Samay Camping Aranjuez

A big campsite on the riverbank

Samay Aranjuez is on the old N-IV, at the entrance to Aranjuez, on the bank of the Tagus. It covers 30,000 m² with 133 pitches of 70 to 130 m², 42 bungalows, five apartments and ten rooms. It is a good base for those who come by car or caravan and want to see the Royal Site without sleeping in the centre.

Where to sleep inside

Pitches. There are three types: the blue, of more than 90 m², for caravans and large motorhomes; the red, of 70 to 90 m², for medium-sized ones; and the yellow, for tents or camper vans. The campsite accepts CampingKey, ACSI and ADAC cards; check validity periods at reception. It has a motorhome service station and a car wash.

Bungalows and apartments. They are wooden, in several models: the Village, high-end, with 42 m², two bedrooms and a bathroom for five people; the Jarama, of 32 m²; the Tajo and the Levante, more rustic; and apartments 21, 22 and Riviera, built of brick. They come equipped, with sheets and towels included, and from seven nights they include a weekly clean with linen change. Each bungalow has one parking space; extra cars stay outside the site. No smoking inside.

Pools and activities

There is an adult pool and a shallower children's one, with a small water park: open and tube slides, lower ones for little ones, a bucket and a palm tree that spray water. Around them are free sun loungers and parasols, and lifeguards who adjust supervision to occupancy. The pool is not heated.

For children there is a mini club with craft workshops and an outdoor playground with rubber flooring, recommended for ages 5 to 11. There is also a multi-sport court, five-a-side football, volleyball, badminton and basketball hoops, and canoes. Entertainment runs in high season, Holy Week and long weekends.

Eating and shopping

The renovated El Juncal restaurant is on the Tagus bank with views of the Prince's Garden; it serves paellas, homemade pizzas, combination plates and cakes. The bar-café has tapas, sandwiches, burgers and pizzas, and in summer it is where the shows and live music take place. There is a supermarket with food, a drugstore, gas and camping supplies; check the hours at reception.

With a dog and other rules

Dogs are admitted on the great majority of pitches, except one zone, and in the Tajo and Jarama bungalows, apartments 21 and 22 and the Riviera. You may barbecue within your pitch or bungalow, but there is no barbecue area or picnic area. Visitors pay €10 per adult and €8 per child, depending on occupancy. In high season the minimum stay is seven nights. The campsite itself warns that it cannot offer wifi or internet.

From here, the centre, the Royal Palace and the boat trip on the Tagus are a short drive away.