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Camping in Strait of Magellan

The Strait of Magellan, the legendary passage between Atlantic and Pacific, offers car campers wild coastal camping on one of history's most important waterways. Drive the shores of this windswept channel to camp where Magellan, Darwin, and Fitz Roy once anchored.

4 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
4 campsites
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The Strait of Magellan, separating mainland South America from Tierra del Fuego, is one of the most historically significant and dramatically scenic waterways on Earth. For car campers, the strait's shores — accessible by road from Punta Arenas southward or along the Tierra del Fuego side — offer wild, windswept camping with a powerful sense of history and isolation. This is where Magellan first sailed through in 1520, where Darwin explored on the Beagle, and where countless ships have battled the fierce currents and winds. Camping on the strait's shores means experiencing the raw power of Patagonian nature: relentless wind, dramatic tides, penguin colonies, and views across the channel to the mountains of Tierra del Fuego or the distant coast of the mainland.

Campsites

Camping Fuerte Bulnes

Paid

Near the reconstructed Fuerte Bulnes, Chile's first permanent settlement on the strait (1843). Camp where Chilean sovereignty began, with strait views and historical trails.

Facilities: toilets, cold showers, interpretive trails, drinking water
Cost: CLP 6000-9000/night
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping San Gregorio

Free

Wild camping near the ghost town of San Gregorio and the rusting Lonsdale shipwreck on the beach. Hauntingly atmospheric location on the strait's northern shore.

Facilities: none
Cost: Free
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Punta Delgada Ferry

Free

Informal camping near the Primera Angostura ferry terminal at Punta Delgada. Practical overnight stop when catching early morning ferries to Tierra del Fuego.

Facilities: basic services at ferry terminal
Cost: Free
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Isla Magdalena Viewpoint

Free

Wild camping on the mainland coast with views toward Isla Magdalena penguin colony. The island itself is accessed by boat from Punta Arenas.

Facilities: none
Cost: Free
No reservation needed
Access:

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Before you hit the trail: Strait of Magellan

🥾Hiking Trails🌤️Weather Guide📍Destination Guide📅Best Time to Visit✈️How to Get There

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive along the entire strait?

No continuous road follows the strait. You can access sections near Punta Arenas (south to Fuerte Bulnes), the Primera Angostura crossing (170 km north), and various coastal tracks. Much of the coastline is inaccessible by road.

How do I cross the strait by car?

The Primera Angostura ferry at Punta Delgada is the main vehicle crossing (30 minutes). The Punta Arenas-Porvenir ferry is an alternative (2.5 hours). Book in advance for summer peak.

Is it safe to camp on the coast?

Safe from a security standpoint but the weather is the real danger. Wind gusts can exceed 150 km/h. Camp in the most sheltered spot you can find and be ready to relocate if conditions deteriorate.

Can I visit the penguin colony?

Isla Magdalena is reached by boat from Punta Arenas (2 hours each way, seasonal). You can't camp on the island. Camp on the mainland and take a day trip.

What's the San Gregorio shipwreck?

The Lonsdale, a British ship beached in 1910, sits rusting on the beach at San Gregorio along with other maritime remains. It's a photogenic and haunting stop on the coast road north of Punta Arenas.

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