Matilda's Stopovers – Camping Despeñaperros, Santa Elena
A rustic campsite in Santa Elena, Andalucía, with spacious pitches, a village on the doorstep and easy access to the Despeñaperros Natural Park. A convenient stopover, although the facilities could do with modernisation.
Location: Santa Elena, Jaén, Andalucía, Spain
Our stay: October 2026
Type: Campsite
Website: https://www.campingdespenaperros.com/
Email: info@campingdespenaperros.com
Telephone: +34 953 664 192
Address: Calle Infanta Elena s/n, 23213 Santa Elena, Jaén
Access: A-4 motorway, exit 257
Campsite Facilities
- Large, shaded pitches beneath mature trees
- Electric hook-up
- Water and drainage connections on equipped pitches
- Toilet and shower blocks
- Swimming pool (seasonal)
- Children's play area
- Wi-Fi advertised - we used our own router so cannot comment on the quality
- Motorhome facilities
- The campsite also advertises a swimming pool, restaurant and shop. However, these were all closed during our October visit, so we can't comment on their quality or facilities.
The campsite is conveniently located just off the A-4 motorway, making it an easy stop when travelling through this part of Spain.
Location and Surrounding Area
Camping Despeñaperros is situated on the edge of the village of Santa Elena, close to the Despeñaperros Natural Park.
The village is within easy walking distance, with a restaurant and at least two bars nearby.
There are numerous walking opportunities in the surrounding countryside, although we didn't have the chance to test the routes during our stay.
We did, however, enjoy a cycle ride to La Carolina, an interesting historic town with an attractive old centre and plenty to discover.
Being close to the motorway, some traffic noise can be heard during the day.
Our Thoughts
We would describe Camping Despeñaperros as rustic and rather tired, with some areas in need of modernisation.
The pitches were generously sized, although the ground was covered in pine needles from the surrounding trees. The shower and toilet blocks were adequate rather than impressive.
For us, the real attraction was the location. Being able to walk straight into the village for a drink or something to eat was a definite bonus, while the surrounding countryside offered opportunities to explore.
The daytime motorway noise didn't particularly bother us.
This is a campsite we would choose for its location rather than its amenities.
Would We Stay Again?
Yes, if it fitted naturally into our journey.
We wouldn't make a special detour to stay here, but it's a useful stopover with easy motorway access, a village on the doorstep and plenty of countryside to explore.
