crowded camino--> bringing tent?

[Isabellajov]

I'm planning to do el camino frances this summer, June and July, and I'm wondering (like a lot of other people I guess) if it will be possible to be "guarnateed" a bed in an albergue during these months. How hard will it be?
I'm considering bringing a tent just to be on the safe side, is that necessary?

Thank you!

Isabella

 

[David]

no guarantees, but does that matter? You will be on Camino so take it all as it comes - all will be well.

What you could do, if concerned about a bed, is to take a good self inflating sleeping mat with you then if a refugio is full you might get permission to sleep in the garden or on the veranda or porch, or could sleep in the church porch - just a thought .. a lot lighter than a tent.

 

[peregrino_tom]

Hi Isabella
this is a question that comes up a lot now. If you use the forum search function for words/phrases like 'wild camping' and 'tent' you'll see what I mean.
A recent thread summed up the pros and cons really well IMO https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/wild-camping-ups-and-downs.6899/
cheers, tom

 

[Ferdinand the Bull]

I begin to think that this year even the hedges, thickets and forrests will be crowded with pilgrims resting after the rigors of the day . I'm beginning to look forward to that too. I didn't see that coming.

 

[Isabellajov]

I begin to think that this year even the hedges, thickets and forrests will be crowded with pilgrims resting after the rigors of the day . I'm beginning to look forward to that too. I didn't see that coming.

uff..
you think so ? and especially this year?
Well this will be interesting

 

[Isabellajov]

Hi Isabella
this is a question that comes up a lot now. If you use the forum search function for words/phrases like 'wild camping' and 'tent' you'll see what I mean.
A recent thread summed up the pros and cons really well IMO

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/wild-camping-ups-and-downs.6899/
cheers, tom

Thank you!

 

[Isabellajov]

no guarantees, but does that matter? You will be on Camino so take it all as it comes - all will be well.

What you could do, if concerned about a bed, is to take a good self inflating sleeping mat with you then if a refugio is full you might get permission to sleep in the garden or on the veranda or porch, or could sleep in the church porch - just a thought .. a lot lighter than a tent.

hmm.. that is a solution yes Thank you!
But do you Think that the hotels will be crowded as well? If this is the case, one really must sleep outside, fun in a way but... I dont know during a rainy night..

 

[Deleted member 36903]

I'm with @David on this. Just turn up and see what happens, you will be okay, new albergues open every year and there is private accommodation that can be reserved on booking.com, plus when you are walking you will meet other people who you might be happy to share a room with in order to halve the cost of a pensione or hotel just for a night. Also try to avoid the usual Brierley guide stages so you are outside the wave of pilgrims. Buen Camino!

 

[long trails]

I took a tent last May, June and on balance thought it was worth it. Just knowing that you have a last resort before having to walk on another x number of kms takes away a lot of the stress and need to rush.

I met a few pilgrims who camped all the way, so whatever anyone tells you, it is possible. Just be respectful to the land and its owner and leave no trace.

 

[JohanNilsenNagel]

I'm planning to do el camino frances this summer, June and July, and I'm wondering (like a lot of other people I guess) if it will be possible to be "guarnateed" a bed in an albergue during these months. How hard will it be?
I'm considering bringing a tent just to be on the safe side, is that necessary?

Thank you!

Isabella

As long as you have credit cards, hotels are always a good option.

 

[shawn corrigan]

I'm planning to do el camino frances this summer, June and July, and I'm wondering (like a lot of other people I guess) if it will be possible to be "guarnateed" a bed in an albergue during these months. How hard will it be?
I'm considering bringing a tent just to be on the safe side, is that necessary?

Thank you!

Isabella

hi Isabella ,very smart to have, i have used mine 3 times. the crowding got so bad i changed to norte' so far its great(bilbao) ,very few pilgrims. good luck !! shawn

 

[stenspanar]

Hi! I walked to santiago from st jean pied de port june/july arriving just a few days before the 25/7. It sure was more crowded the last week. But still, it was only once an albergue was full. That time the hospitalera helped us by calling other albergues in the town and gave us a ride to the other place, refusing to take any money. My experience was even though there were chaotic times, the camino provides and it was an experience to go without a solution. Really, don't worry.

 

[JillGat]

I wouldn't bother taking a tent. Are you walking alone? Especially if you just need one bed, you'll find places to stay.

 

[Isabellajov]

I'm with @David on this. Just turn up and see what happens, you will be okay, new albergues open every year and there is private accommodation that can be reserved on booking.com, plus when you are walking you will meet other people who you might be happy to share a room with in order to halve the cost of a pensione or hotel just for a night. Also try to avoid the usual Brierley guide stages so you are outside the wave of pilgrims. Buen Camino!

Great!! Thank you!

 

[Isabellajov]

I took a tent last May, June and on balance thought it was worth it. Just knowing that you have a last resort before having to walk on another x number of kms takes away a lot of the stress and need to rush.

I met a few pilgrims who camped all the way, so whatever anyone tells you, it is possible. Just be respectful to the land and its owner and leave no trace.

Okey, that is wonderful to hear. Thought there were very strict camping rules. So If it's OK to camp almost anywhere than I understand that it takes away a lot of stress!

Thank you!

 

[JMac TO]

I'm planning to do el camino frances this summer, June and July, and I'm wondering (like a lot of other people I guess) if it will be possible to be "guarnateed" a bed in an albergue during these months. How hard will it be?
I'm considering bringing a tent just to be on the safe side, is that necessary?

Thank you!

Isabella

I am on the Camino now. A lot of communities do not allow camping and it certainly wouldn't be worth the extra weight.

Albergues are plentiful in most places and you can also call ahead 1 day to reserve. Keep calling until you find oue with a bed.

I have used booking.com tonight because Logrono is full with weekend activities, but I could have easily stayed in a town before or after if I was willing to pay more. The weekend will provide the most challenge in big cities.

 

[SusanPaulus]

I'm on Camino now and it's been 6 days. I'd hardly call this a crowd. The weather was perfect today and I saw maybe 25 pilgrims.

 

[cbacino]

I'm planning to do el camino frances this summer, June and July, and I'm wondering (like a lot of other people I guess) if it will be possible to be "guarnateed" a bed in an albergue during these months. How hard will it be?
I'm considering bringing a tent just to be on the safe side, is that necessary?

Thank you!

Isabella

Leave the tent home, especially on a crowded route like the Frances. Free-form tenting is not a good idea in Spain or much of Europe. Buy a SIM card and call ahead (6-24 hours) to reserve if: the hostel takes reservations; you think it could be crowded. Alternatively, hike early and stop early in the day.

 

[Dorpie]

@cbacino Oopsie, 2 years too late.

I've learnt through having done similar to always check dates before replying .