Spain's approach to wild camping is more permissive than most of northern Europe, but it is also more complicated than a simple yes or no. The rules vary by region, by type of land, and by the specific location. Getting it wrong can result in a fine; getting it right means access to some of the most spectacular camping in Europe.
The General Rules
In most of Spain, wild camping is permitted on land that is not explicitly prohibited, subject to a number of conditions: you must be more than 1 kilometre from a designated campsite, more than 500 metres from a town or village, and you must not stay in the same spot for more than two nights. You must leave no trace — no fires, no waste, no damage to vegetation.
National parks are the main exception. Wild camping is generally prohibited in Spain's national parks, though some have designated bivouac areas that can be used with a permit. The rules for each park are available from the park authority.
Regional Variations
Catalonia has stricter rules than most regions, with wild camping prohibited in many protected areas. The Balearic Islands have their own regulations. Andalusia is generally more permissive, particularly in the Sierra Nevada and the Cazorla natural park. Extremadura and Castile-La Mancha have large areas of open land where wild camping is effectively unregulated.
Where to Go
The Sierra de Gredos in Castile-León offers excellent wild camping in a relatively accessible location. The Picos de Europa has designated bivouac areas in the high mountain zones. The Bardenas Reales in Navarra — a semi-desert landscape unlike anything else in Spain — is one of the most unusual wild camping destinations in the country.