There are many hidden gems in the outskirts of San Carlos de Bariloche and Lago Steffen is certainly one of them.
Located in the Argentine Patagonia, Lago Steffen (Lake Steffen or Steffen Lake, in English) is a magnificent place to camp and experience the stunning beauty of the Andes Mountains.
Among the many places I visited in Patagonia, this lake stands out among the best for several reasons.
- First and foremost, the location is beautiful. Surrounded by forests, snowy peaks, and rivers, this glacial lake offers some of the most breathtaking views of the region. The water is an emerald color and the mountain scenery is stunning.
- It’s an ideal place for fly fishing. Lago Steffen is full of trout, specifically rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Visitors can bring their fishing gear and try their luck in the lake. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to catch fish and you’ll oftentimes see a lot of baby fish jumping near the shore. A few feet from the campground, you’ll find a trail that parallels the river that is connected to the lake. Along that river is where you’ll most likely catch the largest fish. During our stay, my friend caught 3 brown trout, one of which we grilled the same evening, and the others we took home.
- Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and small boats are permitted. Large boats with motors are not allowed at Lago Steffen. As a result, the lake is less polluted and it offers campers the opportunity to enjoy other water activities like kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. The lake’s waters are crystal clear and chilly, so it’s an excellent place to swim and cool off on hot summer days.
- You can stargaze. One of the highlights of my time at Lago Steffen was the opportunity to stargaze at night. The lake is far from city lights so the stars are easily visible. On a clear night, visitors can see the Milky Way and countless shooting stars.
- It’s not crowded. Summertime in and near Bariloche is extremely busy and during the weekends, it’s nearly impossible to go anywhere that isn’t crowded. If I have to guess, Lago Steffen is less crowded than other campgrounds because it’s a bit further away from the city. If you’re looking for a relaxing place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, then the drive is definitely worth it.
The campground we stayed in (Camping Agreste Bahía Steffen) also exceeded my expectations. Some of the highlights for me were the following:
- The campground allows campfires. It’s evident by the landscape that wildfires occurred in the area recently, however thanks to the designated fire pits, campfires are permitted. Each campsite has its own pit and there’s plenty of firewood in the forest so you don’t have to bring your own or buy some ahead of time.
- The wood-heated showers are amazing. The campground offers 4 shower stalls— two for women, and two for men. The water comes out very hot, which is perfect for warming you up on cool evenings or when you’ve spent the entire day at the lake and need to freshen up. My only suggestion is to take a shower while it’s still light out since the bathrooms don’t have lights.
- It’s cheap! Lago Steffen offers some of the lowest camping rates near Bariloche. During the time I visited (February 2023), the price per person was $2.500 Argentinian pesos a night.
If you’re interested in spending the day or camping at Lago Steffen, continue reading. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know!!
Planning your visit to Lago Steffen
Lago Steffen offers visitors the opportunity to fully disconnect from their mobile devices (as there is no cell reception!) and completely immerse themselves in nature.
| Location coordinates: | 41°30’17.8″S, 71°32’29.2″W |
|---|---|
| Closest cities: | – San Carlos de Bariloche is 42 miles (67 km) north of the lake. – El Bolsón is 47 miles (76 km) south of the lake. |
| Elevation: | 1,670 feet — 509 meters |
| Best time to visit: | Between November 1st and May 1st |
| Popular activities: | – Fly fishing – Swimming – Kayaking – Paddle boarding – Boating – Hiking to the waterfall – Camping – Star gazing |
| Handicap accessible? | No. |
| Are pets allowed? | Not at the campground. |
| Is wifi available? | No, there is no cell reception in this area. |
How to get to Steffen Lake
Lago Steffen is located 42 miles south of Bariloche and 47 miles north of El Bolsón.
Getting there from Bariloche
From Bariloche, take Route 40 south until you pass the entrance to Cascada de Los Alerces. The next entrance (to the right) is the gravel road that takes you to Lago Steffen.
Getting there from El Bolsón
From El Bolsón, take Route 40 north for roughly 37 miles. Pay attention because you’ll come to a very sharp U curve at one point on the road. Almost immediately after it, there’s a dirt/ gravel road on the left. Turn into that road and follow the signs to Lago Steffen.
Here’s a map for reference.
Is the road gravel?
Route 40 is paved.
The 6.2 miles (10 km) from Route 40 to the lake is gravel. Around 2 miles (3 km) in, you’ll come to a fork in the road. The road to the right will lead you to a panoramic viewpoint. The road to the left will lead you to the lake.
The second fork in the road will be right before you reach the campground. The road to the left leads to the day-use area and the road to the right leads you to the campground.
What condition is the road in?
Route 40 is paved and in fairly good shape.
The gravel road leading to the lake, on the other hand, has some badly maintained sections. In any case, it is still accessible by car so long that you drive at a safe speed.
Regardless of the vehicle you’re driving, I recommend taking it easy and being cautious, especially around the curves.
Frequently asked questions about the lake
What should you take to Lago Steffen?
Lago Steffen is located in a very remote area, and visitors should come prepared with all the necessary gear and supplies for the time of their stay.
Even though there is a little store at the campground (proveeduría, in Spanish) with basic supplies and alcohol, it’s essential to stock up on food and water before heading to the lake.
Be sure to bring your choice of water sports equipment (i.e. kayaks, paddle boards, swim suits, fishing poles, bait, etc) so you can take advantage of the lake activities. Also bring all the necessary camping supplies like a tent, sleeping bags, flashlights, extra batteries, and a personal stove.
It’s important to pack warm clothing, even during the summer months, as the wind can pick up unexpectedly and the temperature can drop significantly.
What are the most popular activities at Lago Steffen?
There are a lot of activities to take advantage of at the lake. Some of them include:
- Fly fishing
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Paddle boarding
- Boating
- Hiking to the waterfall Cascada Las Ramirez
- Camping
- Star gazing
There are no equipment rentals available, so you’ll need to bring kayaks, fishing supplies, and all other gear with you.
Can you go with a group?
Yes, absolutely! Lago Steffen is a great place to visit with family and friends. Most of the campsites offer additional space for multiple tents.
Do you have to pay to spend the day?
If you’re not into camping but want to spend the day at the lake, there’s a day-use area which is located to the left of the campground.
The only thing to keep in mind is that campfires are not allowed in the day-use area, but portable stoves are allowed. To get there, you’ll need to take a left when you reach the fork in the road.
If you want to spend the day at the campground (in which you will have access to the lake and can use the fire pits), there is a daily fee.
Frequently asked questions about the campground
Is the campground open year-round?
No. The campground is open during parts of the Argentinian summer and fall seasons. It opens on November 1st and closes on May 1st.
What services does the camping have?
The camp sites are equipped with basic facilities, such as:
- Picnic tables
- Fire pits (bring your own grill)
- Area for tents
- Parking spot for each site
- Bathrooms with toilet paper (shared)
- Showers with hot water (shared)
- Access to a small convenience store (La Proveeduría)
- Access to the lake and nearby river (shared)
The camp sites are surrounded by a dense forest which provides ample shade throughout the day.
Are there cabins at the campsite?
There are no cabins or bedrooms for rent at Lago Steffen, however there are 32 camp sites available. The campsites to the right of the entrance have mostly grassy shores, whereas the campsites to the left of the entrance have rocky and sandy shores.
Insider tip: We stayed at camp spot #26. I think it’s the best spot in the whole campground because it’s big enough for large groups, it has direct access to the lake, the lot is flat (ideal for tent camping), and it has bushes and trees for privacy on both sides. When we went, there was a sign on the table that read “pagado” (meaning “paid”). We asked the camp host if we could take that spot or if it was indeed already paid for, and he let us have it. If you come across a similar situation, ask them if they’ll let you have that spot…you can thank me later! 🙂
Can you go with a motorhome?
Yes, motorhomes, tent trailers, and camper vans are allowed, but there are no hookups at the sites.
Keep in mind that the gravel road to the lake is curvy and steep in some areas so make sure the vehicle is able to support those conditions.
Can you take pets?
No, pets are not allowed at the campground because it’s located within the boundaries of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. No pets are permitted within any of the National Parks in Argentina.
You will, however, see that there are cows, dogs, and horses owned by the caregivers of the campground property.
In the morning, we saw a cow with two calves roaming around the campground. Then, one evening there was a dog that visited us at our campsite.
The animals were tame and minded their own business, but perhaps they don’t want to have issues or confrontations with other animals.
How do you make reservations?
It’s not possible to make reservations because there’s no cell reception at the lake. The campground is first come, first served.
If you’re planning on staying overnight, it’s recommended that you arrive early to secure a spot, especially if you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday.
Camping at Lago Steffen is a fantastic opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the stunning beauty of the Argentine Patagonia. With its breathtaking views, hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and stargazing, it’s an experience that will stay with visitors for a lifetime.
