Camping in Tarifa
Campsites and motorhomes on the Costa de la Luz
Seven campsites are registered in the municipality of Tarifa on the Costa de la Luz in Andalusia, all classed as beach campsites. Most are on the N-340 coast road. On the beach itself, tents and camping are banned all year round, and since October 2026 motorhomes in Spain have their own parking rules.
On this page
Campsites along the coast road
The municipality of Tarifa has seven campsites, all classed as beach campsites. Most are on the N-340, and their location is given by the kilometre marker on the road:
| Campsite | Stars | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Paloma | 3 | N-340 km 70, Los Algarbes |
| El Jardín de las Dunas | 3 | Playa Valdevaqueros, N-340 km 74 |
| TAIGA Tarifa Valdevaqueros | 2 | km 75.5 |
| Torre La Peña | 3 | N-340 km 76 |
| Tarifa | 3 | N-340 km 78.8 |
| Río Jara | 2 | N-340 km 81.2 |
| Bahía de la Plata | 3 | Zahara to Atlanterra road, km 0 |
Five sites have three stars and two have two. El Jardín de las Dunas is on Playa Valdevaqueros, where the kite schools have their own zones; more under Kitesurfing.
No camping on the beach
Tents and camping are banned on Tarifa's beaches all year round and at any time of day. Lying down to sleep on the beach counts as camping under the beach bylaw. Council staff, the Policía Local or the Guardia Civil may remove items set up without permission. While the beach is being cleaned, you are not allowed to stay or sleep there.
There are limits away from the beaches too. Tarifa's bylaw on public conduct prohibits sleeping and camping outdoors in public spaces where it gets in the way of others, and that includes tents and other structures.
By motorhome
Since 1 October 2026, Spain's traffic regulations have, for the first time, governed motorhome parking, as set out in Royal Decree 518/2026. Since then, a parked motorhome must meet these rules:
- Nothing extends beyond the outline of the vehicle.
- It stands only on its wheels; levelling chocks are allowed.
- No liquids are discharged from the living area.
The details of parking are set by each municipality. In Tarifa, the bylaw on public conduct prohibits putting out awnings, chairs and tables beyond the outline of cars, motorhomes and caravans in public spaces where it gets in other people's way, unless there is a permit for specific locations.
Vehicles are banned on the beach and the adjoining promenades. There is a car park for caravans and motorhomes on the town section of Los Lances.
Fires and wildfire risk
From 1 June to 15 October, fires of any kind, including barbecues, are banned in Andalusia in woodland and within 400 m of it. Exceptions, for example for barbecue areas at tourist businesses, need prior permission.
On the beaches, fires on the ground, gas bottles and flammable materials are banned, as is cooking. Fireworks there need a permit.
Parque Natural del Estrecho
Around three quarters of the land area of the Parque Natural del Estrecho lies within the municipality of Tarifa. The beaches of Los Lances and Bolonia are part of the park. Los Lances is protected as a Paraje Natural, the Bolonia dune has been a Monumento Natural since 2001, and the dunes and beach vegetation are protected. The park also includes the sea from the Isla de Tarifa to Cabo de Gracia, up to one nautical mile offshore.
The individual stretches of beach, with their bathing season and rules, are described under Beaches, and the bay with the dune under Bolonia. Hotels, guesthouses and holiday flats are under Where to stay, and how to reach Tarifa under Getting there.