Whether you’re seasoned campers who love the adventure of pitching your tent as a family and sleeping al-fresco, or if you’re more of a glamping fan who prefers having a few home comforts, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to incredible campsites for a perfect family getaway. Sarah Dawson gives us seven amazing camping spots in Europe, for a budget family-friendly holiday.
1/7 Vacansoleil Parco delle Piscine, Tuscany, Italy
With its breathtaking scenery (think rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards and idyllic villages), to-die-for food and warm, friendly locals, Tuscany is a great choice of destination for a dreamy family holiday. This super child-friendly campsite ticks all the boxes for a fantastic getaway on a budget, with three natural, spring water swimming pools, restaurant, bar, playground and even a cinema. You can pitch your own tent, or hire one of the pre-erected Bungalow tents, or mobile homes. The site is perfectly placed for a spot of hiking and cycling, and is also just a five-minute walk to the picturesque village of Sarteano, complete with its own castle. If you’re after a Tuscan break on a budget, this is a fantastic choice.
Price: From approx. £325 a week for a camping pitch, £500 for a Bungalow tent Navajo or £880 for a Fiji mobile home
2/7 Bot-Conan Lodge, Brittany, France
Arriving at Bot-Conan Lodge you’ll feel the stresses of everyday life melt away in an instant. Tranquil, secluded and unspoilt, this campsite is a real gem – one of Brittany’s best-kept secrets. The glamping tents blend seamlessly into their woodland surrounding, but it’s the quite cove and crystal-clear waters of the beach, just metres away, that is the biggest draw. The sea, with its shallow waters and no strong currents or big waves, is perfect for children to paddle, while you relax and take in the mesmerising views. The campsite is fenced, so it’s safe for the kids to explore while you cook up a storm on the barbecue pit. There’s plenty to see and do in the local area, like canoeing and cycling, and the annual ‘Festival of the Apple Trees’ held every July, is a must for cider connoisseurs.
Price: From approx. £50 a night in bell tent (sleeps 4) and £87 in a safari tent (sleeps 5)
3/7 Tartaruga Camping, Zakynthos, Greece
When it comes to location, it’s hard to beat Tartaruga Camping. Perched at the southern end of the Bay of Laganas on the island of Zakynthos, with gorgeous views down to a pretty white pebble beach and out across the glistening sea, it’s a real authentic slice of Greek paradise. More suited to experienced campers with older children and teens, this is not a glamping option, but there’s plenty of space to pitch your tent under the shade of the trees before kicking back in the tavern with a delicious meal, while taking in the view. Tartaruga Camping offers a real chance to get back to nature – loggerhead turtles are often seen in the turquoise waters beside the campsite, and there’s even a floating platform to swim out to, where you can wait for the turtles to pass by and join them for a snorkel. Unforgettable.
Price: From approx. £8 per adult, in a tent, per night
4/7 The Hidden Treehouse Resort, Lower Saxony, Germany
If you love the idea of sleeping in the Great Outdoors, but the thought of camping with a young family feels a bit intimidating, glamping is the way forward. There’s something eternally magical about treehouses, which is why we love The Hidden Treehouse Resort. These chic wooden lodges, nestled in the heart of Germany’s Lower Saxony region, will capture your child’s imagination like nothing else – and it won’t just be the kids who will be blown away by these unique cabins. You’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest, while staying in the comfort of a fully kitted-out lodge, which can sleep up to four. In the morning, enjoy a breakfast picnic basket, delivered to your door, as you sit out on your own open-air deck.
Totally enchanting.
Price: From approx. £190 a night
5/7 Camping De Roos, Overijssel, The Netherlands
It might not be your first thought for a European break, but The Netherlands seriously delivers when it comes to picturesque, untouched countryside and a relaxed way of life – just the ticket for a family-friendly holiday. Situated on the banks of the River Vecht, Camping De Roos offers the chance to switch off from the stresses of daily life and enjoy the simpler things in life. Pitch your tent in one of the shady woodland spots, or upgrade to a charming holiday chalet for extra comfort, then soak up the beauty of the lush green surroundings. This is a place where kids can really be kids, splashing about in the river on a hot summer’s day (there’s even a cordoned off shallow area for little ones), riding bikes, flying kites, making dens and making new friends. The on-site facilities are fantastic, including everything from a tearoom to a handy shop for those essentials.
Price: From approx. £110 a week for a tent pitch and £195 for a chalet
6/7 Glisten Camping, Col d’Ibardin, France
From the cool space-age exterior to the fun hanging beds, Glisten Camping does things a little differently. Nestled away in the beautiful countryside of South West France, these quirky domes (heaven for little campers) add a touch of luxe to your camping experience. King-size beds for the grown-ups, room for everyone and an al-fresco dining area complete with ‘plancha’ gas cooker, make this a great pick for first-time campers, or those looking for some extra creature comforts. The campsite is relaxed and friendly, and has all the extras of a much larger site, including a pool and kids’ club. Close to the beach, Pyrenees mountains and pretty villages, it’s an ideal base for exploring the Basque region – and Spain is just 15km away!
Price: From £420 a week, per dome, based on six people sharing (four adults max.)
7/7 Glamping Dehesa de las Yeguas, Cadiz, Spain
Set within the dramatic landscape of the Bahia de Cadiz Natural Park, this collection of spacious Safari tents manages to perfectly merge home comforts with a real taste of nature. Set in a clearing of a Mediterranean pine tree forest (the scent is incredible!) each tent is very well equipped with a huge fridge freezer, cooker, comfy beds and a shower, as well as a private veranda where you can sit and take in the views, while the kids run around exploring. The owner, Amparo, will go out of her way to welcome you all and help organise fun activities like a horse drawn carriage ride around the grounds – she has even been known to whip up a huge bowl of her tasty paella for guests who fancy a night off cooking or eating out. Close to the beaches, as well as the fascinating city of Cadiz, there’s plenty to keep the whole family happy here.
Price: From £106 a night in a Safari Tent for four people