La Laguna de San Carlos is a good place to start if you want to go camping in Panama. A short trip from Coronado, La Laguna is accessible by car and bus, offering a great campsite for families.

La Laguna de San Carlos is easily accessible from Coronado and is a safe campsite, with family-friendly hikes and activities. The lagoon is even known to have Tilapia and freshwater shrimp, the water is also safe for swimming, but in the dry season it can get windy, so don’t forget a sweater! 

Why Families Love Camping at La Laguna de San Carlos

Families love this place because there is hiking, fishing, and swimming, and all these activities are great for keeping kids entertained. La Laguna de San Carlos is a freshwater volcanic crater, creating a large lagoon 850 meters above sea level at the base of Mt. Picacho. Run by members of the local community, this can be a day trip, but is also a great place for camping in Panama. 

Entrance fees are low and help keep the grounds clean and functional. And there are basic amenities like water and bathrooms, making it easy to enjoy with young kids. There is also a fonda, but the hours are not fixed, so bring food and snacks! 

Activities and Amenities at La Laguna de San Carlos 

La Laguna provides just enough amenities and activities to go camping in Panama with kids (without feeling like you’ve made a terrible mistake). 

•  Access to water and bathrooms 
• Activities include hiking, fishing, and swimming. 
• Breakfast in the morning 
• A safe area to travel with kids 

Fishing in La Laguna de San Carlos 

Fishing in La Laguna, you will need to bring your own rod. You can fish from the dock or a small boat available for rent. 

Fish Species: The primary, commonly mentioned fish is tilapia.

Fishing Environment: The lagoon is compact and conveniently reachable, making it suitable for shore fishing as well as fishing from a small boat. Older children can enjoy this activity on their own, while younger ones can participate alongside their parents.

Hiking La Laguna 

The area offers easy hiking trails that are suitable for all ages. Exploring the trail around the lagoon is easy for kids of all ages with adult supervision. Though be prepared to navigate a small washed-out section where you might need to wade through a bit of water.

Cerro Picacho Trail

Entering La Laguna on the right you will see a sign for the Sendero Cerro Picacho, this is the trailhead for the Picacho mountain trail. This is a hike you can do with kids If they have had some experience hiking.  

Accessibility: Located right in front of La Laguna, you can get here in a normal car, and there is parking inside the campsite grounds. 

Cost: It is free to hike, but if you want to park inside the gounds there is a fee. Even if I were not planning to camp, I would pay a few dollars for someone to know I was hiking, a pretty small price for peace of mind. 

Camping at La Laguna de San Carlos 

The campsite itself is well-equipped, featuring ample space for tents and necessary amenities such as bathrooms and water. La Laguna is also open to the public, offering families access to the campsite and use of the facilities for a small fee. $5 per person, $3 per child, $8 to bring a cooler, car, have a fire, etc.  There is someone at the campsite until 4 pm. If you arrive after this, you won’t be able to access the campsite, and the bathrooms will be locked if there is no one else camping. 

Camping Tips 

Bring Your Own Supplies: Don’t forget to pack your own toilet paper and food. While there’s a local fonda, it’s wise to bring food & a few basic supplies, particularly if you’re staying overnight, as the restaurant’s hours can be unpredictable. 

Timing Your Visit: For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting during the week. Weekends can be quite busy, and the small space may detract from the family atmosphere. 

Camping Essentials: If you plan to camp, remember to pack warm clothing and blankets, as it can get windy!

Best Season: The ideal time for camping in Panama is during the dry season.

Getting to La Laguna from Coroando 

Following the road from the Las Lajas entrance, La Laguna is 22.4 km away. You want to do this drive during the day, there are some potholes and curves, but it can be done in a normal car. If you prefer not to drive, there are also local buses.