Wild Camping in Morocco: Campervan Guide

Morocco is one of those places that grabs hold of your adventurous spirit and doesn’t let go. Endless desert dunes, rugged mountain passes, wild Atlantic beaches… It’s pretty much a vanlifer’s dream. 

But what about wild camping in Morocco? Is it allowed? Is it safe? And how do you do it responsibly in a place with such a different culture?

These were all questions that we had before our first trip here in our campervan. So we’re sharing everything we’ve learned about wild camping in Morocco - from the legality of it, to top tips - in a bid to put your mind at ease and make planning your trip a little bit simpler.

Is Wild Camping in Morocco Legal?

Let’s get straight to it - wild camping in Morocco sits in a bit of a legal grey zone. It’s not officially allowed, but even in many places where it’s explicitly banned, it’s not strictly enforced. There are even places where the police will give you their blessing to stay overnight. Overall, it’s pretty widely tolerated and is frequently possible if you’re respectful and use some common sense.

On our first visit to Morocco we were hesitant to try it as we were under the impression it was dangerous and that the authorities routinely cracked down hard on it. This is certainly what a lot of the stuff we read about wild camping here said. 

However, the reality is a bit more nuanced than this, and if wild camping is something you enjoy doing and want to try then it’s definitely doable across much of the country. 

Read Next: Vanlife Morocco Essential Tips

So What’s The Real Story?

We know exactly where the idea that wild camping in Morocco is dangerous and not manageable arises from, and why it’s so pervasive - it comes from the police themselves. If and when they do ask campers to move on, invariably the reason they give is that the area is unsafe. On top of this, more often than not the solution they provide is to escort you to a local campsite. 

However, we’ve wild camped many times all over the country and have never once been asked to move on or encountered any trouble. In fact wild camping in Morocco is now our go-to and it’s pretty rare that we stay on campsites when we visit these days. 

All of that said, some beach towns like Imsouane and Essaouira have cracked down recently due to the sheer number of vans. In those places, signs will often say “no overnight parking” and they mean it. So yeah, it’s legal-ish, but you’ve got to be smart about it.

So what’s the secret? A combination of research and luck. We stay away from wild camping spots with any mention of people being moved on by the police, and in these areas will opt for a campsite or paid parking instead. 

For us, especially with a little one, it’s just not worth risking getting the knock after we’ve gone to bed and having to move on. 

We’d definitely urge you to give it a go if it’s something you’re interested in, but equally you have other options at your disposal which don’t carry this possibility so it’s for you to weigh up.

Is Wild Camping in Morocco Safe?

We get this question a lot. And honestly? Yes, wild camping in Morocco is pretty safe. We’ve felt far more at ease here than in plenty of other countries.

However, just like anywhere, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Lock your doors, especially at night and if you leave the van. 
• Avoid super remote spots if you’re travelling solo.
• Be cautious with valuables - we have a safe we leave them in when we’re not using them.
• Police may check in on you but it’s usually just to make sure you’re okay.

In fact, the police are often quite helpful and might even suggest a safer place to park if they’re concerned. 

Locals, too, are often curious and friendly - don’t be surprised if someone stops by with fresh bread or an invitation for mint tea or just to ask if there’s anything that you need.

It’s impossible for us to say that wild camping anywhere is 100% safe and Morocco is no different. But as mentioned already, we’ve never had any issues here at all and have never at any stage felt unsafe while wild camping.

How Well Is Wild Camping in Morocco Tolerated?

Overall, pretty well. Especially if you stay off the beaten path and camp respectfully.

In rural areas, small towns, and the desert, you can find park ups where you’ll have the place to yourself. And if there are locals nearby, you can always just ask whether it’s cool to park there and how safe it is. People are proud of their land, but also incredibly generous and welcoming.

Things get a bit trickier along parts of the coast and in touristy zones as already mentioned. There’s been a noticeable clampdown in some places, and overnight parking bans are enforced more strictly. If you’re unsure, check Park4Night or ask a local - it’s not worth a knock on the window at 3am.

Best Places to Wild Camp in Morocco

Here are a few of our favourite regions for wild camping with a campervan or motorhome:

Sahara Desert – Wild camping near Merzouga or M’Hamid is next level. Think golden dunes, starry skies, and total silence.

Anti-Atlas Mountains – Quiet roads, rugged views, and peaceful spots to bed down for the night.

Atlantic Coast (South) – We’ve spent months on the Atlantic Coast and though some places are definite no-no’s, wild camping is still very doable on the whole. Our favourite spots are around Tagazout and Tamarght.

Draa Valley – Palm trees, kasbahs, and oases. What more could you want?

Essential Vanlife Tips for Morocco

If you’re going to wild camp in Morocco, a bit of prep goes a long way:

• Stock up - Make sure you’re stocked up on food and water as the more remote you get, the less likely there are to be shops.
• Filling and emptying – Your grey and black water, and supply of water in your tanks is the most limiting thing when wild camping, plan to use campsites every so often if you need to or search out places you can fill up and empty out before and after wild camping stops.
• Stay low-key – Get stealthy, enjoy quiet nights, and most of all leave no trace.
• Internet – Get a local SIM card or eSIM to stay connected and check maps/apps. If you want to make sure you have internet access before entering Morocco, setting up an eSIM in advance is a convenient option.
• Cash - Always carry enough cash, cards are accepted in some supermarkets and fuel stations, but most places are cash only.
• Weather - Don't underestimate the climate. It can be scoring during the day and surprisingly cold at night so pack for both.
• Driving Time - These often much longer than Google Maps suggests. Mountain roads, uneven surfaces and livestock on the roads all mean average speed tend to be much lower.
• Navigation - Download offline maps before you set off. Mobile signal is good in most places, but not everywhere, especially in the mountains and desert.

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