São Paulo is a major economic center, but outside of its capital city, there are mountains, Atlantic rainforests and a dramatic coastline. Camping and caravanning have become more and more popular ways for people who live in or visit the area to get away from the noise and reconnect with nature.
São Paulo has a lot of places that combine Brazilian hospitality with basic infrastructure, so it’s a great place for both experienced RVers (motorhome owners) and families looking for a safe tent getaway for the weekend. This list shows five of the best places to visit that are safe, beautiful and have amenities for both tents and motorhomes.
How We Selected the Top Camping and Caravan Sites in São Paulo
The locations featured in this guide were evaluated based on the following general criteria:
- Infrastructure for Vehicles: There are electrical outlets, water supplies and dump stations for motorhomes and trailers.
- Safety and Security: Safe parking, good lighting and a safe natural environment.
- Natural Beauty and Location: São Paulo is known for its waterfalls, beaches and mountain trails that are close to each other.
- Cleanliness and Sanitation: How clean the bathrooms, showers and common areas are.
- Accessibility: São Paulo’s road system (Rodovias) makes it easy for larger vehicles to get around.
List of Top 5 Camping and Caravan Sites in São Paulo
- Camping Ilha do Sol (Ubatuba)
- Camping Recanto das Cachoeiras (Campos do Jordão)
- Camping Rio Acima (Juquitiba)
- Parque e Camping Villa Mágica (Atibaia)
- Camping Pedra Grande (Monteiro Lobato)
A Closer Look at Each Camping and Caravan Site
1. Camping Ilha do Sol (Ubatuba)
Camping Ilha do Sol is a paradise for nature lovers. It is located in Ubatuba, one of the best coastal spots on the São Paulo North Shore. It is in a unique location on a property surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and mangroves, giving it a rustic feel while still being comfortable for campers.
Key Services Offered
- Designated motorhome lots with power outlets (110V and 220V)
- Water supply points and a place to throw away chemical toilets (dumping station)
- Barbecue grills with covers (churrasqueiras)
- Renting boats and getting to the Picinguaba area
Ideal Client Type
Adventurous families and caravan couples looking for direct beach access and a laid-back surfing atmosphere.
Notable Strengths or Differentiators
The campsite offers one of the few “river-meets-sea” experiences in the region. It is exceptionally pet-friendly and provides easy access to the famous Praia da Fazenda. The management is known for being highly experienced with large motorhomes, understanding the turning radius and parking needs of Brazilian caravan models.
Contact Information
Facebook: Camping Ilha do Sol
2. Camping Recanto das Cachoeiras (Campos do Jordão)
Recanto das Cachoeiras is in the cool, mountainous area of Campos do Jordão, making it the best place for people who like to camp in the cold. This area is known as the “Swiss Alps of Brazil.” Campgrounds here need to be ready for high humidity and low temperatures, which this site does very well.
Key Services Offered
- Big, flat pitches that are good for trailers and big motorhomes
- Shared kitchens with sinks and refrigerators
- Selling firewood for bonfires (fogueiras)
- Direct paths to three private waterfalls
Ideal Client Type
Groups of friends and couples seeking mountain tranquility and hiking, away from the crowded center of Capivari.
Notable Strengths or Differentiators
Recanto das Cachoeiras has put money into high-quality drainage systems to keep mud from building up during the rainy season. This is different from many other places in the Serra da Mantiqueira. They also rent out “glamping” gear for people who are traveling in vans that don’t have all the bedding they need.
Contact Information
Website: www.recantodascachoeiras.com
3. Camping Rio Acima (Juquitiba)
The Regis Bittencourt highway makes it easy for people who live in Greater São Paulo (Grande SP) to get to Juquitiba quickly. Camping Rio Acima is known for its deep, clean river pools and was built to handle the growing number of “motorhomes” in Brazil.
Key Services Offered
- A special “Caravan Area” with separate water and electricity meters
- Security 24 hours a day with limited access
- Kiosks with benches by the river
- Restaurant and bar that serves food from the area
Ideal Client Type
Large families and motorhome clubs organizing weekend meetups (encontros de motorhome).
Notable Strengths or Differentiators
Rio Acima is one of the few campsites in São Paulo that has a team of people who work with kids on weekends so parents can relax. They also have a nearby gas station for generators. The Rio Juquiá’s water is very clean, so even small children can swim in it safely.
Contact Information
Website: www.rioacima.com.br
4. Parque e Camping Villa Mágica (Atibaia)
Atibaia is Brazil’s “Strawberry Capital,” but for caravaners, it is home to Villa Mágica. This place is more of a “leisure resort for RVs” than a “wild camping” spot. People know it for its beautiful landscaping and event spaces.
Key Services Offered
- Super pitches with Wi-Fi, water and sewage
- Swimming pool with heat (not common at campsites in this area)
- Places to do laundry
- Place to wash your motorhome
Ideal Client Type
Luxury motorhome owners (Class A RVs) and long-term winter residents looking for comfort.
Notable Strengths or Differentiators
Villa Mágica is probably the most organized park on this list. There is a convenience store there that sells things that are useful for caravans, like leveling ramps and hose adapters. They also have a strict noise policy after 10 PM, which is a great feature for Brazilian camping because it guarantees a good night’s sleep.
Contact Information
Facebook: Atibaia
5. Camping Pedra Grande (Monteiro Lobato)
This campsite is close to the famous Pedra Grande viewpoint and offers a unique experience at a high altitude. Monteiro Lobato is quieter than Campos do Jordão, which is next door. It has more space and less fog, which is great for people who use solar panels.
Key Services Offered
- Tents can set up in open fields and caravans can park along the edges.
- Horse rental services are available nearby.
- Fitness circuit outside
- Shop for fixing bikes
Ideal Client Type
Solo travelers in vans (Sprinter or smaller conversions) and cycling groups passing through the region.
Notable Strengths or Differentiators
The “sunrise view” over the Paraíba Valley is what makes this campsite so well-known. The owners are active climbers and lead guided hikes to the top of Pedra Grande. The access road is fully paved and wide enough for even the biggest Brazilian double-axle trailers.
Contact Information
Facebook: campingpedragrande
How to Choose the Right Camping or Caravan Site in São Paulo
- Vehicle Size Compatibility: Some sites can’t fit long trailers or tall motorhomes because of low-hanging tree branches or tight gates. Always call ahead and tell them how big your car is.
- Weather by season: The coast of São Paulo (Ubatuba) is very hot and humid, while the mountains (Campos, Monteiro Lobato) can get below freezing in the winter (June to August).
- Availability of Dump Stations: If your caravan has a bathroom, check to see if the site has a proper “Ecoponto” (dump station) where you can empty your holding tanks. This is not available on many smaller sites.
- Energy Needs: Some places don’t let you use air conditioners because the voltage drops (110 V vs. 220 V). Check how many amps are available at your pitch.
- Accessibility for Tents: When camping in a tent, stay away from areas that are meant for motorhomes (usually gravel or hard-packed dirt) and look for grassy, flat areas instead.
The state of São Paulo has a lot of different places for camping and caravanning, from the tropical beaches of Ubatuba to the alpine forests of Campos do Jordão. Camping Ilha do Sol, Recanto das Cachoeiras, Rio Acima, Villa Mágica and Pedra Grande are the five places that are shown. They have the best mix of natural beauty and useful infrastructure.
São Paulo’s camping scene has grown to meet international standards, so you can find everything from a luxury motorhome resort to a rustic tent by the river. We suggest that readers check availability ahead of time because weekends and holidays fill up quickly, especially during the summer (December to February) and the July school vacation.
FAQ
1. What services do camping and caravan sites in São Paulo typically offer?
Most places have electrical outlets, drinking water, barbecue grills and bathrooms that everyone can use. Some caravan-specific sites also have dump stations for chemical toilets, gray water drainage and even laundry facilities. Some high-end parks have swimming pools and stores that are open all the time.
2. How much does it cost to stay at a caravan park in São Paulo?
Prices are very different. Tent camping on a budget can cost R$ 30–50 per person per night. The price of a full-hookup motorhome pitch for two people usually ranges from R$ 80 to R$ 150 per night, depending on the season and the amenities (for example, heated pools raise the price).
3. How do I know if a campsite is safe for my caravan or tent?
Look for places with 24-hour security (segurança 24 horas), controlled entry gates (portaria controlada) and lots of light. You need to read the most recent reviews on Google Maps or specialized Brazilian camping apps like Campings Brasil.
4. Are camping sites in São Paulo suitable for large RVs (American-style motorhomes)?
Some are, but not all of them. To get to larger Class A motorhomes, you need special access. Villa Mágica in Atibaia is one of the places that can handle big vehicles. However, smaller, older sites in dense forest areas may not be accessible.
5. What should I prepare before contacting a campsite in São Paulo?
If you’re camping in a caravan, you should know the exact length and height of your vehicle. If you want to camp in a tent, ask about the ground (grass vs. dirt) and how close the water sources are to avoid flooding during summer rains.
6. How long does the camping season last in São Paulo?
In São Paulo, camping is a year-round activity. December to February (summer vacation) is the busy season. It’s hot and rainy, especially on the coast. The dry season is from June to August, which is the best time to camp in the mountains near Campos do Jordão. However, it gets very cold at night.
