Lago di Barrea
Barrea, Italy
A lake in the heart of the Abruzzo National Park, framed by the villages of Barrea and Villetta Barrea. Early mornings bring deer, and with luck a glimpse of a wolf.
Lake Barrea is a reservoir in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. The village of Barrea (at 1,060 m) sits on a rocky spur; its present form is traced back to the year 1000, when monks founded the settlement. You can walk or cycle along the lakeshore, and there are designated swimming spots, including the La Gravara beach. Paths from Barrea lead to Lago Vivo, Lago Pantaniello and the Forca Resuni; the Lago Vivo–Serrone circuit climbs through beech forest from about 1,100 to almost 1,600 m.
Deer are often seen at Villetta Barrea, a few kilometres away: on the riverside promenade along the Sangro, at the Villa Comunale and on the lakeshore. The Apennine wolf can be seen in the wildlife area at Civitella Alfedena, a little over 2 km from the lake.
- Nearest town
- Barrea, Italy
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.7650, 13.9700
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Colle CiglioCampsite1 km from Lago di BarreaTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Wolf CampingCampsite2 km from Lago di Barrea · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Camping La GenzianaCampsite3 km from Lago di Barrea · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersDogs allowed
- Camping Natura Le QuiteCampsite3 km from Lago di BarreaTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Il Vecchio MulinoCampsite9 km from Lago di BarreaTentsMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Camping Le FociCampsite12 km from Lago di BarreaTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lago di Barrea?
Lago di Barrea is in Barrea, Italy, at GPS 41.7650, 13.9700. It is about 16 km from Pescasseroli.
Can you camp near Lago di Barrea?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Colle Ciglio, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 23 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Lago di Barrea?
Lago di Barrea is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Trabocchi Coast to the Molise and Abruzzo mountains.
What is there to see near Lago di Barrea?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lago di Scanno (17 km), Samnite theatre of Pietrabbondante (35 km), Rocca Calascio (67 km) and Montagna Spaccata (71 km).
When is the best time to visit Lago di Barrea?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)