Camping on La Palma – Between Volcano and Laurel Forest

Wild camping is strictly prohibited on La Palma – the island is almost entirely protected as a nature reserve. Anyone wanting to camp needs an official campsite or a permit. That sounds like bureaucracy – and it is, but it’s manageable. And the reward is considerable: campsites on La Palma have locations that are hard to beat.

National Park Campsite – Caldera de Taburiente

La Palma’s most sought-after and spectacular campsite lies in the heart of the national park: the Zona de Acampada on the Playa de Taburiente, deep inside the caldera. The site is accessible on foot only – the shortest approach descends from Los Brecitos in around two hours. A true wilderness experience: the stream rushes past, basalt walls rise hundreds of metres overhead, and the night sky is free from light pollution.

Facilities: running water (not drinking water – purification required), toilets, basic picnic tables. No showers, no electricity. Maximum stay: during Easter week and summer, stays are limited to a maximum of two nights; the rest of the year, up to seven nights. Advance booking is mandatory – free of charge via reservasparquesnacionales.es. In high season and on public holidays, book weeks ahead.

Practical: Gear for the Caldera

The caldera can be cold at night even in summer – temperatures below 15°C are normal, in winter possibly near 0°C. A sleeping bag rated down to around 0°C to 5°C comfort level, trekking poles for the descent, and a water filter or purification tablets are essential.

Private Campsites

Camping La Rosa – Puntagorda

A small, lovingly run site in the northwest of La Palma at around 900 meters elevation. Ideal for hikers and those who want to experience La Palma’s almond blossom in February. Showers, toilets, simple infrastructure.

Centro de Naturaleza La Laguna – Barlovento

A recreation area beside a reservoir in the northeast. Larger facility with more infrastructure than most – good for families and campers looking for more comfort.

Forest Campsites (Áreas Recreativas)

The Environmental Agency (Medio Ambiente) maintains several barbecue and recreation areas in the pine forests, some of which allow overnight camping. Reservations are free but required.

Starry Nights: Why Camping on La Palma Is Special

La Palma was the world’s first island to protect its night sky by law. That means no light pollution, minimal artificial glow – and a sky so dense with stars that it changes how you feel about being outdoors.

Starry-Sky Camping: The Unique Opportunity

Those who sleep overnight in the caldera wake to an experience unlike anywhere else in the Canary Islands. The silence is complete – no traffic, no light, no noise. Just rock, water, and stars.

Alternative: Refugio del Pilar

Those who don’t want to – or can’t – do the national park hike with overnight gear have a good alternative: the Refugio del Pilar on the Cumbre Vieja ridge at 1,445 meters. Accessible by car, with basic dormitory accommodation.

Camping here isn’t for everyone. The national park campsite demands a full-gear hike with a descent of 600 meters. But for those who make it, it is one of the Canary Islands’ most extraordinary nights outdoors.

Campervans and RVs

La Palma is challenging for large motorhomes due to the narrow switchback roads – especially in the north and in the caldera area. Compact campervans can manage most main roads. Wild camping, including in campervans, is prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)