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Camp John Hay, Baguio - Things to Do at Camp John Hay

Things to Do at Camp John Hay

Complete Guide to Camp John Hay in Baguio

About Camp John Hay

Camp John Hay spreads across 690 hectares of pine-clad hillside in Baguio, and the first thing that greets you is the smell, resinous, slightly sweet pine that slaps you awake the instant you open the car door. The temperature drops with every step you take, cool mountain air threading through Benguet pine needles that crunch softly underfoot. Built in 1903 as an American rest and recreation facility, the camp still carries that early-20th-century mountain retreat aura, weathered cabins, manicured lawns, and trails that fade into mist on cooler mornings. The layout feels slightly disorienting at first, Camp John Hay is less a single attraction than a small forested town within Baguio, with hotels, restaurants, golf courses, and historical markers scattered along winding roads. Joggers in fleece jackets share the paths with families pushing strollers, and somewhere in the distance you'll hear the faint thwack of a golf ball or the rustle of wind moving through the canopy. When the sun breaks through, it dapples everything in shifting patterns of gold and shadow. Worth noting: this is not a place you rush. Camp John Hay rewards lingering, a coffee on a wooden deck, a slow walk past the Cemetery of Negativism, an afternoon spent doing very little while the cool air strips away whatever stress you brought up the mountain.

What to See & Do

Cemetery of Negativism

An odd hilltop spot where mock tombstones read 'Here lies I Can't' and 'Here lies It Won't Work.' The wind picks up here, rustling through surrounding pines, and there's something quietly affecting about reading these absurd epitaphs while looking out over the valley. Locals swear by it as a place to leave your worries, silly on paper, surprisingly effective in person.

Bell House and Bell Amphitheater

The white-painted Bell House dates back to the camp's early days as an American R&R post, and its wooden floors creak in that satisfying old-house way as you walk through. The amphitheater below, a grassy bowl ringed by pines, hosts occasional concerts and events, and even when empty it's worth sitting on the stone steps for a few minutes to take in the view.

Tree Top Adventure

Zip lines, a 'Superman ride' that has you flying face-down through the canopy, and a tree-drop free fall that's louder with screams than the actual mechanical noise. The harnesses are sturdy and the staff are calm in that practiced way that's reassuring when you're about to step off a platform 100 feet up. Best done before lunch, not after.

Yellow Trail and Eco-Trail

A network of walking paths winds through some of the densest pine cover in the camp. The Yellow Trail is gentle enough for kids and grandparents. The Eco-Trail tends to be quieter, with occasional benches where you can sit and listen to nothing but birds and wind. Mornings are misty and atmospheric, afternoons get sunnier but the light filtering through the pines is something to see.

Historical Core and Liberty Loop

Restored officers' quarters, the Main Gate, and a scattering of historical markers tell the story of Camp John Hay's American military past and its role during World War II. The buildings are mostly white clapboard with green trim, and walking the Liberty Loop on a quiet weekday morning feels a bit like stepping into a sepia photograph.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

The grounds are generally accessible from early morning until around 10pm, though individual attractions like Tree Top Adventure and the museums keep shorter hours, typically 9am to 6pm, with the adventure park sometimes closing earlier in heavy rain. Restaurants and hotels operate on their own schedules.

Tickets & Pricing

Entry to the grounds themselves is free, which is a pleasant surprise. Individual attractions charge their own fees, Tree Top Adventure activities are mid-range for an adventure park, the historical museums are budget-friendly, and the golf course is a splurge. Bring small bills. Some smaller vendors don't take cards.

Best Time to Visit

November through February is the sweet spot, clear, cold mornings (sometimes near single-digit Celsius), sunny afternoons, and that crisp mountain feel Baguio is famous for. December gets crowded and hotel rates climb steeply. Rainy season (June to September) means atmospheric mist but also genuine downpours that can shut down outdoor activities for hours. Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends.

Suggested Duration

A half-day covers the main historical sites and a walk or two. A full day lets you add Tree Top Adventure and a leisurely lunch. If you're staying overnight at one of the camp's hotels, two nights tends to be about right, enough to slow down, not so long that you've exhausted the place.

Getting There

From central Baguio, Camp John Hay is about a 10-minute taxi ride from Session Road, and a metered cab tends to be the easiest option, though you can also negotiate a flat fare with one of the white taxis lined up near SM Baguio. Jeepneys marked 'Scout Barrio' or 'Camp 7' pass close to the entrance and are the cheapest way in, you'll pay a small fixed fare, but you'll do some walking from the drop-off. If you're driving up from Manila, take the TPLEX to Rosario then Marcos Highway. The trip takes around four to five hours depending on traffic, and the final climb into Baguio is steep, winding, and likely cooler with every kilometer. Parking inside the camp is plentiful and free in most areas, paid near the busier hotels and the Tree Top hub.

Things to Do Nearby

Mines View Park
About 15 minutes away by taxi, with that famous overlook of the old gold and copper mines of Itogon. Pairs well with Camp John Hay because it's the inverse experience, busy, market-stall-lined, full of woven blankets and strawberry taho, a useful contrast after the quiet pines.
Wright Park and The Mansion
A short drive down the road, with the Pool of Pines reflecting the surrounding trees and pony rides for kids on the upper terrace. The Mansion, the President's official Baguio residence, sits just opposite and is photogenic from the front gate. Easy to combine with Camp John Hay in a single afternoon.
Botanical Garden
Five minutes from Camp John Hay's main gate, this garden gives you more pines minus the history lesson. Cordillera-style huts, Igorot statues, and elderly performers in traditional dress wait for small tips and photos. Quick stop. Worth it.
Session Road
Baguio's main commercial spine, Session Road, holds the bookshops, bakeries, and coffee places locals swear by. End your Camp John Hay day here for dinner. Forest stillness meets gentle chaos. That contrast defines Baguio.
Burnham Park
A 15-minute taxi from Camp John Hay drops you at Burnham Park, a man-made lake ringed by paddle boats. Baguio families crowd the water every Sunday. Rent bikes around the perimeter if your legs still have juice after the camp trails.

Tips & Advice

Bring a light jacket even in dry season. Camp John Hay sits higher than central Baguio. Temperature drops under the pine canopy after 4pm. Pack it. You'll thank yourself.
Eat at Le Chef at The Manor for a proper sit-down inside the camp. Splurge level, yes, but wood-fired dishes and pine views justify the bill. Cheaper option: the Camp John Hay food court near the commercial area serves Filipino comfort food at budget-friendly prices.
Skip Camp John Hay on long weekends if you can. Holy Week, Christmas week, and Chinese New Year turn the camp into a parking lot. City density follows you uphill. Avoid.
Planning Camp John Hay with kids? Hit Tree Top Adventure first thing in the morning while energy peaks and lines stay short. After lunch, taper into gentler walking trails. Smart pacing.
Stay overnight at one of the camp hotels, The Manor or Forest Lodge, if the budget allows. Wake to mist threading the pines. Walk out for coffee in cold morning air. That is the real Camp John Hay, not the day-trip teaser.
Catch Camp John Hay events like Panagbenga Flower Festival fringe activities in February or the occasional Christmas village setups in December. Check the gate kiosk on arrival for what's currently running. Timing matters.

Tours & Activities at Camp John Hay

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Opening Hours at Camp John Hay?

Camp John Hay is open 24/7 as a public leisure zone, though individual attractions and shops within the complex follow their own schedules, most restaurants and cafes operate 8am-9pm, while the Historical Core typically opens 9am-5pm. The Forest Bathing Trail and outdoor areas are accessible throughout the day. Gate access is free. But some specific venues charge separate entrance or activity fees.

Is There an Entrance Fee for Camp John Hay Historical Core?

No, the Camp John Hay Historical Core has no entrance fee, you can walk freely through the Heritage Trail, Bell House area, and forested paths. However, some commercial establishments inside (like The Manor hotel or certain restaurants) are private businesses with their own charges. The Baguio City government maintains the historical areas as public heritage sites.

What Are the Main Attractions at Camp John Hay in Baguio?

Camp John Hay's main draws include the Heritage Trail with American-era wooden structures, the Bell Amphitheater for events, the Forest Bathing Trail through pine groves, and Poet's Garden. You'll also find The Manor luxury hotel, CJH Golf Course, several themed restaurants, and the Technohub business district. Weekend markets and seasonal events like the Christmas Village (November-January) add rotating attractions.

Where Can I Stay at Camp John Hay?

The most well-known hotel inside Camp John Hay is The Manor at Camp John Hay, a luxury property with pine forest views and an on-site restaurant. Several other accommodations operate within the complex, including Forest Lodge Baguio (a midrange option near the golf course) and smaller inns along the main road. Cottage rentals are also available through Camp John Hay Leisure, Inc. for groups or extended stays.

How Much Does the Buffet at the Manor Hotel Baguio Cost?

The Manor Hotel's Le Chef restaurant typically charges ₱1,200-1,500 per person for weekend lunch buffets and ₱1,500-1,800 for dinner buffets, with prices varying by season and holiday periods. Weekday rates are usually lower by ₱200-300. Call ahead or check their website for current pricing, as they update menus and rates periodically.

What Restaurants Are in Camp John Hay Technohub?

The Technohub area near Camp John Hay's lower entrance hosts a cluster of cafes and restaurants including Yellow Cab Pizza, Greenwich, Café Yagam, and several Korean and Japanese spots. Le Chef at The Manor (the hotel's main dining room) sits about 1km uphill from Technohub. Most Technohub eateries stay open until 9-10pm, and there's ample parking.

How Do I Contact Camp John Hay Management?

Camp John Hay Development Corporation's main office is located at the Admin Building along Loakan Road inside the complex, their listed number is (074) 424-2834. For specific inquiries about The Manor hotel, cottage rentals, or event spaces, it's faster to call those venues directly. The Baguio Tourism Office (074-442-7014) can also provide general information.

When Does the Camp John Hay Christmas Village Open?

The Camp John Hay Christmas Village typically runs from mid-November through early January, coinciding with Baguio's peak holiday tourism season. Operating hours are usually 5pm-10pm nightly, with extended hours on weekends and Christmas week. Admission is free, though food stalls and carnival rides inside charge separately, expect crowds on weekends.

How Do I Get to Camp John Hay from Baguio City Center?

Camp John Hay is about 3km east of Burnham Park, taxis from Session Road cost ₱80-120, or you can take a jeepney marked 'Technohub' or 'Loakan' from the Kayang-Hilltop terminal (₱15-20). The ride takes 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. If you're staying in Upper Session Road or near Wright Park, it's a 20-minute walk downhill via South Drive.

Can I Jog or Bike at Camp John Hay?

Yes, Camp John Hay is popular with joggers and cyclists, the main loop road is about 5km with gentle hills and pine-shaded sections. Early mornings (6-8am) are best before vehicle traffic picks up. The Forest Bathing Trail has a shorter, flatter option on packed earth. Bike rentals aren't formally available on-site, so bring your own or rent from shops along Marcos Highway before entering.