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Hit the road in Morocco : 6 campsites for your summer van adventure

Summer's here, and the Moroccan sun is blazing! For road trip enthusiasts with vans or motorhomes, Morocco offers a stunning tapestry of landscapes – from the sparkling Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts to the majestic Atlas Mountains.

Campsite in Taghazoute. / Ph. Camperguru
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Whether you're a Moroccan resident planning a summer van adventure or crossing the Mediterranean from Europe in your motorhome to soak up the golden beaches and vibrant Moroccan summer, this list of 6 campsites has you covered.

Compiled based on stunning views and recommendations from seasoned vanlifers, this list highlights campsites near popular tourist destinations.

1. First stop : Asilah

Asilah, a charming coastal town just 31 km south of Tangier, welcomes those arriving from the Tangier Med Port. This picturesque town boasts a fortified ancient Medina overlooking a beautiful beach.

Steeped in history, Asilah was once under Portuguese and Spanish rule in the 15th and 17th centuries, respectively. But history isn't all it offers – the town's beach is a major draw.

For vanlifers and motorhome travelers, Camping Echrigui, located right by the beach, offers a convenient overnight (or longer) stay. This basic campsite provides essential amenities like toilets, showers, fresh water, and grey and black water disposal, as noted by Away With The Steiner, a New Zealand family who tested the waters (literally) at Camping Echrigui.

Prices are budget-friendly: 20 dirhams per person, 30 dirhams for the van, and 8 dirhams per child. While some reviews mention the campsite can get muddy during the rainy season, most praise its excellent location near the Medina, beach, and a mini-market.

Beyond the campsite, explore the ancient Medina with its bustling market overflowing with local crafts. History buffs can visit the palace of Ahmed Raissouni, an early 20th-century Moroccan figure known as a brigand or the last of the Barbary pirates. He gained notoriety for kidnapping an American citizen in Tangier, sparking the «Pericaris alive OR Raisuli dead» episode.

Outside the Medina lies another gem – the Church of San Bartolome, a stunning Roman Catholic church built by Spanish Franciscans in 1925, blending Spanish colonial and Moorish architectural styles.

2. Mohammedia : Beachside bliss with city access

Continuing south, we reach another beach haven: Mohammedia. Nestled between the bustling cities of Rabat and Casablanca, Mohammedia offers the perfect blend of beachside relaxation and city excitement.

This port city, formerly known as Fedala until the 1960s, boasts a rich history. Founded in 1773 by Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah, it served as the Tamasna province's grain warehouse and housed a vibrant kasbah for shops and traders.

Mohammedia is a paradise for beach lovers and seafood enthusiasts. Vanlifers can rest easy at Camping Ocean Bleu, a campsite boasting stunning coastal views. Away With The Steiner, a New Zealand family who enjoyed their stay, reports that the campsite offers clean toilets, hot showers, all camper services, fresh bread delivered daily, and even a washing machine (for 50 dirhams) for added convenience.

The price per night is 80 dirhams for the van, with an additional 20 dirhams for electricity and 10 dirhams per child. The campsite also features a swimming pool and a range of beach activities like fishing, windsurfing, water skiing, surfing, and sailing.

Feeling a bit adventurous? Take a day trip to nearby Casablanca or Rabat to marvel at iconic landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque, the Hassan Tower, or the Mausoleum in the capital city.

3. Oualidia : A lagoon paradise for surfers and foodies

Next up, the charming coastal town of Oualidia awaits. Located between El Jadida and Safi along the Atlantic coast, Oualidia boasts a unique treasure – a protected natural lagoon.

Famed for its delicious seafood, especially oysters (earning it the nickname «Morocco's Oyster Capital»), Oualidia offers a refreshing blend of cool breezes, rolling hills, and scenic beauty. Laguna Park, the town's campsite, sits atop a hill overlooking the beach.

While slightly pricier (110 dirhams for the van and two adults, plus 20 dirhams for electricity, and 30 dirhams per child), the breathtaking view is well worth it. Campers also appreciate the convenient washing machine facilities.

Oualidia is a surfer's paradise with its wind-whipped waves. Explore the lagoon by sailing across to the beach before high tide for a unique experience. No visit is complete without a trip to the famous Oualidia Caves, a must-see for most visitors.

If you crave variety, explore nearby beaches like Sidi Bouzid near El Jadida, or Cap Beddouza, a charming spot halfway between Safi and Oualidia, ideal for fishing, hiking, and exploring caves.

For a touch of festivity, head to Moulay Abdellah, another beach destination known for its annual summer festival featuring Tbourida (traditional Moroccan equestrian performances), live music shows, and a vibrant local market.

4. Essaouira : Where history, beaches, and music collide

Essaouira, a captivating city along the Atlantic coast, offers a trifecta of delights: stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant music scene. Steeped in history, the city pulsates with life, boasting beautiful beaches and the annual Gnaoua Festival, a celebration of the city's unique musical genre.

For vanlifers and motorhome travelers, Camping Oliviers in Ounagha provides a comfortable haven, just 15 kilometers from the heart of Essaouira. The campsite offers a peaceful escape with drier weather, reminiscent of Marrakech, perfect for the cooler, windier Essaouira months.

The cost to park your van overnight is 100 dirhams for the vehicle and two adults. Electricity is an additional 20 dirhams, and children are 40 dirhams each.

Beyond the basic amenities like showers and toilets, the campsite features a swimming pool and a playground for children.

Immerse yourself in Moroccan culture at the Had Draa market, a vibrant local gathering only 6 kilometers away.

Craving some adventure? Head to Sidi Kaouki, a haven for surfers and windsurfers, just a short distance from Essaouira. This village caters to all water and wind enthusiasts with a variety of extreme sports options.

5. Taghazout : Berber charm

North of Agadir lies Taghazout, a Berber village that ticks all the boxes for van travelers – breathtaking sea views, majestic mountains, delicious local cuisine, and endless sunshine.

This coastal haven is a must-stop for surfers, both beginners and veterans. The local and international surfing community thrives here. For motorhomes, Camping Terre d'Ocean offers a convenient location. The price per night is 110 dirhams for the motorhome, with an additional 30 dirhams per child and electricity.

The campsite features amenities essential for vanlifers, including showers, toilets, a washing machine, and an on-site restaurant. While the stunning ocean views are a major draw, the campsite can get crowded, as mentioned by Away With The Steiner, a New Zealand family who noted that many motorhomes, particularly those of retirees, tend to stay parked for extended periods.

Surfing isn't the only attraction in Taghazout. Savor fresh seafood while watching the sunset from the charming corniche. Explore the local markets offering argan oil, amlou (a delicious almond and argan oil paste), and handcrafted souvenirs.

Beyond surfing, Taghazout boasts a new skate park and proximity to several secluded beaches. Yoga enthusiasts can also find their zen here. For a refreshing day trip, venture 34 kilometers out to Paradise Valley, where you can swim in the natural pools along the Tamraght river.

6. Boujdour : A tranquil escape with ocean views

Further south, we reach Boujdour, a city steeped in history that began as a humble fishing village nestled around the iconic Cape Boujdour Lighthouse.

Campers in Boujdour can find a peaceful haven at Camping Sahara Line de Boujdour. This budget-friendly campsite offers a night's stay for just 65 dirhams, with the breathtaking ocean view as an added bonus.

The Steiners praised the campsite in their review, highlighting its «safe and sheltered place to park with very clean bathrooms and showers plus great space to wash and hang-dry laundry». Other campers mentioned its convenient location right by the sea with 60 pitches, perfect for pitching a tent, parking a caravan, or setting up your campsite car.

Boujdour's historic landmark, the Cape Boujdour Lighthouse, stands proudly as a testament to the city's past.

On your journey to Boujdour, you might have passed through Tarfaya, home to the fascinating historical monument Casamar. Also known as Port Victoria and Mackenzie's factory, this coastal fort dates back to 1882. Built by Donald McKenzie, founder of the British North West Africa Company, Casamar served as a trading post for commercial caravans traveling between Timbuktu and Oued Noun.

Boujdour's ideal location makes it the perfect halfway point between Laayoune and Dakhla, another captivating beach destination for vanlifers to explore.

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