Patagonia is a huge region in the southern part of South America. In this region, you’ll find beautiful mountains, lakes, steppes, even deserts, and much more. It’s hard to believe so much nature variety can be found in one region. We’ll let you know everything about camping in Patagonia, so keep reading.
Patagonia spreads all the way across Argentina and Chile. There are plenty of activities you can do if you decide to visit this “paradise region” as we like to call it. Some of the activities you can do in the Patagonia region include:
- Camping
- Fishing
- Watch glaciers – Patagonia is one of the few places on Earth where you can watch the glaciers.
- Hike
- Observe wildlife – Many different wildlife species can be found in the Patagonia region, even penguins!
Is camping in Patagonia legal?
Camping is a way of life in the Patagonia region, so yes, it is legal to camp. That being said, you need to be careful when you plan on camping in national parks. You should avoid starting a campfire in the Patagonia region, especially if you are camping in national parks.
Instead, you should use a storm cooker. There are plenty of different brands to choose from, but they are mostly all great. Fire disasters are often a result of campfires, but you can avoid that by using a storm cooker.
There are region-specific rules, so you should definitely do extra research once you decide which part of Patagonia will you visit. Some areas have a very fragile ecosystem so you may not be able to camp there.
However, you can easily check if you can wild camp somewhere by visiting any store that sells camping equipment and asking the personnel. They might even reveal a hidden spot or two to you as most of them are regular campers too. However, you should be okay as long as you don’t do anything bad.
Above all, treat nature as if you will sleep in it every day. You breathe fresh air thanks to nature, so please always pick up trash after yourself. Also, do not throw anything in the lake or rivers as that causes pollution and it can easily damage the ecosystem.
Official campsites in Patagonia
If you would love to visit the Patagonia region, but looking for an official campsite, we got a solution for you. There aren’t many official campsites since people living in this region are used to wild camping. Still, we have decided to review the best official campsites in Patagonia for you.
Most of the campsites provide booking through three different agencies:
- Fantastico Sur
- Vertice Patagonia
- CONAF
We’ll give you a list of the 5 best official campsites, some can be booked through these agencies, however, some can be booked directly. Some official campsites are not available on the internet, so you should also ask the locals.
1) Camping Serón
It is located on the eastern side of the National Park and it has plenty of facilities available. There are many different trekking programs nearby, but other activities as well. You can book it through the Fantastico Sur agency. Some of the facilities include:
- 100 Tent pitches
- Bathroom
- Equipment for rent including tents, sleeping bags, and more.
Check the prices here.
2) Camping Los Cuernos
Located between Central Sector and the French Valley, Los Cuernos is ideal for those of you looking to stay indoors, although, you can also stay in a tent. There are multiple options you book, from regular camping to campings and so-called refugios.
Some of the facilities you may find here include:
- Restaurant
- Shops
- 50 Tent pitches
- Shared bathrooms with hot water
- Equipment for rent
Check the price here.
3) Refugio Vértice Dickson Shelter & Camping
Located under the Dickson Glacier and Southern Ice Fields, this campsite is huge and has enough space for approx. 100 tents. There are both rooms and tent pitches available for rent, depending on your wants. You can get additional services such as a bed kit or a sleeping bag if you don’t have one.
Some of the available facilities include:
- Foodservice
- Shared bathrooms
- Hot water
- Restaurant
- Cooking area
- Mini market
- Electricity
Unfortunately, there is no cellphone signal in this whole area, so there is no internet either. Check the prices here.
4) Camping y Cabañas A.C.A.
This official campsite is located in the northern part of Patagonia. You may book either cabins or campsites. The upside of booking this campsite is that you can visit with your vehicle, whether it’s a car or motorhome. There are plenty of different facilities such as:
- Hot showers
- Surveillance System
- Games for children
- BBQ
- WiFi
- 24-hour restroom cleaning staff
Check the prices here.
5) Camping Güino
Camping Guino is located in the southern part of the Patagonia region. If you decide to stay at this campsite, expect beautiful views of Puerto Natales and magnificent sunsets. There is more than 3000 sqm for camping. You can also book a guide for different tours such as visiting Balmaceda and Serrano glacier.
Some of the facilities on-site include:
- Fast WiFi
- Washing sinks
- Kitchen
- Electric plugs for those of you camping with motorhomes
- Bathrooms with hot water
- Bus routes
Check the prices here.
Wild camping in Patagonia
The weather can be really harsh in Patagonia, so make sure you bring proper gear with you. This includes waterproof tents, sleeping bags, reserve clothes, etc. Depending on the region of Patagonia you choose, the nights can get pretty cold.
Other than that, choose your camping spots carefully. What does that mean? Well, you shouldn’t camp near houses or on private land. The easiest way to notice a private land is to look if there are any kind of shelters or buildings on it.
If you see fences or gates, that’s probably private land. Who would build fences and gates somewhere in the wild? Some other tips for a great camping experience in Patagonia include:
- Always bring extra pair of socks – You never know when you can accidentally step into a puddle. Having your feet wet for a long period is not only uncomfortable but dangerous as well. You may develop an illness such as trench foot.
- Make sure your tent is waterproof – Weather in Patagonia can be extreme and is often unpredictable. Having a tent that’s waterproof can be a lifesaver.
- Bring a water bottle – As much as it seems like this is a common thing, people tend to forget it. Most water sources in Patagonia are clean. You can bring the bottle with you and drink directly from the river. Make sure you are upstream of any camping grounds or buildings. However, we cannot guarantee that every region has clear water, so make sure you research it beforehand.
- Bring a storm cooker – Campfires are mostly forbidden as fires can spread rapidly and there have been some incidents. That’s why you should bring a storm cooker with you if you plan to make some meals.
If you need some help with camping gear, check other articles on our website.
