Camp or Albergues

Hi @Benmooyman - we've been hauling a tent along the El Norte route for the last few weeks. I love the privacy and cleanliness of our tent but I doubt we would do it again. There are strict laws preventing free camping in most of Spain and it is not so easy to set up a tent in the grounds of the albergues (as we had planned). The ones in town usually only have a tiny garden or courtyard. In three weeks of walking so far we've only used the tent five times. Instead we have found very reasonable private rooms - being a couple makes it cheaper. For us the extra weight (tent, sleeping mat) is really not worth it.

Not being a camper, I hope that you will get responses from more knowledgeable peregrinos here.
These and some search on the internet will reveal that there are very few camping sites located along the camino; wild camping is not allowed by many juntas (communes) and you will sorely require a good shower after your 25 to 30km every day. Another internet search will show you that the camino leads (mostly) through well populated areas in a country that is part of the first world (with nature parks where indeed you might spot "wolves, bears or wild dogs", if you are very lucky, but not on the camino!)
The pilgrimage exists since a thousand years or more and has created a wonderful infrastructure with ample accommodation in albergues, refugios, hostals, mesons and hotels and you'll get a bed even in August! Inform yourself on this forum, you'll find that your best way to walk to Santiago is to join the flow and enjoy the company of other peregrinos from all over the world.
Buen Camino.

I think sleeping out 1 or 2 nights in the very rural areas would be fun, but I didn't bring a lightweight mat. The wild animals are long gone unless you run into one of those wild Canadians..

In all likelihood you will have an albergue bed to sleep in every night, but if the prospect of sacking out on the ground is on your mind, bring one of those lightweight sleep pads. Roll it up tight and cinch to the bottom of your pack.
And Spain does have wild boars, bears, wolves and a couple of species of poisonous vipers.
cheers

I'm going to try camp as much as possible as on a budget

I suspect the first thing you'll ship home is your tent.
I predict the first thing you'll dump in a free box along the way (with the other hundreds of them) is your mat.

Just go.
You'll find a place to sleep.