Road Genius compares campervan rental deals from multiple suppliers so you book the van that fits your route, budget and travel dates. Madrid is a major entry point thanks to its international airport and central rail links. From the city you can drive into the plains of Castilla-La Mancha, the mountains of Sierra de Guadarrama or connect to coastal regions on fast motorways. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with lighter traffic.
Season | Avg High °C │ °F | Worth Visiting? |
---|---|---|
Apr – May | 20 │ 68 | Yes. Mild weather, green landscapes, lower campground demand |
Jun – Aug | 32 │ 90 | Only if you like heat. Cities are hot, mountains are pleasant |
Sep – Oct | 24 │ 75 | Yes. Warm days, grape harvest events, fewer crowds |
Nov – Mar | 12 │ 54 | Possible. Good for city culture, mountains may have snow |
Speed limit on autovías is 120 km/h (75 mph) for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes; radar enforcement is common.
Urban single-lane streets are 30 km/h (19 mph) while two-lane streets remain at 50 km/h (31 mph).
Madrid 360 low-emission zone blocks older gasoline (before 2000) and diesel (before 2006) vans; foreign vehicles need an environmental sticker before entering the M-30 ring road.
Radial toll roads R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 use ticket-and-pay booths; cash or card accepted.
Place | Hook-ups | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Camping Osuna (city) | Full | 15 min walk to Metro, shaded, open all year | Tight gate for vehicles over 8 m, aircraft noise |
Area Autocaravanas Aluche (municipal) | Water+Electric | Free 12-hour stop, dump point, close to M-30 | No toilets/showers, must leave after 12 hours |
Camping El Escorial | Full | Pools, supermarket, Apr–Oct, mountain views | 50 km from center, summer weekends fill 3 months ahead |
Camper Park Rivas | Water+Electric | 24 hour security, bus to center, level pitches | Gravel surface, pay for each service |
Embalse de San Juan lakeside car park | None | Quiet nature, legal overnight, free | No services, winding access road, vehicles up to 7 m |
Puerto de Navacerrada ski car park (winter) | None | High-altitude views, trail access | Chains may be required, windy, no services |
Summer afternoons can reach 40 °C (104 °F); drive or sightsee in early morning or late evening.
Snow and ice close mountain passes like Puerto de Navacerrada; check DGT traffic alerts and carry chains from November to March.
Overnight parking without chairs or awnings is usually tolerated; wild camping (setting up outside equipment) is prohibited and fined.
The national emergency number is 112; operators speak English.
Most supermarkets close on Sunday; buy food and water in advance when heading to rural areas.
Exchange or refill gas cylinders at Repsol or Cepsa stations; international visitors usually need to rent a gas bottle with the camper or use LPG.