Lao River Camp











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- 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’s 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 lido equipped with hammocks, and continuing with a small river bend 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
Open now
- Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
- Your dog must be tattooed or microchipped.
- Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
- There are no garbage cans onsite: all garbage will need to be taken home with you.
- Single-sex bookings of 8 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
- The park caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
- Bookings must not consist of more than 5 different households.
- Reception is unmanned after 6:30 p.m.. Please inform the park while on your way there should you expect to arrive after this time so that the team can provide information about your unit/site.
- If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
Languages spoken
English
French
Italian
Open from Mon, Jun 1 to
Campsite types & availability
No availability at present on Pitchup.com
Choose your dates and we'll email when available.
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Pitch size: Max 7m width × 4m depth (28m²)
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Power optional grass and sand tent campsite
Max. persons unlimited
Ground type: Grass and sand
Pitch size: Max 2m width × 7m depth (14m²)
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Ready tent (basic)
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Features
Dogs allowed
Leisure on park
Bar or club house Beach access Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports Wild swimmingAmenities on park
Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Local produce Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Picnic table Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Tents for hire Washing-up area WifiGroups welcome
Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Scouts welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcomeRules
Barbecue grills allowed Barbecue provided Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all yearThemes
Gastronomic delight Hikers’ paradise Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Wild camping Wildlife havenUtilities
Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/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
Gray water hook-up for caravans Water hook-up points for caravansLocation
Lao River Camp
Contrada Campicello
snc
Laino Castello
Cosenza
Italy
87015
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, but you can 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.
Water quality at nearby bathing waters
| Name | Distance | Type | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camping Internazionale | 7.6 mi | Sea | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Spiaggia Di Arcomagno | 7.6 mi | Sea | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Punta Fiuzzi | 7.7 mi | Sea | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| 50 Mt Sx Canale Fiumarella | 7.7 mi | Sea | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor |
| 50 Mt Dx Canale Fiumarella | 7.7 mi | Sea | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor |
Data source: European Environment Agency
Policies
Booking terms and conditions
Payment terms
Frequently asked questions
- Does Lao River Camp have a swimming pool? No View all features
- Is Lao River Camp dog friendly? Yes 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, but you can stock … Read more
- When can I check in and check out of Lao River Camp?
Read moreRV, travel trailer and tent sites Arrive: 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Depart by: noon On-park accommodation Arrive: 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Depart by: noon - How much does it cost to stay at Lao River Camp? From $27.96 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.