Camping in Spain
Find out where to go camping in Spain. Explore the best campsites, RV parks, tentspots, cabins and glamping sites across the country and its islands.
Explore camping and outdoor stays in Spain
Why go camping in Spain
Camping in Spain is always a great idea, no matter the region or season. Spain’s landscape is incredibly diverse, from deep forests and misty coastlines in the north, to palm-lined beaches and idyllic islands in the south. The south boasts long summers and mild weather, while winter covers many of the numerous mountainous regions in snow. From skiing to surfing and from beach strolls to mountain hikes, camping Spain can be whatever you want it to be.
Insider tips for camping in Spain
“Spain is a huge country but getting around gets easier when you do it local style. Our trains take you to most major cities except in the south, where you can take buses instead. If you really want to travel like a local, try carpooling. BlaBlaCar is very popular in Spain and a great way to both get around and meet locals.”
- Daniela, 27
“Eating out can be cheap at bars in Spain. Up north in the Basque Country they serve pintxos at bars. You’ll be surprised at how super gourmet these are! Tapas at bars are even free in the south in provinces like Almería and Granada, but also in Ávila and Leon. Roadside cafes all over the country serve cheap meals all day. You can’t go wrong with tortillas.”
- David, 22
“Camping in summer is just the best in Spain, as long as you can find some shade. Temperatures can go above 40 degrees celsius and you don’t want to be in your tent when it gets that hot. I personally prefer camping in September or even October instead of during the hot and busy summer months, when many campsites along the coast are packed anyway.”
- Pablo, 31
Outdoor activities when camping in Spain
Spain is a very mountainous country with a large central plateau, nearly 5,000 kilometers of coastline and a whole variety of local climates. Such stunning geography and diversity open up a whole range of outdoor activities to try when camping in Spain.
Think of hiking the trails in the Picos de Europa past giant peaks and soaring cliffs. Or surfing in the Basque Country, where some of Europe’s best waves break along a breathtaking coastline. Kitesurfing is immensely popular in Tarifa, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet. And if you think Madrid is just concrete, you haven’t paraglided the sierras around the capital. Spain isn’t especially known for skiing, but the steep slopes of the Sierra Nevada near Granada are covered in snow in winter. Outside of winter, the mountains in the region of Andalusia are amazing for rock climbing.
Camping Spain: great ways to stay in nature
Campsites
There are many campsites in Spain, with camping being especially popular in and around nature reserves, parks, and on the coastline. Tourists often go camping in Spain on the Mediterranean coast between Málaga and Alicante.
RV camping
The Spanish love traveling by campervan, whether far or locally. RV parks in Spain are plentiful, as are campsites with RV parking and other campervan amenities to accommodate all these traveling motorhomes.
Glamping
With its balmy weather and long summers, Spain is a country ideal for glamping. Find glamping in Spain in the mountains, on farms, or on the coastline. Glamping is especially popular on the Spanish islands, like on Mallorca or Fuerteventura.
Best Spanish destinations for camping
Camping Costa Brava
Camping on the Spanish Costa Brava means that you'll likely get your daily dose of sunshine and clear blue waters. Rugged coastlines, white sand beaches, and the Catalan Pyrenees await in one of Spain's most popular camping destinations.
Camping Doñana
The Doñana holds Europe's largest natural reserve, so anyone looking for a wild adventure will find plenty to explore in this remote corner of Spain. Respect nature while camping in Doñana (don't wild camp!) and you'll be rewarded with a serene landscape.
Cádiz camping
Cádiz Province is more than a wild coastline with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Inland are the rolling hills and rugged mountains of Andalusia – all within reach when camping in Cádiz.
Camping Tarragona
Thinking about camping in Tarragona? The Costa Dorada is a staple for sun and sand seeking campers. Just below Barcelona and yet a world away from the bustling city, the Costa Dorada is a place of dramatic cliffs, crystal clear waters, and sandy beaches.
Camping Madrid
Madrid is a mega city, but one with plenty of nearby options to escape and unwind in nature. Camping in Madrid can be a rocky adventure, a woody oasis, or a luxurious getaway. Discover wildlife and the great outdoors just outside the capital.
Camping Alicante
If Alicante were a mood, it would be laid-back and carefree. That's hardly a surprise, given the sun hours this idyllic coast of sandy beaches and calm waters gets. Camping in Alicante on the Costa Blanca is all about relaxation.
Camping Huelva
Neighboring Portugal and facing the Atlantic, the province of Huelva has long stretches of rugged coastline, empty beaches, and unspoilt Iberian sceneries. Camping in Huelva connects you to this sparsely populated province and its wild landscape.
Camping Málaga
Sat on the sunny Costa del Sol, Málaga province is a hub for beachgoers – but camping in Málaga is more than just white sand and sun baths. The nature inland is full of surprises, from karst landscapes and green gorges to bucolic hills and tiny villages.
Camping Basque Country
The Basque Country is often hued in a silver light that reflects off the peaks of the Pyrenees and the hissing Bay of Biscay. Camping in Basque Country is a different (but fantastic!) outdoor adventure than you'd have in the arid south of Spain due to the Atlantic climate.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Camping in Spain
Can you camp anywhere in Spain?
You cannot just camp anywhere in Spain. Wild camping is strictly forbidden on any public land that isn’t designated for camping. Coastal areas are especially controlled, and breaking the rules can subject you to a fine ranging from €30 to €800. That said, under certain conditions you’re allowed to spend the night in your RV or car. See the questions below.
Is Spain good for camping?
Spain is great for camping, with its abundance of nature destinations and campsites to stay at. The country’s agreeable climate and incredibly diverse landscapes make Spain a very popular camping destination for many local travelers and European tourists.
Is wild camping legal in Spain?
No, wild camping is not legal in Spain. Like in most of Europe, wild camping is officially prohibited on public land and in national parks. This especially goes for nature reserves and areas that belong to the Natura 2000 network. Violating these rules can get you fined for up to … euro. But while wild camping in a tent is prohibited, camping in an RV is sometimes allowed in designated parking lots. Because tent camping is allowed in campsites and on private land, there are many options to camp while exploring nature without having to rely on big commercial campsites/
Can you camp at the roadside in Spain?
That depends on what kind of roads and where. When traveling by campervan, overnight stays are allowed along highways and in parking spaces designated for RVs. During daytime, you’re allowed to park and sleep in your van in any parking space without special restrictions and that fits your vehicle. Note that camping behavior is prohibited anywhere outside of campsites. That means you’re only allowed to stay inside your vehicle, and aren’t allowed to extend your awning, cook, or open a window.