Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycle Camping in Spain: Tips, Weather, and More
The Freedom of Camping While Motorcycle Touring
Motorcycle camping is the ultimate embodiment of freedom. With your shelter strapped to the back of your bike, you’re completely self-sufficient — no reliance on anyone or anything. Forget the €50-100 hotel tabs; all you need is fuel for your bike and something to quiet the rumble in your stomach. Park up anywhere, pop your tent, then ride off at dawn.
It’s the purest way in which to explore a region. Without destination requirements, point your wheel in whichever direction you please. It’s this method, the randomness, that facilitates discoveries you wouldn’t have otherwise made: an unmarked village reminiscent of a previous era, a moment of self-reflection as you sip a lager at the pub in the town’s square, and an honest interaction with the bar keep.
Or maybe it’s a feeling that overcomes you when you turn a corner. A road that can’t be researched, where a Google search pulls up no results, where Chatgpt will struggle to provide an answer. Because it’s an individual response to a situation, maybe it’s how the morning light peaks through the clouds as you ride up a mountain side, the warm light bathing over parts of the town below as you ride further away from civilization. A tangible feeling of existence, of fullness, a feeling almost impossible to capture with words.
Motorcycle camping isn’t just an economic benefit, it facilitates pure exploration and absolute freedom.
Popular Regions for Motorcycle Camping in Spain
Andalusia
Riding through Andalusia feels like starring in a spaghetti Western. You’ve got arid deserts, rolling olive groves, and historic gems like Granada and Seville. Campsites here range from the rustic to the luxurious. Bonus: many are within earshot of the sea.
catalunya
Coastal rides along the Costa Brava will leave you grinning like a kid on Christmas morning. Head inland, and the Pyrenees deliver twisty roads that challenge even seasoned riders. The campsites here are well-kept, with some nestled right by the Mediterranean.
Pyrenees
If mountain passes and jaw-dropping views are your thing, the Pyrenees will have you telling tales for years. Be prepared for cooler nights, but the serenity and beauty are worth it. The trails here are steeped in solitude, perfect for a reflective ride. We’ve curated a self-guided motorcycle tour of the Pyrenees that you can follow, and reference the list of campsites in the Pyrenees that align with the tour.
Costa Brava
Beachside camping meets twisty cliff-hugging roads. It’s an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. Campsites like Cala Llevadó even offer private beach access, making them perfect for cooling off after a long day on the bike.
How to Select the Best Campsites and Plan Your Route
Spain has no shortage of campsites, but not all are created equal. Research is your best friend here. Apps like Park4Night can help pinpoint biker-friendly spots.
What to Look For in a Campsite
Campsites on main roads are convenient for transport to different areas of riding focus, very important if staying at a site for more than one night - you don’t want to spend 30-45 minutes of each planned route riding the same deep backroad.
During high season, booking ahead is necessary, especially for popular regions like Costa Brava. Not all campsites have online reservations, so a quick phone call might be needed, No worries, many campsites speak English.
Planning Your Route
Preload your GPS with planned routes using tools like Basecamp or download GPX files from other riders who have curated routes. But have the mindset that you will make changes to planned routes.
Aim for 200–250 km per day. Pushing past 300 km might leave you frazzled.
Best Times of Year for Motorcycle Camping in Spain
Spain’s weather is pretty temperate to hot year round, you can essentially ride year around. However, climate can vary widely from the northern mountain range of the Pyrenees to the desert-like conditions of the interior of Andalucía. Reference the Spain riding seasonality guide for more detailed information.
Spring (March to May): Picture-perfect weather, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists.
Summer (June to August): Coastal regions thrive, but the interior can feel like a sauna.
Autumn (September to November): Cool temperatures and golden landscapes make this a favorite for many riders.
Winter (December to February): Southern Spain is manageable, but the Pyrenees? Snowy and slippery — proceed with caution.
For more indepth
Essential Gear for Motorcycle Camping in Spain
Your bike’s got limits, and so does your packing space. Pack light, pack small, essentials only. Here’s what you’ll want to bring:
Motorcycle Accessories
Bungee cords and tie-downs for securing your load.
A portable tool kit for those inevitable “Oops, what’s that noise?” moments. Even just a simple allen set and screwdriver set is sufficient.
Navigation tools: we prefer a dedicated motorcycle GPS for several reasons. Don’t use up precious battery on your mobile, easier to interact while riding and with gloves, better at dealing with rainy or very sunny weather conditions, and you can pre-load multiple routes.
Panniers are great if you have them, but not necessary
Camping Equipment
Decathlon is your friend, we got a full camp setup for around 100 euros.
Tent: A lightweight, weatherproof tent that packs small.
An inflatable mattress because rocks don’t make good pillows.
A good sleeping bag, don’t go cheap here.
Clothing
Rain gear and layers for unpredictable weather.
Extra layers, especially if planning to tour regions with wide temperature swings between evening and day as you’d find in the Pyrenees.
Important Information for Camping and Riding in Spain
Interacting with Locals
Spain is the second most traveled country in Europe and the world, tourism is a big part of their economy. In a majority of the cases, staff at the campsites can speak English. This won’t always be the case at restaurants or gas stations, especially in small towns in the mountains. But people are friendly enough.
Some terms that are good to know
Hello = Hola
Do you speak English? = Hablas ingles?
Where is the….= Donde esta……
The gas station = gasolinera
The campsite = el camping
Supermarket = supermercado
Emergency Contacts
General emergency: 112
Roadside assistance: Your insurer should provide a 24-hour helpline. Save it the number in your phone
Safety Tips
If you have luggage tied up, keep your bike within eyesight when making a pitstop for lunch. Lock your luggage if you have panniers that allow it
Motorcycle Camping FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is wild camping allowed in Spain?
A: Not officially. You’re safer (and more comfortable) sticking to designated campsites.
Q: What’s the best time of year for motorcycle camping?
A: Spring and autumn offer the best weather without the summer crowds.
Q: Do Spanish campsites cater to motorcyclists?
A: Many do, with secure parking and biker-friendly amenities.
Q: What documentation do I need to ride in Spain?
A: Your license, insurance, and an International Driving Permit (if required).
Q: Are there any apps to help find campsites?
A: Park4Night and iOverlander are popular choices.