Sleeping outside on the Frances

jrm · Apr 4, 2015

Hello all,

I'm leaving for a modified/short camino next month. The plan is to stay all nights in an albergue/hostel/xunta/hotel/pension/etc... However, should the weather cooperate, I could see enjoying a nice night under the stars. Are there any general thoughts as to sleeping outside (in Galicia) in May? Is it frowned upon? Are there places you might recommend laying down a sleeping bag, and likewise, places you would say not to?

Just wondering. Thanks!

Chris Chantelois · Apr 4, 2015

jrm said:
Hello all,

I'm leaving for a modified/short camino next month. The plan is to stay all nights in an albergue/hostel/xunta/hotel/pension/etc... However, should the weather cooperate, I could see enjoying a nice night under the stars. Are there any general thoughts as to sleeping outside (in Galicia) in May? Is it frowned upon? Are there places you might recommend laying down a sleeping bag, and likewise, places you would say not to?

Just wondering. Thanks!

I have the same question. I would love to be able to sleep outside some of the nights along Camino Frances. Please advise - especially for a 55 yr. old lone female. Thanks!

C clearly · Apr 4, 2015

Have a look at this thread: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/tent-camping-the-whole-camino.31874/#post-280563

whariwharangi · Apr 4, 2015

jrm said:
Hello all,

I'm leaving for a modified/short camino next month. The plan is to stay all nights in an albergue/hostel/xunta/hotel/pension/etc... However, should the weather cooperate, I could see enjoying a nice night under the stars. Are there any general thoughts as to sleeping outside (in Galicia) in May? Is it frowned upon? Are there places you might recommend laying down a sleeping bag, and likewise, places you would say not to?

Just wondering. Thanks!

I recall Galacia as being wet. Much of the camino passed through farm land and was fouled with cow manure. I wouldn't be able to recommend wild camping, particularly without a tent, in this area.

AJ · Apr 4, 2015

I have seen people sleeping on rest area benches and in church porches. Not for me except in emergencies.

jefferyonthecamino · Apr 4, 2015

jrm said:
Hello all,

I'm leaving for a modified/short camino next month. The plan is to stay all nights in an albergue/hostel/xunta/hotel/pension/etc... However, should the weather cooperate, I could see enjoying a nice night under the stars. Are there any general thoughts as to sleeping outside (in Galicia) in May? Is it frowned upon? Are there places you might recommend laying down a sleeping bag, and likewise, places you would say not to?

Just wondering. Thanks!

to my knowledge, it is illegal in most (all?) of spain to just pitch a tent on public land (and private). that said, people do it and the local police aren't about to wander the forests looking for campers.
one thing though, no fires (the fine is HUGE) and please do not make a mess (what goes in should come out)
what is perfectly fine is sleeping outdoors, but it will get very cold at night, even on the meseta
Buen Camino

RENSHAW · Apr 4, 2015

Perhaps you can sleep in one of the albergue's Jardíns - relatively safe and after of a few hours of freezing wet misery you can move back inside.

Seriously, in May , in Galacia .......naaaaaaa.
But don't write it off altogether - there may be an albergue that has a tent in storage - it is the type of thing pilgrims do discard from time to time.

Rebekah Scott · Apr 4, 2015

Lots of people do it. Church gardens, parks, playgrounds, tree plantations, they all have the occasional tent or bivvy bag tucked into a corner. No one minds out here in the countryside, long as you don't trample crops or set fires or leave a mess.
Mess is one thing to consider. The best camping spots -- a little off the trail, near the water, level and soft -- often were found to be the best outdoor toilets by the last 1,000 pilgrims who passed by...

Nomad Scott · Apr 4, 2015

If you can, I'd say head off the trail if possible and find yourself a camping area. Sleeping outside under the stars all adds to the adventure. Just respect the land and leave it as you found it