Lao River Camp
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Add your business details- Remote site on the banks of the river Lao, in the Calabrian Apennine
- Romito Cave 55 minutes’ drive; Maratea an hour and 15 minutes
- Wild swimming and canyoning; restaurant serving regional fare
There are remote sites, and then there’s Lao River Camp, a remote site on steroids, if you will, since it is completely surrounded by Calabria’s wild, untamed landscape.
This family- (and dog-) friendly spot sits among oak trees on the lower western slopes of Monte Ciagola, in the valley of the river Lao. The proximity to the river makes for a series of excellent selling points, starting with a waterfront terrace equipped with hammocks, and continuing with a small river beach where guests can indulge in a spot of wild swimming. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers can arrange rafting, canyoning and river trekking sessions to explore hidden gorges and clear-water streams.
Those who prefer to hike and climb (or ride a mountain bike) also have plenty of options, with trails on nearby Monte Ciagola leading to spectacular views of the Gulf of Policastro and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Then there’s Pollino National Park, Italy’s largest nature reserve, stretching across the Apennines and inhabited by woodpeckers and birds of prey, as well as wolves, wild boars and otters.
The nearest town is Laino Borgo (25 minutes’ drive); the route is pretty tortuous, though, especially on the approach into town, with a series of hairpin bends. Rather than test your driving skills, you might prefer to take advantage of the on-site restaurant, which serves a varied menu including boards of locally produced charcuterie and cheese, pasta dishes, roasted meats and salads. And, to wash it all down, reds and rosés from the nearby Pollino DOC wine region.
Campground type
10
8
10Languages spoken
English
French
Italian
Nearby campgrounds that are bookable on Pitchup.com
Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.
Features
No dogs allowed
Leisure on site
Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports Wild swimmingAmenities on site
Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundry Local produce Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Picnic table Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Tents for hire Toilet block Washing-up area WifiGroups welcome
Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcomeRules
Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year No dogs allowedThemes
Gastronomic delight Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wild camping Wildlife havenUtilities
Charging facilities Dump point Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energyNearby amenities
Bar nearby Dog walk nearbyType
Aire Small (11-25 sites)Accessibility
Bathrooms: Large spacious shower Bathrooms: Step-free access Bathrooms: Wheelchair accessible shower Bathrooms: Wheelchair accessible toilet Dedicated quiet space Uneven terrain; gravel or loose mudNearby leisure
Canoeing/kayaking nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Mountain biking nearby Watersports nearbyTouring and motorhomes
Drainage hook-up points for caravans Water hook-up points for caravansLocation
Lao River Camp
Contrada Campicello
Laino Castello
Cosenza
Italy
87015
Directions Timezone
Europe/Rome +0200 (GMT+02:00)
GPS
39.91163°N
15.92069°E
Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.
Local attractions
Between mid-June and mid-August, the fields of Lavender Park (45 minutes’ drive) turn into a vast sea of fragrant purple flowers. Not only is it a splendid sight, you can also stock up on lavender-based products for the body and the home, plus delicious honey.
Across the river Lao, the limestone Romito Cave (55 minutes) was used as a shelter as far back as 10,000 years ago. As well as burial sites, researchers have found prehistoric tools and evidence of rock art, with the well-proportioned carving of an ancient bull on a large boulder.
Pretty Maratea (an hour and 15 minutes) has a spectacular coastline which you can admire while climbing the via ferrata route to the Statue of Christ the Redeemer. For a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian, choose between small and rocky coves like Cala Tunnara or the shingly expanse of Fiumicello Beach; better yet, book yourself on a boat trip to swim in nearby sea caves.
(within 10 km)
Castle, Aquarium, Theme park, Zoo and Cashpoint (within 16.1 km)
Food and drink
- Bar Ristorante Grotta del Romito 0.9 km
- La Fontanella 1.5 km
- Agriturismo Al Verneto 4 km
- Taverna delle Ghiande 6 km
- Palia's Hotel Ristorante 6.6 km
- Chiar di Luna 6.8 km
- Lao Pizza 6.8 km
- Agriturismo Terre Rosse Di Massadita 7.5 km
- Le Due Lanterne 8.4 km
Groceries
- Supermercato Conad City 6.3 km
- Supermecato Despar 6.4 km
- Multiservices 6.7 km
Parks and play
- Parco Giochi L'Airone 6.3 km
Family days out
- Ruderi Castello Svevo Castle 4.5 km
- Laino Castello - Membro dell'Associazione dei Borghi Autentici d'Italia Visitor attraction 5.5 km
- Chiesa di Santa Maria Goretti Visitor attraction 6.4 km
- Palazzo Rinscimentale Martirano-Spinelli Castle 8.5 km
- Castello di Fiuzzi Castle 11.9 km
- Castello di Mercurion Castle 12.6 km
- Palazzo dei Principi Spinelli Castle 15.4 km
- Palazzo Palamolla Castle 15.4 km
- Scalelandia Theme park 15.6 km
- Giostre estive Theme park 15.7 km
- Giostre estive Theme park 16.1 km
Local services
- Poste Italiane Cashpoint 4.8 km
- Poste Italiane Cashpoint 5.6 km
- Poste Italiane Cashpoint 6.1 km
- Farmacia Amato Pharmacy 6.2 km
- Guardia Medica Clinic 6.3 km
- Ospedale Vincenzo Minervini Hospital 6.4 km
- IP Fuel station 6.4 km
- Q8 Fuel station 8.7 km
Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.
Reviews
100% would recommend this campground to a friend
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Arrival date (latest first) 
il posto e il cibo…
Anonymous Power optional grass and earth tent site
Liked il posto e il cibo
Recommend to friends Visit again
Il posto è bellissimo, isolato ed…
Power optional grass and earth tent site
Liked Il posto è bellissimo, isolato ed immerso nella natura. Il bar ed il ristorante sono molto comodi visto che il primo paese con i servizi è a 20 minuti di macchina. Consigliato per chi vuole scollegarsi.
Disliked L’unica cosa da rivedere sono i bagni: sono pochi e spesso sporchi, soprattutto quando vengono presi d’assalto dalle persone che rientrano dalle varie attività (rafting, canyoning, ecc.) e che non soggiornano nel campeggio. Forse sarebbe utile prevedere dei bagni separati per chi partecipa alle attività.
Recommend to friends Visit again
Frequently asked questions
- Does Lao River Camp have a swimming pool? No View all features
- Is Lao River Camp dog friendly? No View all features
- What attractions are near Lao River Camp? Between mid-June and mid-August, the fields of Lavender Park (45 minutes’ drive) turn into a vast sea of fragrant purple flowers. Not only is it a splendid sight, you can also stock … Read more
- When can I check in and check out of Lao River Camp?
Read moreCamping and caravan Arrive: noon – 7 p.m. Depart by: noon