Camping in Spain
 

We're taking two 4x4s through the Pyrenees and into the Picos de Europa (and maybe Portugal). Am I right in thinking that wild camping (not using sites) is fairly common in the mountainous regions? Both wagons have roof tents. Are we able to pull onto beaches or rough land and camp for free?

I think i read in the "rough guide to spain" that you can legally camp at the side of the road in spain as long as you are no closer than 3 miles to an official campsite. The 3 miles is a guess so best check the exact distance.

Sorry I don't know for sure, but when I was in Spain last year I met some spanish travellers (as in people whose home is a motorhome, not as in people who are away from home). They complained that the law had recently changed in Spain, making it illegal to free camp. They said Portugual was the only place left in southern (sunny) europe that you could still free camp.

Maybe go and have a look at a recent guidebook in a book store to make sure?




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Barry
3AJ Tenere

Agree with Barry. We spend a lot of time in Spain and the police will almost alwys move campers on particularly in the coastal resorts. I would add that campsites in spain are excellent and usually have very good restaurant offering very cheap meals.

Dont know what the legal situation is but the authorities generally dont like people camping by the roadside.

Be very careful when you are in an area that is a fire risk and dont go off road at all if you are in a national park. That is completely forbidden. So be careful in the area of the Picos and surroundings. There is a campsite near Potes run by two elderly people who apparently speak english. Never been (to the campsite) but I am told it is well signposted from Potes.