Lanzarote Camping [2023]: Free Campsites, Tips, Wild Camping & More!

Wandering our World is reader supported! If you purchase anything through a link on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Last updated on July 2, 2023 by Wandering our World

With great weather, and a stunning volcanic landscape, it’s no surprise camping in Lanzarote interests so many holidaymakers.

Campsites are quite rare on the island though, but luckily there are some free campsites that can be used. As we know this island well, we will show you where they are, and what they are like, in this article.

Wild camping in Lanzarote is technically illegal, however some people still do it.

If you can’t be swayed to stay in an official campsite, we have some important information and tips on wild camping in Lanzarote later on in this article too.

So grab your beach towel, sunscreen and some holiday enthusiasm – it’s time to begin your camping in Lanzarote adventure!

iStock.com/nuture

Camping In Lanzarote: Free Campsites In Lanzarote

Like neighboring Tenerife, there are a few free campsites on lanzarote. These very basic campsites exist to try and curb wild camping.

There are just three official campsites to choose from on Lanzarote. We detail them below.

But as an important note, it is forbidden to light a campfire anywhere on Lanzarote. So make sure you use a safe cooking stove/storm cooker – like this one.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/SolisImages

1. La Graciosa: Playa de el Salado

This is one of our favourite free campsites across the entire Canary Islands!

Located on the small island of La Graciosa, north of Lanzarote, you can camp directly on the beach here – something that is illegal throughout much of Spain. Expect incredible views and fantastic natural surroundings.

You’ll have to take a 20 minute ferry from Orzola in Lanzarote’s north to get to the island, but with the golden sand and blue sea at La Graciosa, it’s well worth it. The campsite has shower blocks and a toilet, and is open all year round.

But be warned, this is as close to wild camping as you can get. There’s usually no hot running water here, and you are right in the middle of nature!

You must apply for a permit to pitch your tent at La Graciosa though. It is best to apply for a permit at least two months in advance of when you wish to stay. You can apply for a permit to camp here at this website.

If you’re looking for good walks on La Graciosa (and the rest of Lanzarote) while on holiday, then we would also recommend this great book to accompany you on your trip.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Anatolly_Gleb

2. San Juan Campsite

This campsite, which borders the beach at Famara in the island’s north, is open from June to September.

While the site is very basic, with just a portaloo and a hose for a shower, the views of the nearby volcanic cliffs are pretty spectacular.

Expect strong winds though – this is a popular surfing and paragliding spot.

iStock.com/Tommaso Pardini

3. Playa Blanca

This campsite, near Papagayo, is a perfect base to explore Lanzarote’s south. The site is no longer completely free, and now charges a reasonable 5-10 euros for a pitch in order to cover amenities, and staffing costs.

Open during the easter and summer months, this beach-side site has great nearby swimming spots and is popular with RVs as it has electric hook-ups.

You can either turn up at the campsite and see if there’s space, or contact Cabildo de Lanzarote to reserve a spot.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/welcomia

Wild Camping In Lanzarote: Everything You Need To Know

DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. If you choose to go wild camping/dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where you’re planning on camping for your own safety.

Other than those three campsites, there are limited options for camping enthusiasts on Lanzarote.

There are a few luxury options to consider, such as the yurts at Finca Da Arrieta, however with prices around 100+ euros a night, they remain out of budget for most campers.

Wild camping, therefore, seems a natural choice. However wild camping in Lanzarote is illegal – that includes camping on beaches. That is mainly to protect the environment, and to stop fires from spreading on the island.

Although we don’t advise it, if you do decide to wild camp in Lanzarote, then ensure you camp discreetly – wild campers have been fined in the past. And be careful not to damage the ground where you pitch your tent.

If you do go wild camping in Lanzarote, we’d advise sticking to the following guidelines in order to be as considerate as possible, and to avoid a police fine:

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Anatolly_Gleb

You should camp in the same place for one night only, and pitch your tent discretely and in a remote place. Therefore don’t camp in or near settlements, someone’s farm or on cultivated land. If you think you’re on private land, always seek out the landowner and ask permission. Wild campers that stay for longer than one night in the same spot are often discovered and either moved on and/or fined.

Campers should set up their tent at dusk, and take it down at dawn. A tent that is discreet and pitches quickly is best. Therefore a lightweight walking and hiking tent like this one would be a great investment for someone planning to camp in Lanzarote.

When wild camping in Lanzarote you must never make a campfire. You might want to think about bringing a storm cooker with you for cooking. They tend to be safe, and are often fine to use – but you should check local laws first. A storm cooker such as the Trangia brand are great.

And of course, take any trash with you, and leave your camping spot the way you found it.

If the Spanish police (Guardia) stop and ask what you are doing be polite and friendly. If they tell you wild camping is illegal you can always tell them you didn’t know.

You may still be fined though. And if the police ask you to move then don’t argue. It would then be best to pack up your tent and find a campsite.

Below are our tips for camping in Lanzarote.

iStock.com/Balate Dorin

Must Know Tips For Camping In Lanzarote

  • Thunderstorms and heavy rain can happen in Lanzarote – even during the holiday season. Make sure you have a durable, rainproof tent that can survive heavy rain. A lightweight one-man hiking tent like this or similar would be perfect. For a good value tent that fits more than one person, this mosquito-proof one would work well too.

  • Remember to always have plenty of water on you when you’re walking and camping. A space-saving collapsible water bottle would be a good purchase.

  • If there is no toilet near your pitch, or on the campsite, then only go to the toilet far from water sources, such as rivers and lakes. Make sure to use a trowel (like this folding one) to bury any human waste – don’t just leave it out in the open.

  • Like many rugged and wild rural areas around the world, there are flora and fauna to be aware of. So read up and make sure you know what to expect in the region or area you are planning to wild camp in.

Recommended Reading For Your Trip To Lanzarote

Tempted to go camping elsewhere? Check out our guides to camping in, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Patagonia, Pyrenees, Tenerife, and many others!

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.