War II. Located in Sitio Liteng, Barangay Sagubo, it is one of the municipality’s newest hiking and camping destinations. Just a short-and-sweet 2-hour hike from the main highway, the vast plateau is an ideal place for camping and on a clear day, you get to see the Ilocos coastline.
I joined a joiner group, The Northern Nomads, who offers the Camp Utopia Tour. Upon arriving at the campsite, you have the option to pitch your own tent or cozy up at the log cabin on site (for added comfort). You and your friends can also have a bonfire by the woods and enjoy an evening under the stars. Just practice the “Leave No Trace” principle.
Camp Utopia Travel Guide
- From Baguio City, ride any jeepney bound for La Trinidad (jeepney stations are located at: (1) Magsaysay and another station (2) at Magsaysay Road, near Baguio Center Mall.)
- Tell the Jeepney driver that you will alight near the BIR La Trinidad office or PSBank La Trinidad Branch. Travel time is around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Fare is estimated at ₱ 13.
- From the BIR La Trinidad Office / PSBank La Trinidad, look for the jeepney terminal bound for Kapangan just across the street. Ask the dispatcher for the jeep bound for Barangay Sagubo, Kapangan (there will be signs inside the jeepney on what route they will go). Jeepney fare is around ₱ 80 – 90. Travel time is estimated around 1.5 to 2 hours. The schedule of jeepneys going to Barangay Sagubo are limited. Their first trip departs at around 0840 H, and the next trip is around 1200 H.
- Upon arriving in Barangay Sagubo, locate their Barangay Hall for a short orientation and payment of fees (environmental fee, guide fee (₱ 500-700 per 20 kg), and porter fee (optional)).
- After the orientation, start your trek to Badol Camping Grounds / Camp Utopia for around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pacing as a group. There are several rest areas along the way and there is also a water source in the middle of the trek. The trail is relatively easy with slight elevation changes.
- Upon reaching the Cabin in Camp Utopia, you can rest or eat after the trek before climbing to the main camp site.
- Pitch your tent on the campsite (10-15 minutes trek from the cabin) or you can also rent a tent for ₱ 400 per person.
- Enjoy the view and have a bonfire conversation with friends!
- There are bathrooms and toilets located 5 mins from the campsite (a short walk down the camp site). There is also a kitchen beside the comfort rooms if you have food to cook.
- There is also a nearby river and waterfalls in the area where you can take photos for the gram!
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
