NORTHERN ARGENTINA CAMPSPOTS

Updated NOVEMBER 2015!!

- from www.seventeenbysix.wordpress.com

From Bolivian border to Buenos Aires

Visited: Aug/Sept 2014

LOCATION: TARTAGALNAME: Camping MunicipalFEE: Free (we were not asked for money but not sure that's always the case)DESCRIPTION: Passable, basic overnight stop inside a municipal sports facility. There was a fair bit of activity, with sports matches and community meetings, until about midnight.FACILITIES: 'Vintage' toilets, showers were not tested.WEBSITE: No.DIRECTIONS: Address - Circunvalacion de RN34. It's at approx Km1433 on Ruta Nacional 34 - 0.5km before the YPF station at 1432km marker. You'll see a large football pitch - opposite Peluqueria Ester. Entrance gate is at the corner of the football pitch.

LOCATION: PURMAMARCANAME: Hostal 7 ColoresFEE: 30 pesos per person per nightDESCRIPTION: Quite exposed gravel lot inside hospedaje. Quiet spot on edge of town, away from potential noise but less than 5 min walk to town.FACILITIES: Toilets, hot showers, outside sink, possible to plug in to outside socket, with extension cable. Slightly dilapidated parrillas. No wi-fi; we were told there may be one or two internet places in town but they were not worth looking for as internet is so slow.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: First place you come to on the edge of town, as you approach from the main highway to the east. Immediately before the bridge over the (dry) river.MapsWithMe coords  -23.74788 -65.49613

LOCATION: TILCARANAME: Camping El JardinFEE: 35 per person, 30 per vehicle, per nightDESCRIPTION: Lovely, very large, wooded campground - very central in town but quiet when we visited.FACILITIES: Okay toilets, hot showers, outside sinks, power sockets at sites, parrillas, tables and benches. Basic covered area for cooking/parrillas. No wifi - cafes and internet places in town. The internet/minimarket place changed dollars for us at okay-ish rate.WEBSITE: No. There is a site for the adjoining hotel - http://www.hoteleljardin.com.ar/DIRECTIONS: It's at the western end of the main street, Avenida Belgrano. Turn right off the highway at the gas station, to enter the town, head straight on to Belgrano, then turn right onto Belgrano.MapsWithMe coords  -23.57636 -65.39954

LOCATION: HUMAHUACANAME: Camping Bella VistaFEE: 40 pesos per person per nightDESCRIPTION: Sweet little campground with friendly owner and dogs. Very quiet, on edge of town but easily walkable in 10 mins.FACILITIES: Toilets, hot showers, outside sinks (so cold when we visited that the taps froze!), parrillas, tables and chairs, electricity sockets. No wi-fi.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: East side of town, on east side of river. Drive north on Av General Belgrano, just over half way up, until you see a bridge on the right - go over bridge and campsite is just another block or so up on the right (not as far as Camping Carolina, also signposted that way).MapsWithMe coords -23.20255 -65.34525

LOCATION: SALTANAME: Camping Municipal Carlos XamenaFEE: 8 pesos per person, 31 pesos per vehicle, per nightDESCRIPTION: Cheap, vast campground with some trees for shade. Not the most salubrious place but not the worst - good for the money and convenient for the city. There is pretty horrendous noise from the next door nightclub at weekends and presumably from some fellow campers in high season. Staff asked us to camp close to others and reasonably close to the admin office to make it easier to keep an eye on everyone. Other campers reported some petty theft of things left outside, eg cables. Despite all of this we stayed for over a week and had a pleasant time with no issues.FACILITIES: Large toilet block with very hot showers; some other toilets and outdoor sinks closer to camping areas. The most enormous swimming pool you will ever see (only filled in high summer), electricity sockets at sites, tables, benches, parrillas. No wi-fi but the lovely friendly panaderia/coffee shop/helado place right next door has good wi-fi. We didn't pick up the signal from the campsite, so ate a lot of ice cream instead.WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/BalnearioCampingCarlosXamenaDIRECTIONS: It's on Av. Republica del Libano. Entrance at north end.Life Remotely GPS coords - GPS: S24 48.746 W65 25.076

LOCATION: CAFAYATENAME: Camping Municipal Luz y FuerzaFEE: 70 pesos total per night for 2 people + vehicle.DESCRIPTION: Large dusty campground, very convenient location on edge of town - also an easy walk to several wine bodegas!  Very quiet while we were there. In August the afternoon winds were ferocious, causing dust-storms on the campsite.FACILITIES: Very good toilets and hot showers. Some shaded areas, other sites very exposed. Power sockets, wi-fi at reception area, outdoor sinks, parrillas.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: It's on Ruta 40, at the southern edge of town.MapsWithMe coords -26.08097 -65.97685

LOCATION: TAFI DEL VALLENAME: Camping los Sauzales

FEE: 80 pesos total for 2 people + vehicle, per nightDESCRIPTION: Large grassy campsite with cabins, an easy walk to town. Some nice little hikes close by.FACILITIES: Large toilet and shower block - we didn't venture into the showers as the weather was totally freezing but I think they were hot. Parrillas and concrete tables/benches, power sockets at sites, camp shop, no wi-fi.WEBSITE: http://tafidelvalle.com/arg/alojamiento.php?pl=Camping_Los_SauzalesDIRECTIONS: It's on Los Palenques. Western edge of town, by the river.MapsWithMe coords -26.84843 -65.71525

LOCATION: TERMAS DEL RIO HONDANAME: Camping del RioFEE: 80 pesos per person per nightDESCRIPTION: Large riverside campsite with natural hot thermal baths. When we visited it was full of campervan snowbirds from the south of Argentina - busy but no noise issues. Seemed shockingly expensive compared with places north. At least one other campsite on same street - even more pricey. Walking distance to town.FACILITIES: Nice designated sites among the trees with parrillas, power sockets and tables. Two large thermal pools, hot showers, outside sinks with hot water (!), camp shop/snack bar, decent wi-fi at reception area.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: It's on Av. Costanera, on left side of road next to north side of river.MapsWithMe coords -27.50563 -64.86024

LOCATION: LAS BRENAS (en route to Resistencia)NAME: YPF gas stationFEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: Gas station with cafe. Plenty of space - we parked under a tree full of parakeets.FACILITIES: Toilets, outside tap, wi-fi.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: XXXXX

LOCATION: RESISTENCIANAME: Camping Municipal 2 de FebreroFEE: 52 pesos total for 2 people + vehicle, per nightDESCRIPTION: Large municipal campground next to little lake. Very busy at the weekend, sometimes noisy til late. Slightly sketchy and very run down, but friendly staff and all-night security. Approx 25-35 min walk into centre of town.FACILITIES: Grim toilets that were practically un-usable by the end of Sunday. Dark, filthy, mosquito-infested, cold showers (need to ask for key). Parrillas, tables and benches, power sockets. No wi-fi. Large Carrefour supermarket very close by.WEBSITE: No.DIRECTIONS: Entrance is on Avenida Avalos. Come off RN 16 at Av. Sabin.MapsWithMe coords -27.43660 -58.98338

LOCATION: POSADAS (Paraguay border)NAME: Camping El Paraiso de EsterFEE: 30 pesos per person, 40 pesos per vehicle, per night.DESCRIPTION: Attractive, organised campsite/complejo in lovely gardens with roaming peacocks, albeit in an unattractive area on a busy road; convenient for border. Friendly, eccentric German owner. Local shops within short walk.FACILITIES: Clean toilets and showers. Every site has individual covered area with lights, power sockets, parrilla, nice table/bench and sink. Owner said wi-fi was not working because he couldn't find a good service - may be resolved later. Bar, swimming pool were out of use (for low season).WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Ruta 12, KM11.5, Garupá. Take RN12 east towards Candelaria.MapsWithMe coords -27.45747 -55.85566

LOCATION: PUERTO IGUAZU (for Iguazu Falls)NAME: Camping Costa RamonFEE: 170 pesos total for 2 people + vehicle, per nightDESCRIPTION: Really sweet campsite next to the Rio Parana, with tropical gardens, talking parrots and very friendly owners. Out of town - not walkable, but buses run past the door to city centre. It's quite small and levelling is required - there was a large camper-truck while we were there but it could be an issue for the really massive rigs.FACILITIES: Toilets and hot showers, decent communal kitchen with parrilla, huge fridge and large tables (it's poorly equipped with pots, plates etc though), decent wi-fi, shaded seating deck overlooking river, locals shops nearby.WEBSITE: http://campingcostaramon.blogspot.com.ar/DIRECTIONS: It's not particularly easy to find – see website and GPS coords.http://campingcostaramon.blogspot.com.ar/p/como-llegar.htmlLife Remotely GPS: S25 37.185 W54 35.647

LOCATION: SAN IGNACIONAME: Camping La FamiliaFEE: 100 pesos for 2 people, per night.DESCRIPTION: Wooded campground with basic-looking cabins. Approx 15 min walk from centre.FACILITIES: Toilets, showers, parrillas, large communal covered eating area, not sure about wi-fi.WEBSITE: http://www.misiones-sanignacio.com.ar/camping_la_familia_1311.htmDIRECTIONS: RN 12 km 1398, between Avs Cabral and Sarmiento.MapsWithMe coords -27.26458 -55.53437

LOCATION: YAPEYUNAME: No name 'Camping'FEE: No record, but think it was 50 pesos for the night.DESCRIPTION: Large, open, grassy campground next to family home and river. NB: May be able to free camp in public park areas next to river in town.FACILITIES: Large toilet/shower block, covered outdoor sinks, power sockets, riverside parrillas and tables for summer. No wi-fi.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Southern corner of town, next to river.

MapsWithMe coords -29.47685 -56.81779

LOCATION: MERCEDESNAME: Camping El 8FEE: Free when we stayed because it wasn't fit for purpose. Owner took pity on us, as it was least flooded place we could find.DESCRIPTION: Soggy field next to owner's house.FACILITIES: Disgusting, water-less toilets. Presumably operational during high season?WEBSITE: No.DIRECTIONS: RN123 outside Mercedes, towards the shrine to Gauchito Gil.

LOCATION: MERCEDESNAME: Camping TarantiniFEE: 100 pesos for 2 people, per night.DESCRIPTION: Large grassy campground on owners' land, very close to the large Gauchito Gil shrine.FACILITIES: Toilets at back of owner's house, possibly showers. No power or wi-fi.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: RN123 about 8km outside Mercedes, very close to the shrine to Gauchito Gil.

LOCATION: SALTO GRANDENAME: Camping Las PalmerasFEE: 120 pesos for 2 people, per nightDESCRIPTION: Beautiful waterside spot next to river beach.FACILITIES: Toilets and hot showers, outdoor sinks, large tank with free boiling water for coffee/dishes etc. Electricity, no wifi.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: MapsWithMe coords -31.24517 -57.96159Turn off the RN14 north of Concordia, taking the road that leads to the Uruguay border. It's sign-posted off that road before you reach the border.

Buenos Aires west to Lakes District

Visited: Oct/Nov 2014

LOCATION: TANDILNAME: Camping Chacra El CentinelaFEE: 90 pesos per person per night.DESCRIPTION: Large, clean, wooded campsite, also with rooms.FACILITIES: Lots of clean toilets and showers, outside sinks, parrillas, tables, power sockets at sites. There was wi-fi but we didn't try it.WEBSITE: http://www.tandilcabanias.com/elcentinelacamping.aspDIRECTIONS: Next to foot of Cerro Centinela. Ronca Hue 1933 – Paraje el Centinela - Tandil. GPS: -37.35975 -59.19109

LOCATION: MONTE HERMOSONAME: Beach camp (there are also 2 campsites near here - see note below).FEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: Flat, easy to reach areas on the sand dunes. We spent an amazingly quiet Saturday night there - totally alone after the dune buggies and day trippers left at dusk. Lots of sand flies and bugs.FACILITIES: None.WEBSITE: No.DIRECTIONS: Drive to very west of town, along Av. Santa Fe. 'Las Dunas' are signposted at some junctions. Turn left down Av. Soldani, go all the way to the end and keep going straight on up the little hill onto the dunes (we did it easily in our 2WD van). There's a hard-packed track at the top- lots of space to pick a campspot.NOTE: There are 2 campsites near here but both were closed when we visited (end of Oct). Camping Las Dunas is on Av Soldani, a block from the beach. There's a complejo called 'Americano' at the very end of the sand track. Follow the instructions to the dunes above, turn right when you reach the beach and follow the track all the way to the end. It gets very sandy in parts but we did it in the van.Coords - -38.98920 -61.33464

LOCATION: CHOELE CHOEL (Rio Negro province - road to Neuquen)NAME: Camping Isla 92FEE: Free (at least, no one came for money)DESCRIPTION: Very large, wooded campground next to Rio Negro which is part of a municipal facility. We arrived on a Sunday and it was mobbed with people there for the day. Unfortunately one drunken group stayed overnight and played music til 6am.FACILITIES: Okay-ish toilets, showers were locked up, power sockets on trees, parrillas, tables, outdoor sinks/taps. No wi-fi.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: On river south of town. Go down 9 de Julio until you reach a bridge, cross the bridge and you're there - camping area is signposted. On online maps you'll see the massive green area next to the river.MapsWithMe coords -39.29655 -65.66496

LOCATION: ARROYITO (near Neuquen)NAME: YPF gas stationFEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: Gas station with large amount of space, looks like it was formerly a more organised truckstop/campsite but is now run down with crumbling parrillas.FACILITIES: Toilets, outside tap. Old style shop, don't think there was wi-fiWEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: On RN22, Arroyito is about 50km west of Neuquen, just before the road forks for Zapala / Bariloche.

North of Lakes District towards and including Mendoza province

Visited: April-Aug 2015

LOCATION: ZAPALANAME: Camping Municipal Los PinosFEE: 10 pesos per head, 20 pesos per vehicle, per nightDESCRIPTION: Large, well-maintained campground surrounded by trees as windbreak. Outside of town.FACILITIES: Sinks (with potable water), parrillas, tables, power at individual sites. Old but clean toilets, hot water. No WIFI.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Follow RN40 north out of Zapala (towards Las Lajas), then before leaving the city take a left turn onto RP13, sign-posted for Primeros Pinos and Villa Pehuenia. It's less than 200m along that road, on left, look for the line of very tall trees and sign for recreational area/municipal camping.Approx MapsWithMe coords -38.89606 -70.09495

LOCATION: CHOS MALALNAME: Camping MunicipalFEE: 25 pesos per person, 50 pesos per large vehicle (less for cars), per night.DESCRIPTION: Bog-standard, quite scruffy municipal campground in town. We visited during very strong wind and dust-storms, but the sites were relatively sheltered.FACILITIES: Power, parrillas and tables. Unsavoury toilet block, hot water showers. WIFI in theory, but it didn't work.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Just off Av San Martin (RP43), at the end of Rivadavia. Between the castle and the bridge that goes over Rio Curi Leuvu. It's sign-posted.MapsWithMe coords -37.37231 -70.27483

LOCATION: MALARGUENAME: Municipal campingFEE: 40 pesos for two people and vehicle, per 24-hour stay.DESCRIPTION: Spotlessly-maintained, very large, municipal campground which is 10-15 mins walk to town centre, and close to Vea supermarket. Lots of dogs and cats around, but we had peaceful nights on several occasions. Potential for noise from sports/events stadium.FACILITIES: Individual power sockets, tables, parrillas and water taps. WIFI covers half the campground. Clean toilets with hot water showers. Site is well-lit.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Address is Av Adolfo Capedevila, with Del Milagro. North-west corner of town, next to massive green area.MapsWithMe coords -35.46661 -69.59204

also a campsite (untested) at the lovely Castillos de Pincheira, 27km from Malargue. Looks pricey though. Also has restaurant. http://www.pincheira.com.ar/

LOCATION: TROUT FARM, NEAR MALARGUENAME: Camping Criadero de Truchas / Camping el Dique (same place, two names)FEE: 60 pesos per head + 30 for tent/camper in summer. We weren't charged when we visited in winter, as the toilets and water were closed off. Could use bathroom in restaurant, when open, and power sockets were functioning.DESCRIPTION: Nice, clean wooded campground attached to a trout farm with excellent restaurant serving trout straight from the pond. Well worth a visit - for the food and surrounding scenery. See note below on wild camping alternative*.FACILITIES: Toilets (in season), tables and barbeques, power sockets. Main attraction is adjacent trout farm restaurant – Cuyam-Co Truchas - owned by same friendly family. Fixed menu of trout pate, trout mousse, smoked trout, trout empanadas, breads and potato rostis; followed by baked whole trout and potatoes; plus dessert = 220 pesos. May be slightly more in summer eg 250.WEBSITE: Not workingDIRECTIONS: 12km south of Malargue city centre. Two options - 1. coming from city centre, follow calle Juan Maza south of town, it goes all the way to the place. 2. From Ruta40 there's a 4km dirt road leading to the place, turn off is near the Rio Malargue. Cross the dam and follow the road round to the right to reach it.MapsWithMe coords - -35.54257 -69.64371

* NOTE ON WILD CAMPING: Also lots of potential wild camping opportunities close by. From the camping/restaurant, cross back over the dam, south of the river and follow the track towards the mountains. We went on a lovely hike up this way.Rough coords -35.55143 -69.65325

LOCATION: VALLE GRANDE/CANON ATUEL, NEAR SAN RAFAELNAME: We bush-camped, but there are various campsites as you come to Valle Grande from San Rafael.FEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: Wild camped on plateau between El Nihuil and Canon Atuel. Both the Embalse Valle Grande and the Canon Atuel are stunning, with colourful rocks, river valley and lakes at either end.FACILITIES: NoneWEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Approx location -35.01592 -68.66978For organised camping, there's a stretch of road with various campground, on the RP173 coming south from San Rafael. They are all found before you reach Embalse Valle Grande – rough location, -34.82325 -68.47959

LOCATION: LOS REYUNOS, NEAR SAN RAFAELNAME: Club de Nautica y Pesca Los ReyunosFEE: 30 pesos per head to enter the whole fishing club-owned 'complejo'. We only used the campground for the day, which was included - not clear if there would have been further charged to stay overnight.DESCRIPTION: 3 campgrounds within this lakeside area, which is owned by a fishing club but also has private holiday homes and a restaurant. Imagine it is very busy in summer.FACILITIES: Toilets, parrillas, tables. Boat trips and canoes.WEBSITE: http://www.losreyunossanrafael.com/

DIRECTIONS: Head west of San Rafael to the village of Veinticinco de Mayo, on the RP150. Shortly after exiting village, take left turn signposted to Los Reyunos. Just as you reach the hydroelectric complex, there is a sign pointing right to the Club Nautica. It's another 11km on the dirt road until you reach the complex.Coords -34.57679 -68.70815

LOCATION: EL TIGRE, LOS REYUNOS, NEAR SAN RAFAELNAME: Mirador El TigreFEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: Bush camp on dirt road near Mirador El TigreFACILITIES: Parrilla, bench.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: It's very close to the turning for Club Nautica y Pesca Los Reyunos (see entry above). Head west of San Rafael to the village of Veinticinco de Mayo, on the RP150. Shortly after exiting village, take left turn signposted to Los Reyunos. Just before reach the hydroelectric complex, there's a sign pointing to Mirador El Tigre. There are a couple of pull-offs on that little road, or you could camp at the mirador itself, which is large enough to park and turn around.

LOCATION: MANZANO HISTORICO, VALLE DE UCONAME: Municipal campingFEE:  65 pesos for 2 people plus vehicle, per night  (there was no one to collect money on our second night)DESCRIPTION: Massive standard municipal campground - very handy location for visiting vineyards in this area between San Rafael and Mendoza. Easy drive to bodegas such as Salentein, Andeluna, Domaine Bousquet, Gimenez Rili and others. A couple of basic tiendas in the village.FACILITIES: Basic toilets and water, power sockets, tables, parrillas.WEBSITE: No.DIRECTIONS: It's between Tupungato and Tunuyan - either take the RP94 west of Tunuyan, or the RP89 southwest of Tupungato. Manzano Historico is where the 2 roads meet.MapsWithMe coords - -33.60333 -69.38160

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Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja, Cordoba, Santa Fe, Entre Rios

Visited Sept-Nov 2015

LOCATION: TUNUYAN, VALLE DE UCO (Mendoza)NAME: Camping El FestivalFEE: 80 pesos total per night, for 2 people and vehicleDESCRIPTION: Large family owned campground and complejo, with loads of quinchos, BBQs, football pitch. We visited in off season and a lot of work was being done, was a bit scruffy and most toilets were out of action, will probably be in better shape by summer 2015.FACILITIES: Quinchos with lights, tables, parrillas, power sockets, excellent WIFI (antenna is on one of the toilet blocks), hot water, toilets could have been cleaner. Shower available

to us was pretty unsavoury, but this should change after refurbs.WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/Camping-El-Festival-224688824255005/DIRECTIONS: It's on Calle Melchor Villanueva, north of town, off Ruta 40Coords - -33.56288 -69.02075

LOCATION: POTRERILLOS (Mendoza)NAME: Camping ACAFEE: 166 pesos total per night, for 2 people and vehicleDESCRIPTION: Large wooded campground next to the partly-dry Embalse Potrerillos. Probably not worth the money. There are other campsites on the RP89.FACILITIES: Large clean toilet block (but showers cold in morning, think they forgot to give us the hot water times when we arrived), power sockets (but ours burnt out our voltage protector! Other people seemed to be using no problem), parrillas, tables, potable water. No WIFI. Can walk to embalse or along the river path, great mountain views. Popular area for rafting, kayaking, ziplines etc.WEBSITE: http://www.aca.tur.ar/recreos/index.htmDIRECTIONS: Av. Los Condores, PotrerillosCoords - -32.95487 -69.19756

LOCATION: NEAR LUJAN DE CUYO 1 (Mendoza) (also see no2 below)NAME: Camping Sindicato Petroleo y GasFEE: 70 pesos per head, 5 pesos for vehicle, per nightDESCRIPTION: Vast wooded recreational area with section for camping. Ostensibly a decent place, but we had a bad experience with large group playing loud music til 6am. Also there is only one wood-fired shower in each bathroom, which you have to ask the staff to light and it takes an hour and a half to heat. Although there is a designated area for camping, we moved away to the far end of the park when the music became intolerable, and there were other toilets up there. Very handy for nearby wineries.FACILITIES: Basic toilets, wood-fired shower, parrillas, tables, some power points but can be hard to reach as vehicles can't pull right into camping area, no WIFI.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Cipoletti (near the Rio Mendoza), north of RN7, western edge of Lujan de Cuyo.Coords -33.04901 -68.94220

LOCATION: NEAR LUJAN DE CUYO 2 (Mendoza)NAME: Camping Aldea Guay Antu (SATSAID)FEE: 150 pesos total for 2 people and vehicle, per nightDESCRIPTION: Large family-run camping and events facility.FACILITIES: Heated toilet block, toilets not kept very clean, but excellent hot showers (24/7) which were relatively well maintained. Covered tables, parrillas, sinks at campsites, power sockets, WIFI near reception/house only. Quiet when we were there but watch out for potential noise at their 'salon de eventos'. Very handy for local wineries - closest organised site to bodega Ruca Malen on RN7.WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/aldea.guayantuDIRECTIONS: South of Rio Mendoza, close to above campsite. It's off Brandsen, which you can access both from RN7 and RN40, south of Lujan de CuyoCoords  -33.06370 -68.89544

LOCATION: PARQUE NACIONAL SIERRA DE LAS QUIJADAS (San Luis)NAME: National park campgroundFEE: Free (entry to park is also free)DESCRIPTION: Gorgeous little camping area at the foot of red rock formations in a lovely national park. 500m from trailheads to great miradors and other walks. Recommend Sendero Los Guanacos, a 5km walk through the rock formations to a mirador with panoramic views. Lots of birds, guanacos.FACILITIES: Toilets, running water, shaded eating area with tables/benches, parrillas. Comedor in Hualtaran sells (expensive) cold beer, bread and a few basics. May also be snacks for sale at park office.WEBSITE: National Park: http://www.parquesnacionales.gob.ar/areas-protegidas/region-centro/pn-sierra-de-las-quijadas/DIRECTIONS: Park entrance is just north of Hualtaran on the RN147 between San Luis and San Juan. Registration and info at guardaparque office. 6km dirt road to campsite from there.Coords -32.49580 -67.00275

LOCATION: VILLA SAN AUGUSTIN DE VALLE FERTIL (San Juan)NAME: No name campingFEE: 50 pesos per night, per pitchDESCRIPTION: Scruffy, family-run campground in town.FACILITIES: Electricity (watch out for surges, our voltage protector kept cutting the power when it got too high), poorly maintained toilets, clean pitches with tables. No WIFI. When we arrived we were told there was hot water all day - in fact it is woodfire heated and was not available. The father offered to waive our camping fee over the 'misunderstanding' but we paid. Essentially a friendly and very cheap place in a handy spot for town, but a bit shambolic.NOTE: we opted for cheap and cheerful because the municipal camping in the town was 70 pesos per head plus 80 pesos for the vehicle (vehicle fee is first night only) and it's not even a particularly nice place, although they did claim to have 24/7 hot water (no WIFI).There is also another family camping across the road from 'no name' called La Posta.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: It's on Calle Alem - off Rivadavia on the way towards the river. Follow signs for Camping La Posta, which is another small campsite directly across the street.Approx coords (give or take a few metres) -30.63045 -67.47697

LOCATION: OUTSIDE PARQUE PROVINCIAL ISCHIGUALASTO (San Juan)NAME: Bush campFEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: Plenty of pull-offs on the RN 150 near the national park. There's camping in the park but the day we turned up it was closed for a big event.FACILITIES: NoneWEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Head to PN Ischigualasto, when you pass the park entrance on the right, continue on the (newly constructed) RN150. Within a short distance there are plenty of spots to park.

LOCATION: PARQUE PROVINCIAL ISCHIGUALASTO (San Juan)NAME: Camping IschigualastoFEE: 45 pesos per head, per night. See OTHER FEES/RULES* below.DESCRIPTION: Dusty campground behind the park entrance, with more facilities than guidebooks suggest.FACILITIES: Quinchos for shade, electricity points, large clean toilet block, one hot shower, outdoor sinks, decent restaurant/shop, weak WIFI. Downside of having power source is that there's a fairly intrusively loud generator that runs intermittently all day, right next to the campsite.WEBSITE: www.ischigualasto.gob.arDIRECTIONS: Park entrance is off the RN150, north of San Augustin de Valle Fertil.Coords -30.16312 -67.84232

*[OTHER FEES/RULES: We visited the park during the big Blood Moon lunar event, so can't speak for how it might be at other, less chaotic, times.There's normally a park entrance fee of 160 pesos per head, but we were only charged the 100 peso rate for Argentinians. This included a place in a guided convoy to drive around the park and see the sights. They say this is the only way to visit the park with a private vehicle, and they did seem to be policing that with a barrier. However, after the half way point, the guide lost interest and people started peeling off to do their own thing. We drove back virtually alone and stopped loads to take more photos. Convoy is not the ideal way to see a park, but it's so spectacular that it was worth it, and it's probably quiet on most days. It's also possible to bike some of it  - the full circuit is 40km.They also say you cannot hike without a guide. This we ignored, because the walk to Cerro Morado from the campsite is ridiculously easy, no one is monitoring who goes where and we really didn't think they were very serious about it.As it was so chaotic on the day of arrival, our camping fees were not collected, despite our efforts to pay!]

LOCATION: SANOGASTA (La Rioja)NAME: Camping El Bosquecillo, Parque de SanogastaFEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: Attractive large forest on edge of town, with clean camping areas. Was pretty much closed when we visited on a weekday at end of Sept ie bathrooms were locked and there were no lights. Pitch black and quiet except for animals.FACILITIES: Tables, parrillas. Bathrooms were locked up, couldn't see outside water taps but we arrived late and left early so didn't investigate too thoroughly.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Pretty sure it's here! (anyone in the village can tell you where the park is) -29.31450 -67.59303

LOCATION: CHILECITO (La Rioja)NAME: Camping AmebaplarFEE: 70 pesos per night, for 2 people and vehicle.DESCRIPTION: Decent, large family-run campground, in suburb 4km from Chilecito centro. Very quiet when we visited in Sept - saw evidence of parties so watch out for weekends/holidays.FACILITIES: Standard toilets, wood-fired hot water for showers, power sockets, outdoor sink, some shade, no WIFI.WEBSITE: http://www.argentinaturismo.com.ar/chilecito/campings.html

DIRECTIONS: It's in San Miguel suburb, southeast of town - coming north toward town, take a right where the railway crosses the RN40. Coords -29.18709 -67.47400

LOCATION: OLTA (La Rioja)NAME: YPF stationFEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: As gas stations go, a pretty decent option. Large parking/recreation area with trees, and not too noisy.FACILITIES: 24/7 ServiCompras with restaurant, clean toilets and WIFI. Also a bar.  Parillas, outdoor sinks at back.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: On RN79 on edge of town.Coords -30.63778 -66.26808

LOCATION: DIQUE DEL EJE, CRUZ DEL EJE (Cordoba)NAME: Club Ferroviario de Caza y PescaFEE: 150 pesos per pitch per nightDESCRIPTION: Probably more of a day camping place. Pitches with quinchos overlooking the lake. Pricey for what it is, but we wanted a quiet Saturday night and that's what we got. Other sites in area had booming music or aggressive dogs. The managers were friendly enough but we had to repeatedly ask for the electricity and water to be turned on and it became irritating.FACILITIES: Quinchos with lights, electricity sockets, tables, benches and parrillas. Toilets, but showers out of action. No WIFI. Kiosk selling basic snacks, plus onsite resto-bar (which closed at 8pm).WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Follow Arturo Illia out of town to the embalse, the club is at the end of the road.Coords -30.77155 -64.75684

LOCATION: VILLA DE SOTO (Cordoba)NAME: Bush camp by riverFEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: Bush camp down by the river. A bit litter strewn but otherwise okay. Municipal campground nearby was pretty unappealing.FACILITIES: None.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Riverside on east side of town.Coords -30.85424 -64.97552

LOCATION: CAPILLA DEL MONTE (Cordoba)NAME: Camping La Toma (inside Complejo Uritorco)FEE: 50 pesos per head per night, plus one-off fee of 50 pesos for vehicles to enter the private Cerro Uritorco complejo - the campsite is at the trailhead for walking up the hill. Hiking the cerro is expensive - 180 pesos a head.DESCRIPTION: Attractive, well-maintained riverside camping, picnic, balneario area with trees. Riverside spots are fenced off for daytrippers and tents but there are a few sizeable spots for vehicles on the other side of the path. Fair amount of foot traffic and a few cars

coming through the site with day visitors but only til 7pm and it wasn't bothersome.FACILITIES: electricity sockets, tables, parrillas, outdoor sinks, potable water, 24/7 hot water in showers. No WIFI. Shop at the top of the entrance drive, plus restaurant/shop at trailhead. Can walk to town in 30-40 mins.WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/Complejo-La-Toma-236050576526045/DIRECTIONS: Follow Av Amadeo Sabattini east out of town towards Cerro Uritorco. pass the payment point for Uritorco, then keep going. It's at the end of the road. no signs saying La Toma but when you pass the mirador/parking area/provedurria you follow the sign that says 'bajada al rio'.Coords -30.86386 -64.49356

LOCATION: LOS COCOS (Cordoba, near La Cumbre)NAME: Municipal camping (closed)FEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: This campsite is closed and therefore very run down. We asked the guy living on site if we could stay anyway because we were sick of looking for somewhere that was open.FACILITIES: Some running water but only in sinks. Toilets out of action.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Coords -30.92482 -64.49950

LOCATION: ALTA GRACIA (Cordoba)NAME: Camping El BiguaFEE: 80 pesos per person per nightDESCRIPTION: Large, clean, quiet out-of-town campsite, 3km from centre. Owner lives on site. She is friendly but tight about money.FACILITIES: Power sockets, parrillas and tables, potable water. Hot water showers (with notice, gas pilot light needs to be lit in advance). No WIFI. Large YPF with good wifi is 10-15 min walk away.Get the feeling large power-sucking motorhomes could be charged extra for electricity, as we were quizzed about what exactly we'd be running off the plug. Makes a fuss about not wanting to keep the hot water tank burning for too long, so showers have to be arranged.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Head east out of Alta Gracia centre on Belgrano/San martin/ RP45. After large roundabout with two gas stations, campsite a few hundreds metres more on the left, just beyond aero club.Coords -31.65755 -64.38568

LOCATION: SANTO TOME (Santa Fe)NAME: Municipal campingFEE: 40 pesos per night for 2 people plus vehicle.DESCRIPTION: One of those great value, well-maintained municipals with helpful staff. Small, central, next to river beach and costanera. A good base for Santa Fe but also a big enough town itself to do the usual chores. We bought a new camper aux battery here.FACILITIES: Clean bathrooms, 24/7 excellent hot showers, electricity, (weak) WIFI, outdoor sink area, covered eating area, parrillas, tables,WEBSITE: http://santotome.gob.ar/Ciudad/deportes_y_recreacion/Camping_MunicipalDIRECTIONS: North-east corner of town, by beach on Rio Salado.Coords -31.65836 -60.75774

LOCATION: CAYASTA (Santa Fe)NAME: Complejo Turistico Punta ArenaFEE: 110 pesos per head per 24 hoursDESCRIPTION: A luxury option! Vast, immaculate complejo with camping on manicured lawns. On a sandy lagoon beach - fishing, birds, iguanas basking in sun. Will be a full-on holiday village in the summer, there are lots of semi-permanent caravans and facilities like kiosks and cafes - on a weekday in October we had the place to ourselves.FACILITIES: Excellent bathrooms, hot showers 24/7, electricity, outdoor sinks, parrillas by the river, shop/cantina/ rotisserie (closed when we visited in Oct), no WIFI. Football pitch, large lawns, fishing in river.WEBSITE: www.punta-arena.com.arDIRECTIONS: Sign-posted off RN1, about 2km north of Cayasta.Coords -31.18310 -60.13024

LOCATION: LOS ZAPALLOS (Santa Fe)NAME: Bush camp, La Vuelta del Pirata restaurantFEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: Street behind restaurant in quiet village with sandy streets. We ate at this reputed riverside fish restaurant then slept in the parking area at the back. Incredible value at 170 pesos per head for the fixed 10-course (yes 10) fish menu. Bring a large appetite.FACILITIES: NoneWEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Los Zapallos is on the RN1 north east of Santa Fe, between San Jose del Rincon and Santa Rosa. Restaurant is on Calle Mandube. We camped on Calle Pirana. It's a small village and the restaurant is signposted from the main road.Coords -31.49533 -60.42690

LOCATION: PIEDRAS BLANCAS (Entre Rios)NAME: Camping Municipal El SaucedalFEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: Large grassy/sandy site on the Rio Parana. Some broken down parrillas, sinks etc but otherwise well maintained and clean. It's right opposite a protected wetland with fabulous birdlife. Quiet when we stayed.FACILITIES: Electricity, well lit at night, clean toilets, showers (didn't test for hot water), parrillas, tables, outdoor sinks. Small beach.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: South-west edge of town on the costanera.Coords -31.19399 -59.96455

LOCATION: CONCEPCION DEL URUGUAY 1 (Entre Rios)NAME: Camping El Viejo MolinoFEE: A whopping 120 pesos per head.DESCRIPTION: Another luxury option. Enormous campground on a woody estancia with old mill, next to river balneario, about 10km north of city. We stayed after finding all other campgrounds here closed due to flooding, and being in need of a shower and facilities. There is excellent free camping on the city's costanera (see below) which we did on the

other nights we needed to be here.FACILITIES: Electricity, excellent hot showers (24/7), clean bathrooms, large indoor dishes/clothes-washing area with hot water, potable water, good WIFI, parrillas. Large groups hosted, weekends and holidays could be busy.WEBSITE: http://elviejomolino.net/DIRECTIONS: Ruta 14 Km 142, Arroyo Urquiza. RN14 north of Concepcion del Uruguay. Going north, you have to do the retorno when you see the gas station on the left, then take a side road southbound for a few metres. Campsite is signposted.Coords -32.33334 -58.26069

LOCATION: CONCEPCION DEL URUGUAY 2 (Entre Rios)NAME: CostaneraFEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: Long, wide, clean riverside costanera with hundreds of car parking spaces. Would usually have a beach but all rivers were severely flooded when we visited in Oct (the dam had been opened upriver to relieve pressure on the reservoir). It seems it is closed to traffic at night but our presence was tolerated, no one approached us - perhaps because they knew all the campsites were closed due to flooding.FACILITIES: 2 restaurants, 3 toilets blocks (only one open in Oct, daytime only), several water taps, outdoor gym.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: Head to Balneario Itape (where there is camping when not flooded) - southeast corner of town next to the massive military school - the costanera continues on from there.Coords -32.49982 -58.22815

**PROPANE GAS**Extragas, Ruta 14 Km125.5, Concepcion del Uruguay. tel: 03442 15576360Gas filling plant. We arranged to go when the truck was there, and got filled from that. 64 pesos for 10.8litres

LOCATION: PARQUE NACIONAL EL PALMAR (Entre Rios)NAME: Camping El Palmar (inside the park)FEE: 80 pesos per head + 80 pesos for campervans. Additionally, it's 120 pesos per head to enter the park.DESCRIPTION: Very large, forested, riverside campground inside the national park. V expensive but the park is fabulous for views, photography and wildlife. If you visit for the day only, it's worth hanging around for sunset if the skies are clear. Large groups during the day but quiet at night when we stayed. Most of the site fenced off for tents, which makes the 80 peso campervan charge even more annoying.FACILITIES: Electricity, decent WIFI, hot showers 5-10pm, old but clean toilets, parrillas, tables, large outdoor sinks, cafe/sandwicheria (20% discount for campers), gift shop.WEBSITE:  https://www.facebook.com/Camping-El-Palmar-1602561990025046/?fref=ts DIRECTIONS: RN14, 48km north of Colon. Camping/services are 12km from the entrance on good dirt road.Coords -31.86589 -58.20906

LOCATION: CHAJARI (Entre Rios)NAME: Camping Balneario, Municipal de ChajariFEE: No one was working there to collect money = free.DESCRIPTION: Large wooded campground on Lago Salto Grande.FACILITIES: Electricity, parrillas, tables, undercover sink and seating areas, gas-heated showers in new clean toilet block. No WIFI. Cabanas.WEBSITE: http://www.acampante.com/ficha/1584/campings-en-chajari-entre-rios--balneario-camping-municipal-ciudad-de-chajariDIRECTIONS: About 12km south of Chajari on mainly dirt road. Exit town on Av 25 de Mayo. Signs for balneario and lago.Coords -30.89095 -57.96329

LOCATION: PASO DE LOS LIBRES (Corrientes)NAME: OIL/YPF gas station and truck stopFEE: FreeDESCRIPTION: Functional truck stop with cafe.FACILITIES: Toilets, showers, a few parrillas, cafe with decent WIFI in the OIL station (YPF one untested). Masses of space, lots of big trucks, but relatively quiet.WEBSITE: NoDIRECTIONS: On the southbound side of RN14, about 6km from Paso and the Brazil border. (there are other truck stops on the northbound side).Coords -29.71554 -57.22359