Some sites, however, can be less than basic and you may have to scrounge around for facilities. Remember not to leave valuables in your tent unless there is someone around to protect them. Lastly, you may find it more enjoyable to choose the dry season for your trip because camping during the rainy season can be a muddy affair.

Campgorunds near the beach:
Montezuma Beach - Camping Los Monos ( 506/642-0048). Open Dec.-May; call before arriving. Tamarindo - Bagatsí (506/659-9039). Playa Junquillal - ( 506/666-5051). Three km/1.8 miles before Cuajiniquil. Pochote Beach - Camping Tino Zeledón, no phone. Tambor Beach - Camping Los Malinches ( 506/683-0264). Potrero Beach - Mayraís Camping & Cabinas ( 506/654- 4213). Jacó Beach - Camping Madrigal (506/643-3329) and Camping El Hicaco (no phone). Unless you’re a party animal, it’s best to avoid both camps on holiday weekends.

Campgorunds in the Central Valley:
Laguna Fraijanes Recreational Park (. 506/482-2166) offers huts without lights for up to four people for about US $11. A full-service hut runs $20 for two. Chalets sleeping eight, $25. Tent camping only for groups of 10 or more, US $2 per person with own tent, or $3 if you need to rent a tent. Bélen Trailer Park (. 506/239-0421). Roble Alto Camp (. 506/237-1453) has rustic cabins that sleep eight. Bring your own food and blankets. Laundry, kitchen, sports courts and pool. Costs around US $30 per cabina.