Camping in Bariloche is split between organised sites around the lakes and mountain camping beside the refugios. They are not interchangeable: an organised site gives you a practical base for the city, lake days and day hikes; a mountain camp is part of a committed overnight trek.
For an easy base near town, Camping Selva Negra is the most convenient. Los Coihues works well for Lake Gutiérrez and the Frey side, Petunia is the lakeside family-friendly option, and El Yeti is the strongest pick for campers wanting their own plot and more facilities. Frey and Jakob are for hikers with a confirmed mountain itinerary.
Organised-campsite rates and facilities can change quickly, so we link to each provider or the current local listing rather than publishing a rate that may mislead. For mountain overnights, use only designated areas, complete the required trekking registration and check the refuge’s own reservation instructions before setting out.
Best Organised Campsites in Bariloche
Camping Selva Negra
The closest dedicated campsite to central Bariloche, on Avenida Bustillo at km 3. It is the most practical option for travellers without a car who still want a camping base rather than a hostel.
Camping El Yeti
A long-running camping-and-cabin property with tent plots, dorm-style units and bungalows. Its individual plot setup, electricity and extra facilities make it the stronger choice for families, vehicles or campers who want more comfort.
Camping Los Coihues
A camping-and-hostel base in Villa Los Coihues with a social, outdoors-oriented feel. It is particularly useful for travellers spending time around Lake Gutiérrez and for those who prefer forest surroundings to the urban centre.
Camping Petunia
A lakeside organised campsite at the western end of Bustillo with beach access and family-oriented facilities. It is a better fit for a relaxed lake stay than for frequent trips into central Bariloche.
Camping Huenei Ruca
A rustic lakeside campsite in the Colonia Suiza area. Choose it for a more removed, forest-and-lake setting and access to Circuito Chico, rather than for quick evenings in central Bariloche.
Best Mountain Camps near Bariloche
Refugio Frey Camp Area
The camp area beside Refugio Frey is a real mountain overnight, reached on foot from Cerro Catedral. It is the choice for a Frey sunrise, climbing plans or a multi-day itinerary—not an alternative to driving into an organised campsite.
Refugio San Martín (Laguna Jakob) Camp Area
A designated camp area beside Refugio San Martín at Laguna Jakob. It is for properly equipped hikers who have planned the full route, registered their trek and confirmed the refuge’s current camp reservation process.
Camping Rules and Planning for Bariloche
The mountain camps are not wild camping: stay only in authorised camp areas and complete the free online trekking registration for the routes that require it. The park and Club Andino also make clear that you need to confirm your itinerary and refuge reservation before departure. Carry a stove, weatherproof shelter and a complete waste plan; do not assume a normal campground kitchen, power, bins or showers in the mountains.
For organised camps, book or make contact well ahead of January, February and holiday weekends. For a first Bariloche camping trip, an organised site is normally the right start; save Frey and Jakob for a defined hiking plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wild camp in Bariloche? Do not treat the park as a wild-camping destination. Use authorised campsites and designated mountain camp areas only, and check the current park rules before your trip.
Which campsite is best if I do not have a car? Camping Selva Negra is the most convenient dedicated campsite for town access. It is on Bustillo close to Centro, so it is the practical starting point for bus-dependent travellers.
Do I need to reserve a camp at Refugio Frey or Jakob? Yes—confirm the refuge’s current camp reservation process before leaving and complete the trekking registration required for your route. These are mountain overnights, not casual walk-in campsites.
Which campsite is best for families? Camping Petunia is the strongest lakeside family choice, while El Yeti is more suitable for campers who want a self-contained plot and extra facilities. Both are better for a relaxed base than a mountain camp.
