Budget/backpacker: Camping sites & Campgrounds in Costa Rica

Mal Pais Surf Camp

Seas the Day

• Sustainable rainforest campsite at Uvita on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast
• Playa Colonia 10 minutes’ walk; Envision Festival 10 minutes’ drive
• Surrounded by trees, hills, rivers and creeks; shops 25 minutes’ walk

Congo's Camping

Hacienda Monte Claro

• Eco-friendly farm site with views of the Turrialba volcano
• An hour from hikes, swimming and fishing in Tapantí National Park
• Horse riding, rafting, mountain biking and tours arranged on site

Ailanto Campground

La Negrita Miralvalle

Estancia at Miravalles

• Nature-filled farm site in lush Costa Rican forest
• A half-hour drive from Bagaces and 50 minutes from Liberia
• Pools, woodland walks and fruit picking on site

Selina Puerto Viejo

• Eco-friendly tipis in jungle or beachside at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
• Next to Playa Cocles beach; 20 minutes’ drive to Cahuita National Park
• Beachfront, with pool, restaurant and bar, surfing and yoga classes

Camping Sol y Luna

• Quiet, plant-filled site 20 minutes' walk from Playa Herradura
• Around half an hour's drive from Carara National Park
• Basic amenities provided, including water, bathrooms and wifi

Pineapple Creek Camping

• Beachfront site 15 minutes’ walk from Pavones Point
• Well-based for surfing the left-point wave, fishing and horse riding
• Dog-friendly; barbecue, cooking stove and seasonal fruits and plants

La Cuna Camping

• Small, peaceful site on the banks of the Agujas River
• A 15-minute drive to Puerto Jiménez; small beach a short walk away
• On the edge of the Corcovado National Park; lots of wildlife on site

Osa Mountain Camping

• Secluded rainforest site on Costa Rica’s stunning Osa Peninsula
• On the edge of Corcovado National Park and 13km from Puerto Jiménez
• A three-hour hike from town of Puerto Jiménez

Osa Corcovado Camping

• Simple and peaceful site with beach, freshwater creeks and mangroves
• A 20-minute drive from the wildlife of the Corcovado National Park
• Puerto Jiménez beaches, bars and watersports 20 minutes away

Miguel Surf Camp

• Secluded beach site in a tropical setting with palm trees for shade
• A 30-minute drive to Quepos and 50 from Manuel Antonio National Park
• Bike and car rental, wifi, barbecue, adventure expeditions organised

Camping Avatar House

Eco-Camping Tamarindo

• Laidback eco site on Costa Rica's biggest peninsula
• A 10-minute walk from Tamarindo town and beach
• Surf lessons, tours, hammock area, bar, kitchen and barbecue

Selina Vida

• Perfect spot to enjoy the beach and the mountain

Pura Van Campsite

• Private and secure family-friendly site in scenic Alajuela
• A 35-minute drive from the Costa Rican capital, San José
• Paradise for hikers and bikers: two national parks within easy reach