Else Beekman
The mass presence of illegal campers in the Parque Natural del Estrecho, near Los Lances Beach in Tarifa, has once again sparked controversy. The Spanish environmental organisation Agaden-Ecologistas en Acción has raised concerns over the sharp increase in unauthorised camping spots and is urging authorities to take swift action.
During the first weekend of February, environmental activists observed more than 200 illegally parked vehicles in the area, many of which appeared to have been there for months. According to Agaden, what initially started as temporary parking has now evolved into semi-permanent settlements, with severe consequences for the local environment.
“The nature reserve is turning into an improvised residential area, and that is unacceptable,” the organisation stated. The unauthorised camps disturb local wildlife, damage native flora, cause noise pollution, and lead to waste accumulation, all of which pose a serious threat to the delicate ecosystem of this protected area.
Repeated violations despite enforcement
This is not the first time illegal camps have been dismantled in this area. In August 2024, the Guardia Civil removed a similar camp with over 200 campervans, issuing 147 fines for environmental violations. Two months earlier, in June 2024, authorities filed 93 complaints after dismantling another illegal camp at the same location.
Despite these interventions, the problem continues to grow. Javier Gil, spokesperson for Agaden, emphasised that while the organisation supports camper tourism, they think people must conduct in a regulated and responsible manner. “Parking during the day is fine, but at night people must leave the area. Permanent settlements must not be allowed to develop,” he stated. Gil believes that local authorities should establish more designated camper zones, as seen in other parts of Spain and Europe.
Other areas popular àmong camper tourists
This nature reserve near Tarifa is not the only area where campers gather in large numbers each year. For instance, in the Saladar de Agua Amarga nature reserve near Alicante. There, dozens of campers from across Europe, including the UK, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, have taken over a public parking area directly by the sea. Despite clear prohibition signs, many set up tables and chairs, staying for weeks or even months, effectively turning the site into an unofficial campsite.
Local residents have expressed frustration, complaining about waste, stray dogs, and the lack of sanitary facilities. Last year, an environmental group raised concerns that illegal camping in this area was harming the coastal ecosystem, but the practice continues. Similar problems have been reported in Tenerife, Elche, Valencia, Nerja, where the police frequently intervene to remove illegal campers.
Violation of environmental laws
The current situation in these parking areas violates multiple Spanish environmental and tourism laws, including Andalucian Tourism Law 13/2011, which regulates tourism in the region, and Decree 26/2018 on Tourist Campsites, which sets clear guidelines for designated camping areas. Additionally, the mentioned campers are violating Law 22/2011 on Waste and Contaminated Land, which aims to prevent pollution and protect natural habitats. Furthermore, they ignore fire prevention and nature conservation regulations, explicitly prohibiting wild camping, illegal waste disposal, and driving outside designated routes to safeguard the environment from irreversible damage.
Calls for stricter measures
Environmental groups are now demanding stronger action from authorities to tackle the persistent issue of illegal camps in the Parque Natural del Estrecho. Agaden is calling for increased monitoring and enforcement within the park to ensure that drivers of motorhomes follow regulations. They also advocate for clearer signage, so visitors are fully aware of the rules and restrictions in place. Furthermore, authorities should impose stricter penalties on offenders, and coordinate better between local, regional, and national authorities to tackle the problem more effectively.
One of the biggest challenges remains the collection of fines, as many offenders are foreign tourists who easily evade penalties. “If no effective action is taken, the problem will only worsen, putting the ecological balance of this exceptional coastal region at greater risk,” warns Agaden.
With the summer season approaching, pressure is mounting on local authorities to find a sustainable solution before illegal camps become an even bigger issue.
A unique natural reserve under threat
The Parque Natural del Estrecho is one of the most ecologically valuable areas in southern Spain. This protected nature reserve, which stretches along the Strait of Gibraltar, serves as a crucial migration route for birds and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The combination of sea, dunes, and cliffs creates a stunning landscape but also makes it a fragile ecosystem. Increasing human pressure, in the form of illegal camping, waste disposal, and environmental disruption, is posing a severe threat to this unique area.
Plea for structural solutions
Local conservation groups and organisations are therefore urging authorities to not only strengthen enforcement but also develop structural solutions that balance nature conservation with sustainable tourism.
If you are driving in Spain with your motorhome it is important to check thouroughly where you can park, stay overnight, or even stay for longer periods. For some help, read our article about rules for campers, motorhomes and caravans in Spain.