Portugal isn’t just about stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and mouthwatering pastries (though we love those too!). Outside the larger cities of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal offers gorgeous outdoor spaces. Taking your family to enjoy some outdoor time and praias fuvieis (river beaches) is a cornerstone for many Portuguese and super fun for all.
We were used to the traditional US camping idea (grab a tent and supplies and head out into the forest!), but camping in Portugal shakes out differently than you might expect. In fact, it’s a bit more like glamping and only in designated areas.
While different from our initial expectations, our weekend adventure camping in Portugal was something we definitely want to repeat. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a curious newbie, weekend camping in Portugal has the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and family fun. Plus, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, thanks to its low crime rates, absence of dangerous wildlife, and stable climate you can truly unwind under the stars.
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Chapters
Best Time to Camp in Portugal
While Portugal boasts a mild climate year-round, the best time for camping is from April to October. Spring (April to June) offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds, while summer (July to August) is perfect for beachside camping—just be prepared for warmer temperatures and sold-out reservations. Early autumn (September to October) is a hidden gem, with pleasant weather and quieter campsites.
Family Tip: Avoid peak summer weekends if you’re not a fan of busy sites. Late spring and early fall strike the perfect balance for family camping.
What Is Camping Like In Portugal?
Free camping is not allowed in Portugal and where you can stay is highly regulated. It will feel a bit odd to the American camping lover as sites are confined to a small area with bathrooms and BBQ pits and possibly even cabins. The campsites are surrounded by fences and barbed wire. My husband, Chris, who grew up backpacking, found this very odd!
My family was not a camping family and I was thrilled to just be able to be sleeping outside in a tent, fence or not. I was also thrilled to have a hot shower available!
One of our new favorite finds in Portugal is the river beaches (praia fluvial), which dot the entire country and are super popular in the summer. Essentially, the local county builds a cement structure of some kind into an existing river and turns it into a “river beach”. These structures can vary in complexity and amenities but generally are going to include a jumping area (possibly even diving), a sitting area, and some build-out to access them, like stairs or a pathway. The fancier ones include bathrooms and cafes, wading areas for little ones, and even “beach” areas.
These rivers are coming straight off the snow runoff and are not warm, but we did find them to be pleasant in the summer temps. There is no additives in the water as it’s a flowing river, so you can skip the chlorine! However, be mindful that kids don’t try to drink the water either (although ours did plenty and didn’t get sick, thankfully. Portugal doesn’t have a lot of wildlife polluting the water with waste).
We chose to camp next to a river beach in Lousã and I would highly recommend this. Not only was it very affordable (more on that below), but it was our built-in attraction! We camped next to a swimming pool, basically, and loved being able to spend the day playing and relaxing in the water.
Note that camping in Portugal requires a reservation in most cases (although this is simply a phone call), and our site did fill up.
Other Things To Note About Camping in Portugal
My husband tried once to take our three boys camping in 2022. He made a reservation, went to Decathlon, and bought a tent, and they headed out. When he arrived, he was asked for his passport. Not being used to having to show passports to camp, he didn’t have them. He was refused entry and went back home (a 2-hour drive), totally dejected.
Camping is seen similarly to any hotel stay in Portugal (and possibly all of Europe). We also had this asked of us when camping in Croatia). Glamping is also the norm! You can absolutely bring out the large tents and camp chairs, but many people also use RVs, basic cabins, or even trailers converted to hotel rooms. Camping is fluid in Portugal.
You’ll be able to use bathrooms with hot water in many locations and you might even find laundry services.
Camp sites are very close together, so be prepared to hear the neighbors snoring. This isn’t our favorite, but also seems to just be part of the package.
We brought our dog and saw many other dogs while camping. Portugal is fairly dog friendly (although many expats complain of dog abuse or abandonment here) and you can easily expect that your furry family members can come along.
Types of Camping in Portugal
- Luxury Camping (Glamping): Resorts like Ohai Nazaré and Turiscampo offer safari tents, eco-lodges, and cabins with all the comforts of home—perfect for families who love nature but not so much the “roughing it.”
- Basic Camping: Traditional campsites with tent pitches, basic amenities, and the raw beauty of nature. Great for teaching kids simple outdoor skills. We did Campismo Serpins (Lousã) for the first time with the kids, keeping it simple and we absolutely loved it. No screens, just pure adventure. Getting lost on hikes, waking up together in the same tent, playing in the river beach, and soaking in the beauty of the moment. It was such a special family experience.
Family Tip: For first-time campers, mix it up! Try one night of glamping and one of basic camping to see what your family enjoys most.
Best Spots to Go Camping with Kids
Camping in Portugal with Kids: A Family Adventure
1. Ermida Gerês Camping (Peneda-Gerês National Park)
- How to Get There from Lisbon: About a 4-hour drive (350 km). Renting a car is the easiest option.
- Price: From €26 per night per pitch.
- Highlights: Located in Portugal’s only national park, expect breathtaking views, waterfalls, and wild horses roaming free.
- Family Tips: Bring sturdy hiking shoes and plan a waterfall trek. The park is vast, so a map (or offline GPS) is your best friend.
2. Parque Biológico de Vinhais (Trás-os-Montes)
- How to Get There from Lisbon: 5-hour drive (430 km).
- Price: From €38 per night/person.
- Highlights: A blend of camping and nature education. Kids will love the wildlife center with native animals like wolves and deer.
- Family Tips: Great for budding biologists! Pack binoculars and a nature journal for wildlife spotting.
3. Ohai Nazaré Outdoor Resort (Nazaré)
- How to Get There from Lisbon: 1.5-hour drive (120 km).
- Price: From €115 per night. Luxury glamping options.
- Highlights: Close to the famous Nazaré waves, with pools, playgrounds, and family-friendly activities.
- Family Tips: Book early in the summer. Don’t miss watching the giant waves at Praia do Norte!
4. Alvão Village & Camping (Vila Real District)
- How to Get There from Lisbon: 4-hour drive (370 km).
- Price: For a tent, you can get prices from €6 + Entrance from -€5 adult / €4 children.
- Highlights: Located in the Alvão Natural Park with dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.
- Family Tips: Ideal for active families. Try canyoning tours (suitable for older kids).
5. Berlengas Islands Camping (Berlengas Archipelago)
Berlenga Islands is an island group off the coast of Peniche, Portugal.
- How to Get There from Lisbon: About 1.5-hour drive to Peniche (100 km), then a 30-minute boat ride to the islands.
- Price:Nightly Rates:
- 2-Person Tent: €10.30
- 3-Person Tent: €14.95
- 4-Person Tent: €19.60
- Highlights: A unique island camping experience with crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and a historic fortress.
- Family Tips: Book your boat tickets in advance, as spots fill up quickly, especially in summer. Bring snorkeling gear for underwater adventures and be prepared for limited amenities—it’s a true off-the-grid experience!
6. Campismo Serpins (Lousã)
- How to Get There from Lisbon: About a 2-hour drive (200 km).
- Price: From €25 per night.
- Highlights: Located near the stunning Serra da Lousã mountains, offering access to river beaches, hiking trails, and charming schist villages. Dogs welcome.
- Family Tips: Perfect for nature lovers! Bring swimsuits for the river beaches and hiking boots for exploring the scenic trails.
Bonus Spots:
- Xisto Camping: Tucked into Portugal’s schist villages, with hiking trails.
- Turiscampo (Lagos, Algarve): Luxury camping with top-notch facilities and proximity to Algarve’s famous beaches.
What Food to Bring & Cooking Tips
- Our portable favorites: Sandwiches, wraps, fresh fruits, nuts, and trail mix. We packed two coolers with easy breakfast meals (yogurt, bread with peanut butter, etc), had snacks, and ate dinner either out or in the campsite cafe. We stopped by the local grocery store (you are never too far away in Portugal) for some ice refills.
- Campfire meals: Pre-marinated meats, sausages, veggies for skewers, and foil-wrapped potatoes. Coal fire pits are common in Portugal and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Some friends of ours treated us to a BBQ with entremeadas (pork ribs) and they were delicious.
- Essentials: A cool box, water bottles, and a small coffee press (because parents need their caffeine fix!).
Family Tip: Let the kids help with meal prep. Make it fun by creating “campfire pizza” or s’mores for dessert.
Things to Pack for a Family Camping Trip
- The essentials:
- tent, sleeping bags, mats, flashlights, headlamps, extra batteries.
- For a comfort camping:
- For the Kids:
- Favorite toys, books, coloring kits, binoculars, and a magnifying glass for nature exploration, card games (check our favorites), frisbee, scavenger hunts, and campfire storytelling
- First-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and hats.
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Camping in Portugal isn’t just a weekend getaway; it’s a chance to bond as a family, immerse in nature, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re pitching a tent under Gerês’ starlit skies or glamping in the Algarve, Portugal’s great outdoors is calling.
So pack your gear, grab the kids, and let Portugal’s natural beauty work its magic!
Happy Camping,
Leslie
Additional Reading
Staying Overnight in Berlengas Islands, Portugal
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