Camping in El Yunque National Forest is something that nature lovers can’t miss in Puerto Rico. Considered one of the top Puerto Rico attractions, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the United States. It offers unique camping experiences filled with wildlife and lush greenery.
I’m a Puerto Rico local, and I’m here to tell you all about the best places to camp in and near El Yunque National Forest.
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9 Best Places to Go Camping Near El Yunque
Yuquiyú Treehouses
Secluded cabins in the rainforest with amenities for glamping.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 40 min to 1 hr | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: Online reservations | Amenities: toilets, showers, cabins, kitchenette
Yuquiyú Treehouses is a great glamping experience near El Yunque. Located in the middle of a farm on the outskirts of El Yunque National Forest, this property has the perfect combination of outdoor and indoor experiences.
Here, multiple cabins overlook the only tropical rainforest in the US Forest system and one of the most mesmerizing national parks. Each cabin has running water, electricity, and a kitchenette.
The property is especially ideal for couples who want to spend their honeymoon in Puerto Rico in a secluded and natural space.
Hacienda Monte Rey
You can rent a tent at this camping site or bring your campervan.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1 hr to 1 hr 15 min | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: Online reservations | Amenities: Shared bathrooms, hot water, firewood, picnic tables, tent rental, wifi
Hacienda Monte Rey is one of the best places to camp in Puerto Rico and El Yunque for families and travelers looking for a lot of nearby amenities.
You’ll find three different camping sites in Hacienda Monte Rey, and each campsite is near the river and has space for a campfire and picnic tables. You can either bring your camping tent or rent one, and small camper vans are welcome in Hacienda Monte Rey.
Plus, if you feel like getting a little height, you can also do tree camping on this property!
👉 Local Tip: The entrance to this camping site is hard to find and you’ll often lose signal in the area. Make sure to download your navigation maps offline and clear any doubts about directions with the host beforehand.
Casa Parcha
Rent a tent and camp next to one of El Yunque’s rivers.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1 hr 5 min to 1 hr 25 min | Google Maps | Destination Website | Amenities: outdoor shower, camper rental, tent rental, BBQ, hammocks
Casa Parcha is located in the south part of El Yunque National Forest, in the town of Naguabo. In Casa Parcha, you can rent tents on-site, so you don’t have to travel with one on your own.
The natural campsite is within steps of the river, where you can swim in the cold water that emerges from the mountains of El Yunque Rainforest.
Non-experienced campers looking for a comfortable stay can choose to stay at the apartment rental in the campground. The location is particularly popular among couples.
La Poza, El Yunque
Although it feels secluded, La Poza is just a short drive from Puerto Rico attractions.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 40 min to 1 hr | Google Maps | Social Media | Reservations: Online reservations | Amenities: toilets, showers, river, free parking
La Poza is a campground on the outskirts of El Yunque in the town of Luquillo. It’s right by the Mamayes River, one of the highlights for couples and families that visit.
Unlike other camping grounds in the area, campers need to bring their tent and everything necessary for camping to visit this tent-only camping site. There are bathrooms and showers onsite, however, RVs aren’t permitted.
La Poza is a nearby Carabalí Rainforest Park, one of Luquillo’s best things to do.
Casita Amarilla
This small cabin is great for comfort camping in El Yunque while still getting a big dose of nature.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 40 min to 1 hr | Google Maps | Social Media | Reservations: Online reservations | Amenities: toilets, showers, cabin, river, free parking, wifi, hammock
For a rustic next-to-the-river experience, try out Casita Amarilla, a small cabin with basic amenities. Casita Amarilla is a particularly good campsite for first-time campers, as you can enjoy the rustic experience of camping without the need of sleeping outside.
This small cabin features a queen bed, although the bathroom is outside and you’ll share it with other campers. Before you arrive, be sure to include a portable cooking stove, groceries, and other camping essentials in your Puerto Rico packing list.
Molindero
This small campground is easy to reach and one of the most popular within the rainforest.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 40 min to 1 hr | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: Online reservations | Amenities: Fire rings, no other amenities available
Molindero is one of the campgrounds located within PR 191 in El Yunque. Although the space once housed summer vacation cottages built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it’s now a camping ground that accommodates groups of up to 8 people.
You won’t find any on-site amenities or bathrooms, so you must bury biological waste. Campfires are allowed in designated areas only. The area is best for experienced campers, although visitors can’t stay over two nights. RVs aren’t allowed.
👉 Did You Know? As of summer 2023, the national forest campsites within PR 191 in El Yunque are temporarily closed for reparations. Make sure to check the official website and request a permit for camping before visiting.
Old Nursery
The only space where you can camp in large groups within the rainforest.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 40 min to 1 hr | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: Online reservations | Amenities: Fire rings, no other amenities available
The Old Nursery campground is near Molindero in PR 191, the main street of the rainforest. This campsite is ideal for large groups as it fits up to 25 people.
Similar to Molindero, Old Nursery lacks facilities but camping is permitted year-round. Just bear in mind that depending on when you visit Puerto Rico, you will need to prepare for a harsh stay outdoors with cold and rain.
You have to hike about 500 meters from the street to get to the campground, so it might not be ideal if you have limited mobility. Also, there aren’t any showers or bathrooms so you have to bury any human waste. You can only stay here for two nights.
👉 Local Tip: There aren’t specific GPS directions for the designated campsites within PR 191 in El Yunque. You can find a map to help you get around here.
El Pabellon
Right next to one of El Yunque’s information centers, this campsite is easy to access.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 40 min to 1 hr | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: Online reservations | Amenities: No amenities
El Pabellon refers to a campground located in the ruins of El Yunque Pavilion Restaurant, destroyed during the 1989 Puerto Rico hurricane season. The remaining concrete floor and patio area are now used as a camping ground.
Like the other campgrounds within PR 191, this one also lacks amenities. RVs, campfires, and pets aren’t allowed in the area, so only expert campers should stay on this site.
👉 Local Tip: Although El Yunque is famous for its crystalline waters, they aren’t considered potable water. Make sure to bring along a filter water bottle like the GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle if you plan on drinking water from the forest.
Los Picachos
Seclusion and views and the best features of Los Picachos camping site.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 40 min to 1 hr | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: Online reservations | Amenities: No amenities
Los Picachos is the most difficult campground to access from PR 191 in El Yunque, as you have to hike 2.1 miles through Caimitillo Trailhead to get to it. Although it’s the most secluded in the area, there aren’t any amenities on the site except for space with even terrain where you can lay out your tent.
In exchange for the raw experience, adventurers will get a picture-perfect view of the cloud forest. Sadly, only two people are allowed to camp on this campsite, so it’s best for couples and solo travelers.
👉 Local Tip: Los Picachos campground is located at one of the highest points in El Yunque National Forest and within what is known as the cloud forest. Make sure your tent is wind and waterproof like the Hewolf Waterproof Instant Camping Tent.
FAQs About El Yunque Camping
Can I camp in El Yunque?
Travelers and visitors can camp in El Yunque. The National Forest Service has four designated camping areas within the rainforest including Molindero,Old Nursery,El Pabellon, and Los Picachos. As of July 2023, they are closed temporarily for repairs.
Can you stay at El Yunque National Forest?
Travelers and visitors can stay in El Yunque National Forest. There are four camping grounds accessible from PR 191, the rainforest’s main street. On the outskirts of El Yunque, there are also private camping sites and cabins including Hacienda Monte Rey and Casa Parcha.
Can you swim in El Yunque waterfall?
El Yunque visitors can swim in El Yunque waterfalls. The waterholes at the bottom of Juan Diego’s Creek, and La Mina are a few feet deep so visitors can submerge themselves and swim. Still, the waterholes are considerably small and don’t offer much range for swimming.
How much time do you need at El Yunque National Forest?
Visitors need from two to ten days to explore El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. El Yunque extends over eight different towns in Puerto Rico. Visitors who would like to explore all the trails and attractions will need more time than average visitors that stick to the waterfalls and towers in PR 191.
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Thanks for reading my guide to El Yunque camping! If you have any questions about camping in the national forest, be sure to leave them in the comments. To continue planning, check out my detailed guide to El Yunque National Rainforest. Have fun!
