Illegal caravan camping persists in Cartagena despite more authorised car parks
From Isla Plana to Cabo de Palos, illegal caravan parking remains a problem for Cartagena’s coastline
The issue of uncontrolled caravan camping in the municipality of Cartagena continues to grow, even as the number of authorised parking areas with camper services has increased significantly over the past six years. Despite efforts to address the problem, many caravan users still choose to park in unauthorised locations across the municipality.Since 2019, at least eight official rest areas have been established, particularly in the western parts of Cartagena. However, motorhomes and campervans are still seen in unauthorised spots, such as the Cartagonova car park, La Rambla shopping centre, Cala Cortina, and the streets and squares of Cabo de Palos.
The problem becomes especially noticeable during the winter months when thousands of foreign tourists from countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium travel to southern Spain with their mobile homes.
Regional regulations state that caravans may park in public spaces provided they act like regular vehicles. However, camping activities such as extending awnings, setting up tables and chairs, or dumping waste are all prohibited.
These violations often go unchecked as sanctioning falls under the jurisdiction of local councils. Despite the rules, many tourists park and camp illegally, often guided by recommendations from social media.
Thankfully, there are plenty of places in Cartagena where campervans and motorhomes can park and set out their tables and chairs outside in a perfectly legitimate way.
At the end of 2024, a plot of land in the Nueva Aljorra Urbanisation was converted into a rest area for campers, complete with essential services like electricity, water and waste disposal. There are also plans to add a swimming pool and beach bar for the summer.
Other authorised sites in the municipality include those in Cuesta Blanca, Los Puertos de Santa Bárbara, El Algar and Molinos Marfagones.
While illegal campers proliferate, it is worth stating that there are also many motorhomes which follow the rules and camp in the officially sanctioned places. The Area Caravana site in Molinos Marfagones is already at 80% occupancy this January, with travellers from Norway, Sweden and Denmark making up a large portion of visitors.
Despite the growth in authorised areas, unauthorised camping persists in places like La Azohía and the Espacio Mediterráneo car park. Local authorities, aware of the problem, monitor these hotspots and intervene when necessary, especially in high-risk zones like flood-prone ramblas. However, enforcement is complicated on private land and in municipal areas where jurisdiction is shared with other entities.
To address the issue, organisations like the Association of Motor Caravanners of the Region of Murcia (AC-Mur) are advocating for more public parking areas in key locations such as La Manga, La Azohía and Cartagena city.
According to AC-Mur’s incoming president José Moreno, expanding infrastructure for caravan tourism could generate significant wealth, as this demographic tends to have medium to high purchasing power.
However, the problem is not really about a lack of legitimate camping spots, but rather a lack of willingness or knowledge on the part of the campers to head to these authorised locations. Perhaps what would work better would be increased public information about available camping spaces and lower rates that invite campers to head there.
Images: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena
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