‘Penalty’ for accidental wild camping in Spain?

[Sixty-nine Chevy]

Hi. Last night we stayed in a car park deserted apart from five other campervans. A well-known App had led us to believe it was 2 Euros to stay overnight, but there was nowhere to pay. This morning we had a visit from the Guardia Civil. His English was less than my Spanish, but he informed us that this wild camping was not allowed. He asked for ID and my address, which he photographed. He confirmed that we would not be fined but that there would be some kind of ‘notification’. Our language barrier beat us at this point. The exchange was all very polite and done with a smile. Anyone any idea what happens next? Will I be contacted? I have left an appropriate site review on that App!

 

[Minxy]

What site/parking was it?

 

[Badknee]

Hmmmm, did you have anything outside, tables, chairs, step etc? That’s camping but I thought just parked up with everything shut was parking?

 

[Graham of Madrid]

Were there any signs saying 'no camping behaviour allowed' i.e tables,chairs/levellers

Ahh - you beat me to it Paul

 

[Sixty-nine Chevy]

Hi all. Thanks for responses. It was Covadonga Parking P3 on Searchforsites. Nothing outside the campervan, not a single sign to be seen. I understand that it is actually legal to sleep in any vehicle if you are somewhere where a car can park. Confused!

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[Dorset Diver]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings but despite assurances I suspect you will in due course, receive a fine.

 

[cyberyacht]

The is a Camperstop a few miles up the road in Cangas de Onis according to my 2017 edition, although, given the relatively remote location, it would seem that the Guardia are singularly diligent. I can't honestly see why they should worry unduly as the place is hardly "on the beaten track"

 

[Sixty-nine Chevy]

The is a Camperstop a few miles up the road in Cangas de Onis according to my 2017 edition, although, given the relatively remote location, it would seem that the Guardia are singularly diligent. I can't honestly see why they should worry unduly as the place is hardly "on the beaten track"

Indeed but it didn’t sound great and we had actually been up to the basilica at the car park where we stayed. We passed Cangas de Onis as we left the area and it actually looked fine for one night. With hindsight we wished we had stayed there!

 

[Sixty-nine Chevy]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings but despite assurances I suspect you will in due course, receive a fine.

I guess we can only wait and see what happens. Completely puzzled by the whole experience! The policeman was very clear about no fine.

 

[jumartoo]

If you were within the national park (and anywhere within a national or natural park) then overnighting isn't allowed.

Take information from any app with a pinch of salt and a bit of research.

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[Minxy]

If you were within the national park then overnighting isn't allowed.

Take information from any app with a pinch of salt and a bit of research.

That's my suspicion, probably in the park so overnighting is a big no-no.

 

[jumartoo]

That's my suspicion, probably in the park so overnighting is a big no-no.

I've just added a bit to say that it also applies to any national or natural park in Spain.

You quoted too quickly

 

[Minxy]

I've just added a bit to say that it also applies to any national or natural park in Spain.

You quoted too quickly

I don't mess about you know!!! . I believe it's part of the Pico's de Europa park.

 

[jumartoo]

I don't mess about you know!!! . I believe it's part of the Pico's de Europa park.

It is.

Many years ago we spent many a pleasant nights up there, but then motorhoming became popular (too popular in our opinion ).

A lot of our old, only us, spots, have now found their way onto an App!