Is it allowed to camp outside the designated fields in Portugal?
Me and my friends are planning a road trip to Portugal in August. We would like to hire a camper for 4 people and cruise along the coast, and do some surfing.
That said I read that camping is prohibited except for designated camping areas - it is allowed to park the car by a road, but not to camp. This is quite understandable for the safety reasons, however I was wondering about camping at some "unspoilt by human /wild" terrains (and not national parks), preferably close to the oceanside.
We will obviosuly keep it safe, and clean- but would love to avoid busy campings, and stay as close to nature as possible. Does anyone here know if the Portugese are strict about giving tickets to those who want to camp outside of designated camping fields?
Best Answer
When this question was asked, it was legally allowed - even if often frowned upon -, but later it was specifically banned by the decree 102-B/2020, which went into effect in January 2021, and which forbids staying inside a camper or similar from 9 pm to 7 am, except when parked on a designated camping field.
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Is camping illegal in Portugal?
Wild Camping In Portugal is generally prohibited. Even camping on private properties is forbidden. However, in the north of the country, caravans and mobile homes are often parked near the beach.Can you wild camp in the Algarve?
Wild camping is illegal in the Algarve. However, the police and local authorities generally tolerate sensible wild camping outside of the summer period. Portugal relies heavily on tourism, and the authorities don't won't to drive away the winter tourists.Can I park my campervan anywhere in Portugal?
It has been official since January 2021, parking in motorhome in Portugal is now prohibited outside of the places authorized for this purpose. So, any step in your trip \u2013 whether it is during the day to park or at night to sleep \u2013 must be done in campsites or areas only suitable and reserved for motorhomes.Where can I camp for free in Portugal?
Portugal is one of the best countries in western Europe for free camping. There are lots of places where it is possible to free camp, either by the beach or further inland. In the Algarve free camping is official banned. However, outside of summer the police do tolerate responsible free camping.More answers regarding is it allowed to camp outside the designated fields in Portugal?
Answer 2
After the COVID-19 crisis there are many people having the same idea, trying to escape the crowded spaces and going to the wilderness, close to the ocean. This tendency is even being news in media these days (here and here). Authorities are on the field to avoid this situation to go out of control and passing fines.
So, sorry, I have to tell you that it's not a safe option.
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