Free camping in Spain
 

Can anyone tell me if it is legal or not to free camp in Spain.
I am thinking of rural areas in the north.

I know there are lots of official sites and I'm not to mean to pay for camping but would like to add to the adventurous feeling. (sad but true).

Also things like "just don't get caught" are not really very helpful, I do not want to break any laws in a country where I am a guest.

Thanks for any help.

Camping outside campsites is legal but with certain restrictions. You're not allowed to camp in urban areas, areas prohibited for military or touristic reasons, or within 1km of an official campsite. For example, you can't camp on touristic beaches, but you can nearby if you're discreet. Camping for a short period is allowed almost anywhere in the countryside, but where you can, you should ask first.

Dakota-

Where in Andalucia are you? I'm currently near Playa de Bolonia, in between Malaga and Cadiz.

Was trying to find a good camping spot tonight where I am now, but all the decent spots in the area that were not 'touristy' beaches, were way to close to military zones which I didn't feel comfy camping too close to.

I camped in north and south coasts ... well actually, ı just laid my mat, sleeping bag and slept just like that in open sky .... ı dont know if it would be considered "free camping" since i didnt put up a tent (just lazy, no other special reason) ..... someone called it was being a "open sky sleeper" but cant recall who ... ??? ....

Well, anyway... no one said anything ...but of course ı choose points where i wasnt in anyones way ...

I'm in a village called Riogordo about 35kms NNE of Malaga and the hubby works in Gibraltar during the week so he's in La Linea.

I can't find where you are on a map, but the area between Cadiz & Malaga, even going inland, is always popular with the tourists, both Spanish and other nationalities. Only the tourist camp sites will be open at this time of year and they will be full of snowbirds in camper vans.

Stay well away from anything military, but if you are caught camping somewhere you shouldn't be, you will probably just be asked politely to move on by the campo police (brown uniforms, ride quads, cushy job), or a park ranger. If the Guardia turn up (green uniform), then just smile and only answer the questions they ask you, which is usually where are you from, where are you going and then show them your papers.

Thank you Dakota for that insight into free camping, common sense is obviously the key here :thumbup1:.

It is nice to hear this from someone actually in Spain.

Thanks again.