Wild Camping in Spain: Rules for Vans & Motorhomes

Pernocta vs acampada

Spanish rules separate pernocta (spending the night in a parked vehicle) from acampada (camping). National traffic guidance from the DGT, currently instruction PROT 2023/14, says a motorhome that is legally parked is simply parked, even with people sleeping inside, as long as it does not "camp". Regions, islands and towns then add their own rules on camping and, in some places, on overnight stays.

The rules in Spain

• Counts as parking only if the vehicle touches the ground with its wheels alone (no stabiliser legs), nothing sticks out (no awning, chairs, tables or open windows), and no fluids or noise go outside.
• Levelling blocks/chocks are a grey area: some sources say they are fine, others that they make it camping.
• Many coastal towns, the Balearic Islands and natural parks have their own overnight or camping bans, some seasonal. Signs: "prohibido pernoctar" / "prohibido acampar".
• Indicative fines: about €100–200 for camping where it is not allowed, more in protected areas, and far more for dumping grey or black water.

Where to stay legally in Spain

Áreas de autocaravanas (many free or about €0–15 a night), campsites (roughly €20–45 a night in high season), and legal public parking for a discreet night.

Local names: área de autocaravanas (motorhome area), área de servicio (service point), camping (campsite).

Practical tips for Spain

• Low-emission zones (ZBE) are now required in all towns over 50,000 people. Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Bilbao, San Sebastián and others require foreign vehicles to register in advance; Palma bars foreign plates from its ZBE.
• October to April is peak motorhome season on the Mediterranean coast; popular spots fill up and enforcement increases.

Find spots in Spain

Browse spots in Spain or the Spain vanlife page, filter the map by aires, water and dump points, and read recent reviews before you go. Add any good spot you find: it helps the next van.