WILD CAMPING IN EL CHORRO
From talking to the locals and asking about a bit we found
that there were several unofficial wild camp spots in the woods just above the
official camp site but they were often moved on by the Guardia Civil but if you
kept a low profile and kept away from the crowds you can avoid this. During our
stay we never had any trouble with either the Guardia Civil or other campers
and had a fantastic stay.
What you need for camping in El Chorro:
- Warm sleeping bag -5 degrees comfort if you plan to camp in winter
- A cheap tent that is easy to erect and take down should you be moved on
- Tent games – It gets cold and dark by 7pm and so having games to play like bananagrams or cards helps pass the time
- Slack line (optional) – We took a slack line and spent nearly every evening on this which was great fun and a great way of getting to know other campers
There are several campsites
to choose from and which one you choose will be best decided by how sociable
you want to be and how much space is available. Some of these campsite can get
very crowded in the winter season. We went out climbing one day and left our
tent in the central campsite with no one around. When we returned there were
close to 15 tents around us tightly packed in and washing drying on every tree
branch.
Potential Camp sites:
This is a basic map of the
area below Fontales. The 3 campsites mentioned are of reasonable size and have
relatively flat groud compared to the surrounding area. Just after the path
which leads to the campsites there is a “Parc Nacional” sign and a wooden
storage box opposite which makes finding the right path easier. The campsites
are not visable from the road which makes them ideal places to stay but
slightly difficult to find the first time searching.
Camp 1: Europa Zone
The left hand campsite was
the most popular with one. It's well hidden from the road and has the flatest
ground as well as make shift log benches and fire pits but also the one that
was reportedly moved on by the gaurdia civil now and again.
Camp 2: Camp Cuatro
Hidden away from the road
like camp 1, its location offers some good flat areas and plenty of space with
easy access to the surrounding crags. It's only downfall is that it has a path
that runs right through the middle of it that is used now and again by people
descending from the crags. It is the quietest of the 3 camps and also has stone
built fire pits.
Camp 3: Camp Chesht
Situated near to a car park,
this is the most exposed of the 3 campsites but also one with a large area of
flat ground, many fire pits and plenty of area to place multiple tents. Its
within a 30 second walk of camp 2 which is handy if its a busy season.
Tips:
A few other things to remember when wild camping is that the water from taps and water springs which you see about is either undrinkable or tastes horrible! There is a local super market in town in which you can buy large quantities of water which seems the best idea and then keep it in your tent.
There are several fruit tree's about the village which drop nectarines and Lemons which can be used with cooking or drinks to add some flavour. This is especially nice if your really on a budget and wants something different from plain pasta and water to get by!
If you feel like splashing out a few euros the Olive Branch guest house near Encantadas offers a shower and tea service for 3 euros a person which can give some rest bite to your aching and smelling body after many days in the sun.
Hitch hiking to Alora the local town i have been told is not too difficult. Food and beer is much cheaper there and offers other services such as internet cafes and a post office (Correos) to keep in touch with loved ones.
Please remember wild camping in El Chorro is illegal and this is purely for reference should you choose to enjoy breaking the law :)
A few other things to remember when wild camping is that the water from taps and water springs which you see about is either undrinkable or tastes horrible! There is a local super market in town in which you can buy large quantities of water which seems the best idea and then keep it in your tent.
There are several fruit tree's about the village which drop nectarines and Lemons which can be used with cooking or drinks to add some flavour. This is especially nice if your really on a budget and wants something different from plain pasta and water to get by!
If you feel like splashing out a few euros the Olive Branch guest house near Encantadas offers a shower and tea service for 3 euros a person which can give some rest bite to your aching and smelling body after many days in the sun.
Hitch hiking to Alora the local town i have been told is not too difficult. Food and beer is much cheaper there and offers other services such as internet cafes and a post office (Correos) to keep in touch with loved ones.
Please remember wild camping in El Chorro is illegal and this is purely for reference should you choose to enjoy breaking the law :)