Tips for wild/stealth camping along the camino?

[bryan138]

Hi everyone!

Probably more of a niche post but i’m starting my camino next week from Porto and i decided that i’ll be wild/stealth camping along my route. Packing my 1 person tent and sleeping gear, I know it’s not technically legal and it brings several complications but is something that really appeals to me and I’ve settled on. I’ve done enough backpacking for this to be something I’m comfortable with, for the greater sense of adventure, for the fun, for the challenge, for the privacy and solitude. I know peeps have done it before, so that’s enough for me c: I might be a bit over my head trying this in a new country and in a route where it’s not the usual, but that’s precisely part of the fun for me just thought i’d mention all this first since i know it can be a bit of a controversial topic.

That said, I post this to see if anyone that has done something like this before has any tips or recommendations, I’ve been thinking of mainly two areas:

1. Camping spots. My plan is to find secluded spots on the outside of villages, avoid private land, set up at sun down, pack camp at sunrise, of course be respectful, discreet and leave no trace. Any recommendations on how/where to find camping spots? anything helps, i guess everyday will be different but if anyone has any tips, i would greatly appreciate it
2. Showering. My past backpacking trips have been out in the backcountry and for shorter times, i just embrace the stink and shower once I finish the trip, of course that’s not going to work in the camino, plan is to ask albergues to pay just for shower use, maybe some nights ask them for the option to pay regular rate and pitch my tent on a lawn or backyard. Does this work? Are albergues generally open to such things? Worst case scenario I just stay as a regular guest in the albergue and shower that way every few nights, but would love to hear how others that have camped managed this aspect

And well, in general if anyone wants to talk about their experience camping the camino, i’d love to hear it all.

Thanks!

 

[davejsy]

I've not done it, nor could I recommend it - but like you say some do it.

I travelled the last few weeks of CF with people who were camping (one of them had a dog). My experience was that not many Albergues allow camping on their land (maybe legally they are not allowed), some were happy to allow a shower for a cost but some were not. You will also have the added complication of many Albergues been shut anyway to further narrow your options.

I'm sure you are also aware that the recent weather conditions have not been conducive to a pleasant camping experience.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@bryan138, welcome to the forum.
This is indeed a controversial topic, some hold (and unfortunately express) some extremely strong negative opinions.
Indeed wild camping as you have described it is done by pilgrims, I believe it is more common in Spain than Portugal. That could of course simply be a reflection of the numbers.
There are a handful of threads on the subject here on the forum.
Several members camp, for example @roving_rufus, @good_old_shoes, @Gerard Griffin.
(I enjoy wild camping but have yet to do so on the Camino - planned for next year).

Certainly in Spain reports are that a few Albergues will allow you to camp on the lawn and utilize the facilities, some take a token payment, some payment in full. A few people have reported that they successfully paid to use the showers.

I have not researched the situation in Portugal.

One issue you may come across is that many of the Albergues will now be closed for the season.

As to finding likely spots, I often use Google Maps or Mapy.cz (satellite view) to scan the area. I find mapy particularly useful because it shows me any paths, and then I look for small clearings in the vicinity.

Bom caminho

 

[bryan138]

I've not done it, nor could I recommend it - but like you say some do it.

I travelled the last few weeks of CF with people who were camping (one of them had a dog). My experience was that not many Albergues allow camping on their land (maybe legally they are not allowed), some were happy to allow a shower for a cost but some were not. You will also have the added complication of many Albergues been shut anyway to further narrow your options.

I'm sure you are also aware that the recent weather conditions have not been conducive to a pleasant camping experience.

Thanks for the answer, good to hear allowing showers is not unheard of. I’ll try my luck with the open albergues

And yeah, I’m not new to hiking and camping in inclement weather but I’m definitely new to doing it in a long distance route and in Portugal/Spain, i find comfort in that if all fails I can always bail, either to a traditional albergue route or just bail altogether, really excited to give it a try though.

 

[bryan138]

@bryan138, welcome to the forum.
This is indeed a controversial topic, some hold (and unfortunately express) some extremely strong negative opinions.
Indeed wild camping as you have described it is done by pilgrims, I believe it is more common in Spain than Portugal. That could of course simply be a reflection of the numbers.
There are a handful of threads on the subject here on the forum.
Several members camp, for example @roving_rufus, @good_old_shoes, @Gerard Griffin.
(I enjoy wild camping but have yet to do so on the Camino - planned for next year).

Certainly in Spain reports are that a few Albergues will allow you to camp on the lawn and utilize the facilities, some take a token payment, some payment in full. A few people have reported that they successfully paid to use the showers.

I have not researched the situation in Portugal.

One issue you may come across is that many of the Albergues will now be closed for the season.

As to finding likely spots, I often use Google Maps or Mapy.cz (satellite view) to scan the area. I find mapy particularly useful because it shows me any paths, and then I look for small clearings in the vicinity.

Bom caminho

Yeah, I’ve been reading past posts in the forum, sad to see the negative sentiment, I’m optmistic in that being respectful of the land and the people, this can be a positive thing, maybe I won’t contribute as much money to albergues but i’ll do what i can in restaurants and I always have a garbage bag to collect trash when i hike, small way to contribute but hey, better than nothing. I’ll do my best to have a positive impact and I’ll try to report back here so others can use the info on camping the camino.

Good to hear confirmation on albergue lawn camping and shower use, thanks. And yeah, haven’t looked too deeply into how many albergues are now closed but i’ll try my luck, worst case scenario i guess i can look into private accommodations, hope it doesn’t get to it.

Appreciate the mapy.cz recc, haven’t heard of it, i’ll look into it.

 

[David]

Hi Bryan, I cannot speak re Portugal - different systems, different police, but in Spain an obvious pilgrim seems to be given some leeway - go into any large town and get off the roads down to the main river and you will see how many immigrants live in tents, so a problem with a pilgrim staying one night? Would have to be a very bad tempered policeman.

You are already a wild camper so know how to find safe and hidden spots .. when to camp, when to leave - on the Camino Frances there are quite a few refugios that are happy for you to tent overnight maybe there are in Portugal too (if still open).
Mind you .. watch out for the weather, is weird down that way at the moment!

Re showering .. it isn't necessary, it is only a habit fostered by a multi-billion dollar profit industry. I don't take baths and probably shower only two times a year.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and is specifically designed to have a living protective microbial landscape on it - every time someone showers, especially using gels, they strip the skin so that it has no protection at all, nor can it give protection to the body.
We produce smell from only three places - armpits, groin, feet ... so all you need is a flannel, additive free soap, and some water (which doesn't need to be hot) .. soapy flannel those three areas, rinse .. rest of body just rub with the wet flannel. You will never be smelly and after a couple of months your skin will always be healthy and silky smooth.

 

[bryan138]

Hi Bryan, I cannot speak re Portugal - different systems, different police, but in Spain an obvious pilgrim seems to be given some leeway - go into any large town and get off the roads down to the main river and you will see how many immigrants live in tents, so a problem with a pilgrim staying one night? Would have to be a very bad tempered policeman.

You are already a wild camper so know how to find safe and hidden spots .. when to camp, when to leave - on the Camino Frances there are quite a few refugios that are happy for you to tent overnight maybe there are in Portugal too (if still open).
Mind you .. watch out for the weather, is weird down that way at the moment!

Re showering .. it isn't necessary, it is only a habit fostered by a multi-billion dollar profit industry. I don't take baths and probably shower only two times a year.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and is specifically designed to have a living protective microbial landscape on it - every time someone showers, especially using gels, they strip the skin so that it has no protection at all, nor can it give protection to the body.
We produce smell from only three places - armpits, groin, feet ... so all you need is a flannel, additive free soap, and some water (which doesn't need to be hot) .. soapy flannel those three areas, rinse .. rest of body just rub with the wet flannel. You will never be smelly and after a couple of months your skin will always be healthy and silky smooth.

Yeah, that’s what I’m hoping, i’ll try to present myself as much of a pilgrim and as less of a vagrant as I can, hope any authority i might encounter is cool with it

All of my wild camping has been in remote routes in the US backcountry, where no one will bat an eye for a tent (there won’t be many eyes to begin with). I know this is different, this will be peoples villages, so i guess some adaptation will be in order, but i’m hoping some of the same principles apply. Weather wise, yeah, i’ll have to try my luck and hope for the best.

On showering, that’s a different perspective, i like the out of the box thinking! can’t say i’ve tried it long term, after a few days backpacking i’d definitely wouldn’t want to be someone hugging myself haha but i’ve done the smelly area rag cleanup when there are no lakes or rivers and that definitely helps! you present an interesting idea, if necessary i’ll see how it goes, but for now, one new thing at a time, i’ll probably do my best with the albergue showers. thanks for the idea and perspective!

 

[woody66]

Hi Bryan!
Never camped wild and not sure which route your taking from Porto but this guy is the king of wild camping i think ! Might give you some ideas?

 

[Anhalter]

Never walked the Portugal route, but on the Frances as well as the Primitivo there have been numerous places where i would think nobody would mind much if you put up your tent sundown to sunrise. Yes, not legal, you know that. Thinking of those well meant but deserted picnic areas, playgrounds or (for lack of a better word) fitness areas. Also once in a while you pass some old ruins from a church where one could easily find a place out of sight.
Guess you have to see once you're there. Might be it wont work every day, but with how off season we are now i can't imagine there being to many troubles finding a spot.

 

[Skinnybiker]

Rode through Portugal N to S recently, on & off the Camino. I camped a few times and found Portuguese sites very cheap especially the municipal ones. Have a look at Camp4night, mainly for campervans but I used it one night to find a quiet spot.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Before the masses discovered the Camino Portuguese, the occasional pilgrim was welcomed at local fire stations. It's still worth a try. Nice guys.

 

[David]

You could take one of these tents??

 

[FSP]

You don't need to stealth camp. Wild Camping, bivouac, etc has been officially legal in Portugal since July 2001. Just like France and most of the rest of Europe wild camping or as it is also called bivouacking is permissible unless specifically prohibited in certain areas. Bivouacking is generally the practice of setting up your tent at sunset and breaking camp and being on the move again by 0800 ish. Most countries differentiate between camping and wild camping or bivouacking. Here is a link to some info on Portugal. There are many other links on this as well. Keep in mind though by sleeping in your tent you are going to miss out on the Camino experience of laying in a bunk in an airless room of strangers snoring, belching and farting all night. https://www.siestacampers.com/blog/wild-camping-portugal
Frank

 

[Tincatinker]

You don't need to stealth camp. Wild Camping, bivouac, etc has been officially legal in Portugal since July 2001. Just like France and most of the rest of Europe wild camping or as it is also called bivouacking is permissible unless specifically prohibited in certain areas. Bivouacking is generally the practice of setting up your tent at sunset and breaking camp and being on the move again by 0800 ish. Most countries differentiate between camping and wild camping or bivouacking. Here is a link to some info on Portugal. There are many other links on this as well. Keep in mind though by sleeping in your tent you are going to miss out on the Camino experience of laying in a bunk in an airless room of strangers snoring, belching and farting all night. https://www.siestacampers.com/blog/wild-camping-portugal
Frank

This applies to integral (built in plumbing) Campervans not random tenters and is an advert for a campervan hire company. The only accurate statement is the third sentence in paragraph 1.

I can’t be bothered to despair: it’s far to late for that

 

[bryan138]

Hi Bryan!
Never camped wild and not sure which route your taking from Porto but this guy is the king of wild camping i think ! Might give you some ideas?

yes! he was one the main sources of validation that this was doable c:

 

[dick bird]

You don't need to stealth camp. Wild Camping, bivouac, etc has been officially legal in Portugal since July 2001.

That is good to hear. But can you give a reliable reference for this rather than an advert for camper vans?

 

[bryan138]

Rode through Portugal N to S recently, on & off the Camino. I camped a few times and found Portuguese sites very cheap especially the municipal ones. Have a look at Camp4night, mainly for campervans but I used it one night to find a quiet spot.

ah that's awesome! I'm used to using iOverlander in the US to find camping spots in my camper van, it seems that park4night is popular in europe for something similar, new to me, appreciate the resource <3

 

[bryan138]

You don't need to stealth camp. Wild Camping, bivouac, etc has been officially legal in Portugal since July 2001. Just like France and most of the rest of Europe wild camping or as it is also called bivouacking is permissible unless specifically prohibited in certain areas. Bivouacking is generally the practice of setting up your tent at sunset and breaking camp and being on the move again by 0800 ish. Most countries differentiate between camping and wild camping or bivouacking. Here is a link to some info on Portugal. There are many other links on this as well. Keep in mind though by sleeping in your tent you are going to miss out on the Camino experience of laying in a bunk in an airless room of strangers snoring, belching and farting all night. https://www.siestacampers.com/blog/wild-camping-portugal
Frank

that's new to me, from what I've heard, around here something can be technically legal or illegal but actual enforcement is going to be more depending on the mood of whatever law enforcement you come across

also more than trouble with the law, i'm trying to avoid making locals suspicious or alarmed about some rando in a tent, so i'll stick to being as stealthy as possible c: thanks for the input though, if you have more info on it, im sure a lot of people here would love to hear it.

 

[dbier]

Can't answer for Portugal, but if wild camping in Spain? No fires. They're still prosecuting the German who allegedly set off a wildfire on the Frances....search earlier threads.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

You don't need to stealth camp. Wild Camping, bivouac, etc has been officially legal in Portugal since July 2001. Just like France and most of the rest of Europe wild camping or as it is also called bivouacking is permissible unless specifically prohibited in certain areas. Bivouacking is generally the practice of setting up your tent at sunset and breaking camp and being on the move again by 0800 ish. Most countries differentiate between camping and wild camping or bivouacking. Here is a link to some info on Portugal. There are many other links on this as well. Keep in mind though by sleeping in your tent you are going to miss out on the Camino experience of laying in a bunk in an airless room of strangers snoring, belching and farting all night. https://www.siestacampers.com/blog/wild-camping-portugal
Frank

Frank, whilst I would love it if you were correct everything that I have read advises that as @Tincatinker says unfortunately that ruling only applies to motorhomes.
I quote from Campanyon : Wild camping in a tent is not allowed in Portugal. However, overnight stays from (9 pm to 7 am) in motorhomes are allowed for up to 48 hours in a given municipality – unless it is locally prohibited. Most popular areas and beaches in the Algarve prohibit overnight stays. Overnight stays are also prohibited in any protected area or Natura 2000 site. When tent camping, campsites are the only places where you can camp.
The italics are mine.

I only use this particular source because it is so clearly stated, however exactly the same information appears on over 10 different sites during the Google search that I made. I searched using multiple terms: for example bivouacing, overnight tenting, camping etc. Unfortunately all produced the same result: a clear no.

I would love to be proved wrong with a clear translation of the relative law.

 

[Katykay]

Hi everyone!

Probably more of a niche post but i’m starting my camino next week from Porto and i decided that i’ll be wild/stealth camping along my route. Packing my 1 person tent and sleeping gear, I know it’s not technically legal and it brings several complications but is something that really appeals to me and I’ve settled on. I’ve done enough backpacking for this to be something I’m comfortable with, for the greater sense of adventure, for the fun, for the challenge, for the privacy and solitude. I know peeps have done it before, so that’s enough for me c: I might be a bit over my head trying this in a new country and in a route where it’s not the usual, but that’s precisely part of the fun for me just thought i’d mention all this first since i know it can be a bit of a controversial topic.

That said, I post this to see if anyone that has done something like this before has any tips or recommendations, I’ve been thinking of mainly two areas:

1. Camping spots. My plan is to find secluded spots on the outside of villages, avoid private land, set up at sun down, pack camp at sunrise, of course be respectful, discreet and leave no trace. Any recommendations on how/where to find camping spots? anything helps, i guess everyday will be different but if anyone has any tips, i would greatly appreciate it
2. Showering. My past backpacking trips have been out in the backcountry and for shorter times, i just embrace the stink and shower once I finish the trip, of course that’s not going to work in the camino, plan is to ask albergues to pay just for shower use, maybe some nights ask them for the option to pay regular rate and pitch my tent on a lawn or backyard. Does this work? Are albergues generally open to such things? Worst case scenario I just stay as a regular guest in the albergue and shower that way every few nights, but would love to hear how others that have camped managed this aspect

And well, in general if anyone wants to talk about their experience camping the camino, i’d love to hear it all.

Thanks!

Davejsy just mentioned seeing someone with a dog wild camping atm. We have seen him too and note he spends the day (after walking) at a bar or similar before finding a camp site for the night. We got a shock when his dog barked at us in the dark one early morning. He was camped along the route about 1 km out of town just off the path. This is on the CF so can’t speak about the Portuguese route.

 

[tjdouglas63]

Why would you break the law? Why is it that your needs outweigh the country that you will be a guest in? Is this the new attitude on the camino- "I can do whatever I want on it, it is my camino"? Just asking for a friend.

 

[Gerard Griffin]

Wild camping is great fun and so easy. I've done it in Spain and Portugal and never had a problem. I use Google maps satellite view to identify likely spots (close to way, not farmed, trees), then choose one 1km from a village, pitch out of sight, using no lights. I save the spot in Google maps. Then I go to the village, have a drink, stagger back, find my bivi, sleep ... No lights except phone screen. In the morning I leave early and leave no trace.

As for hygiene, I concur with the post that odourlessness is a capitalist plot against nature. In order to avoid cancellation by others, I use wet-wipes in the areas as previously stated.

The police and farmers simply do not care, as long as you don't light a fire; I use a little stove.

You'll love it, it's a thrill. And waking up in nature not in an albergue full of sour peregrinos. Good luck

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Sounds like an adventure, in November, in a country on the east side of the Atlantic when westerlies prevail but chacun à son goût as they say.
Slightly confused by "My plan is to find secluded spots on the outside of villages, avoid private land,"
If not camping on private land then on whose? I wasn't aware of much in the way of open commons when I did the Portugues. Unlike the US with its vast tracts of National Parks and open spaces much of the region I passed through was fenced and private.

 

[RJM]

Re showering .. it isn't necessary, it is only a habit fostered by a multi-billion dollar profit industry. I don't take baths and probably shower only two times a year.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and is specifically designed to have a living protective microbial landscape on it - every time someone showers, especially using gels, they strip the skin so that it has no protection at all, nor can it give protection to the body.
We produce smell from only three places - armpits, groin, feet ... so all you need is a flannel, additive free soap, and some water (which doesn't need to be hot) .. soapy flannel those three areas, rinse .. rest of body just rub with the wet flannel. You will never be smelly and after a couple of months your skin will always be healthy and silky smooth.

Ummm, I know this is off subject but since you mentioned it I gotta ask.....how does your rare trips to the shower affect the significant other(s) in your life?
My wife or even past girlfriends would have made an ultimatum, shower regular or goodbye

 

[Carl Remarx]

You’re going to another country, one where wild camping is generally prohibited. Respect the culture, the laws, and the citizenry by not camping.

 

[Beeman]

Yeah, I’ve been reading past posts in the forum, sad to see the negative sentiment, I’m optmistic in that being respectful of the land and the people, this can be a positive thing, maybe I won’t contribute as much money to albergues but i’ll do what i can in restaurants and I always have a garbage bag to collect trash when i hike, small way to contribute but hey, better than nothing. I’ll do my best to have a positive impact and I’ll try to report back here so others can use the info on camping the camino.

Good to hear confirmation on albergue lawn camping and shower use, thanks. And yeah, haven’t looked too deeply into how many albergues are now closed but i’ll try my luck, worst case scenario i guess i can look into private accommodations, hope it doesn’t get to it.

Appreciate the mapy.cz recc, haven’t heard of it, i’ll look into it.

When walking the Primitivo,I saw a tent with a burro inside of a fence. As friendly as the people are,a simple request of the owner would probably see good results. I saw only one great camping spot near a creek,as the rest of the paths were bordered by fences or rock walls. Everywhere there were pastures and animals. Perhaps in more open country there would be more opportunities. I would suggest that you give it a try. Buen Camino.

 

[Old Bamboo]

Wild camping is great fun and so easy. I've done it in Spain and Portugal and never had a problem. I use Google maps satellite view to identify likely spots (close to way, not farmed, trees), then choose one 1km from a village, pitch out of sight, using no lights. I save the spot in Google maps. Then I go to the village, have a drink, stagger back, find my bivi, sleep ... No lights except phone screen. In the morning I leave early and leave no trace.

As for hygiene, I concur with the post that odourlessness is a capitalist plot against nature. In order to avoid cancellation by others, I use wet-wipes in the areas as previously stated.

The police and farmers simply do not care, as long as you don't light a fire; I use a little stove.

You'll love it, it's a thrill. And waking up in nature not in an albergue full of sour peregrinos. Good luck

So true, you're right.

 

[duncanwhyte]

Less visible is the bivvy bag and tarp set up. Low lying, and easily configured for a variety of conditions.

Most local people know the difference between an accomplished hiker and the obviously poorly equipped vagrant, looking to descend on the community and it's resources. So they are tolerant of bivouacers.

 

[David]

Ummm, I know this is off subject but since you mentioned it I gotta ask.....how does your rare trips to the shower affect the significant other(s) in your life?
My wife or even past girlfriends would have made an ultimatum, shower regular or goodbye

Funny. But I don't think you read it - doing this one Doesn't smell and the skin becomes smooth and healthy. .... any human gave an ultimatum to me in my own home and their feet wouldn't touch the ground as I pushed them out!

 

[mochilaverde]

TLDR for

: north of Vigo he doesn't find places to camp and he ends up staying in albergues. It's also worth noting that he did the coastal route in October, when there are far fewer people out and the sun sets earlier and rises later.

I'm an enthusiastic camper, but I would not choose to wild camp on the Portuguese camino, simply because most of the land near the route is privately owned. However, wild camping also means missing out on meeting people in albergues and sharing meals with others. The albergues located within urban areas generally don't have outdoor space suitable for camping. If you were committed to sleeping in a tent in order to avoid snorers, look for albergues in more rural areas as many of these DO have outdoor space suitable for pitching a tent.

Paid camping just north of Redondela

Camping Cesantes, Redondela, España (2025) | JetCamp.com

Camping Cesantes en Redondela, España . Compara tu camping en JetCamp.com. La búsqueda de campings y parques de vacaciones.

www.jetcamp.com

Municipal albergues with outdoor space:

Pontevedra

Albergue de peregrinos Virgen Peregrina | Albergue de Peregrinos en Pontevedra | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue de peregrinos Virgen Peregrina, en Pontevedra: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

Briallos

ALBERGUES DEL XACOBEO ALBERGUE DE PEREGRINOS DE BRIALLOS IN PORTAS PONTEVEDRA - Camino de Santiago en Galicia: web oficial

ALBERGUES DEL XACOBEO ALBERGUE DE PEREGRINOS DE BRIALLOS IN PORTAS PONTEVEDRA

www.caminodesantiago.gal

Valga

ALBERGUES DEL XACOBEO ALBERGUE DE PEREGRINOS DE VALGA IN VALGA PONTEVEDRA - Camino de Santiago en Galicia: web oficial

ALBERGUES DEL XACOBEO ALBERGUE DE PEREGRINOS DE VALGA IN VALGA PONTEVEDRA

www.caminodesantiago.gal

 

[Beeman]

Walked in southern France in 2022. In national Parc there were signs prohibiting dogs,bikes,picking flowers,picking up rocks,and every restriction one could imagine. We camped near Lac Ayous,near the refuge(The most popular in the French Pyrenees),pitched out tents above the refuge and had no problems. Many provinces in Spain passed laws permitting wild camping,within certain hours. Maybe some research would help calm your thinking.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

We produce smell from only three places - armpits, groin, feet ... so all you need is a flannel, additive free soap, and some water (which doesn't need to be hot) .. soapy flannel those three areas, rinse .. rest of body just rub with the wet flannel. You will never be smelly and after a couple of months your skin will always be healthy and silky smooth.

Were you, by any chance, in the Royal Navy? Pits & Bits.

 

[Lurch]

Camping in the woods sounds interesting. However, I would suggest finding your spot before dark. Even with the white paper flags to indicate where someone else has received themself (see I am being woke,), you have to tread lightly! Any nice flat secluded spot may have been recently visited and dropped stuff you don’t want to drag into your tent.

 

[David]

Were you, by any chance, in the Royal Navy? Pits & Bits.

Merchant Navy! Same thing but no guns.

 

[RJM]

Funny. But I don't think you read it - doing this one Doesn't smell and the skin becomes smooth and healthy. .... any human gave an ultimatum to me in my own home and their feet wouldn't touch the ground as I pushed them out!

When I was in college, I had a summer job with a building contractor working on commercial construction sites. I would come home from work every day absolutely covered in dirt, dust and sweat. Sometimes If I was assisting roofers, I would have tar mixed in. No way could I have simply wiped myself down. A long hot shower, plenty of soap was the only ticket. Later when I was in the military (infantry) we would spend days, weeks in the field. Absolutely sweaty and filthy and we stunk . No showers out there. Wipe downs wouldn't suffice.

 

[Gerard Griffin]

When I was in college, I had a summer job with a building contractor working on commercial construction sites. I would come home from work every day absolutely covered in dirt, dust and sweat. Sometimes If I was assisting roofers, I would have tar mixed in. No way could I have simply wiped myself down. A long hot shower, plenty of soap was the only ticket. Later when I was in the military (infantry) we would spend days, weeks in the field. Absolutely sweaty and filthy and we stunk . No showers out there. Wipe downs wouldn't suffice.

True. Wild camping is fun but it requires that the camper put all thought of romance out of his mind.

 

[Walkerooni]

You are basically saying "I KNOW it's illegal, but I'll take my chances. I may face a fine of 20€, or 200€, or 20,000€. But oh well, I'm so special, what could go wrong?"

 

[Paladina]

I don't take baths and probably shower only two times a year.

Hmm

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@tjdouglas63, @Carl Remarx, @Walkerooni - you are of course correct. And normally I would not encourage breaking laws - far from it .

A little context:
Wild camping in Portugal was never expressly permitted, nor was it illegal.
That changed in January '21.
Why?
Because of the increasing number of incredibly inconsiderate motorhomes, campervans and van lifers, which resulted in over-parked beach parking lots, garbage, noise and self-built fireplaces. Some people also treated the beaches as they would a festival, bringing cheap tents and sleeping bags and leaving everything behind afterwards for others to clean up.

It is completely different to the overnight wild camping or bivouacing that the OP is talking about, unfortunately (and understandably) it got lumped into the same law. It is very hard to legally differentiate between somebody who intends to bivouac and leave no trace, and somebody who is tenting purely to party.
However if done with care and respect (as the OP is suggesting) the local populace and indeed even the police tend to turn a blind eye.

Like the OP, I too collect trash as I hike and try to leave my campsite not just as good but better than when I found it.

So legally, yes we are absolutely in the wrong however I believe that morally it is defensible.

 

[JustOneGuy]

It doesn't have much to do with it, and I have no advice to give, but this is the typical thing where because of the lack of politeness and consideration for the others of the few, the many cannot do something as beautiful and natural as camping freely.

 

[SEB2]

It doesn't have much to do with it, and I have no advice to give, but this is the typical thing where because of the rudeness and stupidity of the few the many cannot do something as beautiful and natural as camping freely.

Moderators: If this post is judged to be off topic or considered political I understand that you may delete, edit or move it.

There is ongoing discussion in the Dumfries & Galloway region of Scotland where I live as to whether there is support or not for it to be designated a National Park. Some forum members will know that there is freedom to roam in Scotland but that, of course, comes with the usual responsibilities and injunctions - no cutting down trees for fires, close gates in fields after passing through so that livestock remain safe and where they should be, keep dogs leashed, don't dump sleeping bags, tents and other debris after wild camping. Local experience is that all of the above have been ignored on many occasions and one farmer, not far from me, is seriously considering giving up because of the lambs and sheep lost to out of control dogs and gates left open.
The beautiful area around Loch Lomond has been particularly affected. The people who wild camp - it is legal here - with consideration for the preservation of the natural beauty and respect for the livelihood of farmers are to be welcomed,but as with the development of the route North Coast 500 where its popularity with visitors has resulted in demand for facilities exceeding what the present infrastructure can supply. Build it and they will come ... and come ...
It is likely that our region will reject the chance to be crowned Scotland's newest National Park fearing that increasing numbers of visitors will inevitably lead to, among other concerns such as a rise in second home ownership, an exponential increase in what @JustOneGuy observed as 'the rudeness and stupidity of the few'. but it doesn't take many to do great damage to the environment, to cause a forest or moorland fire, to destroy a woodland for firewood or not bother to check that gates are firmly closed. The Scottish government gifted residents and visitors a legal right to roam and to responsible wild camping. In Portugal and Spain, it is not legal, so, perhaps as some other posts on this thread have mentioned, it might be courteous a good idea to respect the laws of the countries through which we travel as guests on our way to SdC.

 

[Beeman]

You are basically saying "I KNOW it's illegal, but I'll take my chances. I may face a fine of 20€, or 200€, or 20,000€. But oh well, I'm so special, what could go wrong?"

Stealth camping is done all over europe,within certain hours is permitted.

 

[CWBuff]

Later when I was in the military (infantry) we would spend days, weeks in the field. Absolutely sweaty and filthy and we stunk . No showers out there. Wipe downs wouldn't suffice.

a moving army esp. during The Campaign - in the field - there is no showers for sure.
That said, I will guarantee you that if you are the only one who will jump into a river\pond\lake etc. and truly wash yourself - you'll be that one who "stinks". Strange as it may be....

 

[dbeatriceb]

Hi everyone!

Probably more of a niche post but i’m starting my camino next week from Porto and i decided that i’ll be wild/stealth camping along my route. Packing my 1 person tent and sleeping gear, I know it’s not technically legal and it brings several complications but is something that really appeals to me and I’ve settled on. I’ve done enough backpacking for this to be something I’m comfortable with, for the greater sense of adventure, for the fun, for the challenge, for the privacy and solitude. I know peeps have done it before, so that’s enough for me c: I might be a bit over my head trying this in a new country and in a route where it’s not the usual, but that’s precisely part of the fun for me just thought i’d mention all this first since i know it can be a bit of a controversial topic.

That said, I post this to see if anyone that has done something like this before has any tips or recommendations, I’ve been thinking of mainly two areas:

1. Camping spots. My plan is to find secluded spots on the outside of villages, avoid private land, set up at sun down, pack camp at sunrise, of course be respectful, discreet and leave no trace. Any recommendations on how/where to find camping spots? anything helps, i guess everyday will be different but if anyone has any tips, i would greatly appreciate it
2. Showering. My past backpacking trips have been out in the backcountry and for shorter times, i just embrace the stink and shower once I finish the trip, of course that’s not going to work in the camino, plan is to ask albergues to pay just for shower use, maybe some nights ask them for the option to pay regular rate and pitch my tent on a lawn or backyard. Does this work? Are albergues generally open to such things? Worst case scenario I just stay as a regular guest in the albergue and shower that way every few nights, but would love to hear how others that have camped managed this aspect

And well, in general if anyone wants to talk about their experience camping the camino, i’d love to hear it all.

Thanks!

Most land is privately owned and there aren’t many places where wild camping could be done without notice. Not sure how you’d determine on the fly whether land is private or public anyway. Lately there seem to be more complaints from locals about many aspects of pilgrims’ behavior. I wouldn’t contribute to their misgivings about having pilgrims traipsing through their villages and land by setting up a tent, no matter how discreet I believed myself to be. You might be skilled at leave no trace camping but after you successfully navigate Camino lodging with a tent, I am sure a hundred or more people will follow who aren’t skilled and who cause problems, even just inadvertently. The amount of toileting related along the paths is already disgusting, and this is just from people passing through and really don’t lend themselves to camping. The Camino routes aren’t back country paths. Also, many albergues are in villages and don’t have anything resembling a yard, whether or not they might allow a tent is up to the individual running the show there or to the sponsoring organization’s rules. Simply put, I believe you might be envisioning something that is not feasible in this scenario.

 

[Camo]

Were you, by any chance, in the Royal Navy? Pits & Bits.

Back in 1970s it was referred to by all people traveling Europe as APC (armpits and crutch) and a shower every 7 days.

And if in UK that is the national average we are told

 

[hecate105]

Agree with Gerard!
We wildcamped along the Camino Portuguese most nights and had an occasional albergue for shower, washing clothes etc.
No problem finding places to pitch - there is always an edge of a field or vineyard, or a small wood to camp in. Some of the places were superb!! Any locals just waved and smiled - occasionally we were asked if we needed water/food. We have done this on many Caminos and other travels - never had anyone ask us to leave or complain - not once!!
Ignore the doomsayers - they don't want to camp and should stay out of the argument really...
From the earliest dawn of time we humans have walked the earth and at night layed down to sleep.... how anyone can turn that into a crime i do not know.....
As with all the stealth campers - you will leave no trace that is why nobody knows people are doing it!! (58 years for me!)
People (like our local Mr Darwall - seeking to end peoples freedom on Dartmoor - case pending) will always try and steal the land from the rest of the people... But the farmers and landowners I have come across have never minded - as I don't mind campers on my land - why would I? It is a tourist area and therefore overly expensive for many people - even a campsite can be £30 a night!! So why not carry on what we have been doing for thousands of years and perhaps the naysayers could concentrate more on the litter-leaving, poo piling, instigators instead - who actually do leave a lot of trace.....!

 

[hecate105]

Meant to add - there’s a website u can join ( free) called Welcometomygarden - part of the slow travel movement - if there are any hosts en route they will give u tent space and a warm welcome - for walkers and cyclists. ( there is Warmshowers too but only for cyclists - although we once had a girl stay who was skating across the UK!)
Ultreja

 

[trecile]

Meant to add - there’s a website u can join ( free) called Welcometomygarden - part of the slow travel movement - if there are any hosts en route they will give u tent space and a warm welcome

Very cool!

Here's the website:

Welcome To My Garden

Welcome To My Garden: Free camping spots in people’s gardens for slow travellers. Brought to you by a warm-hearted community of citizens.

welcometomygarden.org

 

[Fromista]

I camped in camping sites in the Portugal Camino. In the Portugal side is easy there are campings near the way or a bit off route but along the Ocean. It was beautiful and peaceful and cheap and there were other pilgrims. Once there was a storm and the camping let those sleeping without a tent just staying in their sleeping bag into the communal areas , the bar etc. The Spanish side was harder as the route goes inland and there are literally no campings. I met some people camping near churches in small villages but the locals were not happy about them. I hope this helps x

 

[bryan138]

hey all, in between all my camino planning i lost this thread and forgot to respond all the kind (and not so kind) replies. thank you all who chimed in with encouraging and helpful comments

i’m roughly halfway through my camino, on day 9 and have camped every single night so far, it’s been lovely, experience of a lifetime for sure. finding spots has been actually easier than i expected, just some careful planning before sundown and it’s been smooth as butter. i’ve gotten to camp in some beautiful spots, loving the nature immersion, so glad i chose this route

still have halfway to go, but so far feeling enthusiastic that i can finish my camino camping every single night until santiago, we’ll see

 

[hecate105]

Enjoy!!