Camping in Lago General Carrera
Lago General Carrera, the largest lake in Chile and second-largest in South America, offers car campers turquoise waters, marble caves, and glacier-fed shores along the Carretera Austral. Camp on the shores of this binational giant shared with Argentina.
4 min de lectureMis à jour saison 2025–2026Lago General Carrera (known as Lago Buenos Aires in Argentina) is South America's second-largest lake and one of its most visually stunning. Straddling the Chile-Argentina border in the Aysén and Santa Cruz regions, this massive body of turquoise water is fed by glaciers from the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and surrounded by mountains of every geological era. For car campers, the lake offers an extraordinary variety of camping experiences along its 1,850 km of shoreline. The Chilean Carretera Austral follows the western and southern shores through villages like Puerto Guadal and Puerto Río Tranquilo, while the Argentine Ruta 40 passes the eastern end via Los Antiguos. Driving around the lake — partially in each country — is one of Patagonia's great road trips, and camping on its shores is consistently rewarding.
Campings
Camping Puerto Guadal
PayantIn the charming village of Puerto Guadal on the lake's southwestern shore. Lakefront sites with mountain views. Access to boat trips and the Carretera Austral.
Camping Mallín Colorado
PayantBetween Puerto Guadal and Chile Chico on the southern shore road. Sheltered bay camping with some of the lake's best turquoise water views.
Camping Playa Norte Los Antiguos
PayantOn the Argentine side at Los Antiguos. Lake access with Andes views. The cherry capital's campgrounds combine fruit farms with lake camping.
Camping Bahía Jara
GratuitA basic free camping area on the southern shore between Puerto Guadal and Chile Chico. Remote beach camping with turquoise water and total solitude.
Camping Puerto Sánchez
GratuitWild camping at the tiny hamlet of Puerto Sánchez on the lake's northern shore. Access to less-visited marble formations. Extremely remote and beautiful.
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Questions Frequentes
Can I drive around the entire lake?
Not in a complete loop by road yet. The southern shore road (Chile Chico to Puerto Guadal) is scenic but rough. A full circuit requires crossing between Chile and Argentina. It's a multi-day adventure.
Why is the water so turquoise?
Glacial flour — microscopic rock particles ground by glaciers — is suspended in the water and scatters light to produce the vivid turquoise color. Sunlight makes it more intense.
What about the Marble Caves?
The Capillas de Mármol near Puerto Río Tranquilo are the lake's most famous feature. Boat and kayak tours visit the sculpted marble formations. Weather dependent — allow extra days.
Is the lake safe for swimming?
Safe but cold — water temperatures range from 10-16°C in summer. Sheltered bays are warmer. The lake can develop large wind waves rapidly, so don't swim far from shore.
How big is this lake?
1,850 km² — roughly the size of Greater London. It's 200 km long. Distances between lakeshore campgrounds can be 50-100+ km. Plan fuel and time accordingly.