Campamento: Camping in Aruba over Easter

Arubans love to have fun. One of the many ways they do this is with their annual tradition of beachfront camping in Aruba. If you’re visiting the island during Easter and Passover, you may be surprised to find entire tent communities set up along the coastline. Don’t worry – it’s not a large homeless population – it’s one of the many ways locals celebrate Easter.

That’s right, while camping in Aruba is typically not allowed, this longstanding tradition, known as Campamento , turns Aruba’s beaches into campsites at Easter. Read on to learn all about this celebration and what to expect if you’re visiting Aruba this time of year.

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What is Campamento in Aruba?

Campamento is a cherished Aruban tradition where families set up tents along Aruba’s beaches to celebrate the Easter season.

Taking place during Semana Santa (Holy Week)—the week before Easter—and continuing into the following week, Campamento transforms the coastline into an outdoor community. It is a time for relaxation, bonding, and connecting with nature. It’s deeply rooted in the island’s cultural and religious practices and a special time of year for Arubans.

The Origins of Aruba’s Campamento

Before Aruba’s rise as a premier tourist destination with world-class hotels and resorts, locals embraced the Easter season by spending time at the beach. Camping along the shoreline became a meaningful way for families to step away from daily responsibilities, strengthen their faith, and enjoy quality time together.

For many Arubans, international travel wasn’t an option due to the cost and limitations, so they found adventure just minutes from home by pitching tents on the beaches of Aruba with extended family and friends. Over the years, the tradition has remained strong, even as more Arubans have gained the means to travel abroad.

Many still prefer to camp during Easter in Aruba, cherishing the experience of waking up to the sound of waves, spending time with loved ones, and fostering a deep connection to the island’s natural beauty. Generations have camped in the same spots for decades, passing the tradition down to their children as a way to maintain cultural and family bonds.

What happens during Campamento?

Similar to spring break in the U.S., Campamento is a time for relaxation, recreation, and family bonding. Arubans, known for their strong sense of community, organize their campsites into clusters, with multiple generations coming together in the same location year after year. These Aruba camping spots are often passed down through families, reinforcing the tradition.

Campamento is now regulated by the Aruban government. It requires families to obtain permits and set up their tents only in designated areas. The most popular locations for beach camping in Aruba include Hadicurari Beach, Eagle Beach, and Baby Beach, though tents can be seen in many other areas—except for most of Palm Beach, where the high-rise resorts dominate the coastline.

Throughout the week, the atmosphere is lively, with music, games, and shared meals playing a central role. Families set up grills, cook traditional dishes, and play sports, such as volleyball, beach tennis, and soccer.

If you happen to see tents in Aruba around Easter, you may be greeted with warm local hospitality. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join a game of dominoes or share a cold drink with the locals!

Best Beaches for Camping in Aruba During Campamento

If you’re planning to camp or simply want to witness this unique tradition, here are some of the best beaches for Campamento in Aruba.

1. Eagle Beach

One of the most popular beach camping spots in Aruba, Eagle Beach transforms into a colorful tent village during Easter. Families set up elaborate campsites with makeshift kitchens, hammocks, and decorations. This beach is known for its wide shoreline and soft white sand, making it an ideal location for a comfortable camping experience.

2. Baby Beach

Located on the southern end of the island, Baby Beach is another favorite spot for local campers. The calm, shallow waters make it a great place for families with young children. Campers enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and gatherings in the evenings.

3. Hadicurari Beach

Also known as Fisherman’s Huts, this beach is a prime spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers. During Campamento, it becomes a busy campsite filled with locals enjoying water sports, music, and barbecues.

4. Arashi Beach

While not as packed as Eagle or Baby Beach, Arashi Beach still sees its share of campers. Its location near the California Lighthouse provides breathtaking sunset views, making it a picturesque place to set up camp.

5. Rodger’s Beach

A quieter alternative to Baby Beach, Rodger’s Beach attracts campers looking for a more relaxed setting. The nearby pier and scenic views make it a great location to unwind and connect with nature.

How to Get a Camping Permit in Aruba

If you want to take part in the Holy Week camping season in Aruba, you’ll have to apply in person at a police station in the district where you want to camp a few weeks in advance. Keep an eye on the government site to get the specific dates and times. Here’s the specific information from 2024. 2025 camping season permits should be available shortly.

Note that if you choose to camp without the proper camping permit, you can be fined. Police carefully patrol all beaches and campsites in Aruba during the camping season.

When will you find camping in Aruba?

As the tradition follows the Easter holiday, dates for Campamento in Aruba vary each year. It’s a two week period that starts the week before Easter and runs through the following week. This puts the starting date on Palm Sunday, running the whole week of Semana Santa, past Easter and through to the next Sunday.

Below are recent and upcoming schedules for when you’ll find tents on the beach in Aruba.

• 2023: April 2 – April 16
• 2024: March 24 – April 7
• 2025: April 13 – April 27
• 2026: March 29 – April 12

If you find yourself on the island during this time, take a moment to appreciate the cherished Semana Santa beach camping tradition in Aruba. Walk along the beaches. Talk to the locals. Experience the deep-rooted sense of community that makes Aruba such a special place.