Campsites

Camping is not very popular in CA, it's nothing like SA. You can find some places at surf camps but not much else. Lodging is cheap, overall.

I have not been there but I hear Lost And Found in the mountains of Chiriqui is pretty awesome. There is not much organized camp spots in Panama but most places will allow you to set up tent for a couple of dollars. I see people camp in Boca Del Drago which is on the other side of the main island and very nice. There you could probably camp for free but the mosquitos at night are pretty rough. In Bocas as well the Camping At The "Y"looks very nice and comfortable.

I have not been to Bocas yet but in general camping in Central America is not such a good idea for a number of reasons. I guess the biggest reason is that a room or dorm can be had for very little money. Second to that is the safety issue. Things get stolen quickly even in a patrolled campground. You need at least a place to lock up your stuff even if it is a cheap padlock. People will be watching you all the time. They have nothing else to do. Leave your stuff for a minute and it will be gone. Finally and maybe the most important to me is the idea of traveling light. Do you really want to carry all that stuff everywhere with you when you can at least get a dorm or hammock room with bedding and towels for under $10us in most cases?

I can't speak for Panama, but Costa Rica is best to only camp in the National Parks where there is a Ranger Station and a degree of safety from theft, after all, gringos are targets, and also some the more down out at surf/beach areas, are camping, and that usually means booze/drugs and living hand to mouth.

Also, the weather/conditions, its rainy season, its also hot n humid on any coastal/beach areas, it would be miserable to have a tent in a 6 hour downpour, and then you need three days for a pair of socks to dry...the mountains is another story, though it can be chilly/damp and misty in rainy season too...

Overall, ditch the camping idea, cabins and hostels are usually under $20 and are secure, safe and protect you from the elements...and bugs/snakes/intense sun...

Yes, Good point from Dr. Moto. Beware of gringos stealing from gringos and yes what do you do when it rains for 3 days? There is one place where camping looks to be pretty cool and that is over at Glover's Reef Atoll Resort in Belize. The campsites are picture perfect right on the inlet to the lagoon. Tents, mattresses and cooking facilities are provided. The campsites are actually in nicer locations than the cabins if that is possible. All of this for about $100 for 6 nights if you commit to a one week stay. You would still need to watch out for thieving gringos but at least if it rains you can go in the community buildings.

I know the place I was talking about in Bocas, Camping At The "Y" has lockers for your stuff (http://campingygriegabocas.blogspot.com/). Surprisingly I do see quite a few Panamanian family who camp. I have seen it mainly on the Pacific side which is less humid. Look up Playa Reina in Mariato which is on the Azuero Penninsula in Veraguas. When I was there there were some Panamanian families camping along with some mellow Eruopean hippie families. Also you can camp at rangers station on some of the beaches in Bocas on the mainland that are far from anything. And then another option I can think of is there are tons of little Indian villages that I am sure would love to have someone pitch a tent. As long as you don't mind being stared at like your from mars, it could be a very fun and educational experience.