In a state where the sun is democratic, the beaches are a World Heritage Site, and the average citizen considers "camping" a six-letter word capable of causing hives, hundreds of adventurers are trading air conditioning for birdsong. And returning thrilled! Rio de Janeiro is home to dozens of camping options scattered across misty mountains, islands off-limits to cars, and traditional fishing villages yet to be discovered by paved roads. The addresses in this list prove that sleeping in a tent, far from the comfort of a hotel room with a mini-fridge and room service, can be the best decision a conscious human being can make on a long weekend.
The art of camping dates back to antiquity, when the Romans already pitched tents with impressive military efficiency for the time, but far from any tourist glamour. In Brazil, camping only arrived in 1910, thanks to the Navy, which brought scouting, but the practice took decades to become a real leisure activity.
Of course, nobody is obligated to like it. The goal here isn't to convince fans of... room service that life under a tarp is superior. Mapping out the places where camping is an experience that can surprise even the most averse to mosquitoes and sometimes cold, low-pressure showers. Because, in the end, as Gilberto Gil sings: "who hasn't slept in the tent?" sleeping bag "He didn't even dream of it."
The man who hated walls
If there is an unofficial patron of the art of sleeping badly by choice, his name is Thomas Hiram Holding, an English tailor born in 1844. He wrote the first edition of The Camper's HandbookIn 1908, he took camping out of the realm of soldiers and placed it in front of a bicycle and a small tent. Holding is also the founder of Association of Cycle Campers, which continues to operate to this day under the name of Camping and Caravanning Club.
In 1897, at the age of 52, Holding designed an ultralight tent, intended to be transported by bicycle, and set off on a three-day journey through Southern Ireland with his son and two friends. The account of this journey, published as Cycle and Camp in ConnemaraIt helped popularize "cycle camping" and showed that exploring the world with little luggage was possible for anyone with the will and a camping stove.
In 1910, the Brazilian Navy introduced scouting to the country, bringing with it the practice of camping as an educational activity for young people. In 1966, the Camping Club of Brazil (CCB) was founded in Rio de Janeiro. Inspired by European models, the club sought to offer a minimum infrastructure so that the Brazilian middle class could pretend to be nomadic without losing access to a hot shower.
During the 70s and 80s, camping experienced its golden age in Brazil, driven by the popularity of the Volkswagen Beetle and Brasília, vehicles that carried entire families and their portable kitchens to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro's coast. What was once an adventure for pioneers, or a military exercise, became a rite of passage for young people seeking freedom, often accompanied by a detuned guitar, sandalwood incense, and plenty of citronella.
The Guapimirim Tree Retreat
Guapimirim isn't exactly a destination someone chooses on a whim. You have to want to drive up the BR-116 towards Teresópolis and reach kilometer 98, where the Serra dos Órgãos National Park houses Camping Araçari, which offers a cozy structure for up to 20 people, with a welcoming environment integrated with nature.
The space offers a designated area for tents, cement tables and benches, as well as bathrooms and a place to wash dishes, all in an atmosphere of simplicity that makes the camper feel less like a "tourist" and more like an extra in a Discovery Channel documentary about the Atlantic Forest.
Nearby attractions include Poço Verde, the main natural attraction of the area, a collection of waterfalls, rapids, artificial and natural pools in the rather impressive Rio Soberbo, great for swimming, located a 20-minute walk from the Visitor Center. Golden tip: book in advance directly through the ICMBio online system, arrive early on holidays, and bring military-grade insect repellent. The forest may be beautiful, but not all of it is welcome inside your tent.
The elegant ice of Visconde de Mauá
In Visconde de Mauá, the Barragens Camping (aka Barragens Camping offers the experience of camping at an altitude where the term "chilly" is used to describe temperatures that would make a penguin reach for a coat. Located in Maringá, the trendiest district in the region, it has the understated elegance of someone who doesn't need to advertise much that it's good.
It's a 14 square meter area, completely wooded, with a gatehouse and canteen. One of the unique features of "Barragens Camping" is the individual areas for each tent. The infrastructure includes individual men's and women's bathrooms with hot water, an area for washing dishes and clothes, a canteen, a volleyball court, 220-volt power outlets, and a generator for lighting in case of power outages. Internet access here is a breeze.
The highlight is the natural dams formed by the Rio Preto river that runs through the property, providing free natural hydromassages. It's the perfect place for couples who want to test their endurance between eating gourmet trout and humbly returning to their tent's instant noodles. Important: the owners occasionally close the campsite for reasons unknown. So check availability beforehand.
The pulse of the waters in Sana
Camping Beira Rio, as the name unambiguously suggests, faces the Sana River and is one of the most well-equipped campsites in the region. The site features parking, Wi-Fi, numerous power outlets throughout the campsite, men's and women's restrooms with hot water, a diaper changing station, water fountains, a well-shaded area, a kitchen with a wood-burning stove, and two refrigerators.
The real draw here are the rivers and waterfalls surrounding the campsite. The Escorrega Waterfall, for example, lives up to its name and has left many tourists with bruised backsides. For those who prefer more contemplative activities, there are trails leading to viewpoints and natural pools, all enveloped in the characteristic peace of Sana. Which, it's worth noting, disappears during long weekends, when the region, despite its controlled hippie atmosphere, becomes packed with visitors as noisy as a samba school in rehearsal.
Salt and sand in Arraial do Cabo
Despite its carnival-esque name, Camping Curió do Bico Doce, in Arraial do Cabo, is one of those rare spots that manages to combine the lively atmosphere of one of the state's most sought-after locations with the tranquility of a well-structured campsite. Located just 300 meters from Pontal Beach, one of the city's most famous beaches, the campsite offers a grassy and wooded area for up to 150 tents, as well as spaces for motorhomes and trailers.
Bico Doce has power outlets throughout, Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen with stoves and refrigerators, bathrooms with hot showers (rigorous cleaning several times a day, a detail that is no small thing) and even outdoor showers for that post-beach rinse without dragging sand into your tent. There is also a TV room with sofas and beanbag chairs for days when you're too lazy to face the sea.
One of Curió's unique features is its partnership with a network of local establishments: restaurants, boat trips, buggy rides, guided hikes, scuba diving, and photo sessions on the city's most Instagrammable beaches, all with a special discount for campers.
Rurality in Paulo de Frontin
If your idea of adventure involves green pastures and the smell of coffee brewed on a wood-burning stove, Fazenda Boa Vista dos Leões, in Engenheiro Paulo de Frontin, is the place for you. This campground operates within a historic farm, offering a unique experience that guides describe as an immersion in rural life, far from the hordes of coastal tourists.
The farm offers a communal kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, cutlery and pans, a hot shower, and a shower directly from the spring for those who prefer a cold shower as a ritual of courage. The unique aspect here is the complete integration with rural life. It's possible to hike ecological trails within the farm itself, swim and fish in the lake, bathe in the waterfall, and marvel at the view described by the owners themselves as "breathtaking," all with fresh air and water that originates within the property.
The Abraham Gateway on Ilha Grande
Reaching Camping Nas Ondas, in Vila do Abraão, requires a boat trip and a hike, which already serves as a filter for the less motivated. Facing the sea, the establishment is a classic on Ilha Grande, offering an infrastructure that nicely balances rustic charm with the basic needs of the modern tourist.
The campsite offers a kitchen, shelters, hammocks, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and a bar on-site. But the absolute highlight is waking up to the view of the cove and the sound of fishing boats heading out to work. The facilities include shaded areas and enhanced security, allowing you to explore neighboring beaches, such as Lopes Mendes, without carrying your tent on your back.
The universal advice for Ilha Grande still applies: bring cash and arrange boat trips in advance. The nature is lush, but the nearest ATM is in another dimension.
Jaconé's Refuge in Maricá
Maricá has been standing out for various reasons in recent years, but Camping Mandala Praia prefers its oldest and most honest reputation: that of being located right on the beachfront of Itaipuaçu, at the foot of Pedra do Elefante, with 3.000 square meters of beachfront area.
Located literally across the street from Itaipuaçu beach, the campsite offers 110V electricity for some tent sites, Wi-Fi, electric showers, a communal kitchen, outdoor barbecues, a swimming pool, and a saltwater shower in a well-defined camping area.
The highlight is its proximity to Jaconé beach, famous for its strong waves and local fishermen. It's the perfect place to read that book you bought two years ago and never opened, provided the mosquitoes allow you to concentrate. Hang loose, bro!
The hideout of Paraty Mirim
For those who think Paraty has become "too commercial," Camping Piratas Cabanas is the necessary antidote. Opened in October 2020, it's located just 300 meters from Paraty Mirim Beach. It features a grassy area, five showers with individual changing rooms (two with hot water), three women's restrooms, two men's restrooms, and a common area with a refrigerator, stove, and sink.
What makes Piratas a place to stop and not just pass through is the bar/café integrated into the entrance. From 7:30 am to 10:30 am, it serves a varied breakfast for campers and the general public. In the evening, it offers artisanal hamburgers, snacks, juices, caipirinhas, cold beer, and background music.
Don't expect high-tech luxuries, but prepare for clear nights and early morning swims before the tourist boats arrive. It's the ideal retreat for those who want to disappear off the map for a few days without needing a passport.
Hybrid comfort in Silva Jardim
Hidden away in Aldeia Velha, a district of Silva Jardim, Camping Pousada d'Aldeia is a complete package for those who want to escape the chaos without having to tackle a three-hour hike. The property offers a grassy camping area, individual chalets, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving homemade food with regional ingredients.
The highlight is the charm of the riverside chalets, the mountain climate, and the surrounding wildlife. It's common to spot exotic birds and, with luck, even golden lion tamarins, as the region is part of a protected area of the Atlantic Forest.
The Andorinhas waterfall (a 10-minute hike away) and the Macharet Waterfall complex are the most recommended excursions. For those seeking rest and contact with nature without major logistical hassles, Pousada d'Aldeia is a perfect choice.
The epic of Praia do Sono
Camping at Sono's Bar (officially listed as Camping Atobá Praia do Sono), on the legendary Praia do Sono beach, within the Juatinga State Ecological Reserve, is one of the most exclusive experiences in Paraty. Perhaps because getting there is an adventure in itself. Access is exclusively by trail or boat, which guarantees total isolation from civilization and most lazy tourists.
The beach in question is legendary for its calm waters and white sand, perfect for those who want to spend the day floating without worrying about strong waves. But the real highlight is its isolation. Here, the lack of cell phone signal is not a flaw, but a feature. It's the place you go when you really want to understand why Thomas Hiram Holding postulated that sleeping on the ground might be a good idea.
At night, the campsite bar comes alive with live music and gatherings of backpackers from all over the world. Hence the nickname "Sono's Bar," which is a bit of a trick, since this is the last place you'll be able to sleep early. The daily rate is higher than the average campsite on this list, but the scenery makes up for it: waking up with the sun rising behind the mountains and the sea gently lapping at you is one of those moments you'll cherish forever (and post on Instagram with the caption "living the dream").
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