Camping in Andalucia
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Craving a bit of nature? Why not find an amazing campsite in Andalucia to forget your worries and relax in natural surroundings by the sea or in the mountains of Spain.
Read on for some of the best places to camp in Andalucia as well as camping tips and advice for planning your trip.
Camping Tips for Southern Spain
Typically campsites are priced based on where you are sleeping and how many are in your group. Entrance is priced per person, with additional fees if you have a car, caravan, motorhome or tent. So if you are a couple car camping with a tent you would pay for two people, the car and the tent. Typically this is between €10 and €20/night. A caravan might be more expensive and if you need extras like electricity you might be charged for that too. If you want to stay in a cabin or bungalow it is usually a bit more expensive, starting at around €30 per night but you often get your own private bathroom and some kitchen facilities. This is a great option if you prefer not to sleep on the ground in a tent but you don’t have a camper van.
Most of the campsites below list the prices on their website. Some of them have different prices for low and high season.
Wild camping is not technically allowed in Spain although some people do it. It is not recommended mostly due to potential issues with wildfire. You will be fined if you are caught. If you’d like to camp for free it is best to politely ask the landowner or perhaps inquire at the local town if there is a nearby place where you can set up a tent. Do not attempt to camp illegally in a national park.
Best Campsites in Andalucia
Luckily there are many options for paid campgrounds in southern Spain, here are some favorites.
You can reserve your campsite in advance, which is recommended on weekends or during the high season on the coast. Or you can just turn up and hope to find a good spot available. Many coastal campsites will stay open year round, but some may close in wintertime. Be sure to check in advance to make sure the ones you wish to visit will be open. If you’d like to rent a cabin or bungalow you should try tp plan ahead if possible.
Camping Montillana: located near El Tranco reservoir this campsite is the perfect escape to the mountains. Hike the Natural Park Sierras de Cazorla, boat in the reservoir or just relax at the campsite which has a pool, restaurant and cabins available for rent.
Punte del las Herrerias: within the bounds of the Sierras de Cazorla Nature Park you will find this well equipped campsite with tent camping on a grassy lawn under the trees. Bungalows are also for rent and the property has a pool. They also organize lots of group activities like ropes courses, rock climbing and archery.
Camping El Balcon de Pitres: would you like to explore La Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada National Park? Pitch your tent at El Balcon de Pitres under the fruit trees or rent a cabin. There is also a swimming pool and bar/restaurant on site.
Campsite Órgiva: visit villages of La Alpujarra and hike in the mountains while staying at this modern campground. You’ll have a swimming pool and restaurant and can choose to camp with a tent, in a caravan or rent a bungalow.
Camping Cueva Negra: camp near the coast of Almeria at this simple campground with spaces for caravans and tents as well as bungalows for rent.
Camping Los Escullos: this is the perfect place to stay to explore Cabo de Gata National Park. There are cool tent cabins, bungalows, parking for motorhomes – plenty of options. The camping and caravan area is complete with shade cover for those hot summer days. There is also a large house that can be rented by groups of 6-8 people.
La Torrecilla: camp in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park with mountain peaks, caves, canyons and valleys. A hikers paradise. The camp has lots of trees, a shaded area with picnic benches and cabins for rent too.
Batan de las Monjas: hidden in the forest this campground has a lovely nature ambiance and is located in the middle of the amazing Sierra Norte with starry skies and lots of outdoor opportunities. Hike or cycle the nearby Via Verde, an old train route that has been converted to a path. It passes right by the campground.
Camping Bahía de la Plata: located right next to a beautiful beach, this campsite has tent and motorhome sites with trees in between. They also have bungalows for rent complete with private bathrooms and kitchens.
Doñana: have the amazing Parque Natural del Doñana right on your doorstep at this campground on the coast. Walk down to the long sandy beach or go for a hike or bike ride in the park. It’s perfect for birdwatchers. The campground has spaces for tents and caravans as well as cabins for rent.
Check this website for a map of many more campsites in Andalucia.
Do you enjoy hiking? Then check out this book: Walking in Andalucia by Guy Hunter-Watts
Getting to the Campsite and Getting Around
Will you be traveling by car and camping with a tent? Or perhaps a bicycle camping adventure or taking public transport?
Some of the campsites can be reached using public transport or a combination of bus and walking or taxi. Look for campsites located close to towns and cities for the easiest access. You can check the ALSA bus maps here, and be sure to check local regional buses as well for that last leg of your journey.
You could also have a cycling adventure or just bring your bikes along to explore the area.
The good news is that many of the campgrounds have a restaurant and small shop on the property making things a little easier for those without a vehicle.
If you have your own caravan or motorhome you can camp in comfort at many of these facilities. Don’t have your own campervan? Did you know you can rent them in Malaga from Black Sheep Vans?
If you plan to travel by car you will likely be using a rental. Check Expedia for the best rental prices from your starting point.
What to Pack for Camping in Andalucia
Whether you will be tent camping or in a campervan you might need some of the same supplies. An RV, motorhome or caravan might have a built in kitchen so you won’t need to bring a camp stove but you should still bring pots and pans, bowls, cups and utensils. Here is a list of some supplies you might want to pack for a camping adventure in the warm weather months:
Comfortable, quick dry clothing
Warm layers like a sweater, sweatshirt or fleece jacket
Swimsuit
Extra socks
Hiking boots
Sports sandals (check out these recommendations for sports sandals for men, women & kids)
Sunglasses & hat
Toiletries including sunscreen, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, bug spray, pain killers and bandaids
Towel (maybe two if you plan to go to the beach or pool)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Pillow
Tent
Cooking supplies, eating utensils
Containers for carrying food on hikes or beach days
Water bottles
Cooler
Sponge and dishsoap
Daypack for hiking and beach
Mask & snorkel
Binoculars
Camera
Enjoy your Andalusia camping adventure!
