Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
Best family campsites in Europe: find campsites in France, Spain, Italy and more for a child-friendly break
A great choice for holidaying with kids of all ages, camping in Europe is also an affordable option for your next trip. To help you plan, we’ve handpicked the best family campsites in Europe, as recommended by Mumsnetters.
By Charlotte Plummer | Last updated Feb 15, 2024
Offering plenty of fresh air, zero screen time, and sometimes more affordable than your “classic” trip abroad, camping can be the perfect option for holidaying with children both young and old.
Although we’ve done our fair share of family holidays, going camping is an adventure that hugely benefits from some insider tips when planning and while you’re there.
Naturally, we consulted our camping experts on the Mumsnet forums to see what they recommend - from traditional, to supersized resorts with water parks, we’ve found a great mix of the continent’s best family-friendly campsites, including countries like Spain, France, Croatia and Germany.
Read on for our guide to the best family campsites in Europe.
Best family campsites in Europe at a glance
Best overall: Aloha Village Eurocamp, France
Best for active families: Campsite L’Europe 4*, France
Best for attractions: Beekse Bergen, Netherlands
Best for lake views: Bella Italia, Italy
Best for outdoor pools: Cambrils Park, Spain
EDITOR'S PICKS: GLAMPING HOLIDAYS IN EUROPE WITH FEATHER DOWN FARMS
La Ferme de Penquelen, Brittany, France
An organic dairy farm close to the beach with BBQs and horse riding.
From £143 per night.
Hoeve de Betuwe, Gelderland, Netherlands
Organic farm between Amsterdam and Eindhoven with alpacas and a cuddle barn.
From £143 per night.
Hoeve Brugge, Bruges, Belgium
Dog-friendly farm close to Bruges with a play barn and pizza ovens.
From £143 per night.
1. Best overall: Aloha Village Eurocamp, France
Aloha Village Eurocamp, Languedoc in France | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
“Camping is big in France. Their sites are far superior to ours.” Justkeeppedaling
“France is good for camping and even when it gets hot in the day, it’s cooler at night for sleeping in tents.” ivykaty44
Our verdict
Step into a Hawaiian heaven as this tropical themed campsite transports you into a Tiki paradise. Aloha Village is an immaculately kept park with direct access to a gorgeous sandy beach, offering on site restaurants, bars and even an ice cream parlour.
The closest airport is just 10 miles away, although if travelling via ferry you would have quite the journey once you’ve docked. The nearest port is Bilbao, which is located over 370 miles away, so bear this in mind if you plan a trip here.
If you fancy exploring the local coastline, it’s great for older children - how about hiring bikes to cycle along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea? Imagine those views! This spot is a real find; one the whole family can find entertainment at.
Read next: The best UK farm stays, as recommended by parents
2. Best for active families: Campsite L’Europe 4*, France
Campsite L’Europe 4*, Languedoc in France | Check availability
Our verdict
Ideally located between Sete and Montpellier, Camping L’Europe is the ideal place to both rest while exploring the local landscapes and keep active.
There’s plenty of activities available here, including: table tennis, basketball, football, volleyball, and much more. There’s also group fitness glasses, Zumba, yoga, or aqua aerobics. For younger guests, the site has a kid’s club, which offers games, sports, arts, crafts, discos and shows.
The mobile homes offer air conditioning to keep you cool in the heat of European summers and offer facilities such as an on site bar and restaurant to keep the family well fed throughout your stay.
Placed ideally near Plage des Aresquiers, you’ll have easy access to local beaches and a resort with cafes and restaurants. Further inland, you’ll find Massif de la Gardiole and its woodland trails, or head over to the nearby theme park, Luna Park Palavas.
Read next: The best hammocks for chilling in your garden or on holiday
3. Best for attractions: Beekse Bergen, Netherlands
Beekse Bergen, North Brabant in Netherlands | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
“Yes, it’s great. If you stay more than three nights you get free entry to the safari park and theme park/lakeside beach. There is a good onsite shop and indoor pool. Lots of little playgrounds all over the site”. TickledOnion
Our verdict
Lions and tigers and a… lakeside beach!? Oh my! This holiday park at a theme park and very close by to the beach is definitely worth considering.
In fact, if you’re staying here for three or more nights, you’re in for an even bigger treat; you’ll get free access to the safari park, as well as the zoo! When lion spotting is over, how about go-karting, bouncy castles or cooling down with a dip at the nearby lakeside beach.
With flight or ferry options available, you’re just under 18 miles away from the nearest airport, or approx 62 miles from the nearest port, so accessing this site is easier than some others listed here.
There’s several playgrounds dotted around the site to ensure your little ones are entertained throughout your stay, hopefully meaning a great night's sleep to follow!
Related: The best outdoor toys, tried and tested by Mumsnetters
4. Best for lake views: Bella Italia, Lake Garda, Italy
Bella Italia, Lake Garda in Italy | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
“It’s pretty (pathways are lined with flowers), and well laid but a little faded in places. There are about four exits from the site that are right on the lake. You can easily paddle, swim, hire boats…we watched the sunset over the water every evening”. Fivemoreminutes1
Our verdict
This Eurocamp site is located deep in the heart of beautiful Lake Garda. Brimming with facilities and dedicated to bringing the fun, it offers direct access to the lakeside beach and five fabulous pool complexes.
Sports facilities here include table tennis and a multi-purpose sports field for football, volleyball and basketball. There’s also tournaments, a kids club, and a timetable of day and evening entertainment.
The site has bungalows and apartments available, and all are air-conditioned, with kitchenettes and living areas.
With Verona airport based approx just 12 miles away, you can easily explore the gorgeous cities of Verona, Milan and Venice, so if you have teenagers that love site-seeing, you couldn’t have found a more perfect spot! If you decide to hire a car during your holiday, free onsite parking is available.
After a busy day exploring, you can sit back and enjoy dinner with a view at one of the three available restaurants, including a traditional pizzeria. There’s also a mini market, ice cream parlour and a terrace overlooking the lake. Sounds bliss!
5. Best for outdoor pools: Cambrils Park, Spain
Cambrils Park, Spain | Check availability
Our verdict
This park is one for the water babies. You’ll soon realise on arrival, this site has been designed to bring fun and laughter to families young and old. The water facilities here are 10/10, offering five incredible pool complexes including a recently developed Mediterranean pool.
The park is located within walking distance of both Cambrils Port and Salou. There’s also a great beach just half a mile away, and if there’s some thrill seekers amongst you, the famous Port Aventura theme park is located just 5 miles away.
This park is super easy to get to, with the closest airport just 8 miles away! Note, it is close to a nearby large road meaning you may hear some traffic noise, so bear this in mind.
Read next: The best hotels with waterparks in Spain, as recommended by Mumsnetters
6. Best for Disney lovers: Les Villages Natures at Disneyland Paris, France
Les Villages Natures at Disneyland Paris in France | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
“Well I went recently and I loved it! My only negative would be it wasn’t very ‘green’, but only because it’s so new none of the greenery has grown much yet! The pools were amazing, the restaurants were decent and there was also a very reasonably priced, well stocked up supermarket on site. You’ll have a great time!” Badtasteflump
Our verdict
Not your classic camping, we know! But Les Village Natures located close to Disneyland Paris offers a great, eco-friendly alternative accommodation to your usual hotel trip whilst visiting the Disney parks. Nestled in greenery and surrounded by water, this resort really does give a camping vibe with a slice of home comforts in the variety of accommodations on offer.
Your stay includes unlimited access to the five onsite immersive worlds. You can find a wave pool, slides, outdoor assault courses and more. This resort really does cater for everyone.
There’s a number of different on site accommodations to choose from which offer a real home away from home, rural retreat vibe which after a long day in the Disney Parks will be very welcome!
7. Best for nature lovers: Castell Montgri, Spain
Castell Montgri, Costa Brava in Spain | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
“It’s a great campsite. I’ve been in August and it was busy, but not hideously so! There’s a new bus direct to the campsite from Gerona airport”. Mirmc
Our verdict
Situated close to the lively resort of L’Estratit, you will find the fantastic campsite of Castell Montgri. Built into the hillside, it offers amazing views across the bay and has a gorgeous beach less than a mile away.
Fun is in full supply here, with pools, waterslides, playgrounds, a cinema… The list goes on! The site even has its own funfair just 5 minutes away, and two of the pools are open until midnight. They really have catered for both children and grown ups to have a memorable time.
Their spacious and modern bungalow accommodation ensures your family is well catered for, along with the on site supermarket, bakery and restaurants to keep you all fed and watered on your trip. It’s worth mentioning that this campsite is quite hilly, and so may not be suitable for those with mobility issues - but it’s a great choice for an active, nature-loving family seeking fun and entertainment.
8. Best supersized: Camping Village Simuni, Croatia
Camping Village Simuni in Pag, Croatia | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
“Stunning country though, very hot, beautiful coastline. I would recommend”. Chicchicchicchiclana
Our verdict
Camping Village Simuni is renowned for its beautiful beaches that stretch along the camp. There are six in total, two of which are even dog friendly! Dogs and other pets are allowed on camp, also.
The village is located in the southern part of the island of Pag. It’s famous for being one of the best camps in Croatia and is somewhere you’re guaranteed to find laughter, joy and plenty of entertainment for the whole family. Kids can try out the windsurfing school, plus there’s a playground, a water sports centre and a diving club offering trips to underwater caves.
Back on dry land, you’ll find a restaurant, pizzeria by the beach, coffee bar, cocktail bar, a supermarket and a daily fish market. Other facilities include tennis courts, beach volleyball and a climbing wall.
With a variety of onsite accommodation to choose from such as bungalows, mobile campers and camping pitches, you really can tailor this camping trip to your family's preference.
9. Best near an airport: Villanova Park, Spain
Villanova Park in Costa Dorada, Spain | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
“So far I’ve been to Camping Fabulous in Rome and Villanova Park near Barcelona, both on Mumsnet recommendations”. MadameJosephine
Our verdict
This large, well run campsite is located on a hill overlooking the beautiful Costa Dorada. Barcelona airport is your closest, less than an hour away. So if you fancy a car-free holiday, you can check in to your accommodation within 60 minutes from landing.
Whether you’re looking for a Barcelona city break, or something slightly more relaxing (think landscaped lawns and shady palm trees), Villanova will deliver on both.
Onsite you’ll find three pool complexes, a tennis court, crazy golf and jumping pillows. The evening entertainment comes to life under beautifully lit water features, and there’s a restaurant located in a gorgeously restored Catalan Farmhouse.
With the nearest beach just 2.4 miles away, you can explore the coastline before heading back to your relaxing accommodation for a well earned rest.
10. Best for exploring: Norcenni Girasole, Italy
Norcenni Girasole, Figline Valdarno in Italy | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
“We have been twice. The first time DC was 8 and made a whole gang of friends. We also went when she was 14 and had a great time.” Willstarttomorrow
Our verdict
Surrounded by hills and the stunning villages of the Chianti region of Italy, this beautiful holiday park ticks so many boxes. It’s a large, well equipped site with lots going on - a great find for families with older children.
With two pools, a lazy river, spa, games rooms and more, the entertainment on offer here is guaranteed to keep the family entertained. Whether it’s hiring bikes, watching a film at the on-site cinema, or enjoying a cooking-lesson, there’s something for everyone.
Located close to the cities of Florence, Siena and Pisa which can all be reached easily by car, you can enjoy your time either in or out of the campsite. If you’d prefer not to drive, there’s a local train and bus station less than two miles away and the campsite offers a free shuttle service into town to make your life that bit easier.
How much does it cost to camp in Europe?
In a nutshell, there are ample opportunities and gorgeous locations across Europe to enjoy camping with your family. Site prices start from around £450 per week (based on a family of 4 for 7 nights), plus your transport and spending money. You can tailor these trips to your budget.
Is camping in Europe safe?
Safety can be a big concern on any holiday. We’ve evaluated pages and pages of reviews to ensure we provide an open and honest account of what to consider when camping in Europe. If you are worried, our top tips would be to take your own safe for passports/important items. These aren’t always provided in campsite accommodation.
Relax and enjoy your time but as ever, stay alert to your surroundings. Most campgrounds have security on the gate which certainly adds piece of mind.
Where can you park a campervan overnight in Europe?
If you prefer to park your own campervan rather than use site accommodation, this is absolutely an option too at plenty of campsites in Europe… To find the best one for you, take a look at Booking.com, plus, several of the campsites in this roundup offer space for campervans, too.
If you wish to park your campervan elsewhere, you’re in luck, as much of Europe is geared up for campervans and motorhomes. Most European countries provide official places for you to stay overnight, and are generally referred to as camper stops. These can range from car parks in town centres, to remote locations and beachside spots.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations by real parents
Before choosing any destination for our roundups, we first consult the Mumsnet forums. With over 10 million users per month, there’s a lot of suggestions by real parents who have been there, done that when travelling to a European campsite with the family.
Expert guidance and traveller reviews
After we’ve collated our campsite picks, we then turn to the experts and consult the likes of TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia to see what their recommendations include for European campsites.
Here we’ll also check what travellers are saying about these campsites, taking into consideration both the positive and negative points of their trip to bring you a well-rounded and honest guide.
Celebrated campsites
Finally, we cross-referenced all of the above information to find the best family campsites in Europe that had won the most awards and recommendations across the board. We feel there’s something here for everyone, to suit every budget.
Why should you trust us?
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.