Overseas POIs with "no camping"/"no Motorhome" parking question?

[Moped]

Recently visited the Cabo de Gata National Park in Spain and several of the POIs on the beaches between St Jose and Carbonaras have both "no camping" and "no Motorhome" signs displayed at the entrance of the parking areas. It was clear that motorhomes were parking up for overnighters but I decided to use the local air behind St Jose for €10 nightly as it has good wifi. None of the beach POIs had mobile phone signals so no mifi. And whilst unlikely I didn't want to be knocked up in the night by the local police.

The local campsite at Esculos had a €9 nightly offer for motorhomes not including electric but still decided to use the air as no mobile phone signal on the campsite. The campsite Tau in St Jose had signs all over the place promoting motorhome service facilities with a €2 for 40l charge for water otherwise free waste disposal.

As a relative newbie here just wondering what others would do faced with "no camping" and "no Motorhome" signs which are clearly being ignored all be it off peak for touring in the area. I have no doubt in high season the local police rigorously enforce the restrictions, even though the local Aires and campsites are likely to be full.

 

[jacquigem]

I think it's down to the individuals view on when to take a risk. Personally we very rarely ignore signs if present as we don't fancy fine or early morning knock and if you move on and look around you will find areas without signs but maybe not so much beachside now. Plenty ignore signs and must get away with it but attitudes in Spain seem to be hardning with Elchi council threatening immediate fines rather than warnings.

 

[John H]

I know the Cabo de Gata area very well and the Camper Stop you mention is good value if you need the services. If you wish to wildcamp, there are still plenty of opportunities. The beach front car park in Cabo village (next to the police station!) is widely used. It has a water supply but no waste disposal. Further along, past the Salinas, is the beach at Fabriquillas which is also widely used. Neither has a banning sign and we have used them both recently. As you say, many beaches have banning notices but just a short way inland you will have no trouble if you park sensibly and considerately - the car park at the entrance to Rodalquillar village, for example. If you want to visit Almeria city, you can stay overnight on the port car park for 6 euros (water, waste and toilets - but not very clean ones!).

In answer to your question, we tend not to ignore banning signs. Regardless of the legality, we don't want to stop where the locals will get angry. Angry locals can cause a lot of trouble. Why bother when there are plenty of other opportunities around?

 

[Canalsman]

Thanks for the information. I'll review the POIs in question.

If you're able to pinpoint the specific locations that had signs that would be a great help.

 

[alcam]

I know the Cabo de Gata area very well and the Camper Stop you mention is good value if you need the services. If you wish to wildcamp, there are still plenty of opportunities. The beach front car park in Cabo village (next to the police station!) is widely used. It has a water supply but no waste disposal. Further along, past the Salinas, is the beach at Fabriquillas which is also widely used. Neither has a banning sign and we have used them both recently. As you say, many beaches have banning notices but just a short way inland you will have no trouble if you park sensibly and considerately - the car park at the entrance to Rodalquillar village, for example. If you want to visit Almeria city, you can stay overnight on the port car park for 6 euros (water, waste and toilets - but not very clean ones!).

In answer to your question, we tend not to ignore banning signs. Regardless of the legality, we don't want to stop where the locals will get angry. Angry locals can cause a lot of trouble. Why bother when there are plenty of other opportunities around?

Tend to agree though , I think , some signs may be seasonal ?

 

[John H]

Tend to agree though , I think , some signs may be seasonal ?

The signs I have seen mention nothing about seasons. Admitedly, the authorities tend to be flexible about enforcement in the off season but you can never tell when they will strike! I know of people who have been turned off and fined in the off-season so I would rather not take the chance.