outdoor travel in taiwan

[coaster]

Hey all,
I'll be doing some solo traveling in Taiwan from July 28th to Aug 3rd. I'm looking to check out some Buddhist temples and perhaps do a temple stay for a night or two, id like to escape the crowds if possible.
Also looking to do some hiking and surfing as well. Is it possible to travel and camp or should I look into staying at hostels?

any suggestions appreciated

[Super Hans]

it is possible to camp. Sometimes you might get moved on by the police or the coastguard, if you camp near the ocean, but it is unlikely. There are often signs displaying what you can and can't do, like swimming, bombing and electrocuting fish and damaging the squirrels. But if there is no sign, then apparently anything goes
Seriously, if you camp, just make sure it's difficult for people to see your tent and you shouldn't have problems.

[Mucha Man]

Depends where you are. On the east coast there are a number of campgrounds, and in Taidong County you can usually can anywhere. Several police substations also allow camping on their grounds (you can pick up a list at the visitor centre in Hualian). Around Taiwan there are lots of campgrounds but it's best to have a vehicle to get to them.

In a lot of areas you can also usually camp at the local elementary school.

A guidebook would help a lot as campsites in the areas you want to visit would be listed.

[coaster]

thanks for the info guys,
wondering about the temples, is shitoushan a good bet? heard its quite difficult to get to