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Camping in El Bolsón

El Bolsón, a bohemian mountain town in the Andean foothills, is a paradise for car campers seeking lush forests, organic farm markets, craft beer, and pristine rivers. Drive your rental through the Comarca Andina and discover camping among ancient arrayán trees and crystal streams.

3 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
5 campsites
Full guide to El Bolsón →

El Bolsón, declared an ecological municipality and nuclear-free zone, sits in a fertile valley surrounded by mountains at the southern end of Argentina's Lake District. This laid-back, hippie-influenced town is famous for its artisan fair, microbreweries, and organic farms. For car campers, El Bolsón offers an exceptional base: the surrounding Río Azul valley and nearby Lago Puelo National Park provide dozens of campgrounds set among ancient forests, beside clear rivers, and beneath dramatic granite peaks. The town's microclimate — warmer and more sheltered than most of Patagonia — extends the camping season and makes for more comfortable nights. A rental car lets you explore the network of back roads connecting riverside campgrounds, mountain trailheads, and charming rural settlements throughout the Comarca Andina region.

Campsites

Camping Río Azul

Paid

A large, popular campground along the beautiful Río Azul, 8 km south of El Bolsón. Crystal clear river swimming, shaded sites under willows and poplars. Great for families.

Facilities: toilets, hot showers, fire pits, drinking water, picnic tables, volleyball court
Cost: ARS 3000-5000/night
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping La Confluencia

Paid

Located at the confluence of the Azul and Quemquemtreu rivers, this campground offers excellent trout fishing and a serene forest setting. Well-spaced sites for privacy.

Facilities: toilets, cold showers, fire pits, drinking water, fishing access
Cost: ARS 2500-4000/night
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Lago Puelo (National Park)

Paid

The official campground inside Lago Puelo National Park, on the shores of the stunning turquoise lake. Surrounded by valdivian temperate rainforest. Swimming and kayaking from the beach.

Facilities: toilets, cold showers, fire pits, drinking water, park ranger station, beach access
Cost: ARS 3500-5500/night
Reservation required
Access:

Camping Wharton

Free

A basic free camping area along the upper Río Azul valley, about 25 km from town on a gravel road. Quiet and surrounded by native forest. Self-sufficient campers only.

Facilities: pit toilets, river access
Cost: Free
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping El Hoyo

Paid

In the nearby town of El Hoyo, known for its berry farms. Camp among fruit trees and enjoy fresh berries in season. A uniquely Comarca Andina experience.

Facilities: toilets, hot showers, electricity, BBQ, fruit orchard access
Cost: ARS 2500-4000/night
No reservation needed
Access:

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Before you hit the trail: El Bolsón

🥾Hiking Trails🌤️Weather Guide🦅Wildlife Guide📍Destination Guide📅Best Time to Visit

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is El Bolsón good for camping with kids?

Excellent! The river campgrounds have gentle swimming areas, the town is safe and welcoming, and activities like berry picking, the artisan fair, and easy nature walks make it ideal for family camping trips.

Can I buy organic food for camping?

Yes! El Bolsón's artisan fair and local farms sell organic produce, artisan bread, cheese, jams, and smoked meats — perfect for stocking your camp kitchen with high-quality local food.

Are there craft breweries near campgrounds?

El Bolsón is Argentina's craft beer capital with over a dozen breweries, many on the road between campgrounds. Enjoy responsibly if you're driving back to camp.

How is the road from Bariloche to El Bolsón?

RN40 between Bariloche and El Bolsón is fully paved and scenic, passing through El Hoyo and Lago Puelo. About 2 hours of driving through beautiful mountain and lake scenery.

Is it true El Bolsón has fewer mosquitoes?

The valley can actually have more mosquitoes and horseflies than windier Patagonian locations, especially near rivers in January-February. Bring good insect repellent.

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