Quick Answer: Camping in Spain works across three main settings: well-equipped coastal campsites (Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa de la Luz), mountain campsites in the Pyrenees and Picos de Europa, and glamping resorts that blend luxury with the outdoors. Wild camping (acampada libre) is technically illegal but tolerated above 1,500m in many mountain areas. Best months are May to October across most regions.
Camping in Spain is bigger than most travelers realize. The country has over 800 licensed campsites, ranging from full-service Costa Brava resorts with pools and tennis courts to remote Pyrenees mountain campings where you set up by an alpine lake. Glamping has exploded in the last 5 years with safari tents, treehouses, and yurt accommodations replacing the old-school tent-and-tarp setup. The 12 campsites below are the standouts ranked by location, amenities, and the kind of trip they make possible.
A practical note on Spain camping rules: licensed campsites are the standard approach, with prices from 18 to 45 euros per night for a tent pitch plus 2 people. Wild camping (acampada libre) is technically prohibited everywhere except above 1,500 meters in some mountain areas and on private land with permission. Catalonia, Asturias, and Aragon have the most relaxed wild-camping enforcement; Andalusia and Mallorca are strictest. The site runs May, June, September, October for most regions; July and August work on the coast but bring full campsites.
Planning a Spain camping trip?
The Ultimate Europe Trip Planner routes you through Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Picos de Europa, and Pyrenees campsites with booking timelines, gear lists, and a campsite-vs-glamping comparison. Limited time, save $10 today (originally $27).
Best Glamping and Cabin Hotels for Spain Camping Trips
If you prefer upgraded accommodation on a camping trip, these glamping resorts and forest cabins deliver the outdoor experience without the gear logistics.
- Cala Llevadó (Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava), beachfront forest campsite with safari tents and bungalows.
- Las Dunas (Sant Pere Pescador, Costa Brava), the largest campsite in Catalonia with pool complex.
- Camping Playa Montroig (Costa Daurada), Tarragona beachfront megaresort with multiple pools.
- Camping Bungalow Park Mar Azul (Almeria), Cabo de Gata desert campsite with glamping safari tents.
- Camping Picos de Europa (Cabrales), classic mountain campsite at the gates of the Cares Gorge.
Top Tours and Activities for Spain Campers
- Picos de Europa Cares Gorge Day Hike, classic from any Asturias campsite.
- Costa Brava Cap de Creus Kayaking, coastal coves from Cala Montjoi campsite.
- Cabo de Gata Beach Hopping (Almeria), desert-coast hidden beaches from Mar Azul base.
- Aiguestortes National Park Day Hike, alpine lakes from the Catalan Pyrenees campsites.
- Ribadesella Surf Class plus Sea Caves (Asturias), Atlantic-coast day trip from Picos campsites.
Recommended Travel Essentials for Spain Camping
These five travel essentials cover beach-side coastal camping, alpine mountain camping, and glamping trips across Spain.
Plan your full Spain trip:
- Picos and Pyrenees camping pairs with our Spain national parks guide.
- Northern Spain campsite clusters, places to visit in northern Spain.
- Coastal Mediterranean camping, best beaches in Spain.
- Best months for camping, our best time to visit Spain guide.
1. Cala Llevadó (Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava)
Camping Cala Llevadó sits on a pine-forested cliff above its own private cove on the Costa Brava, with terraced pitches looking down at the turquoise Mediterranean and a footpath that drops 5 minutes to a small sandy beach with a chiringuito. The 4-star site combines traditional pitches, glamping safari tents, and bungalows, with three pools, restaurants, and a kids’ club, plus easy access to the Camí de Ronda coastal path north toward Tossa.
Open May through September; the site closes mid-October to Easter. Pitches run 35 to 75 euros a night for two adults plus tent and car; glamping tents 80 to 180 euros. Pro tip: book a high-numbered cliff pitch (terrace levels 4 to 6) for the best Mediterranean views, then walk into Tossa de Mar (15 minutes by car, longer by coastal trail) for dinner inside the medieval walls of the Vila Vella old town. Combine with a Costa Brava boat trip from Tossa harbor to Cala Pola and Cala Salionc.
2. Las Dunas (Sant Pere Pescador, Costa Brava)
Camping Las Dunas is the mega-resort campsite, a 5-star, 49-hectare site on the longest beach of the Costa Brava with its own aqua park (the Aqua Las Dunas waterslides), 4 restaurants, a supermarket, a disco, animation programs from morning through night, and around 1,800 pitches plus 500 bungalow and safari tent options. It’s loud, family-focused, and the antithesis of wild camping, which is precisely the appeal for travelers who want a vacation rather than an outdoor experience.
The window for visits is mid-May through mid-September. Sites 35 to 90 euros a night depending on season and zone; bungalows 110 to 290 euros. Local trick: book a beach-front pitch in zone A (premium) for direct sea access, and the family-package deal that includes aqua park bracelets and animation for kids. Pair the trip with a day at Cap de Creus Natural Park (45 minutes north) or a Dalí pilgrimage to Figueres and Cadaqués for a contrast to the resort intensity. Closest train station is Figueres-Vilafant 25 minutes away.
3. Camping Playa Montroig (Costa Daurada)
Camping Amfora sits 1 kilometer south of Las Dunas on the same long Costa Brava beach, with a slightly quieter, family-Mediterranean atmosphere (same beach access, two pools, restaurants, and an activity program), but smaller scale (around 900 pitches) and a calmer evening vibe. The site is well-regarded for cleanliness and for the dedicated children’s pool and play areas.
Best months are May through September. A pitch costs 30 to 75 euros a night; bungalows 90 to 240 euros. Smart move: book a pitch in the L’Aiguamoll zone (the western section closer to the Empordà aiguamolls wetland reserve), where the dune-back rather than beachfront placement keeps the evening quiet. Walk the natural reserve at dawn for flamingos and storks (free, 1 kilometer of pathways). Add a half-day at Figueres for the Dalí Museum or a Castell d’Empuries dinner in the medieval old town.
4. Mar Azul (Cabo de Gata, Almeria)
Camping Playa Montroig holds a Blue Flag beach, 5 pools (one Olympic-size with diving boards), and 14 hectares of palm-shaded pitches on the Costa Daurada coast 25 kilometers south of Tarragona. The campsite ranks consistently among Spain’s top-rated for facilities, food, and the unusual mix of mature trees plus modern resort amenities. It’s family-popular but the size accommodates couples and groups looking for quieter zones too.
Open May through September. Tent spots 35 to 95 euros a night; bungalows and safari tents 120 to 320 euros. Pro tip: book a pitch in the palm-grove central zone (sectors B and C) for shade in peak summer; the beach-front sectors are hotter but louder. Stack with a half-day at PortAventura World theme park 20 minutes north and a Roman-ruins walk in Tarragona old town (a UNESCO site). Eat romesco-and-fideuà at Restaurante El Llagut in Tarragona’s port.
5. Camping Picos de Europa (Cabrales)
Camping Bungalows Igara is the urban-camping option for the Basque Country, 4 kilometers from central San Sebastián and reachable by frequent city buses, with bungalows and pitches in a forested hillside setting that lets visitors do San Sebastián’s pintxos and La Concha beach by day and return to a quiet camp pitch by night. It’s not a resort campsite; it’s a base for visiting the city without paying San Sebastián’s high hotel rates.
The window for visits is May through October; the rest of the year sees frequent rain. Pitches run 25 to 50 euros a night; bungalows 90 to 180 euros. Local trick: bus 16 from the campsite reaches Plaza de Easo in central San Sebastián in 15 minutes (1.85 euros each way); plan dinner at the Gros pintxos bars rather than Parte Vieja for less competition for the bar-top dishes. Pair with a day in Bilbao (1 hour drive) for the Guggenheim and a Hondarribia detour on the way to or from France.
6. Camping Vall de Camprodon (Catalan Pyrenees)
Camping Sangulí Salou is the family-and-nightlife combo on the Costa Daurada, 5 minutes’ walk from Salou’s beach and 20 minutes’ drive from PortAventura World, with 1,000 pitches, 9 pools (including a wave pool), 4 restaurants, an evening entertainment program with mini-disco for kids and adult shows, and a particular reputation for the Brit-and-Dutch family demographic. Loud, full-service, and unapologetic about it.
Pitches 30 to 95 euros a night; bungalows 110 to 280 euros. Smart move: book the all-inclusive option for at least 3 nights if you’ve got teenagers, the food-and-drinks bracelet pricing works out cheaper than à la carte by the third day. Add PortAventura and the Ferrari Land annex for thrill-seekers, then drive 20 minutes south to Cambrils for quieter beach evenings and good seafood at Restaurante Can Bosch.
7. Camping Bungalow Park El Garrofer (Sitges)
Camping Vilanova Park sits 45 minutes south of Barcelona by car or 25 minutes by train (the campsite has a free shuttle to the local Cercanías station), making it the popular Barcelona-day-trip base for travelers who want city access plus countryside accommodation. The site has 2 pools, restaurants, a spa, and a vineyard-flanked location near the village of Vilanova, with 800 pitches and a strong cycling network in the surrounding hills.
Open April through October. Sites 30 to 75 euros a night; bungalows 100 to 240 euros. Pro tip: Cercanías R2 trains from Vilanova reach Barcelona Sants in 50 minutes (4 euros each way); plan Barcelona days with a 9am train out and 9pm return for full coverage without the city’s hotel costs. Stack with Sitges 10 minutes north (gay-friendly beach town with great evenings) and a Penedès wine-region tour at Codorníu or Freixenet cava cellars.
8. Camping Lago de Sanabria (Zamora)
Camping Pirineos sits on the south slope of the Aragón Pyrenees in the small village of Santa Cilia, 30 minutes west of Jaca, with direct access to the Camino de Santiago Aragonés path, a swimming pool, and a strong reputation as a hiking, canyoning, and adventure-sports base. The site is smaller and more nature-focused than the coastal mega-resorts, with around 250 pitches and a mix of regular and glamping options.
The window for visits is May through September for the hiking and canyoning seasons. A pitch costs 20 to 35 euros a night; bungalows 60 to 130 euros. Local trick: book the canyoning packages with the local operator Compañía de Guías de Aragón directly from the campsite; Sierra de Guara canyons (Mascún, Barrasil) are 45 minutes south and the campsite arranges shuttles. Pair with Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park 1 hour east and a stop at the Romanesque Loarre Castle 30 minutes south for a hiking-and-history Pyrenees week.
9. Camping La Sirena (Ribadesella, Asturias)
Camping El Cares is the mountain campsite, in the village of Arenas de Cabrales at the entrance to the Picos de Europa National Park and the Cares Gorge trailhead, with riverside pitches, a small pool, a restaurant serving Asturian Cabrales blue cheese and cider, and direct walking access to the gorge from the campsite gate. The site is small (around 100 pitches), wood-and-stone in feel, and a deliberate alternative to the coastal mega-resorts.
Best months are May through September; the gorge and high-country trails are closed by snow in winter. Tent spots 18 to 30 euros a night; cabins 60 to 110 euros. Smart move: walk the Cares Gorge from Poncebos (the trailhead is 5 minutes by car or 90 minutes on foot from the campsite) the morning after arrival; the path is shadier and quieter before 11am. Try the Asturian fabada at Casa Julián in Arenas de Cabrales and visit a Cabrales cheese cave for a tour and tasting (around 8 euros).
10. Camping Las Lomas (Granada, Sierra Nevada foothills)
Camping Lago de Bañolas (Banyoles) sits beside Lake Banyoles, Catalonia’s largest natural lake, 30 minutes north of Girona and 50 minutes from the Costa Brava beaches, with a quiet lakeside location, swimming and rowing on the lake (Banyoles hosted the 1992 Olympic rowing events), and a hidden-gem profile compared to the coastal sites. Around 200 pitches plus bungalows, a pool, restaurant, and a relaxed Catalan-village atmosphere.
Pitches run 25 to 50 euros a night; bungalows 75 to 180 euros. Pro tip: rent rowing boats or stand-up paddle boards on the lake (15 to 25 euros for 2 hours), then walk the medieval old town of Banyoles and lunch on lake-fed perch at Restaurante La Carpa. Round it out with a day in Girona (Game of Thrones filming locations, the Jewish Quarter, and pastries at Rocambolesc by the Roca brothers) and a Cap de Creus beach day on the coast.
11. Camping La Aldea (Doñana, Huelva)
Camping Eurocamping Calonge sits between Calonge and Sant Antoni de Calonge on the southern Costa Brava, with mature shade trees, direct beach access via a private path, two pools, a restaurant, and around 600 pitches plus bungalows. The site has a quieter, more traditional Catalan-family character than the mega-resorts further north, and the location works well for couples and small families wanting beach without too much animation.
The window for visits is May through September. Pitches 25 to 70 euros a night; bungalows 90 to 220 euros. Local trick: rent bikes at the campsite (10 to 15 euros a day) and ride the Via Verde del Carrilet (the converted railway-line bike path that connects Sant Feliu de Guíxols to Girona via Palamós) for a half-day countryside ride; the cyclists’ bar in Palamós is the lunch stop. Combine with a Costa Brava boat trip from Palamós to Cala Estreta and a Girona old-town evening.
12. Kampaoh Glamping (multiple locations)
Camping La Llosa is the family-and-beach combo at the south end of Cambrils, with direct access to the Costa Daurada beach, 3 pools, a small water park, restaurants, and around 700 pitches plus bungalows. The site has a friendly, slightly quieter atmosphere than the bigger Salou resorts to the north, and Cambrils itself has one of Catalonia’s best fishing-port-style restaurant rows (the Passeig Marítim) for seafood evenings.
Sites 25 to 65 euros a night; bungalows 90 to 230 euros. Smart move: walk the Cambrils harbor at sunset for the working fishing-boat returns around 5 to 6pm, then book dinner at Can Bosch or Rincón de Diego (Michelin-starred for casual seafood). Add a PortAventura day 20 minutes north (book online for 10 to 15 percent off gate prices), Tarragona’s Roman amphitheater 20 minutes east, and a half-day cycling on the Via Verde Vall de Zafan into the Sierra de Montsant.
How to Choose Your Spain Camping Style
Spain camping divides into a few distinct styles. Match your gear, budget, and travel style to the right approach:
Traditional Tent Camping
Bring your own tent and gear, book a licensed campsite, pay 18 to 35 euros per pitch per night. Best for budget travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who want full flexibility. Most Spain campsites accept walk-ins outside peak August.
Glamping (Safari Tents and Bungalows)
Pre-built safari tents, yurts, or bungalows with beds, electric hookup, and full kitchens. 80 to 200 euros per night. No gear required, perfect for first-time campers or family trips with small kids.
Motorhome and Camper Van Camping
Camper van rentals run 80 to 150 euros per day. Licensed campsites accept motorhomes with electric hookup pitches at 25 to 40 euros per night. Aire de service stations across Spain offer dump and water-fill stops.
Wild Camping (Acampada Libre)
Technically prohibited everywhere except above 1,500m in some mountain areas and on private land. Catalonia, Asturias, and Aragon enforce loosely; Andalusia and Mallorca strictly. Leave no trace and arrive late, leave early if you go this route.
Family Camping vs Adults-Only Campsites
Spain biggest coastal campsites (Las Dunas, Cala Llevadó, Playa Montroig) cater to families with pool complexes, kids clubs, and water parks. Quieter and more adult-oriented options exist on the Cabo de Gata Almeria coast, in the Picos de Europa, and at smaller Pyrenees campsites where the vibe leans toward hikers and couples rather than family resorts. Glamping brands like Kampaoh attract a mix; reserve specific tent positions away from the playgrounds and kid pool zones if you want a quieter experience.
Spain Camping Booking and Logistics
Practical details for booking and running a Spain camping trip:
Best Booking Lead Times
July and August coastal campsites: 3 to 6 months ahead for the famous Costa Brava and Costa Daurada giants. June and September: 4 to 8 weeks ahead. May and October: 1 to 2 weeks ahead or walk-up.
What Spain Campsites Provide
Standard licensed campsites include shower blocks, toilet blocks, electric hookup at extra cost, fresh water taps, dump station for motorhomes, on-site restaurant or supermarket, swimming pool (most coastal sites), and laundry room. Wi-Fi is now standard but speeds vary.
Costs and Payment
Tent pitch: 18 to 35 euros per night for 2 people. Bungalow or safari tent: 70 to 180 euros per night. Glamping luxury: 200+ euros per night. Electric hookup: 4 to 6 euros per night extra. Pets typically welcome at 3 to 8 euros per night.
Wild Camping Rules
Spain national parks all prohibit wild camping. Above 1,500m in many ranges (Pyrenees, Picos, Sierra Nevada) bivouacking is tolerated for 1 night. Private land requires owner permission. Penalties range from 30 to 600 euros depending on the region and how protected the area is.
Best Season for Each Spain Camping Region
Spain camping seasons vary sharply by region. Match your travel month to the right coast or mountain range:
Costa Brava and Mediterranean Coast
May to October. June and September are the sweet spot for comfortable 22 to 27 degree weather without August crowds. Many beachfront campsites close November to March; check seasonal hours before booking.
Picos de Europa and Catalan Pyrenees
June to September only for most high-altitude mountain campsites. July and August are peak with full availability and the best weather. October sometimes works at lower elevations; check trail conditions for any hiking plans.
Andalusia and Costa de la Luz
April to June and September to November are ideal. Avoid July and August inland (Cabo de Gata Almeria coast still works thanks to ocean breezes). Atlantic Costa de la Luz holds beach-season pricing through October.
Canary Islands
Year-round. Most Canary Islands campsites operate January through December with mild 18 to 24 degree weather. December and January are perfect for European winter escapes; July and August stay manageable thanks to trade winds.
Pack and prep for Spain camping.
The Ultimate Europe Trip Planner includes a packing module for tent and glamping trips, a 12-campsite comparison sheet, and a budget tracker across coastal vs mountain vs glamping. Limited time, save $10 today (originally $27).
Spain Camping Travel Tips
Book coastal Costa Brava and Costa Daurada campsites 3 to 6 months ahead for July and August; the famous ones sell out by April. For the full official directory of Spain licensed campsites with regional contacts and ratings, the official Spain camping guide publishes the national list. Mountain campsites in the Pyrenees and Picos rarely sell out except for the August week of Spain national holiday. Glamping sites can have separate booking systems through Kampaoh or Glampify; book through the campsite directly for the best rate.
Read also: hiking in Spain, road trips in Spain, Spain off the beaten path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spain good for camping?
Yes. Spain has 800+ licensed campsites covering coastal beach resorts, mountain settings, and glamping luxury options. Costa Brava, Costa Daurada, Picos de Europa, and the Catalan Pyrenees are top destinations.
Is wild camping legal in Spain?
Technically no for most of the country. Bivouacking above 1,500m elevation is tolerated in some Pyrenees, Picos, and Sierra Nevada areas for single nights. Use licensed campsites for safety and legality.
How much does camping cost in Spain?
Standard tent pitch: 18 to 35 euros per night for 2 people. Bungalow or safari tent: 70 to 180 euros. Glamping luxury: 200+ euros. Electric hookup adds 4 to 6 euros. Pets 3 to 8 euros per night.
When is the best time to camp in Spain?
May, June, September, October for most regions (best weather plus shoulder pricing). July and August work on the coast but bring full campsites and peak prices. Pyrenees and Picos campsites open June to September only.
Are Spain campsites family-friendly?
Yes, most major Spain campsites cater to families with pools, water parks, kids clubs, and on-site restaurants. Las Dunas, Camping Playa Montroig, and Cala Llevadó are the standout Costa Brava family resorts.
Key Takeaways
- Spain has 800+ licensed campsites across coastal, mountain, and glamping options.
- Costa Brava and Costa Daurada are top family beachfront destinations.
- Picos de Europa and Catalan Pyrenees campsites work as mountain hiking bases.
- Wild camping is mostly prohibited; use licensed campsites for legal certainty.
- Best months May, June, September, October for most regions.
Final Thoughts
Camping in Spain works as cheap-and-cheerful coastal family trips, mountain hiking bases for Picos and Pyrenees explorers, or luxury glamping escapes that compete with hotel stays on comfort. Pick your style (tent, motorhome, or glamping), book the famous coastal resorts well in advance for July and August, and Spain campgrounds deliver some of the best outdoor experiences in Europe.