Wild camping (camping libre) is legal in Chile on public land and in most national parks outside designated campsite areas. Our team has spent years finding the best spots. These are ten favourites.
1. Lago Colbún, Maule Region
A large reservoir surrounded by rolling hills two hours south of Santiago. Several unmarked pull-offs lead down to flat, grassy lakeside pitches. Popular with local Chilean families in summer, peaceful mid-week. Coordinates: -35.685, -71.065.
2. Orilla de Lago Llanquihue, near Frutillar
A gravel pull-off on the southern shore of Lago Llanquihue with a direct view of Osorno Volcano. Room for two or three campervans. No facilities. The sunsets are extraordinary. Coordinates: -41.218, -72.984.
3. Playa Puchoco, Carretera Austral
A tiny black-sand beach on the Río Palena accessible down a rough track. Space for one camper. The river has excellent fishing and the forest comes right to the water's edge. Coordinates: -43.872, -72.641.
4. Mirador above Puerto Bertrand
A flat area at a viewpoint above the Río Baker confluence. The turquoise and blue rivers meeting below is one of the great views of the Carretera. Gets afternoon sun. Coordinates: -47.071, -72.766.
5. Lago Cochrane south shore
A series of free wild campsites on the southern shore of Lago Cochrane, one of the clearest lakes in the world. No facilities. Utterly peaceful. Coordinates: -47.395, -72.601.
Important
Always leave wild campsites in better condition than you found them. Pack out all waste, don't light open fires and stay on existing tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.
Rules for wild camping in Chile
- Legal on public land (not private property) — always check signage
- Open fires are banned in most of Chile due to fire risk — use your camper stove
- National parks: check rules at the park entrance, some zones are camping libre, some not
- Dispose of grey water away from water sources
- Human waste: dig a cat hole 15cm deep, at least 60m from any water source
