New Canary Islands camping rules set framework for motorhome sites in Fuerteventura
A new Canary Islands decree sets rules for campsites and motorhome areas, but local councils in Fuerteventura will still decide where they can be built.
The Canary Islands Government has approved its first rules for campsites, motorhome areas and other outdoor tourist stays. The decree sets a framework for new sites in Fuerteventura and across the islands.
The regional cabinet approved the decree on Friday 30 October 2026. It does not allow camping on any plot of land. Local councils will still decide where these sites can be built.
Residents and visitors travelling by motorhome need to know the difference between parking, camping and staying in a designated overnight area.
Overnight stays limited to 72 hours
Designated overnight areas will allow stays of up to 72 hours. Motorhome parking will still be subject to traffic rules and any limits set by the local council.
The decree covers five types of site. These include campsites, camping areas for motorhomes, caravans and similar vehicles, and overnight stopping areas. It also covers camping areas at isolated rural buildings and unusual places for tourists to stay, such as yurts and treehouses.
Each type will have its own rules for facilities, services and how it is run. These will cover hygiene, water supply, waste management, safety and access for disabled people. Campsites and motorhome camping areas will also have grading systems.
Local permissions still required
Anyone developing a site must submit a formal declaration of compliance to the relevant island council, or Cabildo. They must also obtain the licences and other official permissions they need. Rural projects must meet planning rules, protect the environment and comply with safety requirements.
Approval of the decree does not mean that land can be used as a campsite or motorhome area without permission. Local councils in areas without such sites may set up temporary areas, as long as they meet the decree’s conditions.
When will the rules take effect?
The rules will take effect three months after they are published in the Boletín Oficial de Canarias, the regional official gazette. The report does not give the publication date, so it does not confirm an exact start date.
Existing sites will have five years to bring their facilities into line with the new rules. The regional Tourism and Employment Department will run an information campaign across the islands before the rules take effect.