Camping and Day Hike: Embalse del Buseo

Chera, Valencian Community

A Weekend at Embalse del Buseo

Looking for a quiet getaway near Valencia, in a natural setting with limited mobile connectivity? Allow us to share with you one of our most treasured discoveries from the summer of 2022.

Less than 100 km from the vibrant heartbeat of the capital city of Valencia lies the enchanting Embalse del Buseo, a beautiful mountain retreat. Here, time slows down and tranquility reigns. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of the lake, surrounded by lush greenery as far as the eye can see.

We will also provide you with useful links and downloadable files below for you to use and explore the area a bit further if you wish to do so. We have written about the trail that we enjoyed the most overall but there are many other trails in the area as you will be able to see on the printable map.

Overall Difficulty

Easy

Terrain

Easy / Moderate

Distance

0 km

Elevation Gain

0 m

Files & Maps

Here is a list of files that you can download and use for your outing. Check them out and let us know how we can improve.

GPX file

Put this file into your GPS device, navigation app or smartwatch to follow our track.

click to download GPX⬇︎

Wikiloc track

Scan or click on the QR Code to follow our trail in the Wikiloc App and give us a follow while you’re at it!

Gaia Topo map

Download this PDF map of the area and print (A3 scale) or save it to your smartphone.

click to download PDF⬇︎

The Campsite

One of the perks of this extraordinary haven is free camping. Yes, you heard that right! Imagine setting up camp in the middle of this scenic enclave. The campsite offers basic amenities such as bathrooms (with outdoor showers), comfortable barbecues and sinks to ensure a pleasant stay. In order to stay in the free camping area, it is essential to apply for a permit from the Generalitat Valenciana (link here). Remember to plan ahead and apply with your digital certificate about seven days in advance.

As fellow travelers, we have a valuable piece of advice to share with you. Embalse del Buseo’s allure understandably attracts many visitors during the summer months. So, in order to secure a prime spot for your weekend getaway, it’s a good idea to arrive on Friday afternoon or, if that’s not possible, early Saturday morning. This will ensure that you find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere.

For directions to the camping area, just click on the map above. Or, alternatively, you can search on Google Maps for “Camping Pantano del Buseo” or “Zona de acampada del Buseo”. Access to the area is very easy, but be careful as the path is a dirt road and it can be taken by pretty much any vehicle. However, we do not recommend it for very small or lowered cars.

The campsite is about a 10-minute drive from the village of Chera, where you will find local bars and small shops. There is also a recreational area with a barbecue and picnic tables before reaching the free camping area. If you don’t like camping, this is a great place to spend the day.

Once there, get ready to digitally detox. As you enter this haven, you can say goodbye to the constant buzz of mobile connectivity. Say farewell to alerts, calls, and the incessant grasp of the Internet. Instead, surrender to the embrace of nature, where the whisper of the wind and the symphony of birdsong will be your companions.

Our Camping Experience

Our overall experience camping here was good and we enjoyed camping here. The summer sun here is very strong so you have to make sure to bring a good supply of water, sunscreen and something to keep you cool. Up next, we will outline what we believed to be the positives and negatives of camping in this free camping zone aside from the fact that it is free.

Pros

The water in the reservoir is cool but not freezing. The water in the area with the natural pools and waterfalls felt much colder but it was refreshing to swim in on a hot summer day.
Plenty of room to pitch your tents.
Plenty of trees to set up a hammock.
Barbecue areas and picnic tables
Separate bathrooms for men and women with running water and a shower.

Cons

It is a very popular camping area and during summer can be quite crowded.
Running water is non-potable. Bring your own drinking water.
There is a single outdoor shower that has been placed between the men and women’s bathrooms and must be shared.
In some areas there can be a lot of insects.

The Trail

Get ready to explore the spectacular surroundings of the Embalse, where an abundance of hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and even motorcycle adventures await your adventurous spirit. We’re glad to share with you one of our personal favorites, a trail guaranteed to give you an unforgettable experience. Our Wikiloc route is featured here.

Starting from the campground, this trail takes you to an epic viewpoint that offers an amazing view of the sparkling Embalse. Prepare to be taken aback by the enchanting combination of water and rugged mountains. While the climb to the viewpoint is moderately challenging as you navigate uneven terrain, the reward is well worth it.

As you descend through the enchanting Barranco de La Hoz, you’ll stumble upon a hidden oasis, a charming area dotted with inviting natural pools of water. It’s the perfect place to rejuvenate and enjoy a refreshing swim. If you don’t feel like hiking all the way up to the viewpoint, don’t worry! You can skip it altogether and head straight for the fantastic natural pools. Just follow our trail in reverse and you’ll be splashing around in no time.

We believe this route isn’t overly challenging and is suitable for most people. You’ll hit some ups and downs along the way, but nothing too crazy. Perhaps the most important thing to watch out for would be the midday sun. Plan your outing for early morning so you can cool off by the water before lunchtime. Whether you’re captivated by the breathtaking views from the viewpoint or eager to dive headfirst into the cool waters of the pools, this adventure promises to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Trail Stages

From the free camping area, we start walking along the road that brought us here. We return to the entrance of the recreation area, marked by an arched gate. After passing through the gate, take the path on the left. The route is signposted.
Go towards the Puntal de la Fuente del Puerco viewpoint. Follow the path uphill until you reach the footpath that leads to the viewpoint. From here, you will have the best views of the Embalse!
After taking lots of pictures, we resume our way until we reach the top of the ravine. Walk along the white rocks until we reach the water pools. There are several of them at different heights which makes it very easy to find a spot to swim in or just take a break and put down the towel.
After the pools you have two options: either return to the campsite or continue to the Presa del Embalse. Keep in mind that if you go to the “Presa”, you add about 20 minutes to the trail.

Final Thoughts

In total, the hike is about 3 hours. If you have time for a snack, we recommend that you stop at the water pools along the way. Otherwise, wait until you reach the end of the trail and use the grills and tables for a picnic overlooking the Embalse.

For a nice and peaceful weekend, away from the city and connectivity, the Embalse del Buseo is the perfect place, mixing nature and refreshing natural pools. For us, that’s the concept of paradise. And for you, what is the definition of paradise? Do you know this place? If so, tell us more about your experience there.

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