Wondering about campsites and camping in Essaouira with your motorhome? Whether you are a seasoned van-lifer or a first-time motorhome adventurer heading south from Europe, the coastline of Morocco has an allure that is hard to match.
Then as you head further south, with its sweeping Atlantic views, and the historic Medina, Essaouira is one of the best parts of the Moroccan coast. But for those of us traveling with our homes on wheels, finding the right spot to park up can make or break the experience.
After spending months navigating the diverse landscapes of this country—from the Rif Mountains to the edges of the Sahara—we’ve found that the Essaouira region is one of the most welcoming for motorhomes. But ‘camping’ in Essaouira (and in Morocco) isn’t always a one-size-fits-all experience.
Here is everything you need to know about camping in Essaouira, campsites in the region, and featuring some of our favourite tried-and-tested spots.
Understanding Campsites in Morocco
Before we dive into the specifics of camping in Essaouira, let’s talk about the Moroccan camping landscape.
If you’ve spent time driving around Europe, you might be used to a certain standard.
In Morocco, campsites are generally split into two categories:
- Official Campsites (Camping): These are paid areas specifically for motorhomes and tents. You can expect basic services like fresh water, grey and black waste disposal, and often electricity (though you’ll need a standard European two-pin adapter).
- Guarded Parking (Parking Gardienné): This is a unique Moroccan concept. These are essentially parking lots in cities or near beaches where a Guardian (look for the yellow or orange vest) watches over the vehicles. While they often lack full services, they are safe, affordable, and often located in the heart of the action.
To find these spots, we highly recommend downloading Park4Night and iOverlander.
These will help a lot with destination choices and answer any other questions you have about finding camping in Essaouira:
For real-time updates from the community, the Facebook group Vanlife Marokko Morocco Maroc Marruecos is an absolute goldmine.
Motorhome Parking and Camping in Essaouira
In the Essaouira Region there are:
- Campsites
- Guarded Parking (Daytime)
- Freedom Camping
These all have their pros and cons.
Official Campsites Near Essaouira
While there isn’t a large campsite close to the Essaouira Medina (parking is limited there), several fantastic options exist within a short drive.
1. Camping Oliviers in Ounagha
Located about 15km inland from Essaouira in the village of Ounagha, Camping Oliviers is a breath of fresh air. This is a family-run site that feels incredibly local and welcoming.
It is tidy, quiet, and surrounded by olive trees. It is one of the cleaner sites we’ve encountered in Morocco.
- Location: Centre Ounagha (Ounara), Province d’Essaouira
- Type: Campsite
- Park4Night: #46342
- Cost: 100 Dh (Motorhome + 2 Adults) + 20 Dh (Electricity) + 40 Dh (Child)
- Facilities: Very clean toilets and hot showers, plus all standard motorhome services (fresh water, grey/black waste). They also offer a washing machine service for 50 Dh.
This was our favourite official spot for camping in Essaouira. It was simple, clean and the owners and family were extremely friendly.
- Tip: Don’t worry about driving your big rig into the city. You can leave the motorhome here and catch a local bus or a shared Grand Taxi from Ounagha to Essaouira for just 10 Dh per person.
2. Camping & Hôtel Le Calme
Living up to its name, Le Calme offers a serene environment. It’s a bit more established, often catering to those who want the security of a walled site with the added benefit of hotel-style amenities.
We’d rate it as a solid choice for those who need reliable electricity and a bit more space to spread out.
- Location: Village Idaougourd Bouzama (approx. 13km from Essaouira centre)
- Type: Campsite & Guest House
- Park4Night: #15195
- Cost: Prices vary by season, but expect to pay around 80–110 Dh for a motorhome pitch.
- Facilities: Beautiful swimming pool with a 360° forest view, on-site restaurant specializing in Moroccan cuisine, free WiFi, and a quiet, secure environment.
It truly lives up to its name. The pool area is a massive bonus for families or anyone looking to cool off after a day of exploring the windy coast. It feels like an oasis in the middle of the Argan trees.
3. Sidi Kaouki Beach Camping (Paradis Aicha)
Sidi Kaouki is like the bohemian little brother of Essaouira, located about 25km south. If you are a surfer or just love a rugged beach vibe, this is your spot. Paradis Aicha, Camping Soleil and Sidi Kaouki Beach Camping are right across the road from the beach.
Paradis Aicha is very basic, very Moroccan. Don’t expect luxury, but at around 30 Dh a night, you can’t complain about the price or the location.
Sidi Kaouki Beach Camping is a great option.
- Location: Sidi Kaouki 44000 (directly across from the beach)
- Park4Night: #30516
- Cost: 100 Dh per night
- Facilities: Basic toilets and showers, fresh water refill, and black waste disposal.
Check Park4Night for the updated details of Paradis Aicha which may not be open this season. But if not, try Camping Soleil and Sidi Kaouki Beach Camping in Essaouira.
4. Camping Esprit Nature
If you prefer a more ‘eco-friendly’ and rustic feel, Camping Esprit Nature is located in the hills between Ounagha and Essaouira. It’s tucked away from the main road, offering a peaceful retreat from the coastal winds.
It’s a great spot if you want to experience the Argan-filled countryside that makes this region famous.
- Location: BP 522, Commune Rurale de Ounagha
- Park4Night: #47725
- Facilities: Shaded pitches, swimming pool, playground for kids, and even a mini-golf course.
However, I have to be honest that while this spot is one of the well-rated official sites for camping in Essaouira, we didn’t have a great experience. I know everyone has different points of view, but we didn’t end up staying here. Enough said.
Wild Camping in Essaouira
Morocco is generally tolerant of wild camping, provided you are respectful and stay away from major town centres. South of Sidi Kaouki, not far from Essaouira, the coastline opens up into dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches.
As you head further south along the coast road, you’ll find several tracks leading toward the ocean. Many van-lifers find spots overlooking the Atlantic here. However, remember the golden rules of wild camping in Morocco:
- Be Discreet: Don’t set up a full camp with awnings and chairs if you are in a visible area.
- Ask if Possible: If there is a local house nearby, a quick “Salam” goes a long way.
- Move if Asked: Occasionally, the Gendarmerie (police) may ask you to move to an official campsite at night for your own safety. If they do, be polite and comply; they are usually just looking out for travellers.
Daytime Motorhome Parking: Essaouira Medina
If you aren’t staying overnight in the city but want to explore the souks and the famous blue-and-white harbour, you need a safe place to leave the van.
Parking Bab Marrakech is the primary spot for daytime parking.
- Location: Avenue Lalla Aicha, right outside the main gate (Bab) to the Medina.
- Cost: Usually 20 Dh for daytime parking.
- Note: While this used to be an overnight spot, regulations change frequently. Currently, it is best used as a guarded daytime lot. It is incredibly convenient—you step out of your motorhome and right into the bustling heart of the city.
Tips for Motorhoming and Camping in Essaouira
Many of the sites for motorhome camping in Essaouira are basic. (Very basic). But this is a beautiful region to relax and recharge all round.
We really enjoyed Sidi Kaouki out of town and spent time there on each visit to Essaouira.
A few tips for motorhome camping in Essaouira:
1. Water and Services: Water in Morocco varies in quality. While campsites provide ‘fresh water’, we always recommend using a high-quality filter or using bottled water for drinking. For waste, please only use designated black water (cassette) points at campsites.
2. The Wind: Essaouira is known as the ‘Windy City of Africa’. If you are wild camping or staying at the beach in Sidi Kaouki, be prepared for high winds. Always check your awning and secure any loose items before heading out for the day.
3. Provisions: Before heading to the campsites in Ounagha or Sidi Kaouki, stock up at the Carrefour in Essaouira (located in the newer part of town). It’s one of the few places you can find a wide range of international goods and, importantly, a dedicated section for alcohol if you’re looking for a bottle of wine to enjoy at sunset.
4. Finding Your Way: Google Maps is generally reliable, but sometimes it will try to take a 7-meter motorhome down a donkey track. Always cross-reference with Park4Night reviews to see if other large vehicles have successfully navigated the route.
Read more about Campsites In Morocco That We Recommend.
Why We Love This Region
Camping in Essaouira offers a perfect blend of culture and nature. One day you are haggling for spices and eating fresh sardines at the port, and the next you are parked under an olive tree just taking in exactly what motorhome life in North Africa should feel like!
Morocco is a haven for van life, and the Essaouira coast represents the very best of it.
Pack your sense of adventure, keep some small change ready for the parking guardians, and get ready to fall in love with the Moroccan road.
Bon voyages en Maroc!
Travel Planning for Morocco & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before planning camping in Essaouira and Morocco!
Gavin is our people-meeter wherever we go. For all the stories we share about the kindness of strangers in Uzbekistan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and more, it is Gavin that extends a handshake and meets a new friend without even sharing the same language.
