Playa Santa Barbara | Informal Campsite

January 26th, 2024 by travelonely

Toilets and water is on again.There are very explicit signs saying camping and motorhomes are forbidden (fine of 1 UTM). We stayed 15 minutes away by foot on the beach past the trees at an incredibly well hidden spot. No one bothered us and we saw seals playing in the sunset. All motorhomes were told to leave though.

El baño y el grifo de agua funcionan otra vez. Hay muchos letreros explícitos diciendo que pernoctar en carpa o motorhome está prohibido (multa de 1 UTM). Nos quedamos 15 minutos caminando en la playa atrás de los árboles a la derecha, escondidos perfectamente por unos arbustos. Nadie nos molestó y vimos leones marinos jugando en el atardecer. A todos los motorhomes se dijeron que se fueran.

January 13th, 2024 by dullcircumference31

Sadly police/security told us we can no longer camp in the car park! They came at sunset (2130) and told us we had to leave. So it seems the fun is over, sadly!

It's still a beautiful location to visit and see dolphins, and thankfully we found Natour's brand new camping just up the road (50m away).

December 26th, 2023 by Jared

Stayed 2 nights. Trash bins and a few picnic tables available. No showers, toilets or water (spigot is turned off). Several tents/motorhomes stayed each night.

December 24th, 2023 by Peter & Kati

Nice place to stay, we didn't see any dolphins but the sunset was beautiful. We first tried to park on the sand, but got stuck. Luckily we got some help from locals to pull us out. Then we parked on the grassy field.

November 20th, 2023 by cestsicler

We spend one night there with other rigs. Local came to watch the ocean but no one bothered us. Toilets nearby but not working properly.

We saw sea lions playing when we arrived.

November 2nd, 2023 by benacoolos

quiet parking spot with plenty of space for several campervans/ motorhomes. We were told there was no water in the toilets in the evening but we checked in the morning and there was some (perhaps after the rainy night), no showers. We saw seals in the morning playing in the sea and had a lovely stroll on the beach, no abalones though.

October 18th, 2023 by on.vagabonde

As described, beautiful spot in front of the ocean and everyone is friendly. We saw only sea lions.
4G Movistar and 3G Entel

October 17th, 2023 by ylwalters

Lovely beach with beautiful friendly dogs. We parked our camper next to some picnic benches, avoiding the loose sand further down. Was completely fine getting out in the morning. Toilet was basic but flushed and waste being emptied daily. Was pretty fine to be honest, not as gross as some others are making out. Quiet night. Would definitely stay again.

October 7th, 2023 by sleazemobile

beautiful beach and really nice place to stay. we stayed here two nights and saw many dolphins, sealions and hummingbirds. would definitely recommend staying here! also, bring some dog food when you come because there are a bunch of the sweetest dogs that could use some.

February 7th, 2023 by majagavrilovski

Good wild camping spot. House nearby but no other from the owner. There are spaces along the whole beach. Toilets not functional and water from the tap is yellow so I suggest not to use it. Beautiful spot

January 29th, 2023 by Lio

Still available and amazing place ! You can stay on the parking area but not on the beach. Police came in the evening for this. We spend 3 night there and it's very quiet. There are toilets nearby (nearly abandoned but ok). You can also refill you water near the toilets (juste a bit behind)

January 24th, 2023 by www.wiedekamm.com

good spot for a night to wait for the ferry. space is at both Side of the beach so everyone will find His spot.

January 21st, 2023 by marian_raaphorst

great view over the ocean. Black sand, quiet for the weekend, perhaps because it rained a bit.

January 21st, 2023 by lxmoxo

As described. Really nice spot, especially at night when there are no horse flies ! During the day it’s more complicated as they are really everywhere. Ware white !!

January 8th, 2023 by nicolas.geniteau

we saw Dolphins and sealions 😁.

good places to stay but lot of sunfly.

January 6th, 2023 by roaminanalog

Beautiful quiet night. Watched a Kingfisher hunt for fish and wildlife play out in the water. Horseflies like black, but we’re not bad if you wore some lighter clothing and covered your dark hair. They are better down by the water in some breeze. They are not any worse gear than anywhere in these parts during this time of year.

January 2nd, 2023 by elixmia

Playa Santa Barbara
Beautiful little spot with a lot of space. It can accommodate big rigs. We did not try the toilets here. There’s no protection from the wind if you’re parked by the road, but it’s great in calm weather. Few cars come by so it’s generally quiet.

December 24th, 2022 by brunacarlin87

Lugar maravilhoso e tranquilo. Sem água ou energia.

Beautiful spot . Nice area. No water or electricity.

October 10th, 2022 by mfrdldtafnwlqxfzak

just perfect. Dolphins greeted us when we arrived, seals in the morning. Really close to shore, so you can see them very well. Picnic tables are good, enough flat surfaces, grass for tents, easy reachable wit 2wd. Water tap to refill your water supply. Showers didn't work, but you don't want to shower there, as you come out dirtier than before probably. Water in toilet doesn't work either, but fill up a bottle at the water tap which is 5m away and you can sort of flush.

February 15th, 2022 by noelle.lopez

Really enjoyed this beautiful spot. Agree with many of the above. Toilets and shower however in a terrible state. Didn’t use. Taps with water are helpful.

February 6th, 2022 by pqelasoviaja

Stayed here for several days in our motorgome waiting for our ferry to Hornopiren. Great place, bathroom and water available. Lots of other rigs and tents but not crowdy at all. Sea lions and dolphins appear for sunset!

February 5th, 2022 by offtoseethe.world

Overlanding dream spot! We really loved it here! A lot of space, many places to pitch a tent. Big rig friendly. We saw many sea lions and dolfins and had an amazing sunset. Gets busy during the day and evening, but it is quiet during the night. There are toilets (nothing fancy and not that clean).

February 3rd, 2022 by marieke_michiel

Still a great place to stay! Beautiful bay with beach, dolfins, seals and even the occasional pinguin. Enough room for everybody, campervans, tents, daytourists, big rigs etc... Toilets, shower and watertap available. All for free. You can load your phone with the locals in the first house. Good Entel/Claro signal.

December 27th, 2021 by masurel.pauleric

perfect night with picnic tables
very quiet and safe
we saw seals and dolphins on morning wonderful! you can stay all nights you need

November 26th, 2021 by emiliesmets

Perfect spot, we were here the afternoon and night and it was perfect and quiet! Loved this place but didn’t saw any dolphins or sea lions…

March 25th, 2021 by transhumances.eu

We really liked this place. The beach is nice, we saw seals and dolphins and the sunset was beautiful. Some people coming in the evening, but we were alone at night, very quiet.

March 5th, 2021 by smidovi.wordpress.com

Nice and quiet during night. Acces to water in banos. Possible to use toilets, cold showers (use some tools), tables with benches, trash bins.
A lot of sea lions jumping just in front of the beach. Most of locals left before and after sunset.
Street lamps works whole night. Accessible for all kinds of vehicles. Very good Entel and Movistar signal. No wind protection.

January 4th, 2021 by tropicalalchemy.com

One of our favorite camping spots on the Carretera! Check out the other side of the beach, you can forage tasty tiny strawberries. Also check out the caves!

March 4th, 2020 by hansundkuns

very nice, wide place with sandy beach, beautiful sunsets and sea lions every morning swimming left und evenings right.

February 23rd, 2020 by Cinquentões na Estrada (Marcia &Marco)

lugar calmo, onde você dorme com o som do mar , banheiro e ducha fria, água potável, chip só Intel.

February 18th, 2020 by qchimbadeviaje

playa pública con lugares para hacer picnic ideal para acampar, baños y duchas (agua fria).
en la esquina en una casa roja una señora muy amable vende pizza, sopaipilla.

February 17th, 2020 by bw4prof

Wonderful spot! Spend 4 nights here. A lot of other iOverlanders, cool atmosphere. The toilet building is indeed not the cleanest but there it is nice you have water to do the dishes. Also clean on the land on the side of the vans/trucks, let’s keep it that way!:) Definitly recommend this spot!

February 16th, 2020 by alvermeylen

very nice spot. it is quite popular, but there's a lot of space. the toilets and sinks were working fine but the showers seemed to be not working.

February 6th, 2020 by culturequest1987

Great spot. Very popular but almost no wind. Sunny and peaceful. Bathrooms were free but pretty messy, one toilet backed up. Nice area to wash dishes.

January 31st, 2020 by mspinuer

lugar increíble para acampar, tanto con auto, con bicicleta o solo con tienda. Hay mucho espacio y lo mejor es que tiene baños a pocos metros con agua y ducha

January 24th, 2020 by berteli_unterwegs

Absolutely beautiful spot. We stayed for two nights, lots of other overlanders. Suitable for all kind of vehicles and tents. There is a little kiosko selling completos (hot dogs) and coffee and behind on the other side of the road are banos with two toilets and two cold showers (not very clean).

January 20th, 2020 by David Atacama

Great place. Lots of travellers around: 3 big RVs, 2 campers, bikers, trekkers on tents...

Really good 3G from Entel,

January 18th, 2020 by lesmilav.canalblog.com

Superbe endroit sur la plage avec un peu de chance vous pouvez voir des dauphins et des otaries. Tranquille.

January 18th, 2020 by tobi

The showers are dismounted for some reason. You can take a medium warm shower for 2000 CLP in the red house on the corner though.

January 18th, 2020 by DWP is cool with me

Toilets, sinks for washing laundry or dishes, cold showers, picnic benches, lots of space to park all kinds of rigs. LTE phone signal. Lots of large black tabanos

January 17th, 2020 by sf.chile2019

like already described, really nice place, possible to see seals right in front of the beach

January 13th, 2020 by EverUpwardsTravel

beautiful campsite! with free (cold) showers and toilets and sinks for dishwashing or whatever you need. lots of other overlanders there last night. good vibes and even better views :)

January 11th, 2020 by evifoulaki

We shared the place with many other friendly overlanders. Cosy and relatively quiet place with nice views to the beach.
There are indeed free toilets and bathroom, but they were quite dirty, when we were there, so we preferred the nature :) Definitely a nice place before or after trekking senderos in parque Pumalin, due to its proximity to the park.

January 9th, 2020 by intuixpowa

We did not park on the big parking close to the houses but further on the road where this a small place for a tent and a small parking.
We stayed 2 night, it was so quiet and peaceful.
We saw dolphins many times !
Facilities (bathroom, cold shower) quite close.

January 9th, 2020 by capucine.m

Nice spot on the beach ! The view is amazing and you can see seals.
Really quite.
There are a cold shower and toilets beside.

December 29th, 2019 by gettin-lost.com

As already described by others, great spot at the beach with an abolution block (dirty, cold water, but functioning), good views, nice walks and dolphins and sea lions making it a perfect place to unwind.

December 19th, 2019 by AnCi

As others said before: One of the best wild camping spots!! Huge area for big rigs, cars and tents, beautiful sunset, dolphins, penguins and sea lions, free toilets and cold showers. Important to know: Even though there are no signs we were told the next day by a ranger that making fire is strictly forbidden.

December 17th, 2019 by loredana.heggen

We stayed here for two nights. Other Overlanders stayed there aswell. Really safe and a really nice beach. Saw some dolphins in the morning. Totally recommended!!!

December 12th, 2019 by 5atw.org

Great spot, all by ourselves.Nice black sand beach and sealions.

December 7th, 2019 by tbustos

Playa tranquila y con servicios disponibles

November 10th, 2019 by bartoloteam

bonito lugar para pasar el dia y esperar para sacar pasaje para la barcaza...

November 10th, 2019 by christelle78250

belle plage de sable volcanique proche d habitations.
nuit calme et vu sur les lobos marins.

October 9th, 2019 by dsloanerider

Just like everyone said. Beautiful spot, perfect for camping (tent or car). In October, we were the only people here. Highly recommend

October 3rd, 2019 by adventureisupthere.com

Stunning beach, perfect to spend few days in Chaitén. We felt super safe and were alone all 3 nights. We saw dolphins and sea lions. There are toilets, not super clean but free as well as picnic tables and trash bins. Good 4G with Entel.

March 25th, 2019 by pr.kurai

lovley and safe spot (as I'm travelling alone as a woman). free. little windy. possible to cook on a fire. perfect night (:

March 21st, 2019 by destinovagabun2

This has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Patagonia. You can camp on the beach with picnic tables or next to the river which has an amazing color. Lots of animals in the ocean as mentioned before. Toilets and cold showers in good shape. One of the places that you will remember for sure.

March 19th, 2019 by world.nopebone.com

As described by others, nice place to stay near Chaitén. View is beautiful, toilets available, no wind protection.

February 15th, 2019 by instagram.com/dis_satisfied

Nice place but a bit crowded. We were having issues with the battery in our van earlier so decided to stay here over night in case we needed to find someone to help jump start our car in the morning. Would have been a nice night had our neighbors not started blasting music at 2am

February 15th, 2019 by douhe

Very nice location to rest some days. Super clean beach. Dolphins and seals are cute. Even toilets and cold showers are usebale. Free!!

February 6th, 2019 by rodrishima

Lindo lugar. Tiene baños públicos con agua potable y duchas. Puedes acampar gratis tranquilamente.

Nice place. Toilets with shower and running water. You can free camping safely.

February 5th, 2019 by goodguys.pl

Santa Barbara beach with black sands. Nice spot for few nights. We saw dolphins here also. Toilets with cold shower (free) wooden green builing next to the beach. A loot of place for teent and campers. 4WD you can camp on the beach, 2WD on the grass next to the beach. In the house on the corner you can buy Pan’s, egs and meat. Good cell phone signal.

January 29th, 2019 by 6thparagraphicl

We arrived in the afternoon as some of the first overlanders and had tons of options to choose for camping spot. Nice beach with a little kiosk in the middle of the beach selling hot drinks and cakes which were delicious. No sunset with dolphins and seals but luckily they passed us by in the morning so we didn't leave without seeing them.

Bathroom and sink for cleaning dishes made this a top location.

January 26th, 2019 by druartjonathan

we spent 4 days here. great spot, a lot of seals, many locals fishing. but many many campers, so please respect the place and keep it clean and quiet

January 14th, 2019 by istruiksma

Real chill, multiple people tent camping. Locals were there en mass but left when sun set. Saw seals from a distance in the morning

January 10th, 2019 by marenowschenski

Very nice spot. Especially with beautiful weather. An older man cleans the beach. He told me not to make fire or be very careful. I saw seals and a dolphin.

January 9th, 2019 by bekkietherington

Amazing camp spot. Maybe the best of the trip. About 4 motor homes already here but still plenty of room. Amazing sunset. Fresh water in the creek. Didn’t manage to find the bathrooms but someone was painting a small building when we were there so maybe that’s in there. Saw a couple of seals. Note: it’s not the small dodgy gravel trail straight after the sign to the beach, it’s a genuine road after that coming from the North.

January 5th, 2019 by 1984flores

nice place with a lot a good spaces, the police pass and says we can stay but not on the beach, only in the official park spaces. you can refill your water tank in the bathrooms, and the toilet or very clean and free, not a commonly thing in chile

December 24th, 2018 by Adriaan&Isabelle

Numerous good spots on the beach. We used it after the ferry ride from Chiloe, arriving at 0:30 AM. Best places at the southern part of the beach (occupied by no less than four French RVs).

Rest of the spots closer to the road.

Bathrooms need renovation. It's unbelievable that 'others' will destroy common property.

Great GSM reception.

December 9th, 2018 by o.stoller

Nice place. A little bit windy but there are a lot of spots where you could sleep. Also nice places to make fire and a lot of wood nearby. Toilets and sink for washing plates, ... . No problem for 2WD.

November 28th, 2018 by trekandseek.com

Amazing beach for camping with easy access from the road for all cars - no 4x4 required if you don’t drive further down the beach. Nice grassy areas for camping with tables. Lots of driftwood for making a fire. We saw dolphins and seals in the evening!

October 6th, 2018 by carrothospital

Great place with an amazing view, toilets, and cold showers, as previously stated. However, on our second night we were approached by a man who told us it was illegal to camp here and it was illegal to camp on any beach in Chile. We're parked in the parking lot anyway, not on the beach. He held up some beer cans that he found on the beach, implying they were ours, which they weren't and then said we couldn't camp there because there was no potable water. We explained that there were bathrooms, showers, and sinks with running water. He then drove over there to "check it out". A few minutes later when we went to go use the bathroom we found he had turned the water off. After a few minutes we found the main valve and turned it back on. So, just be warned and if the water isn't working, check the main valve that's on the ground in front of the bathrooms.

May 3rd, 2018 by ichbinkreativ

There is plenty of space to stay overnight along the beach, from gravel areas to park a car to grass areas to pitch a tent. Moreover, the beach as well as the view is beautiful. The public toilets, however, are in a rather poor condition. Nonetheless, probably the best place around here!

April 10th, 2018 by croods65

Great spot
Big rig welcome
But take care for the wood bridge, we have passed with 9 tonnes.
Great sunset with dolphins.
Black sand beach and river

March 10th, 2018 by rachel_falzone

Beautiful big black sand beach. Great for kids - plenty of space to run. Gorgeous quiet location but only a few level spots for big rigs.

March 1st, 2018 by jasminamiika

the spot for wildcamping. Perfect sunset! Do not forget to bring wine.

February 15th, 2018 by mcafterdark

Fine spot - toilets and water ok -
Showers NOT working
Dolphfins and seelions at sight

January 30th, 2018 by viva-panamericana

Lot of campers at this beach. Nice sunset! Free

January 20th, 2018 by travelamateurs.com

Beautiful beach camping! Flat lots at either end of the beach. Dolphins and seals are very active. Great beach walk on black sand beach. Toilets are available in small hut. (Free) Also 2 dish washing/laundry sinks.

Or you can pay the woman in the house at the corner for a hot shower/toilet (1500pesos). Look for sign on fence and ring bell on door. Very clean and private bathroom inside house.

January 19th, 2018 by travelamateurs.com

Great spot with nice views. Parking lots at either end of the beach, small pullouts with picnic tables along the road, or camping on the sand. Also a more sheltered/secluded camping area with tables above the far end of the beach. Public toilets were pretty clean (no seat) with cold showers (basic pipe) that can be turned with a pliers. House on corner of street entering beach sells hot showers for 1500. Lots of marine life to watch. Horse flies can be bad during the day but those things are everywhere this time of year. Recommended.

*We saw an old man cleaning the beach every day. He cleaned up the mess that the many travelers passing through neglected to notice, including the mess and TP that several campers left in the open. Please care for this place as does the local man cleaning up after us.

January 12th, 2018 by ducknotes.org

Nice spot on the beach! All is the same as mentioned below with a couple of changes- toilets are open and clean and there are showers that can be turned on with pliers. Very beautiful spot with lots of other travelers :)

January 9th, 2018 by alles-selbst-erlebt.de

It’s high season and a lot of people camped here (tents and camper vans). Nevertheless very quite and clean. Next morning a garbage man came to make the beach really tidy. Dolphins around.

December 19th, 2017 by panchosway2015

Lovely beach and peaceful! No wind when we were here.

June 6th, 2017 by alifefullofserendipity

My favourite spot so far! Beautiful beach and no problem to camp here!! Loved it!

February 16th, 2017 by lasti.ch

As other allready have written.
But take care of the Sand. It tok us 45min to came out of it.
We had 4x4 and all Differenzial locked.

February 5th, 2017 by kevinvoorwynckels

Nice spot on the beach. Can get windy but wasn't too bad when we were there. We found a water tap behind a small wooden shed (I believe the old toilet block). Many people camping here. We recommend.

January 27th, 2017 by ocean to cross

Nearby: parking lot, more tables for pick-nick and a nice spot for staying overnight - somewhat shielded from direct sunlight and wind. Toilet was open but run-down and not clean, but it flushed anyhow.

January 20th, 2017 by a.engelmayer

Nice place to stay for a night. Houses in the back but seem to be OK.

January 9th, 2017 by gaetheo.tdm

Really nice beach
Great spot, safe and quiet.
But lots of campervan and campers !

December 15th, 2016 by BjoernonTour

nice beach spot
the mentioned toilets are locked at the moment, but at least u can get water outside

September 28th, 2016 by anitavanwijk1

grassy area before beach. pickninktables. it is aloud to camp there. beter if you drive a bit up along the beach, because there are houses....
in the morning there were dolfins and seals!
quiet during night, during the day some visitors and cars

March 17th, 2016 by AndreasKramer.ch

Large beach, some tables and toilet (all run down a bit), easy to access. Looks as if camping is allowed here.

February 29th, 2016 by ourroadlife.com

We couldn't find the other boondock place on ioverlander so came to this public spot and loved it. Dolphins and seals close to shore, lots of spaces some with picnic tables and a decent bathroom with dishwashing sinks too. All free. Abalone lovers...at low tide you can harvest some egg sized ones on rocks...very delicious.

February 25th, 2016 by sabbat-on-tour.de

nice spot at picnic area direct at the coast, grass and gravel, black sand at a little beach, seals and dolphins nearby, good driveway, also for big rigs and tents, some hiker with tents, Chaiten ferry only 10km away, toilet and water available