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Camping in Osorno

Osorno, a productive agricultural city in Chile's Los Lagos region, serves car campers as a gateway to Puyehue National Park's hot springs, Antillanca ski area, and the scenic road to the Argentine border through ancient temperate rainforest.

3 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
4 campsites
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Osorno, a prosperous city with strong German-Chilean heritage, sits in the agricultural heartland between Chile's Lake District and the coast. While not a tourist destination itself, Osorno is strategically positioned for car campers heading to Puyehue National Park — home to the famous Termas de Puyehue hot springs, the Antillanca volcanic zone, and some of Chile's most pristine temperate rainforest. The international road to Argentina via Paso Cardenal Samoré (formerly Puyehue Pass) is one of the most scenic border crossings in South America, winding through the national park. Campgrounds in and around Puyehue offer the perfect combination of hot spring relaxation and wilderness exploration, making Osorno a practical resupply stop on any Lake District car camping itinerary.

Campsites

Camping Aguas Calientes (Puyehue)

Paid

Inside Puyehue National Park at the Aguas Calientes sector. Natural outdoor thermal pools surrounded by rainforest. One of the most popular camping-hot spring combinations in Chile.

Facilities: toilets, hot thermal showers, thermal pools, fire pits, drinking water, trails
Cost: CLP 8000-12000/night
Reservation required
Access:

Camping Anticura

Paid

Deep in Puyehue National Park along the road to Argentina. Ancient coigüe forest with access to trails leading to volcanic craters and waterfalls.

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

Camping Lago Puyehue

Paid

On the shores of Lago Puyehue, outside the national park. Lakeside camping with fishing and water sports. Several campgrounds to choose from along the lake road.

Facilities: toilets, hot showers, electricity, beach access, drinking water, boat launch
Cost: CLP 8000-11000/night
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Entre Ríos

Free

A basic free camping area along the Gol Gol River, on the road to Puyehue. Forest setting with swimming holes and good trout fishing.

Facilities: pit toilets, river access
Cost: Free
No reservation needed
Access:

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Before you hit the trail: Osorno

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Puyehue hot springs worth it?

Yes! The Aguas Calientes sector offers free outdoor thermal pools in a stunning rainforest setting (campground fee only). The luxury Termas Puyehue hotel also offers day passes to its indoor/outdoor pools.

Can I drive to Argentina through the park?

Yes, Paso Cardenal Samoré (Route 215) passes directly through Puyehue National Park. It's one of the most scenic international crossings in South America. Check your rental car's cross-border policy.

How is the road into the park?

Route 215 is paved all the way through the park to the Argentine border. The Aguas Calientes turnoff and internal roads are gravel but well-maintained. 2WD is fine.

What happened with the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle eruption?

The 2011 eruption deposited ash across the region. The landscape is recovering beautifully, with new volcanic features. Some areas show dramatic contrasts between grey ash and green regrowth.

Is fishing good in the area?

Excellent — Lago Puyehue and the Gol Gol River are renowned for rainbow and brown trout fly fishing. A Chilean fishing license is required, available in Osorno.

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