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| Camping enjoyed in Spain |
Wild Camping and Motorhomes in Andalucia
Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of visitors to Andalusia who camp, caravan or bring motorhomes or motor caravans. It has also become a much more popular pastime for young Spanish visitors to Andalucia.
Andalucia is reasonably well equipped with a range of campsites especially in popular coastal and inland locations, although nowhere near to the extent of France with its range of municipal campsites. The Costa del Sol has several campsites and caravan parks.
Many European countries have also relaxed regulations regarding 'wild camping', or spending the night in a motor home in quiet, out-of-town locations. In Spain, however, the letter of the law is strict, and there are very few places where it is completely legal to camp for free. That said, there are many locations where camper vans gather, and with safety in numbers, it is unlikely to be a problem. An exception is within a Natural Park or a National Park or near a Natural Monument, where the prohibition is much more strictly enforced.
On this page we outline the legal position between parking and camping
Wild Camping
Camping is not just considered to be taking place in a family tent; it can also be taking place in a one-person bivouac or a makeshift construction of sticks and plastic sheets.
caravans and camper vans parking or camping?
For caravans and camper vans, there is a subtle legal difference between camping and parking. If an awning is erected, or if there is evidence of a camp due to the presence of equipment such as stoves and chairs, then the vehicle is considered to be camping.
National Parks
National Parks and Natural Parks often have refugios or mountain shelters, usually basic accommodation with limited cooking and washing facilities, although some are more like youth hostels. Free camping areas can also be found in National and Natural parks. These camping areas are closed from mid June to mid September due to the constant fire hazard in this tinder-dry landscape. More info on specific locations can be found in our National and Natural park section.
Beach
With its appealing and varied coastline, it's no surprise that many of Andalucía's campsites are located by the sea. However, camping on the beach itself is not allowed in Andalusia or Spain. This is often practised in remote coves, especially in the summer months. You will also often see people camping in tents or camper vans in the countryside behind the beach, despite the signs prohibiting it. Even if you see other campers, making you feel that there's 'safety in numbers', you may be fined if the Local Police or more like the Guardia Civil decide to visit the 'camp' and this is usually early inthe morning.
Roadside and car parks
Camping (not parking) on any public road is not legal and this is strictly enforsed on roads near to a seafront promenade. Car parks on the seafront or other places will have their own local town council rules, however generally camping is not permitted.
In practice there are some wild camping and campervan areas, in some popular destinations such as Tarifa. These locations change from year to year so we cannot list them. Consult specialised website forums or social media.
Private Land
The Order of 28 July 1966 concerns tourist camping. Article 46.1 states that no more than three tents or caravans, or ten people, can camp in the same place for more than three days, even on private land. 'The same place' is defined as an area within 500 metres. This national law also states that wild camping is prohibited within 200 metres of the high tide mark on beaches, within a few kilometres of military installations or official campsites, and in protected areas such as national and natural parks and national monuments. However, more recent regional laws offer more free camping options and create legal uncertainty. In Andalucía, regional laws tend to be stricter. Although Andalucía is a very popular tourist destination, the government's policy tends to protect its tourist industry rather than be liberal towards travellers.
In summary, camping on private land is permitted, with the land-owners permission by groups under ten people for no more than three days. Lighting a camp fire is not generally permitted and definately not from June to September. Even the landowners need to advise the local fire service in advance of a bonfire.
some town halls have designated areas
In recent years, some town halls have designated areas specifically for motorhome camping, which are usually car parks on the outskirts of towns. For example, in San Roque, Cádiz, the car park to the west of Torre Guadiaro is specifically designated for motorhome camping for up to three nights.
Cadiz City
There are no legal options in Cadiz city. In 2026, Cádiz City Council stated that there are three specific areas in Cádiz where unauthorised motorhome parking occurs: along the wall of the old cemetery, on the Vía Augusta (up to the Ventorillo de El Chato) and in the Santibáñez car park. The local police conduct ongoing monitoring and issue the corresponding fines.” Fines range from €80 to €200.
San Fernando
The new Sustainable and Friendly Mobility Ordinance, published by the town hall in 2022, included a proposal to regulate motorhome camping. However, this legislation has not yet been fully implemented since its initial approval almost four years ago. Although the proposal followed the same general principles, it specified various aspects in greater detail and included conditions that overnight parking areas for caravans, motorhomes and camper vans must meet. Although San Fernando lacks specific regulations, it is common to see people with motorhomes at the Camposoto beach car park at any time of year.
Chiclana
The Chiclana Municipal Traffic Ordinance, which came into effect in 2012, prohibits the parking of motorhomes, caravans and similar vehicles in expressly designated coastal areas. It also generally prohibits these vehicles from occupying public property (including roads, meadows, pine forests, public land and parking areas) throughout the municipality. However, this prohibition does not apply to authorised locations, such as campsites or rest and parking areas specifically designated for these types of vehicles.
El Puerto de Santa Maria
The city does not have a regulatory ordinance for the parking and stay of these vehicles. The only authorised places are the Taiga campsite (formerly Las Dunas) and the car park at the El Paseo shopping centre, where there are points for disposing of fresh water and wastewater. The popular Pasarela car park, located next to the Guadalete River, is not a designated spot.
Puerto Real
There is also no such ordinance in Puerto Real that regulates caravan or camper van parking areas. However, in 2026, part of the Las Canteras Fairground will be converted into a regulated parking area for 16 caravans, motorhomes or camper vans. This area will be managed by the Patio del Pozo restaurant, which will open a fast-food kiosk there. Drinking water and electricity hookups will be available, as well as toilet facilities, which will be open during the Summer Feria. Parking will be available all year round except during the months of May and June, when the Summer Feria takes place.
Tarifa
Tarifa is once again at the centre of the debate on the management of motorhomes, following several evictions and environmental complaints since the year 2000. The coast of Tarifa is part of the Estrecho Natural Coastal Park. There are no designated parking areas except the official campsites. Evictions have taken place in popular areas such as the Valdevaqueras beach car park and the Casas de Porro area.
Official Camping and Caravan sites in Andalucia
Wild Camping and Motorhomes in Andalucia
Caravans in Andalucia