Andalusia fines nearly 100 caravans and campers in Cabo de Gata

Environmental agents of the Andalusian regional government have filed 98 complaints so far in 2026 related to improper parking and camping by motorhomes, caravans and camper vans in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. The actions are part of a special surveillance operation during the summer months to protect one of the most sensitive natural areas in Almería province. Complaints are issued when drivers ignore warnings, park on vegetation, or set up camping equipment such as tables, awnings or wheel chocks. Surveillance continues year-round; last winter, coordinated evictions and temporary closures of parking areas in El Playazo and La Isleta del Moro were carried out.

Since the start of the year, environmental officers of the Andalusian government have issued 98 fines in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park for improper parking of vehicles equipped as dwellings, including caravans, motorhomes and camper vans, during nighttime hours, as well as for camping with a vehicle or tents. For seven years, a special surveillance operation has been in place during the summer months to prevent overnight stays and camping in unauthorized areas, as well as waste dumping. Fines are issued when the vehicle owner ignores officers' warnings or in cases of special impact, such as damaging vegetation or dumping waste. Authorities also conduct informational campaigns and, together with local police, have removed illegally parked vehicles and temporarily closed parking areas in sensitive coastal zones.

Since the start of the year, environmental agents in Andalusia have issued 98 fines for improper parking of motorhomes and caravans and for camping in the Cabo de Gata natural park. Violations are recorded at night and when vehicles are set up with tables, awnings, or wheel chocks. Authorities remind that parking is only allowed in designated areas and run awareness campaigns.

Environmental agents of the Junta de Andalucía have filed 98 reports so far this year for improper parking of caravans, motorhomes and camper vans, as well as camping outside authorized areas on the coast of Níjar. Surveillance is intensified especially during summer to prevent these vehicles from staying overnight in unauthorized spaces and to control possible waste dumping. The special operation has been running for seven years, combining surveillance with visitor information. Agents usually warn owners first and resort to reporting when they do not follow instructions or when the vehicle causes an impact on the environment, such as damage to vegetation or abandonment of waste. Camping is also considered when elements such as tables, awnings or chocks are installed that expand the occupied space. The Junta says the main purpose is to protect the Natural Park and raise awareness among visitors, leaving sanctions as a last resort.

Environmental agents of the Andalusian government have filed 98 complaints this year for incorrect overnight parking of motorhomes, caravans, and campervans, as well as for camping with vehicles or tents. A special summer surveillance operation has been in place for seven years to prevent overnight stays and camping in unauthorized areas between dusk and dawn, and to control waste dumping. Fines are issued especially when owners ignore warnings or when there is special impact, such as damage to vegetation or dumping. The regional government also conducts year-round surveillance, including the removal of vehicles by municipal tow trucks in prohibited areas.

Since the start of the year, environmental officers of the Andalusian government have issued 98 fines for improper parking of motorhomes, caravans, and camper vans in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Fines are imposed for overnight stays and camping in unauthorized areas, as well as for waste dumping. Authorities conduct awareness campaigns and patrol beaches, and last winter, in coordination with local police, they closed parking areas in El Playazo and La Isleta del Moro. Users are reminded to use only designated parking and camping areas.