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If you are a nature lover, camping in Lanzarote is something you’ll want to do on your next adventure to the “Isla de los Volcanes.” It is true that there is a wide variety of accommodation in different areas, but staying at a campsite in Lanzarote will provide you with a wilder and more authentic experience.
The Canary Islands are one of our favorite destinations in Spain, which is why we have camped on them more than once. This has allowed us to see the island from another perspective and fully enjoy the starry night sky of Lanzarote, which is also one of the best places to photograph the Milky Way.
If you are going to visit the most popular places to see in Lanzarote and you want to be in contact with nature, in this guide I will provide you with all the information you need about where to camp in Lanzarote, including prices and how to obtain permits. Keep in mind that free camping is prohibited, but here I will tell you everything about the permitted areas and some private campsites that may interest you.
Where to camp in Lanzarote
Currently, there are only two places to camp in Lanzarote: Camping de Papagayo, located in Playa Blanca, and Camping de La Graciosa. Although both have everything you need for a wonderful experience in nature, I will share some important details about each one of them.
Camping de Papagayo
As I mentioned before, Camping de Papagayo is located near Playa Blanca, in Caleta del Congrio, in the south of the island. This area is characterized by its virgin white sand beaches, such as Playa Papagayo, one of the best beaches in Spain, and where this campsite in Lanzarote gets its name. If you want to check out the best things to do in Playa Blanca and then sleep under the stars, do not hesitate to take a look at this option.
This campsite in Lanzarote is currently open throughout the year, although there was a time when it only opened between the months of June and September. Even so, I recommend you reserve your place in advance. This space has 284 lots that can accommodate up to 2,000 people, and its facilities are the most complete.
Camping de Papagayo
Here you will find everything you need to camp responsibly. In addition to toilets, showers, and sinks, there is a water supply and sewage hookup for each lot. This ensures that you do not leave any negative impact on the environment. There is also community lighting and a surveillance service so you can stay safe and focus on enjoying your adventure.
If you are looking for things to do while camping in Lanzarote, the beach is really beautiful, so you always have the option of going swimming in its turquoise waters. It has lifeguards and wheelchair access, so everyone can swim without worries. In addition, there is a barbecue area for outdoor cooking.
Papagayo Beach, one of the best beaches in Lanzarote
However, you can also do some of the best excursions in Lanzarote, such as this kayak excursion, or this catamaran cruise that will allow you to walk along the coast of Playa Papagayo and snorkel to explore the richness of its seabed. Of course, if you prefer, keep in mind that Playa Blanca is home to one of the most famous diving spots in Lanzarote, the Museo Atlántico, one of the best places to go diving.
We took advantage of our stay here to get to know some lesser-known areas of the Monumento Natural Los Ajaches, and we did one of the most popular hikes in Lanzarote: the one that leads to Pico Redondo. I recommend you venture along this trail and contemplate the fabulous panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Prices
Camping Papagayo in Lanzarote accepts up to 4 people per lot. For tents, the price is €8 per day, while they charge €11 per day for motorhomes. Residents of the Canary Islands get a reduced price compared to visitors. They have to pay €6 for tents, and €9 for motorhomes.
Permit application
Before going camping in Lanzarote, you must apply for a permit. To do this, you must complete a form, which you can find on the Cabildo de Lanzarote website or on the Ayuntamiento de Yaiza website. Then, make the request either in person at the Lanzarote Camping Area Offices or by phone. Here is the detailed information:
- Lanzarote Camping Area Office Address: José Betancort, 33, 35500 Arrecife, Las Palmas
- Telephone: 928 81 01 00 extension 2407
Camping de El Salado en La Graciosa
Camping de El Salado, on La Graciosa island, is another authorized area for camping in Lanzarote. It is located on the longest beach of the entire island, Playa del Salado, a natural paradise of volcanic landscapes and dreamy waters.
To get to La Graciosa from Lanzarote, you can take this ferry that takes just 25 minutes to reach the town of Caleta de Sebo. From there, you only have to walk for another 15 minutes and you will arrive at this special place. Another option to get to the island is to book one of the excursions, such as this tour to La Graciosa, which in addition to the ferry includes a sailing trip along the coast. Although I honestly recommend that you stay one night and enjoy this paradise island.
Camping de El Salado en La Graciosa
This campsite in Lanzarote has 50 lots and each of them accepts up to 10 people. In this case, you can only camp in tents, and its facilities have showers and toilets. There is also a water supply source in case you need it.
Keep in mind that there are no barbecues in this camping site in Lanzarote, and the use of gas and stoves is totally prohibited, so you should look for alternatives when eating.
Montaña Bermeja, something to visit while camping in Lanzarote
If you are wondering what to do in La Graciosa during the day, there are several activities that I can recommend. You definitely have to visit Playa de las Conchas, which is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. You can get here by bike from Caleta de Sebo, which will take you about an hour. Touring the island by bike is one of the most common activities, and one of the experiences I enjoyed the most during my time in Lanzarote.
If you still have energy, climbing Montaña Bermeja is another good option. From this point, you will be able to appreciate all the beauty of the island’s volcanic formations and get 360-degree views that will leave you speechless. If you like walks, another alternative is to go along the entire coast until Playa de Montaña Amarilla, a pleasant trip that’s less challenging.
Prices
Camping in Lanzarote at Camping El Salado is completely free, so it’s an excellent option if you want to enjoy nature but have a tight budget.
Permit application
If you want to camp in Lanzarote in La Graciosa, you must process your permit online in advance. To do this, you have to register on the Organismo Autónomo de Parques Nacionales website. It will ask you for a few details, such as the date of entry and the number of people who are going to stay overnight. You can stay a maximum of 7 nights, and reservations can only be made up to 2 months in advance. You can choose your lot once you complete these steps.
Camping with a motorhome in Lanzarote
If you are thinking of traveling by motorhome, you should keep in mind that Camping Papagayo de Lanzarote is the only place on the entire island authorized to spend the night. For this reason, I recommend you book your space well in advance, to ensure that you will have a place to spend the night.
Other alternatives for camping in Lanzarote
If you want to experience a camping trip but don’t feel ready to give up certain comforts, there are alternatives for you too. In this section, I will detail some options for camping in Lanzarote with all the luxuries.
Eslanzarote Eco Dome Experience
Eslanzarote Eco Dome Experience is an exclusive campsite in Lanzarote where you can experience a few unique days. This accommodation consists of comfortable dome-shaped bungalows, from which you can get wonderful views of your surroundings at all times.
Eslanzarote Eco Dome Experience, an alternative to the campsites in Lanzarote
These bungalows are special for romantic getaways, but you can go with whomever you prefer. If you decide to visit them, they are located in the town of Teguise, one of the most picturesque towns on the island. In addition, it is considered one of the most charming hotels in Lanzarote, so I recommend you check it out.
Yescapa
Yescapa is a website where you can rent motorhomes and camper vans from other campers. You will have access to a very large fleet of vehicles at affordable prices, so it’s an excellent option for those who don’t regularly camp.
Yescapa, another way to go camping in Lanzarote
The variety of camper vans and motorhomes is immense. Yescapa has a large selection of vehicles of all types and sizes, with any extra you might need. They also have vans and motorhomes from professional companies, so you can filter between private and professional owners when doing a search.
Things to consider when going camping in Lanzarote
If you have decided to spend a few days camping in Lanzarote, it is very important to go well prepared. To help you out, here is a list with essential tips for a perfect camping trip.
What to bring
In addition to your tent and your sleeping bag, here are some items that I consider must-haves for camping in Lanzarote:
- Water to drink
- Air mattress
- Mosquito repellent
- First aid kit
- Solar protection
- Flashlight
- Trash bags (leave campsites as you found them)
Best time
Lanzarote is, without a doubt, one of the best Canary Islands, where sunshine and warm weather abound throughout the year. There can be some rain on isolated days during the winter, but generally, it has almost perfect conditions for organizing a camping trip. Therefore, if you want to go camping in Lanzarote, you don’t have to worry.
Of course, I recommend you reserve your camping spot in Lanzarote as soon as you decide to visit the island because if you travel during high season, it is very possible that there will be no lots available.
And that’s it. I hope this guide has helped you decide where to stay in Lanzarote during your next vacation. Leave a comment below if you have any questions or want to share your experience.
Enjoy camping in Lanzarote a lot!
