Camping in the Canary Islands: campsites and permits by island

Searches for camping in the Canary Islands can lead to commercial campsites, public camping areas, recreation sites or overnight parking. These are different uses with different operators, services and permission rules. A picnic area is not automatically a place where you may camp, and a map pin does not confirm that a site is open or accepts campervans.

Before choosing a night stop, check the official page for the exact place. Confirm whether a reservation or permit is needed, which vehicles are accepted, how long you may stay, what services are available and whether there is a current closure. Check local signs and protected-area rules as well.

• For a campsite, confirm opening dates, pitches, facilities and booking terms with the operator.
• For a public camping area, check the managing authority, vehicle type, permit process and stay limit.
• For parking overnight, check the exact road or car park rules and do not set up outside the vehicle unless permitted.

Gran Canaria: the Cabildo publishes separate guidance for camping zones and recreation areas. Check the specific site rules and permit process; do not assume that a popular reservoir or picnic spot permits an overnight stay.

Tenerife: Cabildo camping zones require prior authorization. The Cabildo says its designated zones allow stays of up to seven consecutive days, but individual listings distinguish between tents and adapted vehicles. Confirm that your campervan is accepted for your dates.

Lanzarote and La Graciosa: Turismo de Lanzarote lists camping information, including Papagayo. Verify the site’s current opening, capacity and booking process. La Graciosa has its own access and mobility rules; check local sources and do not assume a rental vehicle may travel by ferry.

Fuerteventura: consult the Cabildo and the relevant municipality for the current status of specific areas. Planning documents alone do not make every beach, track or plot an authorized campsite. Follow vehicle restrictions, especially on dunes and unpaved roads.

La Palma: the Cabildo open-data inventory lists five authorized camping areas and includes details such as permits and facilities. Check the current site record before travelling.

La Gomera: the official visitor guidance says there are no public areas enabled for camping. El Hierro: the Cabildo lists Hoya del Morcillo; camping there requires authorization and applicable fees. Check current availability directly with the island authority.

Pick one island as your base, confirm a place to stay for each night, then group sights by area. Allow extra time for mountain roads, weather changes and local access restrictions. For a short visit, a realistic route on one island is often easier than trying to cover several islands in a few days.

If you are hiring a campervan, compare approved travel seats, beds, height, length, equipment and collection location. Select your dates to see the trip total and check whether that listing offers a weekly or monthly discount. Availability, delivery, cleaning, mileage and other terms depend on the specific vehicle.

• Confirm the campsite or permit before fixing the route.
• Check water, power and waste-service availability with the site operator.
• Ask the owner whether your rental may use unpaved roads or travel by ferry.
• Keep a nearby alternative in case of a closure, full capacity or poor weather.

Spain’s DGT updated its motorhome guidance in 2026 and explains that parking rules may also depend on the authority responsible for a road. That guidance is not permission to camp on any beach, street, mountain or protected site. Check local signs, municipal rules and the rental contract for your vehicle.

The Canary Islands Government sent its outdoor tourist accommodation regulation project to the Consultative Council in July 2026; the Council issued opinion DCC 355/2026 on 30 September. Before planning around its proposals, check the Official Gazette of the Canary Islands to see whether the final text has been published and when it takes effect. Use the official links below as a starting point, then confirm the rules for the exact place and dates of your trip.