The Best Campsites in Europe – For Campers, By Campers

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The Best Campsites in Europe

If you’re going on a camping holiday, you’ll find some of the best European campsites listed here, by campers who have actually stayed in them. Whatever your camping style, leave the urban life behind and enjoy the great outdoors in one of these fantastic European campsites.

Is your idea of camping heaven a huge site with loads of facilities for the kids and a pool to lounge by? Or is it a grassy meadow next to a bubbling stream with basic facilities? Or maybe you’re a glamper at heart?

Whether you are looking for family camping in Europe, holiday parks in Europe, campsites in Europe for motorhomes or just the best camping in Europe, you’ll find your perfect campsite here. Remember everything you need for your campsite holiday by using this neat camping checklist to help you pack, and don’t forget to check whether your chosen site is a member of ACSI, for discounted low season rates.

Camping in Austria

Ferienparadis Natterer See, Innsbruck*****

Ferienparadis Natterer See is, for us, one of the best camping sites in Europe. In the most glorious setting amongst the Tyrollean Alps of Austria, by the side of a pretty lake and with fantastic facilities, we could easily have spent a month here as we road tripped Austria. This has to be one of the best camping experiences in Europe!

With easy access into Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains, there is much to do here. Innsbruck in summer is a playground for lovers of the great outdoors. You can walk from the campsite itself or head up on the cable cars surrounding the city for great hiking and downhill mountain biking or try some extreme sports such as paracending and rafting. Cool off in the lake when you get back after all that hard work!  In winter, it’s all about the skiing with shuttles recoded from the site.

The facilities are excellent with the best sanitaries we have seen. Well designed, using them feels like being in a posh gym at home. The restaurant, situated by the lake, is a lovely place to while away the evening with a great selection of dishes and pizzas to take away. There is a small shop, fresh bread in the mornings and all the usual facilities you would expect from a five star site, including excellent and friendly customer service.

Camping in Belgium

Camping Beau Reve, Hodister

Camping Beau Reve is a three hectare campsite surrounded by gorgeous forests on a hill. Two streams pass through the campsite, heading towards the river Ourthe.

This small campsite is off-grid and close to nature. You’ll see birds of prey and deer in the campground along with squirrels, rabbits and foxes. With no light pollution the star gazing is fantastic, making this a really cool camping spot.

There are pitches in both sun and shade and you’ll find everything here from bell tents to motorhomes. The owners are very hands-on and can provide information about local activities and sightseeing.

RELATED POST: Road Trip Belgium: Fall In Love With Europe’s Hidden Gem

Camping in Croatia

Kamp Galeb, Omis***

Kamp Galeb is a really lovely and recommended campsite in Croatia. Located near the famous coastal town of Omis, it is one of the best camping options in the region and places you in a perfect position to explore some of the best islands in Croatia.

The campsite offers 231 touring pitches and around 50 mobile homes. All situated not far from the beautiful sea and the wonderful sandy beach with a view of Omis mountains. No matter if you’re camping in a motorhome, caravan or tent – here, everyone will find their ideal place. All the pitches are located between poplar, birch, linden and tamarisk trees, which offer wonderful cool shade on hot summer days.

Our favorite choice at Kamp Galeb are the mobile homes right by the sea in the first row. Especially in the low season you will enjoy a wonderfully quiet and peaceful atmosphere. A big plus is your own jacuzzi on the terrace, from which you will have a breath-taking view of the sea. These cool mobile homes can accommodate up to eight people – perfect if you take your family there!

Martina and Jürgen’s biggest passions are travelling and photography. They blog about travel and how to get that perfect image at PlacesofJuma.

Camping Lanterna, Porec

Another amazing campsite in Croatia that is absolutely recommended is Camping Lanterna. This one is situated in Porec in Istria and is especially popular with families with children. The campsite stretches for 3km directly along the beautiful coast and is surrounded by intact nature with magnificent fragrant pine forests. Here, campers can expect spacious pitches, but there are also various themed villages with modern furnished mobile homes as well as exclusive glamping tents, which especially delight couples. Dog owners are also welcome on this camping site and there are separated sections with dog beaches.

The wide range of leisure activities is also a reason, why Camping Lanterna is so popular in Istria. While children romp in the Aquamar Lanterna family water park with pirate ship and water slide or play in the Maro Club, parents can relax by the sea, drink cocktails at the beach bar or treat themselves to a massage.

Another unique thing is the beautiful Val Adria sandy family beach, an impressive white sandy beach that is hard to find anywhere else in Istria. Here you can enjoy a powder sugar fine beach and fantastic turquoise sea colors. Guests can rent sunbeds and umbrellas here, and if you like, you can have a cool drink at the cool beach bar. If this is too busy for you, don’t worry, there are countless other amazing beaches und bathing spots along the campground’s shoreline.

Not only the campsite worth visiting, the surrounding area is terrific and invites exciting excursions and day trips. You should definitely visit Pula, a beautiful port city with the imposing Roman Arena as the main attraction. It is also nice to visit the old town of Porec, the coastal town of Novigrad and the hinterland of Istria.

Martina and Jürgen’s biggest passions are travelling and photography. They blog about travel and how to get that perfect image at PlacesofJuma.

Camping Porto Sole, Vrsar

The Campsite Porto Sole in Vrsar, on the Istrian peninsula is a fantastic place to relax and unwind. Whether you have a few days or weeks, this beautiful campsite located by the sea has picture-perfect views and a really relaxed vibe. The campsite itself is quite large, the pitches are spacious and there are plenty of trees and plants for privacy.

The sanitary facilities are a good size and always clean with lovely cleaning staff circulating regularly and there are multiple sanitary blocks spread out across the campgrounds so you never really have to walk far. The water is drinkable but we personally put it through a water filter as the water has a strong flavour. The laundry and washing-up facilities are sizeable and more than adequate.

There is an endless number of things to do within walking distance from the campground. The beach is just on your doorstep, and if you choose a pitch by the beach, that is literally the case. Porto Sole have their own cafe by the beach or there is an easy coastal walk and within minutes you will pass many bars and restaurants in the nearby marina.

If you enjoy boats, the marina is a great site in itself. Many boat tours leave from the marina including island tours and dolphin sightseeing tours.

For active people, there is a pool and tennis courts. There are also many water sports nearby such as kayaking, diving, and swimming.

Campsite Porto Sole makes a great base for exploring Istria. It is only 20 minutes from the historic town of Porec, which is home to the UNESCO 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica among other many other historic attractions. Rovinj is also less than 40 minutes south. Rovinj’s old town of tiny cobblestone alleyways filled with shops and small cafes is a great way to spend a day out.

A little further afield, Pula, the main city of Istria is less than a one-hour drive.

While Camping Porto Sole is open during the winter for guests, bear in mind that the area is essentially built for summer tourism, so most things close for the winter. There are no tours, and many of the nearby restaurants will be shut. The campsite cafe stays open as do a few of the other restaurants within walking distance so there are still options.

Christine and Ben have spent the last few years first traveling New Zealand and now travel Europe by caravan and campervan. They blog about their adventures at Travellers With Time. 

Camping in France

If you’re travelling to France in a motorhome and looking for an alternative to camping, check out all you need to know about motorhome aires in France here.

La Farigoulette, Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon*****

Camping La Farigoulette is the perfect choice if you’re looking to explore the Verdon Gorge area in France, one of the best European countries for camping holidays. Within a few kilometres of the campsite you have the famous Valensole lavender and sunflower fields which are a sight to behold during the summer months. Also nearby is one of the most beautiful villages in France, Moustiers St Marie, and then, of course, there’s the stunning Lac du Sainte Croix.

The campsite itself is fairly small compared to most French campsites but this is what we liked most about it. It’s situated on the shores of a lake where you have a huge range of water sports available to you. The highlight for us was hiring an electric boat and taking it out for the day with a picnic. We ventured towards the neighbouring Lac du Sainte Croix via a very narrow but breathtakingly beautiful gorge with turquoise waters.

The campsite has pitches for tents, motorhomes and caravans as well as chalets, but we opted for a safari-style tent with kitchen and bathroom. There is one main pool and a smaller one for children. Next to it you’ll find a kids’ playground and outdoor gym. There’s also a football and volleyball area and the obligatory table tennis tables. All of these great facilities make this an ideal site for family camping holidays in Europe.

If you don’t feel like cooking, there’s an onsite pizza restaurant and a small shop for essentials. It has everything you need but remains a lovely, intimate site in the heart of one of the most beautiful regions of France.

Ed, Jacs, Ernie and George are the Flashpacking Family. They’ve visited 85 countries between them, and plan to visit a whole lot more amazing places together before the kids fly the nest!  

Ecolodge L’Etoile D’Argens, Frejus*****

Ecolodge L’Etoile D’Agens is a large site with great facilities on the Cote D’Azur, 4km from the busy port town of Frejus. On the River Argens, a kilometre or so from the sea, this site has a relaxed and luxurious feel.

Beautifully planted with stunning stilted glamping chalets overlooking the river, you’ll feel tucked away here from the hustle and noise of the coast but within easy reach of all the main attractions if you have a car, making it one of the best campsites in the south of France.

With top-notch sporting facilities, a heated pool complex and river access, you could spend a week here and never get to the beach!  There’s also a golf course nearby and a nightclub on site. We think it’s one of the best family campsites in France, especially if you have teenagers deigning to holiday with you!

Camping de l’Aigle, Aiguines***

I won’t exaggerate if I say that Camping de l’Aigle is a campsite with a stunning view, making it one of the best places to camp in Europe. Perched on a hill above the little village of Aiguines, the campsite offers a breathtaking view over the turquoise waters of the Lake of Sainte-Croix. The camping is located on the D71, which makes it the perfect base to discover the Gorges du Verdon area in Southern France.

It’s only a couple of minutes walk from the campsite to the village. There’s a lovely bakery and a few restaurants in the village, as well as a grocery shop and a shop for local products. So you basically don’t need to use your car to go out in the evening or even to do some basic grocery shopping.

From the campsite you can easily reach the lake by car. Les Salles-sur-Verdon is only a fifteen minute drive. The lake offers a few lovely beaches and lots of watersport activities. You can rent a canoe or a paddle boat and enter the Verdon Canyon from the lake. You can also make a round road trip in the canyon, visit some lovely places in Provence like Bauduen-sur-Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Castellane on a day trip, or hike one of the many trails in the canyon, like the Sentier Martel (Martel trail) and the Sentier Imbut (Imbut trail).

Daniela is the author of Ipanema travels. The blog aims at inspiring the independent traveller to discover the places less travelled. It focusses on places with rich cultural and historical heritage away from the mass tourism.

Le Grands Pins, Lacanau-Ocean*****

Les Grands Pins was our go-to site when the children were growing up, it’s one of the best campsites in France for kids. Set amongst shady pine trees, with direct access to the beach and a great pool complex, we couldn’t wait to arrive here for our annual holiday, this is camping France at its very best!

Les Grands Pins is a medium-sized and friendly site, run by Yelloh Village, a French company operating campsites across France including the Loire Valley and Brittany. For us, this site offered everything For us, this site offered everything and we think it’s one of the best holiday parks in France.

Modern facilities, great clubs for the kids, evening entertainment (perhaps slightly dodgy on occasions but where isn’t?) and loads of activities. Pitch sizes are not super-generous but adequate, the sanitaries modern and clean and everything you need in terms of dining and shopping on site.

Within walking distance of the nearby town of Lacanau-Ocean, known for it’s annual surfing championships and cool, laid-back vibe, we would head in most evenings for an ice-cream and wander. There’s also a great market here every Wednesday.

The direct access beach is better for teens than toddlers with great surf and rolling waves. There is a surf-school on the campsite and you can rent boards there too. For younger kids, bring or buy a body board at the local supermarket and spend days having fun in the water!

Aber Benoit Campsite, Brittany

The Aber Benoit Campsite is a little ocean-front campground located in a small town called St Pabu in Western Brittany, France. This area of the country is known for its incredible beaches, unique culture and delicious snacks and drinks you absolutely need to try. 

The largest city in the area is Brest which you can reach in just over 30 minutes by car.  Aber Benoit Camping is a favourite among locals and European tourists who come here for the incredible scenery and beautiful nature. There are plenty of things to do nearby.

The campsite is located right on one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. The water is crystal clear and amazing for swimming, water sports or simply relaxing in the sun. You could almost confuse it with beaches in the Maldives or somewhere in the Caribbean. 

Aber Benoit Camping is a quiet campsite popular among families and couples. This is not the place to come if you’re looking for nightlife since St Pabu is very small and there is rarely much going on. This is a great spot to relax and unwind and truly enjoy camping. 

The campsite frequently sells out, especially during the summertime, so it’s highly advisable to book in advance, which can be done online in only a few minutes. While the campsite is large it’s very popular, so coming here spontaneously might not work out. You could easily spend a week or more at Aber Benoit Camping.

It has a fantastic location for day trips to Brest, the Crozon Peninsula, the Point de Corsen (the westernmost point of France) or one of the many nearby towns. You’ll find gorgeous beaches, fascinating nature and lots of historic architecture you should absolutely visit.

Add this campsite to your bucket list for your next road trip through Europe. It’s definitely worth a visit. 

Victoria blogs at Guide Your Travel, a constantly expanding blog full of tips, guides and experiences from all around the world.

Camping in Germany

Tropical Islands, Krausnick

Tropical Islands Camping is a pleasant six acre grassed site with good amenities and modern, clean sanitary facilities. The draw here is the enormous and very well done tropical water complex next door which includes indoor and outdoor areas with white water rides, slides (including Germany’s highest), tropical spa areas, a beach and much, much more. 

In short, it is Europe’s biggest tropical holiday resort and if you’re in the eastern Germany region of Brandenburg and have kids with you, then it’s a must! The cost of camping here is more expensive that the average cost of camping in Europe, but does include the entrance to the waterpark, which makes it good value for money.

Camping Park Murner See, Wackersdorf****

Camping Park Murner See is located in the middle of the Upper Palatinate Lake District, nestled on a lush promontory between Lake Murner and Lake Brückelsee. This tranquil location between the two lakes and the laid-back atmosphere make this a lovely site if you are looking for a chilled and relaxing holiday.

Surrounded by water and forest, this is a perfect spot for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a simple camping experience. There is lots of cycling and walking from the site you keep you active.

Whether you enjoy swimming, sailing, stand up paddle, boating, water skiing or diving then eastern Bavaria’s largest lakes, as well as numerous ponds and rivers, offer plenty of opportunity to spend time in the water, all of which you can do directly from the site.

The facilities are good, well maintained and clean. and there is a lovely lakeside restaurant serving traditional German fare, making this one of the best campsites in Germany.

RELATED POST: Motorhome Germany – Your Complete Touring Guide

Camping in Iceland

Þakgil Campsite, Vik

The Thakgil Campsite, 10km from Reykjavik and nestled right in the heart of Iceland’s South Coast, is the most scenic campsite in this country. “Þak”, meaning roof, and “gil”, meaning canyon, is the perfect imagery to describe your surroundings once you find that sweet spot to pitch your tent; jagged green and black peaks tower over a lush field, making this campsite a must-see when you’re camping in Iceland.

With how popular Iceland has become nowadays, this is one place where you’ll find silence and no crowds in the land of fire and ice. 

While most travelers tend to choose the campsite in Vik for their South Coast stay, those that want that extra touch of awe, and to seriously have their minds blown, make the 40-minute drive through the moody hues to arrive at this campers paradise that will make you feel as though you’re on the Lord of the Rings movie set.

The most unique feature of this campsite, other than its location, is that there is a cave on site that has been turned into a dining area. At night, they light tea lights inside the cave, giving a magical ambiance to your favourite camp foods. 

This campsite is very remote, so there aren’t any shops or gas nearby, but it does have spectacular hiking opportunities. There are three main trails that begin and end at the campsite: Maelifell, Austurafréttur Range, and Remunudargil Ravine. Along these trails, you will see rivers, glaciers, waterfalls, caves, and black sand. Each one features a different view, length, and difficulty, but I recommend exploring all of them before you leave the area. Maelifell was my personal favourite, but make sure you have a bit of hiking experience before you set out on that one. 

Out of the entire round-up of the best campgrounds in Iceland, Þakgil Campsite has the best views, best trails, quietest atmosphere, and best overall camping experience. This is an ideal place to camp if you’re exploring the South Coast of Iceland because it is close to Thorsmork, Vestmannaejyar, Skogafoss Waterfall, Dyrhólaey, Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, and the infamous black sand beach, Reynisfjara Beach. 

Þakgil Campsite is only accessible in the summer months and even two-wheel-drive cars can make it to the location. There are plenty of tent spots available, cabin rentals, and places to park your campervan! 

Aaren is the creative outlet driving adventure travel blog, What Do You Sea. Her blog inspires solo females to pursue travel through her in-depth guides to outdoor travel, off-the-beaten-path destinations, photography, and sustainable travel.

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Camping in Italy

Campeggio Monte Bianco La Sorgente

Campeggio Monte Bianco “La Sorgente” is nestled in Val Veny in the Italian Alps, just ten minutes drive from the traditional alpine town of Courmayeur. You’re treated to dramatic mountain views whichever way you turn, it’s such a tranquil location – perfect for lovers of the great outdoors. If you’re lucky, you might see deer or chamois on a dawn or dusk walk just minutes for the campsite.  

The facilities are good. There’s a playground, small swimming pool, and plenty of other activities for kids. You can also rent bikes or hike directly out onto the nearby trails. There’s a well-stocked little shop and they provide evening meals, but it’s basic mountain fare, so don’t expect anything gourmet.

The walk up to Lake Combal directly from the campsite is well-marked and easy enough for children too. There’s a Rifugio that serves lunch with some of my favourite views of the whole area. Make time to climb a bit higher to Lago Miage, a beautiful glacial lake which, sadly, may not be around for people to visit for much longer. 

The campsite is only open during the summer months and, because it’s on the Tour of Mont Blanc Trail, it’s always a good idea to book your pitch in advance. 

Gemma blogs about solo female travel across Europe with her rescue dog at a girl and her dog on the road.

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Union Lido, Cavallino-Treporti*****

If you’re looking for a different way to visit Venice, this is it. Union Lido is a five-star camping village with everything from tents, motorhome and RV pitches to luxury mobile homes and a pet-friendly area.

Two different pool complexes means there’s always space to splash, and the two waterslides are fun without being too over the top. The spa area is quiet and relaxing with several saunas, an infinity pool looking out over the sea, and a rooftop sun deck.

A short bus trip to the water taxi stop makes it easy to get to Venice in half an hour. We enjoyed alternating Venice sight-seeing with days lounging at the beachside bar or the spa, while our son loved the freedom to run around and play.

With restaurants and a supermarket in the village, you can cook if you want to, but you don’t have to – every restaurant has a takeaway option. It’s a big site, so bring scooters or bikes if you can, though there’s a mini-train that you can catch if you’re tired. It made an ideal way to see Venice and for us, and is the best family camping in Italy.

Erin writes the European travel blog Erin at Large. A Canadian freelancer writer, she is based in Heidelberg, Germany, where she gets to see Heidelberg Castle every day. 

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Park Albatros Village, San Vicenzo

Park Albatross Village is our family’s all-time favourite campsite. We stayed in a wooden clad cabin with covered decking set on a pretty tree lined path.

The site has six pools to choose from, including a water chute for kids, fountains to play in and slippy domes which everyone wants to climb (with varying degrees of success!).

In the evenings huge pizzas are cooked in traditional wood ovens and markets stalls set up on site, for trinket and souvenir shopping. Live music is played on stage, and cocktails are available for sipping in the open-air courtyard, under a fairy-lit canopy.

The absolute best thing about our stay was being in the camp for one of the many Saints’ days. Tables were laid out along what felt like the entire length of the site for a communal meal. The wine flowed and the entertainment went on into the night.

The campsite is perfect to soak up the culture and lifestyle of Tuscany; it’s easy to catch a train into Rome or Pisa from San Vincenzo. The pretty Tuscan hill town of Lucca with its 16th Century ramparts and cobbled central square is only a short drive away. The whole experience was magical.

Helen’s spent 2 and a half years pottering around the world and now blogs about family adventures at holidaysfromhels. 

Camping Village Tavolara, Sardinia

If you want to go camping in Sardinia and experience its magical beaches, then Camping Village Tavolara is the place for you. Conveniently, it is in north-western Sardinia, 13km (25minutes) from the port of Olbia and Olbia’s airport. The campsite is inviting because it is only 500m from the enchanting beach of Porto Taverna and it is close to the sensational Isola Tavolara. It gets its name from this island, and it is a spectacular sight.

The campsite is welcoming, the staff are friendly, and they go out of their way to make sure you’re happy and know what services and facilities the campsite has. The setting is beautiful, as you are surrounded by nature. Sardinia can be hot, yet the campsites are shaded and surrounded by hedges for privacy. It feels like you have space and privacy, which is unusual when you are camping. There is a separate area for parking, which means that the campsite is car-free and quiet. The staff drive around on golf buggies to keep the noise level down, which allows for a pleasant stay.

It is also very flat, which is perfect for those who are pitching their tents. There are so many exciting things going on, and the facilities are incredible. You can play a range of sports, eat traditional Italian and Sardinian food at the restaurant and have a relaxing drink at the bar. There is also a lot of entertainment, where you can expect discos and theatre shows from mid-June to mid-September.

Sardinia is famous for its beaches, and next to the campsite there is one of its best. You can reach the sandy beach within a 10-minutes walk, but the campsite offers free shuttle services that are prompt and reliable. You will find clear and sparkling shallow water overlooking Tavolara Island with its chalky cliffs.

Rachel blogs at Average Lives, which focusses on affordable outdoor travel and road trips.

Camping in Luxembourg

Camping Kaul, Wiltz

If you’re looking for a pit stop between the U.K. and Southern Europe, Camping Kaul in northern Luxembourg is the perfect place. Located about four hours drive from both Calais and Hook of Holland, this lovely little site is a great place to break the journey.

Camping Kaul offers a mix of tent, caravan and motorhome pitches as well as various glamping options. Arrival dates and lengths of stay are flexible, even in high season. There’s a restaurant, play area and free access to an outdoor swimming pool. There’s also a  great little bike track and a supermarket within walking distance.

We loved how small the site was which meant our children could explore most of it independently on their bikes. We stayed in a chalet with a spacious veranda overlooking the site. Cars have to remain in the car park after you’ve unpacked so it feels very safe and peaceful. Our children said it was the best part of our four week European road trip.

Camping Kaul is a brilliant campsite if you’re looking to explore a beautiful part of Northern Europe. Set on the edge of the town of Wiltz, Camping Kaul is surrounded by the lush green woodland of the Luxembourg Ardennes. There are empty roads through the forests to explore and plenty of interesting towns and villages to visit.

Annabel writes the family travel blog Smudged Postcard. The blog focuses on cultural and adventure holidays with a particular emphasis on the UK and Europe. 

Camping in The Netherlands

Glamp Outdoor Camp Veluwe

The Netherlands is full of amazing campsites. But if you’re looking for one in the most beautiful areas of the country and a truly unique glamping experience? Glamp Outdoor Camp Veluwe should be your choice.

The Veluwe is one of the most popular areas among locals to withdraw in nature, so you’ll find many lodges, cabins, tiny houses and campsites in the Veluwe area. It’s home to many national parks, including the well-known National Park Hoge Veluwe. The park is one of the highlights of any visit to The Netherlands, if only for its unique museum in the heart of the park: the Kröller-Müller Museum. This museum was founded by an extravagant couple with the same name to house their immense collection of modern art. As the big cities already had plenty of museums and they wanted to give their visitors a unique experience, they choose the Veluwe as its location. The museum has the second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings, especially from Van Goghs early period.

Glamp Outdoor Camp is located right in between all that natural splendour. It was founded in 2020, when many locals were looking for a place to stay locally and festival glamping tents were widely available because of the canceled festivals. The result was this stunning glamping camp at the Veluwe.

The glamping tents are pitched on a heather field between the forests. The tents are Dutch glamping festival tents and vary in looks, amount of beds and comfort. The most luxurious tents even have their own glamping bathroom, though others use the common facilities in the center of the camp. All tents are far apart from one another to experience nature to the fullest.

As Glamp Outdoor Camp is located between the forests and fields, you can make small hikes in the area close to it. You don’t even need to drive yourself to one of the nature reserves or national parks in the area. If you’d like to do so anyway, you might want to visit the stunning area at Radio Kootwijk, an astonishing art nouveau building in the middle of nowhere with beautiful natural surroundings.

The Veluwe is known for its nature, but it also has big cities like Arnhem and Apeldoorn and charming Dutch villages like Zutphen. All three are worth a visit. If you’re into history and royalty, you might want to visit one of the many castles in the Veluwe. Castle Rosendael is a beautiful option and the former royal palace Het Loo in Apeldoorn is a top choice as well.

Maartje and Sebastiaan blog at The Orange Backpack, sharing travel stories about adventure, fun, road trips, comfort, sustainability, nature and discovery. 

Camping in Norway

Skagen Camping AS

The arctic circle may not sound like a great place to camp but a few nights spent up between the 68th and 69th parallels is an epic experience that you will absolutely love. And it is nowhere near as cold as you might think. Lofoten, at the north end of Norway is a spectacularly beautiful destination and there are several amazing campsites that you can stay at but the pick of the bunch is Skagen Camping AS.

As cool campsites go, this one is up there, sitting right on Skagsanden beach which would look more at home somewhere in Southeast Asia. The white sand and blue water are incredible and it is hard to believe you are in the arctic circle as you walk along this beach. The campsite is also surrounded by mountains making it one of the most scenic places to camp in Europe.

You can actually camp here year-round if you don’t mind facing extreme cold weather and snow in the winter but we recommend avoiding this and going in the summer. The summer temperatures are actually fairly warm and you can comfortably spend a few nights camping in a tent.

The surrounding area is full of amazing things to do and Lofoten is one of the most beautiful places in the world. You can surf in the arctic waters on Skagsanden beach, right in front of the campsite which is a very cool experience. There are endless epic hikes nearby, one of the best being Festvagtind which overlooks the broken islands of Henningsvaer. You can also go in search of more amazing beaches with tropical looking white sand and blue water like Rorvikstranda, Kvalvika beach and Haukland beach.

If you do want to venture here in the winter there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy as well. While much colder, the surf is much better in the winter, you can ski and snowboard and this is when the Northern Lights are at their most visible.

Being able to camp in a place this beautiful that is in the arctic circle is an absolutely amazing experience and one we highly recommend.

Luke blogs about taking on British Columbia, one adventure at a time at Wild About BC.

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Camping in Portugal

Camping Algarve – Turiscampo, Luz****

Camping Algarve – Turiscampo is a large site around 2.5km away from the beach front in Luz and 6km from the centre of Lagos.

With lots of great activities including fitness classes and evening entertainment for adults, kids clubs and swimming options, this is a great site for a family holiday or those looking for a stop in the beautiful climate over winter.

The restaurant, overlooking the pool, is a hub in the evenings with a terraced area for drinks and dining. The food is good, with plenty of choice. All the sanitary facilities and laundry are modern and clean and the grounds are regularly manicured by a team of gardeners.

This is an excellent site from which to explore the gorgeous beaches of the Algarve in Portugal, as everything is within easy driving distance. Change up your days out with a day by the pool or in the spa, there are lots of options for lounging!

RELATED POST: Motorhoming & Campervanning in Portugal – All You Need to Know!

Camping in Slovenia

Kamp Soca, Soca Valley

If you love to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature when you go camping, you will love Kamp Soca.

The campsite runs alongside the Soca River in the stunning Soca Valley. Surrounded by the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park, the nearest small town is Trenta, about 10km away.

The large campsite has around 200 pitches and is suitable for tents, motorhomes, caravans, and hikers, with a small number of cabins available. The campsite offers all the facilities you need including camp kitchens, laundry, toilet and shower facilities.  

This is a peaceful and relaxed campsite – perfect for soaking up the tranquillity of the surrounding mountains, but not for those looking for a lot of organised activities or entertainment.

You are spoilt for choice in terms of things to add to your Slovenia itinerary when you are based here.

The river is a major attraction, and you may find it hard to do much else. The water is icy cold year-round, but many days can be spent swimming, tubing and leaping off rocks into the crystal-clear blue water.

If you can drag yourself away from the river, the famous Soca Trail passes by the campsite. If you are an avid hiker you can walk the entire 25km trail. You can also opt for a shorter section as it winds along the river and through the surrounding forests. Buses pass by the campsite and make a one way hike possible.

There are also several gorgeous falls and gorges to visit in the area including Kozjak and Boka waterfalls and the beautiful Tolmin Gorge.

If you have time, the area is well serviced by adventure tour agencies who can help you plan white water rafting, kayaking, cycling, and hiking tours of the area.

When you are ready to leave, the drive up and over the nearby historic Vrsic Pass is a must. With 50 hairpin turns and views to die for, it is the highest mountain pass in Europe and one of the best things to do in the area.

Kamp Soca is a campsite you may find yourself returning to again and again to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors in Slovenia. 

Contributed by Rachel Rodda from Adventure and Sunshine, a family adventure travel blog.

Camp Zlatorog, Bohinj

Hugging the shoreline of the mesmerising Lake Bohinj in stunning Triglav National Park in Slovenia you’ll find Camp Zlatorog. This is not your typical campsite with perfectly manicured patches of grass to put your tent on, but if you enjoy being out in nature it is something way better.

At Camp Zlatorog there are no marked pitches, instead, they have areas where you are free to pitch your tent or park your caravan wherever you want. This means you can camp right by the shore of the lake if you want, possibly shaded by some trees, and watch the sunset over the lake and surrounding mountaintops from inside your tent. This doesn’t mean that the campsite lacks facilities though. You’ll still find everything you need including a restaurant, wifi and a beach bar by the lake.

While camping out in nature is awesome, the real appeal of this campsite is its location that offers countless opportunities for activities in the area. There are obvious ones like hiking in the mountains or swimming in the lake. But the campsite also rents out paddle boards and kayaks to take out onto the lake, and there is a panoramic boat that takes you from the jetty at the campsite to the other side of the lake.

Looking for something more adrenaline-fuelled? Then take the cable car that starts right next to the campsite up to Mount Vogel. In winter Vogel is known for its ski fields, but in summer the mountain has a mountain bike park, a zip-line park, and one of the most spectacular paragliding take-off points in the country. Imagine jumping off the top of the mountain to then glide over Lake Bohinj and all its breath-taking surrounding scenery!

There are also cave systems to explore and plenty of awesome climbing spots to go rock climbing. If you still haven’t had enough, then opt for one of the tours the campsite organises, like a canyoning tour or a rafting tour on the Sava river that flows out from Lake Bohinj.

Bohinj is an outdoor lover’s paradise, and Camp Zlatorog truly completes the package.

Tom and Zi blog at Craving Adventure, providing you with insights on a life of travel, exploration and adventure.

Camping in Spain

Camping Los Escullos, Cabo de Gata

One of the absolute best campsites in Spain is Camping Los Escullos. It is a large campsite with clean facilities. I have been several times with my tent, while there are plenty of caravans and motorhomes around too. 

The campground is situated in the middle of the desert in Cabo de Gata national park, not far from the beach and breathtaking cliffs in Los Escullos. This is a great starting point for exploring the nature reserve as you are halfway between some of the best beaches in Cabo de Gata. Los Genoveses and Monsul beach are in one direction and the stunning Los Muertos beach on the other side.

The campsite has a little shop with all the basic you need to cook your own food, as well as a bar and restaurant where they do very good fish and chips once a week. There is a pool for anyone who doesn’t want to walk or cycle to the beach. If you have dogs, they are welcome too! This is a friendly campsite and the staff have always been very helpful and kind to me.

Linn Haglund is originally from Norway but has spent most of her adult years traveling and living abroad. Linn blogs about responsible travel at Brainy Backpackers. 

RELATED POST: Motorhoming in Spain – Your Complete Guide

Camping L’Amorfa, Sant Pere Pescador****

If you are looking for a campsite to enjoy a relaxing family holiday in Spain, Camping L’Amfora will be the perfect place for you!

Located in Sant Pere Pescador on the Costa Brava, L’Amfora is a four star campsite that offers all the facilities you would ever want for your holidays such as direct access to the beach, pools, supermarket, bakery, restaurant and much more.

I had the chance to go to L’Amfora on several occasions. Sometimes I stayed in a tent, others in a bungalow and I must say, you really can’t get it wrong.

The campsite is spacious and very well looked after, the bungalows are recent and well equipped.  Pitches for tents and motorhomes are well maintained. The thing I’ve always loved about this place, that makes it an extra bit more special to my eyes is that it’s convivial. It’s a family business run with love and you can feel it. The staff do everything they can to make your camping holiday in Spain as amazing as it can be.

L’Amfora is also particularly well located. You can walk to the private beach from your accommodation but will also get the chance to go onto incredible day trips to the Costa Dorada, Barcelona, Girona or South West France, making this one of the best campsites in Spain. 

Pauline blogs at Beeloved City, which offers travel fun facts, travel quizzes and quotes to help you discover all your favourite cities in a unique and fun way.

Camping El Sur, Ronda, Andalucia***

If you are looking for a great campsite in Andalusia, Spain, Camping El Sur is an excellent choice, especially for travelling families. Located next to the famous village of Ronda, Camping El Sur is a medium-sized campsite with plenty of amenities.

The pitches are large (70 to 100 square meters) and due to the beautiful almond, olive and oak trees, there is plenty of shade. Because the campsite is built upon a hill, the upper spots offer nice views of the surrounding countryside. Regarding the facilities, the toilets and showers blocks are well-maintained and clean.  

There are lots of things to do close to Camping El Sur. With three nature reserves (Los Alcornocales, Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra de las Nieves) close by, it comes as no surprise that hiking opportunities are plentiful. There are lots of trails, both short and long so you can choose one that suits your family’s preference. 

Located within walking distance of the campsite is the remarkable town of Ronda. This historic town is split in two by the deep El Tajo Gorge. On one side of the gorge, you’ll find the Old Town and on the other side is the New Town (new being a relative term here, as this part of town dates back to the 15th century).  

The two parts of town are connected by the imposing Puento Neuvo, which was built in 1751. It took 42 years to build this bridge, but taking into account that it was constructed without any modern equipment, that’s quite an amazing achievement!  

Ronda is a lovely place to spend a day with your family. Stroll around the plazas, explore the old Arabic Baths (Baños Arabes), visit a museum (such as the Casa Palacio Museo Lara), and admire the beautiful historic buildings. If you are traveling with teens, they can even stay at the pool at the campsite while you and your partner take your time exploring Ronda.  

Lotte from Lotte from Met Camper Door Europa

Camping in Switzerland

Camping Jungfrau, Lauterbrunnen*****

Nestled among the valley in the Jungfrau region, the city of Lauterbrunnen has one of the best mountain campsites in Europe, Camping Jungfrau. Located just a few meters from a bustling waterfall, Camp Jungfrau’s idyllic location is perfect for families who are avid outdoors types. 

The region is rich in outdoors activities including hiking trails in the mountains,  nearby boating and rafting, parasailing and paragliding, and so many other outdoor activities. Nearby cable cars allow for campers to take the cars up to carless towns such as Murren. Maps with a variety of hiking paths are available at the cable car stations.

Camp Jungfrau itself is a very large space with hundreds of hectares for motorhomes, camper vans and tents. They also have small huts for people without their own vehicle or tent. The camp hosts two main areas with facilities for bathing, a restaurant, a grocery store, and a children’s playground with an inflatable play area, slides and swings. The camp also has a small kitchen with burners and kitchen equipment available for use. The beauty of the camp itself is the location, as it is surrounded by cliff sides, waterfalls and the sheer beauty of the mountains of Switzerland.

Diana blogs at Travels in Poland, a site to help you plan your best trip to Poland. 

Perhaps you prefer to wild camp in Europe, in a motorhome or campervan?  Or you’re looking for motorhome touring country guides?  Or maybe you fancy a road trip camping across Europe, taking your tent with you and camping as you go? Whatever you’re looking for, we have all of that information to help and inspire your next camping trip to Europe.

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