What is a Campscape?
Our Campscape is an escape from overly organised campsites or camperparks and is all about camping in a peaceful and beautiful landscape. We limit the number of guests so you can choose your own spacious spot, often with a marvellous view. Whatever your purpose: nature, birding, medieval villages, history, hiking and biking, seclusion or romance: on our estate you will find both the space and the facilities for pure relaxation and recreation.
Mission and Joy
We were looking for ways to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, the inevitable necessity of economic growth and the suffocating moral superiority of all alternatives.
And like if it was written in the stars, we stumbled online upon this rural, almost remote and atypical campsite in Parque Natural da Serra de Sao Mamede, Portugal.
We fell in love with the beautiful estate (not necessarily with the campsite) in its astonishing geological landscape. The rich flora and fauna and the untouched cultural historic wealth of the region. But most of all the Sun, Stars, Silence and life’s Slowmotion .
In September 2021 it became our home. We decampsitified the grounds into a beautiful landscape park where our guests can retreat (without pretentious coaching or other pompous woke unnecessities) and blend in with the ancient natural scenery.
Our Mission is simply to be happy in the present and to take care of and cherish our estate as a refuge for ourselves and our guests.
Our Joy is to share our wonderful treasure. To welcome a diversity of guests and provide them a home away from home … in an astonishing fairytale-like landscape.
The Estate
The estate of 3 ha is a natural sloping terrain that is divided into parts by rocky slopes, old original stonewalls and a Ribeiro (creek). The estate consists of the donkey grounds, the camp stretch and the accessible Stonehill Park. You’ll find camping spots on both sides of the path at the Olive Tree Plateau (with sanitary building), the Eucalyptus/Pool Area and the Green Field at the end of the path. On the grounds you’ll find several waterpoints and drying racks for your wash (please don’t hang anything in or on our trees, they are reserved for olive growth, the birds and the bees).
We have recognisable spots with electricity integrated into the natural landscape setting. You can set up on available spots, with respect to others and the grounds. We limit the number of occupied spots allowing everyone to pick a preferred spot and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this unique, still unspoiled region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sorry, NO. We only accommodate vehicles up to 6.99 metres. Our natural park simply isn’t suitable for larger vehicles. Apart from the physical limitations, Campscape is for guests who love small-scale camping and blending into an astonishing landscape. Bigger motorhomes simply don’t fit the scenery we want to preserve: a true alternative to traditional campsites and camper parks. No exceptions!
When you stay with us, you choose to stay parked at your beautiful spot with the campervan or vehicle you sleep in. Our Campscape is about camping in nature, not parking in nature.
We’re not going to debate the reasons — you either get it or you don’t, and you either agree or you don’t. If you don’t agree, please don’t book and don’t show up at our gate just for the sake of discussion!
No, we don’t. We are simply not that type of campsite. From January 2 onwards, you are welcome to spend some time here in winter, but we have a maximum stay of 4 weeks and we do not offer low-cost wintering rates.
Very simply put: it saves both you and us a lot of time — and sometimes frustration.
When people know where they’re going (including our concept and rules) and are already registered, the whole check-in process and stay become smoother and friendlier.
When guests arrive unannounced looking for a camping spot, all the explanations and paperwork take much more time — and can become frustrating, especially when people treat us like a standard anonymous campsite.
That’s why booking in advance is cheaper than simply showing up.
We prefer to offer a setting that isn’t centred around traditional family life, but naturally appeals to people looking for a different kind of camping experience. Families with young children have plenty of suitable campsites in the region — ours simply isn’t one of them. And once you experience the pool beneath the eucalyptus trees, overlooking the castle in complete silence, you’ll understand why.
No, Campscape itself isn’t gay — but we are. We pride ourselves on providing a safe and friendly home away from home for everyone, where people can enjoy nature, peace, space and the freedom to be themselves. We welcome non-heteronormative lifestyles and celebrate diversity — life would be painfully boring without it.
But we’re not into woke activism. We speak our minds freely, respect different opinions, and try to learn from each other.
Well, if you ended up in the FAQ to find out whether we’re a naturist campsite, you probably hoped we were one. Or maybe you misunderstood the adults-only part… naughty, naughty thoughts.
There was once a couple who camped all the way at the back. When they left, they still believed Campscape was a naturist campsite. But it isn’t.
So here’s the rule, simple and clear: no public nudity. (That doesn’t mean no nudity anywhere on the campsite when you have complete privacy. Use your imagination wisely.)
Our minimum stay of 2 nights helps us maintain the atmosphere we want to create. Campscape is a place to slow down, enjoy nature, the surroundings and the company of other guests. A constant flow of one-night arrivals and departures would have too much impact on the peaceful and sociable atmosphere we value.
To protect the peace and keep traffic to a minimum, we don’t accept guests who are basically looking for a quick one-night stop, a much-needed shower, water refill or dump station.
No, because of the fire hazard in this part of Portugal and Spain, barbecues on coal and open fires are not allowed on the estate. Barbecues on gas are allowed.
The nearest local grocery store is in Santo António das Areias (5 km). There is a modern supermarket ‘Pingo Doce’ in Castelo de Vide (8,5 km). Ask for ways to get there.
No. There is a maze of camping organisations across Europe that (often at a cost and with an administrative burden for us) offer small price benefits through discount schemes. We do not participate in these schemes. We prefer guests to visit Campscape because they are genuinely drawn to our little paradise in the unique region of Alto Alentejo, not because of a discount.
Yes, you need a CEE adapter to use standard European plugs at your spot. You can add one to your booking or rent one when you arrive (€1 per day). Electricity (up to 10 kWh) is included in your stay, so please use it freely. At Kiosk Amsterdão you can also charge your phone, laptop and other devices.
No, sorry we don’t. We have a limited number of cool boxes available to borrow (first come, first served). And you are welcome to freeze your own ice packs in the freezer at Kiosk Amsterdão. Kiosk and Terras Amsterdão is our self-service bar, where you’ll find cold drinks, coffee, and a little moment of indulgence, conversation, and connection whenever you feel like it.
Please bring your own cooking equipment if you want to prepare your own meals.
That’s totally okay, and there are a couple of campsites nearby that will probably suit you just fine. So please don’t come here. It would be awkward if we had to send you away.
And please, don’t send us emails or WhatsApp messages — or even worse, call us — asking for exceptions to our rules. In fact, there is no reason at all to contact us, as everything you need to know can be found on this website.
Our Team
Vitor
Campscape manager
Ronald
Campscaper
Dushi
Head of security
Dame
Crazy Husky Puppy
Teddy
Leader of the pack
Peppino
Naughty Donkey and alarm clock
Mama Mystic
Farm cat
Yuki and Tail
House cats
Tik-tok (x10)
Egg machines
Wow, congratulations, you have read all about us and our Camping Escape. Did you get triggered by the irony? Did it put you off or did it stir up your curiosity? What? Do you want more? Well okay, here we go, just for you, but you better sit down for this one: The Dance of Wandering Thoughts and Questions.
Want to know more about the amazing landscape, read Stones, Silence, and the Living Land