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Camping in Circuito Chico

Circuito Chico, the iconic scenic loop from Bariloche, offers car campers lakeside and forest camping along one of Argentina's most photographed routes. Drive past chocolate shops, viewpoints, and pristine Nahuel Huapi lake beaches just 25 km from the city.

3 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
4 campsites
Full guide to Circuito Chico →

The Circuito Chico (Small Circuit) is Bariloche's most famous scenic drive — a 60 km loop that circles the Llao Llao peninsula through some of the most stunning lake and mountain scenery in the Argentine Andes. For car campers, this route offers the rare combination of world-class natural beauty within easy reach of a major city's services. The circuit passes multiple campgrounds set on lakeshores, in native forest, and near the iconic Llao Llao Hotel. Along the way, you'll encounter chocolate shops, microbreweries, viewpoints over multiple lakes, the Colonia Suiza village, and countless trailheads. Camping on the Circuito Chico means waking up in wilderness but being 30 minutes from Bariloche's supermarkets and restaurants.

Campsites

Camping Los Coihues

Paid

Popular lakeside campground on Lago Moreno. Beautiful lenga forest setting with lake swimming and a short drive to Colonia Suiza.

Facilities: toilets, hot showers, fire pits, drinking water, BBQ areas, beach access
Cost: ARS 3500-6000/night
Reservation required
Access:

Camping Bahía López

Paid

On the quiet Bahía López of Lago Moreno. Access to the Llao Llao forest trails and stunning mountain views. More peaceful than lakefront sites.

Facilities: toilets, cold showers, fire pits, drinking water, hiking trails
Cost: ARS 3000-5000/night
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Lago Escondido

Free

A small free camping area near the hidden Lago Escondido, accessed by a forest trail from the circuit. Intimate and scenic.

Facilities: pit toilets, trail access
Cost: Free (park entry)
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Playa Muñoz

Paid

On the Nahuel Huapi lakeshore with a large beach and mountain panorama. Well-equipped and popular with families.

Facilities: toilets, hot showers, fire pits, drinking water, beach access, kayak rental
Cost: ARS 4000-6500/night
Reservation required
Access:

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Before you hit the trail: Circuito Chico

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the Circuito Chico in any car?

Yes, the entire circuit is paved and accessible to any vehicle. It's one of the most well-maintained scenic routes in Patagonia.

Is it worth camping here or just doing a day drive?

Camping transforms the experience — morning mist on the lakes, sunset over the mountains, and early access to trails before the day-trippers arrive. Highly recommended.

What about Colonia Suiza?

This charming Swiss-inspired village hosts an artisan fair with curanto (traditional Patagonian feast cooked underground). A perfect lunch stop or pre-camping supply run.

How crowded are the campgrounds?

Very popular in January-February. Book in advance. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. March offers great camping with significantly fewer visitors.

Can I combine this with the Seven Lakes Route?

Absolutely — the Circuito Chico connects to the Seven Lakes Route via Villa La Angostura. Many car campers do both, camping along each route for a week-long Lake District experience.

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