If you are a lover of adventure and nature, and enjoy sleeping outdoors, you have surely wondered what the Difference between Vivac, Free camping and spending in a vehicle. Although the terms are related to spending the night in nature, there are important differences between them.
Before planning your next outdoor adventure, it is important that you know the differences. Each has different regulations, especially with regard to the legislation and the necessary permits in Spain. In this article we explain everything you need to know.
Permits and legislation
In Spain, the Free camping and the bivouac They are subject to regulations that vary according to the autonomous community and local regulations.
- Free camping: It refers to the installation of a tent or any other fixed structure in nature.
- Bivouac: It is a way of spending outdoors without a tent, using only one sleeping sack, mat or Vivac cover.
- Spend the night in a vehicle: It implies sleeping or spending the night in a van, caravan or Rooftop Tent. It is more comfortable and protected than the Vivac, but similar in the sense of being outdoors, although within a comfort.
Next, the necessary laws and permits are detailed for each activity:
Free camping
It refers to the installation of tents or any other type of fixed structures in natural environments outside authorized camps.
- General legislation: The free camping is prohibited In most of the Spanish territory. For example, in Andalusia, Decree 26/2018, article 1 apart 5, establishes: "The camping and spell for vacation or leisure purposes outside the tourism camps are prohibited."
- Permits: In certain communities, it is possible to obtain special permits to camp in specific areas. These permits are usually granted by local authorities or natural parks managers and need to meet particular conditions.
Vivac legislation. OR CCAA PLACES?
Although it is defined as a way to spend the night out of the outdoors without a tent, using only one sleeping sack, mat or case of Vivac, it has a more flexible regulation compared to the free camping. In many regions, it is allowed in high mountain areas or areas far from urban nuclei, provided that the natural environment does not alter.
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General legislation: The Legislation on Vivac In Spain it varies according to the autonomous community and local regulations. In general:
- In many mountain areas and natural parks, the Vivac is allowed provided that a tent is not used or the environment is altered.
- In protected spaces, such as natural reserves and national parks, a Special permit To perform Vivac.
- Some autonomous communities allow the vivac whenever it is Only for one night and in remote places of urban nuclei.
- Permits: Although the vivac is usually allowed, it is essential to consult local regulations before doing it. In some national parks, such as Ordesa and Monte Lost, Vivac is allowed only above certain altitudes and with specific restrictions.
It is essential to consult the regulations of each region before performing Vivac to avoid fines or sanctions. In many mountain areas and natural parks, the Vivac is always allowed.
Legislation on spending in a vehicle
It can be regulated depending on the place since not in all areas allow the night in vehicles.
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Legislation. Filling legislation in a vehicle varies depending on the country, the region and even local regulations. However, there are some common aspects that must be taken into account:
- Authorized areas: In many areas overnight is allowed. These areas usually have clear services and regulations on where you can sleep.
- PARTY PARKING: In many cities and urban areas, spending in the vehicle is not allowed in public streets, squares or parking without the corresponding authorization.
- Rest areas on highways or roads: Some highways and roads allow to spend the night in rest areas intended for this purpose, where drivers can stop to rest without camping. We advise to check well if they allow short breaks or you can spend the night.
- Waste: There are rest areas where the authorities can demand to wear a portable toilet. This is done to make sure the waste efficiently.
Cocking, Vivac or speaking by vehicle? What is the difference?
Although both options allow to enjoy nature, the difference between Vivac and campada lies in regulations and environmental impact:
| Feature | Camping | Bivouac | Spend in vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use of store Campaign |
Yeah | No | Yes, one Rooftop Tent For cars. |
| Need for Permits |
Yes, in most cases | Generally not, except in protected parks | Generally not, except in protected parks |
| Impact on him around |
Greater, due to the installation of structures | Minimum, since it does not leave a mark | Minimum, since it leaves no mark. Only vehicle parking |
| Regulations | More strict and vary according to the Autonomous Community | More flexible in many areas |
More flexible in many areas |
If you are looking for a freer experience and in direct contact with nature, vivac or spend in the vehicle It can be an excellent option. For this reason a Rooftop Tent that does not stand out from the perimeter of the vehicle can be an excellent option to have all the comforts they offer.
Before planning your getaway, be sure to consult the specific regulations of the Autonomous Community in which you want to camp, spend or do vivac.
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