Size-wise, Costa Rica is the perfect country for a road trip. Not too big, and not too small. Within a few hours, you can find yourself driving (on rocky roads, more on that later) in misty mountains, along white sandy beaches, or in lush rainforest. I’d recommend anyone I know to explore Costa Rica by car, as it offers the ultimate flexibility. Pros of camping in Costa Rica

Flexibility: With a campervan, you have the freedom to set your own itinerary and travel at your own pace.Cost-effective: Traveling in a campervan can be a budget-friendly way to see the country.Closer to nature: You’ll be able to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty up close and personal.

Cons of camping in Costa Rica

Limited space: While a campervan offers more space than a typical car, it is still limited in terms of living space.The sounds of nature might wake you up: Expect animals, waves, or rain to wake you up during the night. Make sure to bring good earplugs!Driving in Costa Rica: Costa Rica’s roads can be difficult to navigate, with narrow roads and steep inclines.Mosquitos: As soon as the sun sets (around 5.30 pm) there will be lots of mosquitos around. Wear a good mosquito repellent to avoid going insane.

Most roads to the major destinations are well-paved, while others are filled with potholes. Expect to drive at a slower pace and make sure to allocate enough time to get from point A to point B (preferably before dark!) I’d recommend using the navigation app Waze to plan your routes, as it gives better route options than Google Maps. As mentioned, most roads to the major destinations are well-maintained, and you don’t need a 4×4 car to get there. However, when camping in Costa Rica, if you plan to venture off the beaten path and explore some of the more remote areas of the country, a 4×4 vehicle can be extremely helpful. Ultimately, the decision of whether to rent a 4×4 vehicle in Costa Rica comes down to your travel plans and personal preferences. If you’re planning to stick to major tourist areas and well-maintained roads, a regular car will likely suffice. But if you want to explore more remote areas, a 4×4 vehicle may be worth the extra expense. Secondly, there are also risks associated with wildlife. Costa Rica is home to a wide variety of animals, including monkeys, sloths, and even jaguars. These animals are often more active at night and can pose a hazard to drivers. My recommendation is to plan your driving so that you don’t have to drive in the dark. In my experience, the best time to drive is in the middle of the day. That way you can escape the worst heat and treat yourself to some air conditioning. When it comes to choosing the right campervan for your Costa Rica adventure, there are a few things to consider:

Size: Think about how many people will be traveling with you, and choose a van that’s large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably.Amenities: Different camper vans come with different amenities, so consider what’s important to you. Do you need a kitchen, a bathroom, or a shower? Do you need a fan? Make sure you choose a van that has the features you need for your trip.Budget: Campervan rental prices can vary widely, and the price depends on what standard you want. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to factor in the cost of gas, food, and any activities you want to do.

Insurance is included when renting a campervan with Pura Van which means you will have to leave a deposit at pick-up. Our deposit was 800 USD and was smoothly charged to our credit card. If you don’t smash the campervan, the deposit will be transferred back to your account. During our camping trip, Pura Van was only a WhatsApp message away. They answered all the questions we had and gave us tips on where to drive. The price for renting a campervan differs depending on what car you want to rent and during what season. Prices range from 115 USD to 160 USD per day. ➳ Read more: Renting a campervan with Pura Van In iOverlander you can see each camping’s facilities, reviews from other users, and sometimes contact information for the owner if you want to call in advance and check the availability. Note that most campsite owners, at least the ones I met, only speak Spanish. Expect to pay around 5000 colones (around 9 USD) per person for a night at a campsite. Most campsites in Costa Rica, even the official ones, are basic and should not be compared with campsites around Europe. You can usually find a toilet, a (cold) shower, sometimes a kitchen, and sometimes laundry service. Only a few offer Wi-Fi (in 2023) so I’d recommend that you buy a Costa Rican sim card to ensure you have an internet connection.

Camping Lagos del Río (in La Fortuna)Mar Azul (near Santa Teresa)Bar’coquebrado camping (between Samara and Nosara) This is actually a glamping site and a pizza restaurant owned by a super friendly family. They also have a small spot that fits a campervan, and you get access to a toilet and a shower.Camping Casa Viva (Uvita)

You can, however, camp in the area where the beach ends and the palm trees start. This area also offers some shade, which is more comfortable anyway. Just don’t park directly under a palm tree with coconuts, you don’t want them to fall down on you. What’s so unique about Costa Rican beaches is that the first 50 meters from the high tide mark are considered public land that cannot be owned privately. This makes wild camping at the beaches in Costa Rica really easy! When wild camping, always be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural environment. When it comes to camping, there are a few specific safety considerations to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while camping in Costa Rica:

Choose a safe and secure campsite: Camping in campsites will most likely increase your safety compared to wild camping. However, from my own experience, both options are safe.Be prepared for the weather: Costa Rica is a tropical country with high humidity, so be sure to bring appropriate clothing and gear to stay comfortable and dry. If you plan on camping during the rainy season, be prepared for heavy rains and even thunderstorms.Protect yourself from insects and animals: Costa Rica is home to a wide variety of insects and animals, some of which can be dangerous. Be sure to bring insect repellent, and know how to protect yourself from snakes and other wildlife. For example, I wouldn’t recommend camping directly on the ground.

Below I list the cost of my 2-week camping trip with Pura Van. This is the budget for two people. Note that the price for renting a campervan varies depending on the season.

Campervan: 1 960 USDCampsites: 130 USDGroceries: 350 USDGas: 250 USD

Note that we spent 1 week in Puerto Viejo before we picked up our car, which is why Puerto Viejo is not a part of this itinerary. It should not be missed though! If you’re not into camping, but still want the flexibility of a road trip, I’d recommend renting a regular car and take in at hotels during the night. It’s requires a bit more planning, but you also get a higher level of comfort. ➳ Book your hotels through Booking! It’s my all-time favorite site for hotel bookings.