With its diverse landscapes and climates, Spain offers a unique camping experience. From the sunny beaches of Costa del Sol to the rugged mountains of the Pyrenees, there's a camping spot for everyone. But the real gems of Spain's outdoors are its national parks. These protected areas offer some of the country's most beautiful and unique landscapes, and camping in these parks can be an unforgettable experience.
Spain's National Parks
Spain boasts 16 national parks, each with its unique charm and attractions. From the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park in the Canary Islands to the lush greenery of Picos de Europa in the north, these parks offer a wide range of environments for campers to explore. Eleven parks can be found on or near mainland Spain, with a further five on the Canary and Balearic Islands.
Each of these parks is located in regions rich in culture and history, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration beyond the campsite.
Picos de Europa National Park
Picos de Europa National Park
Picos de Europa
Picos de Europa National Park: This park is home to the Fuente Dé Cable Car, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. For dining, you can visit the nearby village of Potes, known for its traditional Cantabrian cuisine.
The park is also rich in history, with the Santa Toribio de Liébana Monastery housing a piece of the cross where Jesus was crucified.
La Isla is beside the road from Potes to Fuente Dé, with many mature trees giving good shade and glimpses of the mountains above. Established for over 25 years, a warm welcome awaits you from the owners (who speak good English) and a most relaxed and peaceful atmosphere exists here. All the campers we spoke to were delighted with the family feeling of the site. The 106 unmarked pitches are arranged around an oval gravel track under a variety of fruit and ornamental trees. Electricity (6A) is available to all pitches, although some need long leads. A brilliant small bar and restaurant are located under dense trees where you can enjoy the relaxing sound of the river which runs through the site.
The wonderful views of the valley below from the open terraces, with its spectacular backdrop of mountains, make this smart and sophisticated site an attractive base from which to tour this region or to relax by the excellent swimming pool. It is very popular with both families and couples. There are beds of flowers everywhere and the trees provide shade on many pitches. Access is good for all sizes of unit to the 110 pitches of around 70 sq.m, all of which have electricity (6A). In high season, however, tents may be placed on less accessible, steeply sloping areas. The cosy bar/restaurant (fixed menu and snacks) has a terrace overlooking the pools.
This delightful site is, as its name suggests, an ideal spot from which to explore these dramatic limestone mountains on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. The site itself is continuously developing and the dynamic owner, Ramon, and his nephew who helps out when he is away, are both very pleasant and nothing is too much trouble. The site is in a valley beside a pleasant, fast flowing river. The 160 marked pitches are of varying sizes and have been developed in three avenues, on level grass mostly backing on to hedging, with 6A electricity. An area for tents and apartments is over a bridge past the fairly small, but pleasant, round swimming pool.
Sierra Nevada National Park:Granada is nearby, offering a wealth of historical sites, including the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is a paradise for outdoor activities, from hiking to skiing in the winter. Local restaurants offer Andalusian cuisine, with gazpacho and jamón ibérico being regional specialties.
Home to Spain's highest peak, this park offers a mix of snow-capped mountains and Mediterranean landscapes. Camping Las Lomas is a great option for campers, offering stunning views of the Sierra Nevada.
This site is high in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park and looks down on the Pantano de Canales reservoir. After a scenic drive to Güéjar-Sierra, you are rewarded with a site boasting excellent facilities. It is set on a slope, but the pitches have been levelled and are pretty private, with high separating hedges and many mature trees giving good shade. Some pitches are fully serviced, with sinks and all but four have electricity.
Set high up in the Alpujarras region of the Sierra Nevada, Camping Trevélez is a super site that was bought in 2005 by the resident owners, Richard and Alexandra. Since taking over, they have worked tirelessly to improve the site and, each year, have made significant progress.
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park:This park is located in Catalonia and is known for its high-mountain landscapes, with more than 200 lakes and unique fauna. The nearby Vall de Boí is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its collection of early Romanesque churches.
This park in Catalonia is known for its high mountain landscapes, with peaks over 3,000 meters and more than 200 lakes. Camping La Mola is a great base to explore this park.
Camping La Mola is a pleasant campsite close to the Lake Sant Maurici National Park. Ideal for a relaxing holiday in this mountainous region, the site offers a mixture of open or shady pitches and comfortable log cabin style accommodations.
Camping Boneta is a small family campsite located in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees at the foot of the Boí Valley, 50 m from the town of Barruera and directly next to a river. The site offers beautiful views of the Romanesque Church and the surrounding mountains. The site consists of two camping fields with pitches with electrical hook-up points available.
Sol I Neu can be found at the entrance to the Sant Maurici National Park at Aigüestortes. It is a paradise for nature lovers, with alpine meadows, lakes and forest, home to chamois, black woodpecker and capercaillie. Families are welcome at this traditional site (no bungalows or mobile homes) set against the stunning backdrop of the Pyrenees. Mature trees shade the 66 grass touring pitches (80-120 sq.m) It is a no-frills holiday destination without the usual entertainment and sports facilities, but there are two small pools on-site and older children will enjoy amusing themselves in the shallow river that runs through it.
Cabañeros National Park: Cabañeros is situated in the Montes de Toledo region, spanning the Ciudad Real and Toledo provinces. This park boasts a diverse range of features within the Mediterranean ecosystem.
From the stunning flight of the golden eagle to the resounding autumnal bellows of the deer, the park is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Oaks, cork trees and holm oaks intermingle to form a landscape where the wildlife thrives.
With panoramic views all around the Sierra de Valdefuertes mountains, Camping El Mirador de Cabañeros is set in the Cabañeros National Park. This is a well-cared-for, landscaped site with 44 terraced pitches on gravel, all with 6A electricity. Although pitches are level once sited, the approach is steep, which may cause difficulties for larger units.
Doñana National Park: Situated between the Andalusian provinces of Huelva, Seville, and Cadiz, Doñana is deemed as one of the most beautiful and significant wetlands in Europe.
What sets this national park apart is the ability to witness various ecosystems in a single day, such as marshland, lagoons, pine groves, aloe veras, moving dunes, cliffs, and over 30 kilometres of pristine white beaches. A natural spectacle which changes every season.
Camping La Aldea lies on the edge of the famous Parque Nacional de Doñana, southwest of Seville. This important park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest eco-reserve in Europe, home to the Iberian lynx, unique ecosystems and rare birds. The campsite is family-run and friendly, offering excursions to Almonte, Matalascanas beach and even the Algarve. For something a little different, ask at reception about expeditions into the national park on horseback or by 4x4 - it's a great way to experience this unique landscape.
Sierra de Guadarrama National Park: Located in Madrid and Segovia provinces, Sierra de Guadarrama National Park is one of the best examples of Iberian nature.
This park boasts vast forests, varied wildlife, and mountains towering over 2,000 meters, all within an hour's drive from Madrid.
This picturesque and conservation-minded site is situated in an open, sunny lower valley in Madrid’s only beech forest in the Parque Natural Sierre de Guadarrama. The area is ideal for walkers and nature lovers and offers many opportunities for outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park: The wooden walkways within the park are specially designed for these wetlands, which are one of the most precious ecosystems in Spain.
The park is home to a variety of birds with vibrant colours, and the serene beauty of the park is what makes it truly special. It's just a 35-minute car ride away from Almagro, a popular tourist destination in the province of Ciudad Real.
This large campsite is in a lovely setting at the side of one of the many lakes in this area. The route to get here is beautiful, and it is well worth the trip, but careful driving was necessary in parts with our large motorhome.
Monfragüe National Park: One of the most captivating national parks in Spain is located in the Cáceres region, where the Tajo and Tiétar rivers converge. The park is filled with holm oaks, cork trees, and enormous rocks that create a smooth mountain landscape. It's also home to one of the largest colonies of black vultures in the world, making it a popular destination for bird-watching enthusiasts.
While exploring the park, visitors can enjoy the majestic sight of these birds of prey, hear the bellows of stags in autumn, take in the stunning views from high viewpoints, and even climb the towers of a castle. This extraordinary place was called Monsfragorum by the Romans, translating to the fractured mountain.
Situated just 9 miles north of the Monfragüe National Park, this site is best located to engage with the abundant nature in this scenic area. The site is managed by the friendly Barrado family. You may be welcomed at the entrance by White Storks aloft on their nest or drift off to sleep listening to the Scops Owl.
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park: If you're a fan of high mountains, you're in luck – the Aragonese Pyrenees offer this unique national park, which includes four stunning valleys (Añisclo, Escueta, Ordesa, and Picuaín) and the peak of Monte Perdido.
It's a breathtaking natural paradise where different ecosystems thrive together, featuring meadows, enormous forests, incredible gorges, glaciers, perpetual snow, and a unique karstic landscape that took thousands of years to form.
Camping Gavín is set on a terraced, wooded hillside and you will find a friendly welcome. The site offers 150 touring pitches of 90 sq.m. and with 10A electricity available to all. In some areas the terracing means that some pitches are quite small. The main site buildings have been constructed using natural stone. There are also 13 bungalows and 11 superb, balconied apartments.
Camping Oto is a family-run campsite in the small village of Oto, in the Huesca province of Spain. It is set in a beautiful location in the Pyrenees Mountains, just 10 kilometres from the Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido, one of the main tourist destinations in the Pyrenees.
Atlantic Islands of Galicia Maritime-Terrestrial National Park
Atlantic Islands of Galicia Maritime-Terrestrial National Park
Atlantic Islands of Galicia
Atlantic Islands of Galicia Maritime-Terrestrial National Park: The Atlantic Islands, a paradise on earth, can be found in the heart of the Rías Baixas, shared with the Galician provinces of A Coruña and Pontevedra in the extreme north-east of Spain.
This unique ecosystem is brimming with marine and terrestrial life, where fresh and saltwater merge. The endless beaches with fine sand and the almost clear blue water are sure to captivate you.
Paxarinas is a family-owned and managed coastal site set on a gently sloping area of hillside overlooking Ria de Pontevedra. Of the 260 very small pitches, only 65 are for touring; these can usually be found in the centre of the site. The remaining 195 pitches are taken by long-term or seasonal lets, many of which appear to have been on-site for a number of years. All pitches have 5/10A electricity, and there is very little shade. It gets very busy in the high season, and advance booking is recommended. Care is needed with larger units at busy times. The site is situated in a most attractive area of Galicia, and with access to two excellent beaches, it makes a good stopover whilst visiting the area.
Sierra de las Nieves National Park: Located in the region of Málaga, this stunning national park is situated near the world-renowned Costa del Sol and cities like Málaga and Ronda. The landscapes are breathtaking, featuring the deepest vertical cave in Andalusia, a network of caves and galleries, and soaring peaks such as La Torrecilla, reaching almost 2,000 meters high.
This Biosphere Reserve has been recognized since 1995 and boasts 1,500 different plant species, including the tallest Spanish Fir on the Iberian Peninsula. Along with exploring the park's flora and fauna, visitors can tour the area's 14 white villages and partake in a variety of activities such as canyoning, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, agrotourism, and following ethnographic routes.
The delightfully decorated entrance, with generous manoeuvring area, is a promise of something different which is fulfilled in all respects. The friendly family who run the site have worked hard for many years combining innovative thinking with excellent service. The 125 terraced pitches have electricity (6/10A) and water, and are partially shaded by olive and almond trees. Levels vary so chocks are recommended. Most have relaxing views of the surrounding mountains but at an elevation of 850 m. the upper pitches (the very top 45 pitches are for tents only) allow a clear view of the fascinating town of Ronda.
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Spanish Islands
Island National Parks
Teide National Park
Teide National Park - Tenerife's national park is a must-visit in Europe, showcasing the impressive Teide volcano, the highest point in Spain at 3,718 meters. The volcanic ecosystem provides a habitat for unique local fauna and flora adapted to the high mountains and geological formations.
Timanfaya National Park - Lanzarote, the easternmost Canary Island, stuns visitors with a lunar-like landscape formed by volcanic eruptions as recent as 300 years ago. Despite its otherworldly appearance, unique plant and animal life thrive among the red, yellow, and orange rock formations, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Caldera de Taburiente National Park
Caldera de Taburiente National Park - La Palma's Caldera Taburiente is a must-see. The crater's unique ecosystem produces lush vegetation and leafy forests, creating a breathtaking oasis in the National Park. It's an unforgettable setting with stunning views of the island's peaks.
Garajonay National Park - Discover the enchanting Garajonay National Park on La Gomera. With its lush laurel forests and picturesque gorges, this pre-historic forest offers a fairytale-like landscape that will capture your heart. Nature takes centre stage in this captivating oasis.
Cabrera Maritime-Terrestrial National Park - Located just an hour away by boat from Mallorca. The Cabrera Archipelago boasts one of the best-preserved marine life examples in the Mediterranean Sea, and its untouched coastline is home to a wide variety of species native to the Balearic Islands.
Summary
Camping in Spain's national parks offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Whether you're
With its diverse landscapes and climates, Spain offers a unique camping experience. From the sunny beaches of Costa del Sol to the rugged mountains of the Pyrenees, there's a camping spot for everyone. But the real gems of Spain's outdoors are its national parks. These protected areas offer some of the country's most beautiful and unique landscapes, and camping in these parks can be an unforgettable experience.
Author
Rob Fearn
Editor - Alan Rogers Guides
Rob has been involved in the leisure industry since completing a BTEC in Travel & Tourism in 1993. Previous roles have included the promotion of tourism in Yorkshire and running a motorcycle touring company in the Australian Outback.
He is the General Manager at Alan Rogers Travel Group, responsible for the ongoing development of the Alan Rogers website and the publication of the Alan Rogers Guides and 'Destinations' magazine.
Rob has owned several caravans, and he regularly travels with his wife and young daughter in their VW Transporter, complete with a Tentbox roof tent. A keen cycling fan, Rob can often be found in a field in Belgium during the 'Spring Classics' season.
