Planning

Camping in Tenerife: Official Campsites, Permits & What to Know

How camping in Tenerife actually works: the 15 official designated camping areas (zonas de acampada), how free advance permits work, the 7-day limit, tents vs caravans, and the rules that keep it legal and responsible.

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What camping in Tenerife really means

Camping in Tenerife is not a case of pitching a tent wherever you like. Overnight camping is only allowed in official, designated camping areas — the zonas de acampada — which sit in managed forest and natural areas and are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. Free, unrestricted “wild” camping is not generally permitted.

Authorised areas vs wild camping

There are 15 official camping areas on the island, almost all within the Corona Forestal pine belt that rings Mount Teide, plus a few in Las Lagunetas, Teno and the Chinyero reserve. Camping outside these designated areas is not generally allowed, and protected natural spaces have additional restrictions. Use an authorised area and check the current rules before you go.

How permits work and the 7-day limit

Every camping area requires prior authorisation. A permit is arranged in advance (normally free) through the Cabildo de Tenerife, via its Tenerife ON platform and electronic office. The maximum stay is seven consecutive days. Availability is limited and can be suspended, so request permission early and confirm it is still valid close to your trip.

Tents, cabins and motorhomes

The official listings distinguish areas for tents and cabins (“casetas”) from those that also take motorhomes and caravans (“caravanas”). Not every area allows vehicles, so check the specific area’s listing for the camping type it supports before planning around a campervan.

Zona de acampada is not the same as área recreativa

Tenerife’s recreation facilities come in distinct types and they are not interchangeable. A zona de acampada is an authorised overnight camping area. An área recreativa is a day-use picnic/recreation area and does not, by itself, permit overnight camping. Zona vivac refers to restricted high-mountain bivouac, and a campamento is generally an organised/group facility. A camping area sometimes sits beside a recreation area, but only the zona de acampada permits authorised overnight stays.

Weather, altitude and fire restrictions

Most camping areas are at altitude in the pine forest, so nights can be cold and conditions change quickly. During high wildfire risk, or for weather or maintenance, areas can be closed at short notice and permits suspended. Always check current status and any fire restrictions on the official channel before travelling.

Leave no trace

These are protected natural areas. Take all litter away with you, respect fire rules and lit-fire bans, keep to the designated camping area, and leave the site as you found it so it stays open for others.

Official camping areas

Northern Tenerife

Arenas Negras Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Arenas Negras)

A designated forest camping area in the pine forest above Garachico. Camping in Tenerife is generally restricted to official campsites and designated forest camping zones (zonas de acampada) managed by the Cabildo de Tenerife, which normally require a permit booked in advance (usually free) via the Cabildo's Tenerife ON platform — always confirm current permit, rules and facilities on the official channels before you go.

Northern Tenerife

Barranco de Fuente Pedro Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Barranco de Fuente Pedro)

Barranco de Fuente Pedro is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of San Juan de la Rambla in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Southern Tenerife

Chío Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Chío)

Chío is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of Guía de Isora in southern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. The official listing covers both tent/cabin and motorhome/caravan camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Southern Tenerife

El Contador Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de El Contador)

El Contador is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of Arico in southern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Northern Tenerife

El Lagar Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de El Lagar)

El Lagar is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of Icod de los Vinos in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. The official listing covers both tent/cabin and motorhome/caravan camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Southern Tenerife

Fuente del Llano Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Fuente del Llano)

Fuente del Llano is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of Arico in southern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Northern Tenerife

La Caldera Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de La Caldera)

A designated forest camping area in the forest above Aguamansa (La Orotava). Camping in Tenerife is generally restricted to official campsites and designated forest camping zones (zonas de acampada) managed by the Cabildo de Tenerife, which normally require a permit booked in advance (usually free) via the Cabildo's Tenerife ON platform — always confirm current permit, rules and facilities on the official channels before you go.

Northern Tenerife

La Tahona Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de La Tahona)

La Tahona is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of San Juan de la Rambla in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Northern Tenerife

Las Calderetas Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Las Calderetas)

Las Calderetas is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Paisaje Protegido de Las Lagunetas, in the municipality of El Sauzal in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Northern Tenerife

Las Hayas Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Las Hayas)

Las Hayas is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of Icod de los Vinos in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Southern Tenerife

Las Lajas Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Las Lajas)

A designated forest camping area in the southern pine forest near Vilaflor de Chasna. Camping in Tenerife is generally restricted to official campsites and designated forest camping zones (zonas de acampada) managed by the Cabildo de Tenerife, which normally require a permit booked in advance (usually free) via the Cabildo's Tenerife ON platform — always confirm current permit, rules and facilities on the official channels before you go.

Santa Cruz & La Laguna

Las Raíces Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Las Raíces)

Las Raíces is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Paisaje Protegido de Las Lagunetas, in the municipality of El Rosario in metropolitan Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. The official listing covers both tent/cabin and motorhome/caravan camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Teno & the West

Los Pedregales Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Los Pedregales)

Los Pedregales is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Rural de Teno, in the municipality of Buenavista del Norte in the Teno (north-west) Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Northern Tenerife

Ramón Caminero Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Ramón Caminero)

Ramón Caminero is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of La Orotava in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Northern Tenerife

San José de los Llanos Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de San José de los Llanos)

San José de los Llanos is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Reserva Natural Especial del Chinyero, in the municipality of El Tanque in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Camping in Tenerife: FAQ

No. Overnight camping is only allowed in official designated camping areas (zonas de acampada) with prior authorisation; free wild camping is not generally permitted.
Sources & updates

Cabildo de Tenerife — zonas de acampada (permits): tenerife.es/zonas-de-acampada

Cabildo de Tenerife open data — Equipamientos recreativos: datos.tenerife.es

Tenerife ON — camping areas & reservations: tenerifeon.es

Camping availability and rules change; the official channels above are the authoritative, current reference.

Places featured in this guide

Northern Tenerife

Arenas Negras Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Arenas Negras)

A designated forest camping area in the pine forest above Garachico. Camping in Tenerife is generally restricted to official campsites and designated forest camping zones (zonas de acampada) managed by the Cabildo de Tenerife, which normally require a permit booked in advance (usually free) via the Cabildo's Tenerife ON platform — always confirm current permit, rules and facilities on the official channels before you go.

Northern Tenerife

Barranco de Fuente Pedro Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Barranco de Fuente Pedro)

Barranco de Fuente Pedro is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of San Juan de la Rambla in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Southern Tenerife

Chío Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Chío)

Chío is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of Guía de Isora in southern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. The official listing covers both tent/cabin and motorhome/caravan camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Southern Tenerife

El Contador Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de El Contador)

El Contador is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of Arico in southern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Northern Tenerife

El Lagar Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de El Lagar)

El Lagar is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of Icod de los Vinos in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. The official listing covers both tent/cabin and motorhome/caravan camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Southern Tenerife

Fuente del Llano Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Fuente del Llano)

Fuente del Llano is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of Arico in southern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Northern Tenerife

La Caldera Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de La Caldera)

A designated forest camping area in the forest above Aguamansa (La Orotava). Camping in Tenerife is generally restricted to official campsites and designated forest camping zones (zonas de acampada) managed by the Cabildo de Tenerife, which normally require a permit booked in advance (usually free) via the Cabildo's Tenerife ON platform — always confirm current permit, rules and facilities on the official channels before you go.

Northern Tenerife

La Tahona Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de La Tahona)

La Tahona is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of San Juan de la Rambla in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Northern Tenerife

Las Calderetas Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Las Calderetas)

Las Calderetas is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Paisaje Protegido de Las Lagunetas, in the municipality of El Sauzal in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Northern Tenerife

Las Hayas Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Las Hayas)

Las Hayas is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of Icod de los Vinos in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Southern Tenerife

Las Lajas Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Las Lajas)

A designated forest camping area in the southern pine forest near Vilaflor de Chasna. Camping in Tenerife is generally restricted to official campsites and designated forest camping zones (zonas de acampada) managed by the Cabildo de Tenerife, which normally require a permit booked in advance (usually free) via the Cabildo's Tenerife ON platform — always confirm current permit, rules and facilities on the official channels before you go.

Santa Cruz & La Laguna

Las Raíces Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Las Raíces)

Las Raíces is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Paisaje Protegido de Las Lagunetas, in the municipality of El Rosario in metropolitan Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. The official listing covers both tent/cabin and motorhome/caravan camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Teno & the West

Los Pedregales Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Los Pedregales)

Los Pedregales is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Rural de Teno, in the municipality of Buenavista del Norte in the Teno (north-west) Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Northern Tenerife

Ramón Caminero Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de Ramón Caminero)

Ramón Caminero is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Parque Natural de Corona Forestal, in the municipality of La Orotava in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

Northern Tenerife

San José de los Llanos Camping Zone (Zona de Acampada de San José de los Llanos)

San José de los Llanos is an officially designated camping area (zona de acampada) within Reserva Natural Especial del Chinyero, in the municipality of El Tanque in northern Tenerife. It sits in a managed forest/natural setting typical of the island's authorised camping zones, which are overseen by the Cabildo de Tenerife. It is officially listed for tent and cabin camping. As with every zona de acampada in Tenerife, you need a free permit arranged in advance through the Cabildo (Tenerife ON), and stays are capped at a maximum of seven consecutive days. On-site facilities vary and are not guaranteed, so confirm current rules, availability and any fire or weather closures on the official channel before you travel.

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