Camping in Portugal

Last checked November 2026. Portugal changed its rules for campervans and motorhomes in 2021. On most of the coast you can now only stay overnight on a campsite or in an authorised motorhome area. Reader comments from before then describe free camping that is no longer allowed.

Portugal is a great country for camping in a campervan or motorhome. There’s a good choice of campsites in the popular areas and in many quiet ones, most are good value, and there’s a growing network of motorhome areas.

Where you can stay overnight

The rules are in article 50.º-A of the Highway Code, as changed by Lei n.º 66/2021, in force since 25 August 2021. They apply across the whole country:

• “Overnighting” means being in the vehicle between 22:00 and 07:00.
• Protected areas: campsites and authorised areas only. Overnighting is banned in Natura 2000 sites, protected areas and the coastal zones covered by the coastal plans, except in places expressly authorised for it. That covers most of Portugal’s coastline, including the Costa Vicentina from the Alentejo down to the Algarve.
• Elsewhere: up to 48 hours in the same municipality, unless the local council has its own rules. The allowance is written for vehicles approved as motorhomes, so a van that isn’t registered as a motorhome may not be covered.
• Fines are €60 to €300, and €120 to €600 in the protected areas.
• Parking isn’t camping. Chairs, tables, an awning or steps outside the van, or emptying grey or toilet water anywhere other than a proper disposal point, is a separate offence with a fine of €30 to €150.

The GNR, the PSP, the Maritime Police and the councils all enforce the rules, and checks are frequent on the Algarve and Alentejo coasts. In practice, if you’re near the sea, plan to spend every night on a campsite or in a motorhome area.

Campsites in Portugal

Portuguese campsites are generally good value, especially out of season, and many offer long-stay rates in winter. Crime on campsites is uncommon. Many have residents and long-stay caravans whose owners visit at weekends and holidays.

The main campsite in each town is usually signposted, and small blue and white campsite signs on signposts point the way to others. Most campsites ask for your passport or ID when you check in. See the guide to campsites.

Municipal campsites

Municipal campsites (parques de campismo municipais), run by the local council, are normally very cheap, though not always up to the standard of the independent sites. They’re good for long stays on a budget. They have the standard facilities, which may be a little faded.

Motorhome areas

Motorhome service areas (áreas de serviço para autocaravanas, or ASAs) are now common. Some are free or cheap council areas; others are private motorhome parks with electricity and showers. Most have water, waste disposal and a time limit. The Algarve’s licensed campsites and motorhome areas are listed by area in the Algarve guide. Elsewhere, apps and directories list them; check recent reviews, as places open and close.

Winter in Portugal

The Algarve is the warmest place in western Europe in winter, and its campsites and motorhome areas fill up from January to March, so book ahead. The Alentejo, to the north, is quieter, but much of its coast is also protected, so the same rules apply. See Winter in Europe.

Guidebooks to campsites in Portugal

A good campsite guidebook can save a lot of time and money, and many now come with an app.

More on Portugal

• The Algarve, with campsites and motorhome areas by area
• The Alentejo
• Lisbon
• Driving in Portugal

Source: Lei n.º 66/2021, Diário da República, 24 August 2021; checked November 2026. Know of a change? Tell us in the comments below.