Fancy heading into the mountains to pick mushrooms? Staying at a campsite after a day in the forest is a great way to relax, enjoy nature and share the experience with family or friends.
Autumn is one of the best times of year to explore Catalonia’s forests and enjoy mushroom season. Rainfall, temperatures and the characteristics of each forest influence which species grow, from saffron milk caps and pine milk caps to porcini, yellowfoot chanterelles and other seasonal mushrooms.
If you want to make the most of this time of year with a getaway, we recommend seven campsites in natural surroundings where you can discover forests, woodland trails and mountain landscapes.
Camping Esponellà – Esponellà, Pla de l’Estany
Càmping Esponellà is located between Esponellà and Crespià, on the road from Banyoles to Figueres, in a natural setting beside the Fluvià River. The campsite itself has a wooded area and a riverside area, allowing you to enjoy nature without travelling far from your accommodation.
There are several accommodation options to choose from. The campsite offers bungalows, as well as standard pitches and Premium pitches of up to 110 m². There is also a camping area for tents and spaces for caravans and motorhomes.
The surrounding area features Mediterranean woodland with holm oaks and other oak species, along with riverside vegetation. In other forested areas of the Pla de l’Estany, particularly in pine forests and mixed woodland, saffron milk caps and other autumn mushrooms may appear when conditions are favourable.
To round off your getaway, you can visit Lake Banyoles or wander through the medieval streets of Besalú.
Camping Vall de Camprodon – Camprodon, Ripollès
Càmping Vall de Camprodon is located in the Camprodon Valley, in the Ripollès region, in a mountain setting crossed by the Ter River. The area is known for its varied woodlands, including oak forests, beech forests and pine forests that change with altitude and the orientation of the mountains.
There are accommodation options to suit different ways of enjoying a camping holiday. You will find bungalows and wooden chalets, as well as pods. For those who prefer to bring their own equipment, the campsite offers camping pitches and designated spaces for motorhomes and campervans.
These woodlands provide a variety of habitats for autumn mushrooms. Saffron milk caps may grow in pine forests, while porcini and other species thrive in cooler mountain woodland.
Explore the forest trails around Camprodon and Sant Pau de Segúries, and round off your trip with a visit to Camprodon’s medieval bridge or the villages throughout the valley.
Camping Els Ports – Arnes, Terra Alta
Càmping Els Ports, near Arnes, is an excellent base for discovering the landscapes of Els Ports Natural Park, a mountain range characterised by rugged peaks, ravines and extensive forest areas.
For your stay, you can choose from several types of bungalows, including the Luxe, Iglú, Estàndard and Superior models. The campsite also offers mobile homes and different types of pitches for guests arriving with a caravan, motorhome or tent.
Mediterranean pine forests and holm oak woodland are common throughout the mountain range. Higher and more humid areas also feature oak and beech forests. In suitable pine forests, saffron milk caps and other mushrooms may appear after rainfall.
One of the area’s best-known excursions leads to Els Estrets d’Arnes, a striking landscape of rock and water surrounded by nature. Check access and mushroom-picking regulations before collecting mushrooms in protected areas.
Bassegoda Park – Albanyà, Alt Empordà
Bassegoda Park is located in Albanyà, close to the Alta Garrotxa Natural Area of Interest. This mountainous region has numerous trails and extensive woodland, making it an ideal destination for enjoying nature in autumn.
The campsite offers several types of accommodation, including Plus, Bassegoda, Morea and Adaptat bungalows, as well as wooden studios for two people. There are also Standard and Plus pitches for guests who prefer to camp with their own equipment.
The surrounding forests combine Mediterranean vegetation, oak woodland and mountain forest habitats. Depending on the type of forest, altitude and humidity, porcini, chanterelles, saffron milk caps and other seasonal mushrooms may grow here.
The campsite itself promotes mushroom-picking outings and highlights Albanyà’s mushroom-foraging tradition, including its annual Mushroom Fair. You can also make the most of your stay by exploring the trails of Alta Garrotxa and observing the night sky in an area with little light pollution.
Camping El Solsonès – Solsona, Solsonès
Càmping El Solsonès is a great starting point for discovering a region with a long mushroom-foraging tradition and a landscape of mountains, valleys and extensive forests.
Accommodation options include different types of bungalows and Gitôtel units, with a range of capacities and layouts. The campsite also offers pitches in different sizes for caravans and motorhomes, as well as camping areas for tents.
The Solsonès region features Scots pine and black pine forests, oak woodland and mixed forests. When conditions are favourable, these habitats may produce saffron milk caps, grey knights and other autumn mushrooms. Mountain areas such as the surroundings of Port del Comte have different conditions from lower-altitude areas.
During your getaway, combine woodland walks with a visit to Solsona, discover the region’s heritage and enjoy the local cuisine.
Prades Park – Prades, Baix Camp
Prades Park is located in Prades, in the heart of the Prades Mountains, a mountain range with a wide variety of forest landscapes.
You can choose from different types of bungalows and mobile homes, with options to suit different kinds of stays. The campsite also has 80 pitches for caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents.
The area features Aleppo pine and Scots pine forests, holm oak woodland and oak forests. Differences in altitude and humidity create different conditions for mushroom growth in each area. Saffron milk caps may grow in suitable pine forests, while other woodland areas may be home to grey knights and other autumn species.
One of the area’s major natural attractions is the Poblet Site of Natural Interest, with extensive woodland and several walking routes. Before planning your trip, check the route to your chosen access point and the local mushroom-picking regulations.
You can also explore Prades’ old town and discover the local cuisine and mountain scenery of the Baix Camp region.
Huttopia Barcelona Pirineos – Guardiola de Berguedà, Berguedà
Huttopia Barcelona Pirineos is located in Guardiola de Berguedà, in a woodland and mountain setting at an altitude of approximately 890 metres. Its location makes it a great base for discovering the Berguedà’s forest landscapes and planning excursions around the Cadí-Moixeró area.
The campsite combines different fully equipped accommodation options, including bungalows and other types of cabins, with camping pitches for guests who prefer to bring a tent, campervan or motorhome.
The area features Scots pine forests and mixed woodland, alongside other forest types depending on altitude. Porcini, saffron milk caps and other autumn mushrooms may grow in these habitats when there is sufficient moisture.
From the campsite, you can explore nearby trails and plan excursions to different parts of Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. You can also visit Guardiola de Berguedà and Bagà and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.
Tips for enjoying mushroom season
Before heading into the forest, check the weather forecast and wear suitable footwear. Only collect mushrooms you can identify with certainty, and respect the vegetation and forest floor.
Remember that mushroom growth depends on rainfall, temperatures and the conditions in each forest. It is also important to check the mushroom-picking regulations for each natural area before setting off.
Discover Catalonia’s forests this autumn
From the Pla de l’Estany to the Berguedà, passing through the Ripollès, Alta Garrotxa and the Prades Mountains, Catalonia offers a wide variety of landscapes to enjoy in autumn.
Choose your campsite, get your basket ready and make the most of your getaway to discover new natural spots, walk through the forests and enjoy seasonal cuisine.
You may also be interested in: More than 40 campsites open all year round
