We had been dreaming of visiting this desert for a while, and during our road trip through Spain, we finally got the perfect chance!

And we absolutely loved it!

Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure exploring the Bardenas Desert in a motorhome?

In this guide, we’ve gathered all the essential information to help you make the most of your visit to this stunning natural park.

Discovering the Bardenas Desert Natural Park

The Bardenas Desert Natural Park is located in Spain, in the southeastern part of the Navarre region, in the north of the country. It is considered one of Spain’s most breathtaking landscapes and is even recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

As the second-largest desert in Europe, it spans approximately 42,000 hectares. Visitors can explore over 100 kilometers of dirt tracks, winding through this rugged and arid terrain.

Unlike a sand desert, the Bardenas Desert features cracked earth, towering cliffs, deep canyons, ravines, and striking table-top hills. You’ll also find patches of farmland and pine forests scattered throughout the landscape.

Shaped over thousands of years by wind, rain, and erosion, this desert is home to many stunning landmarks—El Castildetierra, the park’s most famous rock formation, stands as its iconic symbol.

This unique and otherworldly place will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into Mexico, the Wild West, or even the American Southwest. It’s a vast, untouched natural wonder, offering an unforgettable experience for those traveling in a motorhome or camper van.

Best of all? Access to the desert’s tracks is completely free!

Best Time to Visit the Bardenas Desert in a Motorhome

Park Hours

Yes, the Bardenas Desert Natural Park has specific opening hours! Even though there are no barriers or controlled access points, visiting is only allowed from 8:00 AM until one hour before sunset.

This means that overnight stays inside the desert are not permitted—you’ll need to find a designated parking or camping spot outside the park.

Best Season to Visit

In our opinion, the best time to explore the Bardenas Desert in a motorhome is between February and June.

Why? Because the temperatures are pleasant and not too hot, making the experience much more enjoyable. Visiting outside the peak summer months also helps you avoid large crowds and extreme heat, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the desert.

Practical Tips and Rules to Follow

Here are some essential guidelines to ensure a smooth and responsible visit to the Bardenas Desert in a motorhome:

• Free and unrestricted access – There is no entrance fee to explore the park.
• Stick to designated tracks – Off-road driving is strictly prohibited.
• Use designated parking areas – Each key viewpoint has dedicated parking spots.
• Military zone access is forbidden – A restricted military area is located in the center of the desert.
• Speed limit: 40 km/h (25 mph) – Drive carefully to protect the fragile ecosystem.
• Follow all signs – Some areas (military zones, farmland) are off-limits.
• Drones are not allowed – Flying a drone is strictly prohibited in the park.
• Leave no trace – Take your trash with you and help preserve this protected site.
• Check the weather – Tracks can become impassable after heavy rain.
• Stop by the Visitor Center in Arguedas – Pick up a map for better navigation.
• Bring food and plenty of water – There are no shops or facilities inside the park.

By following these rules, you’ll ensure a safe and eco-friendly journey through this stunning desert landscape.

Must-See Places in the Bardenas Desert in a Motorhome

You can explore the Bardenas Desert in a motorhome, campervan, car, bike, or even on foot. The park is designed for easy access, with designated parking areas at each key viewpoint, allowing you to stop and fully take in the breathtaking scenery.

The Troglodyte Houses of Arguedas

If you’re entering the Bardenas Desert in a motorhome through the town of Arguedas, make sure to stop and explore the fascinating troglodyte houses, also known as Las Cuevas.

These cave dwellings were carved directly into the rock and served as simple, functional homes. Though now abandoned, they were inhabited until the 1960s, and today, visitors can explore the remains for free.

We absolutely loved discovering these unique homes!

During your visit, you can park your motorhome, campervan, or RV in the designated parking area at the base of the troglodyte houses—perfect for a quick and easy stop.

A Desert Divided into Three Distinct Zones

The Bardenas Desert Natural Park is divided into three unique areas, each with its own landscapes and characteristics:

• Bardena Blanca – Located at the heart of the desert, this is the most arid and barren region, featuring dramatic eroded formations and cracked earth.
• Bardena Negra – Situated in the south, this area is dominated by flat-topped hills, dark-colored rock formations, and dense pine forests.
• Bardena del Plano – Found in the northern part of the park, this vast plain is primarily used for agriculture, with cultivated fields stretching across the landscape.

Each zone offers a different perspective on the desert’s diverse and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-explore destination when visiting the Bardenas Desert in a motorhome.

El Castildetierra – The Icon of the Bardenas Desert

You simply can’t visit the Bardenas Desert without stopping to see El Castildetierra, the park’s most famous landmark!

You’ve probably already come across photos of this incredible fairy chimney—a rock formation sculpted over time by wind, rain, and erosion.

At first glance, the boulder sitting at the top looks as if it was placed there by hand, but its unique shape is entirely natural. You might also notice a statue pedestal at the summit, though the statue itself has been missing for several years.

Be sure to stop for an iconic photo and take a short walk around this breathtaking spot. You’ll be amazed at what nature can create!

Cabezo de los Hermanos (Los Tres Hermanos)

This unique mountain was shaped by erosion, eventually splitting into three distinct peaks, giving it the name « Los Tres Hermanos » (The Three Brothers).

As you drive toward it, the straight dirt track and arid landscape create a scene that strongly resembles the North American desert, adding to the Bardenas Desert’s otherworldly charm.

El Cabezo de las Cortinillas

This is the only rock formation in the Bardenas Desert where you can climb to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view. However, it requires a bit of effort—you’ll need to climb 219 steps to reach the summit.

When we visited in April 2023, the upper steps were in poor condition, and a sign warned that climbing to the top is at your own risk. But that didn’t stop Gabriel from overcoming his fear of heights to snap some incredible photos and soak in the stunning desert landscape.

El Cabezo de las Cortinillas is also one of the few rock formations where you can clearly see the distinct layers of sediment, revealing the desert’s geological history.

Las Cabañas

As you explore the park, you’ll come across small stone huts, known as “cabañas”. These were originally used by shepherds and farmers as simple shelters.

While some of these huts are abandoned and open to visitors, others are still inhabited today.

It’s quite surprising to find these quaint little dwellings scattered throughout the vast desert landscape!

Laguna de Pitillas

Located in the northern part of the Bardenas Desert, within the Bardena del Plano area, Laguna de Pitillas is a vast 216-hectare wetland.

This lagoon is a protected bird conservation area, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching. Here, you can observe a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat, adding a unique contrast to the otherwise arid desert landscape.

Exploring the Bardenas Desert on Foot

The Bardenas Desert Natural Park has numerous parking areas, allowing you to park your motorhome, lace up your hiking boots, and set off on foot to explore the area more deeply.

While we don’t have a specific hiking route to recommend, you can find great options on Visorando, like this one.

The best way to experience the desert is to wander freely, but always follow the posted signs—some areas are off-limits for safety reasons, and climbing on fragile formations can be dangerous.

Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during your adventure.

Mountain Biking in the Bardenas Desert

If you’re feeling active or just want to add some excitement to your visit, exploring the Bardenas Desert by mountain bike is a fantastic option!

You can park your motorhome either at the Visitor Center parking lot or at one of the designated parking areas inside the park. Once you’re set, just unload your bike and hit the trails!

🚴‍♂️ Important: You must stay on the marked trails—off-road biking is strictly prohibited. The park offers nine designated routes for cyclists, allowing you to explore the stunning desert landscape while respecting its fragile ecosystem.

And of course, don’t forget to bring plenty of water! The heat and dry conditions can be intense, so staying hydrated is essential.

Driving Inside the Bardenas Desert Natural Park

Inside the Bardenas Desert Natural Park, all traffic follows dusty dirt roads, and you must stick to the designated tracks. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited unless you have special permission.

If you enter through Arguedas and pass by the Visitor Center, it’s worth stopping to pick up a map of the approved routes.

🚐 Can you explore the Bardenas Desert in a motorhome? Absolutely! The dirt roads are well-maintained and suitable for all types of vehicles, including motorhomes, campervans, and RVs.

However, keep these tips in mind:
✔ Stick to the speed limit – The maximum speed inside the park is 40 km/h (25 mph).
✔ Watch out for large rocks – Hitting them at high speeds can cause damage.
✔ Avoid driving too slowly – Excessive vibrations can put strain on your vehicle’s chassis.

Entry Points to the Desert

You can access the park from several locations:

• Arguedas
• El Paso
• El Yugo
• Sancho Abarca

We personally entered through Arguedas, where we spent the night before our visit. This town is conveniently located near the highway and just a few kilometers from the desert entrance. It’s also a great place to explore the troglodyte houses carved into the rock before heading into the park.

Where to Stay Near the Bardenas Desert

If you were planning to spend the night inside the Bardenas Desert Natural Park, be aware that camping is strictly forbidden.

Since it is a protected natural area, park rangers patrol throughout the night to ensure that no one stays past closing time (see the park hours mentioned earlier in this guide).

However, there are several great alternatives for motorhome travelers:

🚐 Arguedas Motorhome Area – This is where we stayed! The large parking area in the town of Arguedas can accommodate many vehicles, making it a convenient and accessible option.

🚐 Tudela Motorhome Area – A great alternative, especially if you’d like to explore Tudela’s beautiful cathedral while you’re there.

🚐 Olite Motorhome Area – Another excellent choice, allowing you to visit the impressive medieval castle of Olite.

If you prefer a more secluded spot in nature, you can also use the Park4Night app to find wild camping spots near the park.

Did You Know?

The Bardenas Desert has been a popular filming location for movies, commercials, and music videos, thanks to its surreal and cinematic landscapes. Some notable productions shot here include:

🎬 Music Video – « Les Espaces et les Sentiments«  by Vanessa Paradis
🎬 Hollywood Film – The Counselor (Cartel) by Ridley Scott, starring Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, and Cameron Diaz
🎬 Car Commercial – The Citroën C4 Picasso advertisement.

Its wild, otherworldly scenery makes it a perfect stand-in for desert landscapes from around the world, adding to its unique charm.

Conclusion

You’re now fully prepared to explore the Bardenas Desert in a motorhome and experience its breathtaking landscapes firsthand.

We hope this guide has inspired you to hit the dusty trails and discover the unique beauty of this one-of-a-kind desert!

If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments—we’d love to help.

🚐 See you on the road!
Johanna & Gabriel