I am often asked where I can sleep with a camper van or motorhome while traveling around Spain. Since there is a lot of debate on this matter I will try to shed some light on this and help better understand and find the perfect spot to sleep the night.
Camper vans, unlike motorhomes, are characterized, not only by having a van appearance but also by being smaller in size like a standard van, without having to give up any benefits. This makes camper vans much more discreet and versatile vehicles. This versatility translates not only into being easier to find parking but also when it comes to finding a good place to sleep in which to go unnoticed. That being said it should be relatively easy to stealthily park anywhere and get a good night’s sleep.
To begin with, what must be taken into account is that, as long as it is not expressly forbidden (either due to the existence of the corresponding traffic signs or local regulations) sleeping in a camper van should not give us any headaches. Possible places to spend the night are infinite. It’s just a matter of finding the spot that suits you most.
Where to sleep (overnight) with a motorhome
Here I review a few important aspects to take into account when choosing where to sleep with a motorhome or camper and avoid possible penalties:
Know the Instruction 08 / V-74 of the DGT
Knowing Instruction 08 / V-74 of the General Directorate of Traffic is our obligation as a motorhome or van owners here in Spain and in turn know the difference between parking and camping. Therefore, avoid all kinds of actions that can be considered camping if you are not in a suitable or designated place for it. This should explain the differences and make it clearer:
… In Spain, The General Directorate of Traffic considers that while any vehicle is correctly parked, without exceeding the road markings for delimiting the parking area, nor the time limitation if any, the fact that its occupants are located inside is not relevant. As long as the activity whether cooking, eating, or sleeping, etc can be carried out inside and does not extend to the outside by means of the deployment of elements that go beyond the perimeter of the vehicle such as trays, awnings, leveling devices, supports stabilization, etc.
By this understanding we can interpret that, in no case can we:
- Pour liquids out of the authorized areas.
- Make annoying noises that go from inside to outside.
- Have elements that exceed the perimeter of the vehicle as it would be driven.
Camped would be considered if you:
- Unfold awnings.
- Take chairs or tables outside.
- Open casement windows.
- Set levellers (all four wheels of the vehicle must touch the ground to be considered parked).
Parked would be fact if:
- There are no elements that overflow the perimeter of the vehicle.
- You do not transcend annoying noises outside.
- Correctly parked, within the delimitation.
- We do not exceed the time limitation if any.
Check municipal and regional legislation
This point is essential since we can be complying with all that the DGT indicates, but there can be different legislation at the municipal or autonomous level. Therefore, it is convenient to verify that there is no municipal or autonomous legislation that expressly prohibits parking and staying overnight in our vehicle at the chosen location.
A number of apps such as Park4Night or Caramaps may contain this information, but I do recommend that you verify it personally. Make a quick call to the City Council, Local Police, or Tourism Office. They will inform you of limitations in this regard if any and may even give you addresses of areas that have been set up and equipped for your free use.
Coastal Law
The Coastal Law prohibits parking on the coast and on the beaches. And parking is parking for all types of vehicles, including camper vans. So by saying you are parked and not camped would still land you a fine. In these cases, I will only park, and where appropriate, stay overnight, in places authorized for it.
Specially protected spaces
There are specially protected spaces such as natural parks that have their own prohibitions. In this case, it is best to correctly verify on the web, call or ask a guard about the limitations that may exist.
Other aspects to consider
Once verified that there is no prohibition or restriction on parking and there is the possibility of staying overnight, my advice and preference is to sleep in crowded and motorhome-enabled places, where they exist, as free (or paid) motorhome areas instead of isolated places. I feel that there is value in safety in numbers plus you could meet some interesting new people and pick up a tip or two.
Check apps like the ones mentioned above or websites like AreasAc to find places that are enabled for overnight stay easier.
If in doubt, campsites and motorhome areas are always welcoming. As a bonus, these can offer a whole range of services such as water, toilets, showers, connection to electric current and emptying of gray and black water that can be very useful. However, it is a choice that you must value yourself.
While choosing the place where to sleep with a motorhome or camper, remember to be respectful of others, do not cause inconvenience, and do not occupy more space than needed. Others may need it to park or stay overnight. In the morning, let’s leave the place as clean or cleaner than we found it. By doing so we can together change the bad name that camper vans and motorhome owners seem to have in Spain.
Places to avoid at all costs
- The service areas of the motorways and expressways are a terrible place to spend the night with a motorhome. The truckers themselves suffer a lot from thieves in these places. They are a magnet for opportunists so avoid them at all costs.
- Weather conditions can change quickly. Keep in mind that the wind can significantly affect campers and motorhomes since they have a large surface area. Also, avoid going under trees or other places where objects could fall. Things like branches, facings of old buildings, stones from mountain ridges, etc. can easily break the skylight or solar panels should you be unlucky enough.
- Sandy areas. Upon arrival, it might seem like a nice place to stay but in the morning you may quickly realize that you are not able to leave. So be aware of the offroad capabilities of your vehicle.
- Areas that can be flooded, such as the channels of a river, etc. Flash floods even in urban areas are common especially in the winter months.
- Large areas used for “botellon” (a gathering where recreation drinking of alcohol takes place in public usually by youngsters) or isolated areas in shopping centers (large parking lots). I try to avoid being near places where there may be possible problems, due to alcohol or the like.
Ginger Camper 
Leave a comment