Where to sleep with a motorhome in Catalonia

Three ways to spend the night

With a motorhome you can basically sleep in three kinds of place: a campsite, a motorhome area (often called an aire) or a car park where the rules allow you to park. Each has its own advantages and rules, and the best approach is to mix them depending on the day.

As a rule of thumb, if you want to put out a table and chairs, open the awning or stay several days in one spot, you need a campsite or an area that allows it. If you just need a few hours' sleep before moving on, an authorised area or car park may be enough.

Campsites: the most comfortable and secure option

Catalonia has campsites in practically every tourist area: the Costa Brava, the Costa Daurada, the Pyrenees, Montseny and the Ebro Delta (Delta de l'Ebre). They offer pitches, electric hook-up, water, chemical toilet and grey water disposal, showers and often a pool or restaurant.

This is the only place where you can "camp" without a second thought: table and chairs out, awning open, levelling chocks under the wheels and the CEE cable plugged in. On a first motorhome trip, starting with a night or two at a campsite is a great way to get to know the vehicle.

In July, August, Easter and on bank holiday weekends, coastal campsites fill up, so book ahead. Out of season there is more availability, but some close in winter, so check opening dates before you go.

Motorhome areas

Motorhome areas are spaces set up specifically for these vehicles. Many have a drinking water point and a grey water and chemical toilet disposal point; some also offer electricity and spaces for overnight stays. They may be run by the town council or privately, free or paid, and each has its own rules on maximum length of stay.

They are not all the same: some are service-only (fill and empty) and do not allow overnight stays, and others do not allow outdoor furniture. Always read the sign at the entrance and follow it.

Parking is not camping: the DGT rule

Under Instruction 08/V-74 of the DGT, Spain's traffic authority, a motorhome may park in the same places and under the same conditions as any other vehicle, as long as it is properly parked and not camping. Sleeping inside does not in itself count as camping.

You are considered to be camping when the motorhome takes up more space than its own footprint or discharges anything onto the road. The list below sums up the basics for when you are simply parked.

On top of this, town councils can regulate parking through local bylaws, and some towns restrict motorhome parking in certain areas or at certain times. Local signs and bylaws are what count: if a sign prohibits it, find somewhere else.

• Do not open the awning or put out tables, chairs or washing lines.
• Do not use levelling chocks or stabiliser legs, and avoid opening windows that stick out from the vehicle.
• Do not empty grey water or any other liquid.
• Take up a single space and do not block access or other spaces.
• Avoid noise, generators and long stays in the same place.

Wild camping and natural parks

Wild camping, meaning setting up outside campsites and authorised areas, is generally not permitted in Catalonia. That includes putting out an awning and furniture on a beach, in a forest or on open land, even for a single night.

Protected natural areas, such as the natural parks and the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, often have extra restrictions on access, driving and parking, especially in high season. Check the park's website or information points before you go and sleep at campsites or areas nearby.

Rules change and each municipality may apply them differently, so treat this guide as general guidance: if in doubt, check local signs or ask at the tourist office.

Apps and planning

Apps such as Park4Night or Campercontact are very handy for finding campsites, areas and service points, with photos and reviews from other travellers. Use them as a starting point, not a guarantee: information can be out of date, and a place appearing in an app does not mean overnight stays are allowed.

It is good practice to always have a plan B nearby and to arrive in daylight. In high season, book at least your weekend nights. And if you want to make the most of your trip, remember that at Segimon Rental, rentals of 7 days or more come with unlimited mileage, so you never have to choose where to sleep with one eye on the odometer.

Good habits that keep motorhomes welcome

Restrictions on motorhomes tend to appear where there has been abuse. Travelling respectfully helps towns stay welcoming to everyone.

• Empty the chemical toilet and grey water only at designated points.
• Take your rubbish with you and recycle it in the right bins.
• Do not take up extra spaces or park outside homes or shops for days.
• Respect local residents: no loud music at night.
• Shop and eat locally: it is the best way to return the hospitality.

Frequently asked questions