Campervan Safety in Spain: Tips for a Worry-Free Family Road Trip
Exploring Spain in a campervan or motorhome is one of the most rewarding ways to see the country - especially as a family. From the dramatic northern coastlines of the to the rugged peaks of the Bardenas Reales and the sun-soaked charm of Andalusia, Spain has so much to offer vanlife travellers.
But as with any destination, it is important to be mindful of safety - both for your vehicle and your family. Opportunist theft/break-ins can happen not just in Spain, but anywhere in Europe, especially around busy cities or popular tourist hubs. Taking a few simple precautions can help you travel with confidence and keep your adventures stress-free.
Is Spain Safe for Vanlife?
In general, Spain is a safe and welcoming country for campervanners. There is a huge community of motorhome travellers here, from full-time digital nomads to families enjoying their annual road trip. Spain makes vanlife travel very easy, but before you leave the UK, check out Vanlife in Europe: Your Complete Guide to Driving Your Campervan or Motorhome from the UK to Mainland Europe. That said, Spain - particularly in and around major cities - is known for opportunist theft from motorhomes and campervans. However, the same risks apply whether you are in France, Italy, Poland, or Germany: campervans/motorhomes can attract attention, especially if thieves suspect you are carrying valuables.
Break-ins can (and do) happen everywhere, but with a few smart precautions, you can greatly reduce your chances of being a target.
Smart Campervan Safety Tips for Travelling in Spain (and beyond)
These tips come straight from our own experience travelling around Europe in a campervan as a family of four (plus our dog)! We have visited twenty five different counties in our campervan now! Spain was number twenty-four.
1. Avoid Overnight Parking in Big Cities
Cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia are amazing to visit, but they are not ideal for sleeping in your van. Instead:
Look for secure parking with electronic gates and CCTV on the outskirts of cities, official motorhome areas (aires) with security, or registered campsites.
Instead, use public transport to reach the city centre.
🐶 Travelling with a dog? Most Spanish buses and trains require dogs to be in a carrier or wear a muzzle. Check the rules for your specific region and always carry a soft crate or travel bag. You can find out more details here.
2. Always Lock Your Doors (even at night)
It sounds simple, but in the relaxed rhythm of vanlife, it is easy to forget:
Lock all doors and windows before bed and anytime you step away from the van.
Install an extra deadlock, security bar and/or alarm especially if you are spending time in, or near cities.
Keep your keys in a safe but easy-to-access spot inside the van, just in case.
That said, there are obviously some exceptions to this - we have definitely slept with the door open or ajar during hot summer nights. But we have only done this when staying on trusted campsites, where we felt comfortable and safe. It’s all about trusting your instincts and being aware of your surroundings. If something feels off, always err on the side of caution and lock up tight.
3. Mix Wild Camping with Campsites
Spain offers plenty of free and scenic places to park overnight, but it’s smart to mix those nights with safer, more secure campsite stays. Look for:
Family-friendly campsites with good lighting and other travellers nearby.
Official aires with services for water, waste and security.
ACSI campsites, which are inspected and regulated every year, offering consistent standards and peace of mind at a discounted rate (especially useful if you're travelling out of peak season).
4. Lock Up Bikes & Outdoor Gear
Bikes, paddleboards and surfboards should be locked to a rack at all times.
Use a high-quality D-lock, or chain rather than a flimsy cable.
If you are on a campsite, try reverse-parking up to a wall, or hedge, so bikes are less accessible to potential thieves.
5. Hide Your Valuables
This might sound obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you are in holiday mode:
Always remove valuables from view (phones, laptops, bags, passports) and ensure you take them with you when you leave the campervan/motorhome.
Close curtains or blinds when parked up.
Tidy up the dashboard and front seats to avoid drawing attention.
6. Fit a Safe in Your Campervan
For extra peace of mind, fit a small, lockable safe in your van. Bolt it securely to the floor, or inside a cupboard and make sure it is well hidden. It is perfect for:
Passports
Cash
Cameras and electronics
7. Research Overnight Parking Spots Thoroughly
Using apps like Park4Night, Searchforsites, or CampingCard ACSI? These are brilliant tools, but don’t just skim the 5-star reviews.
Read the 1-star reviews carefully - this is where people often flag break-ins, noise, or feeling unsafe.
If an area has multiple reports of theft or strange activity, it’s best to skip it!
8. Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t feel right – move on. Even if a spot looks ideal on paper, your gut feeling is often the best guide. It is worth taking a moment to scan the area properly before settling in for the night. Look out for tell-tale signs that a place might attract trouble – empty beer bottles, tyre marks suggesting late-night meetups or drifting and general rubbish on the ground. Be especially cautious if you're close to a town or city, where these spots can become unofficial gathering places after dark.
Opt for:
Well-lit, visible areas over hidden laybys or secluded woodland pull-ins.
Spots where other vans are already parked – families, fellow travellers, or solo female vanlifers can be a reassuring sign you’ve found a good place.
Printable Campervan Safety Checklist for Spain
To make things even easier, we’ve created a handy PDF safety checklist for you to print and keep in your van. Tick it off as you go to keep your family and belongings safe on the road.
Click here to download your FREE Spain Campervan Safety Checklist.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Spain, but stay aware
Don’t let safety worries put you off, Spain is an amazing place to travel by campervan or motorhome, especially for families. With a few smart precautions, you can enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer with total peace of mind. Whether you are parking up under the stars in the Sierra Nevada or watching sunset over the Costa de la Luz, just remember: be prepared, stay aware and always travel with confidence.
More helpful posts for planning your Spanish Road Trip
If you are still in the planning stages of your trip, these posts might help you:
