Camping in Madeira with Kids: Where to Camp and How to Get a Permit

Camping can be a wonderful way for families to experience Madeira’s mountains, forests and starry skies. But it is important to know that you cannot simply pitch a tent anywhere on the island. Public forest camping is regulated and requires a permit, and the approved camping locations are limited.

This guide brings the official information together in one place, so you can plan a family camping trip in Madeira with confidence.

Is wild camping allowed in Madeira?

No. Camping in Madeira’s public forest areas is subject to specific rules and must be authorised by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN, IP-RAM). The practical rule for families is simple: camp only in an authorised camping area and only after receiving the relevant permit.

This helps protect Madeira’s sensitive natural areas, reduces wildfire risk and makes shared outdoor spaces safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Official forest camping areas in Madeira

When you apply through the IFCN online booking system, you can check availability and choose from the official locations currently listed there. At the time this guide was updated, these include:

• Bica da Cana
• Boca das Voltas
• Caramujo — São Vicente
• Carreiras — Santa Cruz
• Casa do Sardinha — Ponta de São Lourenço
• Chão das Feiteiras — Machico
• Chão dos Louros — São Vicente
• Estanquinhos — Fontes Ruivas
• Fanal — Porto Moniz
• Fonte do Bispo — Calheta
• Pico das Pedras — Santana
• Pico Ruivo
• Poiso — Santa Cruz
• Ribeira do Alecrim
• Terreiros — Santa Cruz
• Cruzinhas — Calheta
• Cruzes de Baixo

Availability can change, so treat this as a planning list rather than a guarantee. Always use the official booking page to confirm the location, dates and availability before setting off.

Choosing a site with children

For a first camping trip with children, choose a site that matches your family’s confidence level—not only the most dramatic view. Before booking, consider:

• Access: How close can you park, and how far will you carry tents, food and sleeping gear?
• Weather: Madeira’s mountains can be much colder, windier and wetter than the coast, even in summer.
• Altitude: High-altitude areas can be uncomfortable for young children overnight.
• Toilets and facilities: Check what is available at your chosen site; do not assume every area has the same services.
• Your plan for the next morning: A short walk, picnic or easy nature activity is usually more family-friendly than an ambitious hike after a night in a tent.

How to get a forest camping permit in Madeira

The official permit for public forest camping areas is issued by the IFCN. Here is the easiest way to approach the process.

Step 1: Choose your dates and preferred campsite

Start with the list of authorised areas above. Think about the number of tents your family needs, the ages of your children and whether you will arrive by rental car or your own vehicle.

Step 2: Open the official camping permit page

Go to the regional government’s Camping Permit / Licença para Campismo page. Use the availability and reservation section to select the camping area and your intended dates.

Step 3: Complete the online request and follow the booking instructions

Enter the requested details carefully and complete the process shown in the portal. Use the official system rather than relying on old travel forums or social-media posts, as availability and conditions can change.

Step 4: Check the cost and any resident exemption

The current official rate is €5 per tent, per night. Residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira may be exempt when they can prove their resident status; the online service specifically refers to an active RAM Resident Card.

Because fees and conditions can be updated, always check the amount displayed during your application before completing it.

Step 5: Keep the authorisation with you

Once approved, keep the document authorising your camping activity with you at the campsite. The IFCN states that it must be shown to the Forest Police if requested.

Camping at Chão da Lagoa, Funchal Ecological Park

Chão da Lagoa is a separate option for families looking to camp in the Funchal area. There is no conventional campsite inside Funchal Ecological Park, but temporary camping is permitted exclusively in the signed camping area at Chão da Lagoa, subject to authorisation.

This is not the same request as the IFCN public forest camping permit. For Chão da Lagoa, request the licence through Funchal City Council.

How to apply for the Chão da Lagoa camping licence

You can apply in either of these ways:

1. Online: use the Funchal Ecological Park camping licence page.
2. In person: complete the request form at the Centro de Receção e Interpretação do Parque Ecológico do Funchal, Estrada Regional 103, no. 259, 9050-905 Monte.

The reception centre’s stated opening hours are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The South Gate hours are 8:30 am to 8:00 pm in summer and 8:30 am to 7:00 pm in winter. Check the council page before travelling in case seasonal schedules change.

At Chão da Lagoa, camp only in the area marked for camping. The park asks visitors to help preserve the space and respect other users.

The rules every family should know

The permit is only one part of responsible camping. Madeira’s official guidance includes these essential rules:

• Keep at least 5 metres between tents, unless campers are from the same household.
• Take all rubbish away with you, whatever its type.
• Do not light a fire except in places specifically intended for that purpose. In natural areas, fires are prohibited because of the serious wildfire risk.
• Do not damage or leave the camping area dirty.
• Do not pick plants or collect firewood.
• Do not feed wildlife.
• Avoid activities that may harm nature or disturb other people, including excessive noise.

For families, this is also a great chance to involve children: give them a small “leave no trace” bag for litter, explain why plants and wildlife should be left alone, and make quiet time part of the evening routine.

Family camping checklist for Madeira

Madeira’s fast-changing weather deserves a little extra preparation. Pack for mountain conditions, not just the forecast in Funchal.

• Waterproof tent and groundsheet
• Warm sleeping bags and extra layers for children
• Waterproof jackets, even in summer
• Windproof layer, hats and dry socks
• Headlamps or torches, plus spare batteries
• Drinking water and easy meals/snacks
• Rubbish bags to take everything home
• First-aid kit and any family medication
• Fully charged phone and offline map
• The approved camping permit, saved on your phone and, ideally, printed

Before leaving home, check the local weather and any relevant safety notices. If conditions look poor, postpone rather than trying to make a family trip work in strong wind, heavy rain or very low visibility.

Frequently asked questions

Final note: plan ahead and camp gently

Camping with kids in Madeira can become one of those simple, memorable family adventures: cooking an easy dinner outdoors, listening to the forest settle at night and waking up surrounded by mountains. Planning the permit first means you can enjoy it properly—and help keep these remarkable places protected for the next family.

Information checked on 2 August 2026. Always confirm availability, access conditions, fees and safety notices directly with the issuing authority before your trip.