Lake Campotosto

Located within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, Lake Campotosto is Abruzzo’s largest artificial reservoir. Created by damming the Rio Fucino, the lake plays a vital role for the birdlife that inhabits it throughout the seasons. The area is typically home to wild ducks, coots, tufted ducks and fish species including whitefish, brown trout, tench, roach and barbel.

During migration periods, the lake also hosts thousands of waterfowl such as grey herons, great crested grebes, mallards and great-crested grebes. This body of water lies within the Lake Campotosto Nature Reserve at approximately 1,313 metres altitude and is surrounded by woodlands offering trails and routes of varying lengths and difficulty, suitable for walking or cycling.

Things to do at Lake Campotosto

Lake Campotosto is an ideal destination at any time of year, offering opportunities to spend time amid unspoilt nature in truly evocative surroundings. This body of water spans 1,400 hectares and has a distinctive V-shape. The waterfront promenade stretches for approximately 40 km, connecting the villages of Campotosto and Capitignano with the territory of L’Aquila municipality. Despite its crystal-clear waters, swimming is not permitted; however, the lake is a magnet for sports enthusiasts keen on windsurfing, canoeing and fishing.

The lakeside is surrounded by lush vegetation featuring plant species including reed-grass, bistort, willow and beech, with numerous trails winding through. Campotosto has gained considerable prominence, particularly since becoming part of the Gran Sasso Horse Trail, a circular 300-plus-kilometre route circling the Gran Sasso massif, and the Main Park Route, which connects L’Aquila with the coast by crossing the Gran Sasso massif.

What to visit nearby

Lake Campotosto sits within its namesake reserve between the Aterno and Vomano valleys. This is an area offering numerous activities and home to towns with genuinely ancient histories and traditions.

The surroundings of the Lake Campotosto Nature Reserve are frequently visited by sports enthusiasts including cyclists and hikers. For instance, the Capannelle Pass, an Apennine mountain pass crossing the Gran Sasso range, attracts many cyclists, whilst the winter sports facilities at Campo Imperatore and Prati di Tivo are popular with winter sports enthusiasts.

Around this magnificent body of water lie the villages of Campotosto, Capitignano and L’Aquila municipalities, making perfect stops for those planning a stay focused on nature, culture and relaxation. This is an area renowned for some of Abruzzo’s most famous traditional dishes, including Campotosto Mortadellas (Cojoni di Mulo), porcini mushrooms and whitefish, a fish species native to the lake.

Where to stay near Lake Campotosto

The villages on the shores of Lake Campotosto lack accommodation facilities; we recommend choosing a hotel in L’Aquila and then visiting the lake as a day trip.

Recommended hotels in the area Lake Campotosto

How to reach Lake Campotosto

Lake Campotosto is accessible by car from major Abruzzo cities. From L’Aquila, take State Road 80, which connects L’Aquila and Teramo, then the SR577 towards Campotosto. From Pescara, take the A14 motorway followed by the A24 to the Teramo exit, then continue on the SS80. From Rome, reach the lake via the A24 motorway to the Tornimparte/Campo Felice exit, then take the SS80.

Lake Campotosto Weather