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Best Eurocamp sites for families, as recommended by parents
Looking for a hassle-free, affordable camping holiday in Europe? We've rounded up the best Eurocamp sites that Mumsnetters love, to help you plan a family holiday to remember.
By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Apr 24, 2024
Eurocamp is a firm favourite among Mumsnetters. Being able to get back to basics in a tent or a mobile home but having access to kids’ clubs, pools and even on-site waterparks and theme parks is a brilliant way to get away from it all with kids in tow. And many Eurocamp sites are accessible by public transport too - handy if you're looking for a car-free escape.
Eurocamp holidays are great value for money, and an excellent way to see Europe on a budget. Pretty much every site has a kids’ club, and they’re all kitted out with the facilities and entertainment a family needs to have a fun and relaxing break. There’s a wide choice of accommodation that’s designed with families in mind, with spacious tents, mobile homes and lodges available, and Eurocamp holidays are ATOL and ABTA protected for peace of mind at every stage.
With over 140 sites across Europe, picking the best Eurocamp site can be a daunting prospect. Seasoned campers from the Mumsnet Travel forums have recommended their favourite destinations for holidaying under canvas with the whole family. We've also rounded up the best Eurocamp sites in France, Italy and Spain to help narrow things down.
For camping inspiration closer to home, consider our guides to the best UK holiday parks, the best campsites in the UK, the best UK glamping sites and the best UK farm stays.
Search for a family-friendly Eurocamp site
Bella Italia, Lake Garda, Italy
Located on the southern shore of beautiful Lake Garda, Bella Italia is Mumsnetters’ most recommended Eurocamp site for families. With direct access to a lakeside beach, four pools and on-site entertainment, you don’t need to go far to keep the kids busy. Venture out of the campsite and you’ll find pretty villages, cycle paths and stunning scenery. The on-site restaurant’s not to be missed with its lake views and good quality Italian grub. This site is ‘car optional’ too, with Peschiera del Garda train station just over a mile away.
Nearest airport: Verona (14 miles)
Duinrell, Wassenaar, Netherlands
One of the most fun-packed sites in Europe, Duinrell has its own theme park, waterpark and 21 water slides. Just a 40-minute drive from Amsterdam, it’s surrounded by safe cycle routes and woodland. Sandy Wassenaarse Slag beach is a couple of miles away, and the charming town of Wassenaar is just half a mile from the site, with quintessentially Dutch canals and architecture to take in.
Nearest airport: Amsterdam (24 miles)
Playa Joyel, Noja, Northern Spain
Northern Spain is a lot more temperate and less touristy than the south coast, and you can catch a ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth to nearby Santander - it’s recommended you bring a car or hire one in order to get to the campsite easily. There’s direct access from the site to a lovely sandy beach, and the Cantabrian mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. Set within the lush Noja National Park, this is a great destination for families in search of fresh air and relaxation.
Nearest airport: Santander (25 miles)
La Granageoire, Vendee, Central France
La Garangeoire holds a special place in Mumsnetters’ hearts, thanks to its beautiful location in the grounds of a chateau, surrounded by woods, meadows and lakes. A car is recommended, as it’s a bit of a trek from the nearest airport or ferry port. There’s a brilliant pool complex, a spa and plenty of activities on site - like archery, scuba diving and horse riding. The nearest beach is seven miles away at Brétignolles sur Mer. It’s a lovely wide sandy beach with safe, shallow water - definitely worth the trip off site.
Nearest airport: Nantes (62 miles)
Playa Montroig, Costa Dorada, Southern Spain
On Spain’s sunny and popular south coast, Playa Montroig is set in subtropical gardens near some of Costa Dorada’s best sandy beaches. With four pools, tennis courts and great restaurants, it’s a good one for older kids, although little ones are well catered for with a kids’ club, a toddler pool and five playgrounds. The port of Cambrils is a short drive away, offering plenty of places to shop, eat and drink. Barcelona is 80 miles north, and well worth a visit if you’re up for the drive.
Nearest airport: Reus (15 miles)
La Croix de Vieux Pont, Berny Riviere, Northern France
A couple of hours’ drive from Paris and Disneyland Paris, La Croix de Vieux Pont is well-placed for all the sights of Northern France. The site has four pools (one with a retractable roof), plus a family disco, a lake beach and three playgrounds. Eurocamp recommends bringing a car, and the nearest ferry port is Calais. Opt for a swish safari tent for a real glamping experience. It comes with proper beds, a kitchenette and wooden furniture.
Nearest airport: Paris CGD (47 miles)
Domaine des Ormes, Brittany, Northern France
When it comes to the northern coast of France, you can never predict the weather. Luckily, Domaine des Ormes has a massive covered pool complex in a futuristic dome, so you can enjoy a tropical atmosphere come rain or shine. The site is set in 400 acres of woodland, with wildflower meadows and a large lake completing the idyllic location. Horse riding is a speciality, and lessons are on offer for all ages. Hop on a ferry from Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth to St Malo, which is 24 miles from the site.
Nearest airport: Dinard (26 miles)
Camping le Paradis, Dordogne, Central France
In the heart of the French countryside and with river Vézère running by, camping Le Paradis is a truly picturesque family holiday destination. Nearby, the wall paintings of Lascaux caves are a must-see, as well as La Roque St Christophe and the pretty town of Montignac. One of the smaller Eurocamp sites, this is a perfect choice for a low-key family holiday.
Nearest airport: Bergerac (42 miles)
Jungfrau, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
For a camping holiday that’s a little different, Jungfrau in the Swiss Alps is a great choice. Set in lush Alpine scenery, there are no less than 72 waterfalls in and around the campsite grounds. There’s a playground and table tennis on-site. You’ll need to head to the nearest town to find a swimming pool but campers can get discounted entry. This site is all about exploring the local area, climbing mountains and experiencing a bit of authentic Alpine life.
Nearest airport: Basel Mulhouse (103 miles)
Le Ranc Davaine, Ardeche, Southern France
Combining a picturesque rural location with reliable sunshine and a great pool complex, Le Ranc Davaine in the South of France is an ideal destination for a warm, fun-filled family holiday. There’s a spa, a kids’ club, two playgrounds and lots of activities within easy reach of the campsite. The local area is known for its rock climbing and pot holing. Canoeing on the river Chassezac, which runs through the campsite, comes highly recommended.
Nearest airport: Nimes (60 miles)
What’s the best Eurocamp in Italy?
Mumsnetters love Bella Italia on the shores of Lake Garda, for its breathtaking location, multitude of pools and lovely climate. What’s more, it’s easily accessible by public transport.
How many Eurocamps are there?
There are 148 Eurocamp sites across 11 European countries.
What’s the best Eurocamp site for families?
The best Eurocamp site for families is La Croix de Vieux Pont in Northern France. It combines all the best bits of a Eurocamp site with a great location within easy reach of Paris and Disneyland, plus it’s not too far from the Eurotunnel and ferry port at Calais.
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How we chose our recommendations
Because we know that there's nothing like a real recommendation from a fellow parent, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which Eurocamp sites were being recommended for families.
We then did some research across the wider web, looking at what Eurocamp destinations had won accolades or been featured in 'best choice' lists, and what customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best Eurocamp sites for families.
About the author
Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing baby and child products over the past few years, as well as writing about family holiday destinations near and far. She knows how important it is that everyone is happy on holiday. That’s why she put as much research into this article as she would into her own trip.
Poppy is also the best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy, The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy and Mother Power. She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won the Kate Betts Memorial Prize in 2019, her books have been translated into eight languages and her writing has featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun.
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