Lake Rivadavia: camping by the water in Los Alerces National Park

Lake Rivadavia is a glacial lake filling a narrow valley in the north of Los Alerces National Park, in northwestern Chubut. It covers about 2,200 hectares and is surrounded by lenga and coihue forests that reach down to the water, closed in by mountains that still have snow on top in spring. The Ruta 40 Turística, the road that crosses the park between Cholila and Esquel, runs along its shore: that is why, although it is far from any city, it is one of the most visited lakes in the park.

Lake Rivadavia at a glance

A lake that ends in the Pacific

Rivadavia lies almost entirely inside the national park, which protects the vegetation along its shores. It belongs to the Futaleufú river basin: its waters flow west, cross into Chile and reach the Pacific Ocean through the Yelcho river. Windless mornings are the best time to see it, when the water is still and mirrors the mountains and the clouds.

Camping by the lake

At the southern end of the lake, by the road, is the Camping Organizado Lago Rivadavia. The pitches are on grass, under poplars and native trees, facing the lake and the Andes. There is room for tents, motorhomes and caravans, electricity at the pitch and restrooms with hot water. For those who would rather not pitch a tent, there are geodesic domes with beds, a wood stove and large windows facing the lake.

The campsite has a store, a restaurant and Wi-Fi. Among the pitches there are wooden tables, fire pits and a play area for children, and at night strings of lights come on over the tables. Rates are per person per day, with no charge for the tent, vehicle, motorhome or caravan; domes are priced per dome, and children up to 3 years old stay free.

On the water and on the trails

In front of the campsite there is a pebble beach to set off by kayak or paddle board. Fishing is allowed with the season’s fishing permit, and walks through the forest start from the lake. If you stay longer, the park continues south with more lakes and rivers: the corners of Los Alerces; to the north is Lake Cholila.

Before you go

The campsite opens in the summer season. To book, contact Guido González, who runs the campsite, on WhatsApp at +54 9 2945 54-6599: bookings are taken 7 days in advance with a deposit of one night. Check-out is at 11 a.m. As it is a national park, its rules apply: no pets, no fireworks, drones only with a permit, do not feed the animals, avoid jet skis and water skiing, and take your rubbish back with you.