Want to know the Spanish translation for camping? The most common way to say “camping” in Spanish is “acampar.” This guide provides a complete look at how to use “acampar” and other camping related words in Spanish, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next outdoor adventure in a Spanish-speaking country.

Image Source: i.ytimg.com
Saying “Camping” in Spanish: “Acampar”
The most straightforward Spanish translation for camping is the verb “acampar.” This verb means “to camp” or “to go camping.”
- Acampar: To camp, to go camping
Different Ways to Use “Acampar”
Here are a few examples of how you can use “acampar” in a sentence:
- Voy a acampar este fin de semana. (I am going camping this weekend.)
- ¿Te gusta acampar en las montañas? (Do you like to camp in the mountains?)
- Nosotros acampamos cerca del lago. (We camped near the lake.)
Conjugating “Acampar”
To use “acampar” correctly, you’ll need to know how to conjugate it. Here’s a quick conjugation table in the present tense:
| Pronoun | Conjugation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | acampo | I camp |
| Tú | acampas | You camp |
| Él/Ella/Usted | acampa | He/She/You (formal) camp |
| Nosotros | acampamos | We camp |
| Vosotros | acampáis | You (plural, Spain) camp |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | acampan | They/You (plural) camp |
Expanding Your Camping Vocabulary Spanish
Beyond just saying “acampar,” it’s useful to learn other camping related words in Spanish. Here are some key terms to know, creating a complete camping vocabulary Spanish collection for you:
Essential Camping Gear: What is “Tent” in Spanish?
- Tienda de campaña: Tent. This is the most common Spanish translation for “tent.”
- Example: Montamos la tienda de campaña en el bosque. (We set up the tent in the forest.)
Camping Related Words Spanish: Key Nouns
| Spanish Word | English Translation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Saco de dormir | Sleeping bag | Necesito un saco de dormir nuevo. (I need a new sleeping bag.) |
| Linterna | Flashlight | La linterna es importante para la noche. (The flashlight is important for the night.) |
| Mochila | Backpack | Llevo todo en mi mochila. (I carry everything in my backpack.) |
| Botiquín de primeros auxilios | First aid kit | Siempre llevo un botiquín de primeros auxilios. (I always carry a first aid kit.) |
| Hornillo | Camping stove | Cociné la cena en el hornillo. (I cooked dinner on the camping stove.) |
| Cantimplora | Water bottle | Lleva tu cantimplora llena de agua. (Take your water bottle full of water.) |
| Mapa | Map | El mapa nos ayuda a encontrar el camino. (The map helps us find our way.) |
| Brújula | Compass | Usamos la brújula para orientarnos. (We use the compass to orient ourselves.) |
| Cuerda | Rope | Necesitamos cuerda para amarrar la lona. (We need rope to tie the tarp.) |
| Navaja suiza | Swiss Army knife | La navaja suiza es muy útil. (The Swiss Army knife is very useful.) |
Describing the Camping Site: Spanish word for campsite
- Camping/Campamento: Campsite. Both terms are commonly used to describe the location where you are camping.
- Este camping tiene vistas bonitas. (This campsite has beautiful views.)
- Encontramos un buen campamento cerca del río. (We found a good campsite near the river.)
- Fogata/Hoguera: Campfire
- Hicimos una fogata para calentarnos. (We made a campfire to warm up.)
- Naturaleza: Nature
- Me encanta estar en la naturaleza. (I love being in nature.)
- Bosque: Forest
- Acampamos en el bosque. (We camped in the forest.)
- Montaña: Mountain
- Subimos a la montaña. (We climbed the mountain.)
- Lago: Lake
- Nos bañamos en el lago. (We swam in the lake.)
- Río: River
- Pescamos en el río. (We fished in the river.)
- Sendero: Trail
- Caminamos por el sendero. (We walked along the trail.)
Key Camping Phrases Spanish
Knowing a few useful camping phrases Spanish will greatly enhance your experience. Here are some helpful expressions for your outdoor adventures:
- ¿Dónde podemos acampar? (Where can we camp?)
- ¿Hay un camping cerca? (Is there a campsite nearby?)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta acampar aquí? (How much does it cost to camp here?)
- Necesitamos un sitio para acampar. (We need a place to camp.)
- ¿Se permite hacer fogatas aquí? (Are campfires allowed here?)
- ¡Qué hermoso paisaje! (What a beautiful landscape!)
- ¡Cuidado con los mosquitos! (Watch out for mosquitoes!)
- ¿Hay osos en esta zona? (Are there bears in this area?)
- ¡Disfruta de la naturaleza! (Enjoy nature!)
- ¿Podemos beber el agua del río? (Can we drink the river water?)
- Por favor, no dejes basura. (Please do not litter.)
- Estoy perdido/a. (I am lost.)
- ¿Me puede ayudar, por favor? (Can you help me, please?)
Saying “Go Camping” in Spanish: More Than Just “Acampar”
While “acampar” is the most direct translation, there are other ways to say “go camping” in Spanish, adding nuance to your expression.
- Ir de camping: To go camping. This is a very common way to express going camping, similar to the English phrase.
- Example: Vamos a ir de camping el próximo mes. (We are going camping next month.)
- Ir de acampada: Similar to “ir de camping,” this phrase also means “to go camping.”
- Example: ¿Quieres ir de acampada conmigo? (Do you want to go camping with me?)
- Pasar la noche al aire libre: To spend the night outdoors. While not directly “camping,” it conveys the idea.
- Example: Vamos a pasar la noche al aire libre. (We are going to spend the night outdoors.)
How to Pronounce Camping in Spanish
The pronunciation of Spanish words can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the language. Here’s a breakdown of how to pronounce key camping terms:
- Acampar: ah-kahm-PAHR (stress on the last syllable)
- Tienda de campaña: tee-EN-dah deh kahm-PAH-nyah (stress on the first syllable of “tienda” and the second syllable of “campaña”)
- Camping/Campamento: kahm-PEENG / kahm-pah-MEN-toh (stress on the third syllable of “campamento”)
- Saco de dormir: SAH-koh deh dor-MEER (stress on the second syllable of “saco” and the last syllable of “dormir”)
- Linterna: leen-TER-nah (stress on the second syllable)
Tips for Pronunciation:
- “R” is often rolled in Spanish. Practice rolling your “r” for a more authentic sound.
- Vowels have consistent sounds: A (ah), E (eh), I (ee), O (oh), U (oo).
- Stress is important. Pay attention to which syllable is emphasized in each word.
Spanish for Outdoor Recreation: Beyond Camping
Camping is just one form of outdoor recreation. Here are some other related activities and their Spanish translations:
| Activity | Spanish Translation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking | Senderismo | Me gusta hacer senderismo en las montañas. (I like to hike in the mountains.) |
| Fishing | Pesca | La pesca es muy popular aquí. (Fishing is very popular here.) |
| Boating | Navegación | Disfrutamos de la navegación en el lago. (We enjoy boating on the lake.) |
| Rock Climbing | Escalada en roca | La escalada en roca es un deporte extremo. (Rock climbing is an extreme sport.) |
| Birdwatching | Observación de aves | La observación de aves es relajante. (Birdwatching is relaxing.) |
| Kayaking | Piragüismo/Kayak | Hicimos piragüismo en el río. (We went kayaking on the river.) |
| Canoeing | Piragüismo/Canotaje | El canotaje es un buen ejercicio. (Canoeing is good exercise.) |
| Mountain Biking | Ciclismo de montaña | El ciclismo de montaña es emocionante. (Mountain biking is exciting.) |
Camping Terminology Spanish: Technical Terms
For the serious camper, here are some more technical camping terminology Spanish terms:
| Term | Spanish Translation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Impermeable | Resistant to water penetration. |
| Breathable | Transpirable | Allows moisture to escape, preventing sweat buildup. |
| Insulated | Aislante | Provides thermal protection. |
| Tent footprint | Lona para tienda | A protective layer placed under the tent to prevent damage. |
| Guy lines | Cuerdas tensoras | Ropes used to secure the tent. |
| Stakes | Estacas | Used to secure the tent to the ground. |
| Carabiner | Mosquetón | A metal loop with a spring-loaded gate, used for clipping gear. |
| Headlamp | Frontal | A light source worn on the head. |
| Hydration pack | Mochila de hidratación | A backpack with a water reservoir. |
| Fire starter | Encendedor de fuego | Used to start a campfire. |
| Biodegradable soap | Jabón biodegradable | Environmentally friendly soap. |
| Leave No Trace | No Dejar Rastro | A set of ethical principles for outdoor recreation minimizing environmental impact. |
| Altitude Sickness | Mal de altura | A physiological condition caused by high altitude. |
| Bear canister | Contenedor para osos | A hard-sided container used to store food in bear country. |
Fathoming Cultural Nuances
When camping in a Spanish-speaking country, be aware of local customs and regulations.
- Permits: Some areas require permits for camping, especially in national parks or protected areas. Research in advance and obtain the necessary permits.
- Campfire Regulations: Be aware of local campfire restrictions. Wildfires are a serious concern, so always follow guidelines regarding campfires.
- Respect for Nature: Practice “No Dejar Rastro” (Leave No Trace) principles. Pack out everything you pack in, and minimize your impact on the environment.
- Interacting with Locals: Be respectful and courteous to local residents. Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to communicate with them.
- Safety: Be aware of potential hazards, such as wildlife, weather conditions, and terrain. Take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
FAQ: Your Camping Questions Answered
-
What is the Spanish word for campsite?
The Spanish word for campsite is either “camping” or “campamento.” Both terms are widely used. -
Can I just camp anywhere in Spanish-speaking countries?
No, you cannot usually camp anywhere. Many areas require permits, and camping may be restricted in certain zones. Always check local regulations before setting up camp. -
Who do I ask about camping permits?
You can ask park rangers (guardaparques), tourism offices (oficinas de turismo), or local authorities (autoridades locales) about camping permits. -
What if I don’t speak much Spanish?
Learning a few basic phrases will be helpful. You can also use translation apps or cards to communicate. Be patient and respectful, and most people will be happy to assist you. -
How do I say “I need help” in Spanish while camping?
You can say “Necesito ayuda, por favor” (I need help, please).
This comprehensive guide should give you a solid foundation for talking about camping in Spanish. ¡Buen viaje y feliz acampada! (Have a good trip and happy camping!)

Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.
