Camping oppertunities on Camino Frances

[Scott]

Hi. Are there any campgrounds or places where wild camping is cool along the Camino Frances? Was wondering if I should pack a tent. Thanks, Scott

[Covey]

Camping seems a good idea for some on the Camino Frances, but the reality is somewhat different.

There are often campsites in towns along the Way, but they are usually on the edge of town away from the bars and shops, and I have never actually seen a campsite that I would want to use if I had a tent. They are usually grubby and the facilities look run down, AND you have to pay to use them. Your friends will all be in the albergues which are usually near the bars and shops, whilst you will be on the edge of town in what is usually the industrial zone.

You have to carry a tent and probably some cooking kit. Your friends are not carrying the extra weight of a tent and cooking kit, have a bed under a roof (handy if it rains!) and have showers and toilets and a kitchen to cook food in with pots and pans.

It should be noted that the official albergue facilities are not usually 5 star but more like 1 star, but for €5 you learn not to expect much and are not therefore too disappointed!! The facilities in the private albergues are usually much better because the private albergues only came in to existence some 6-7 years ago. Expect to pay €5 -€8 per night.

"Wild camping" is a problem. All land in Spain is owned by someone and you need to get their permission to camp. From spring to autumn, open fires are forbidden because of the risk of forest fires. Unless you speak fluent Spanish so you can find out where to camp and who to ask for permission, forget wild camping.

[grayland]

Actually, sleeping in albergues is very much like camping.
Much has been said in this and other forums about camping and the basic thought is that is not a realistic option. The extra weight carried for 500 miles is reason enough to reconsider.
Enjoy your Camino however you decide to do it.