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: where to camp in France, Spain, Italy and beyond with kids
A great choice for holidaying with kids of all ages, camping is also an affordable option for family holidays. To help you plan an adventure, we’ve handpicked the best family campsites in Europe, as recommended by Mumsnetters.
By Charlotte Plummer & Rachel Erdos | Last updated May 23, 2024
Fresh air, zero screen time, and way more affordable than your “classic” trip abroad, camping is a brilliant option for holidaying with kids.
But where's best to pitch up in Europe? Our Mumsnet camping forum is a packed full of top tips from happy campers that really know what makes a great campsite.
Whether you're looking for a large site with access to pools, waterslides, kids' clubs, restaurants and entertainment or prefer a smaller rural setting for a back-to-nature break, we've got you covered with tried-and-tested recommendations. Our roundup features a mix of sites with pitches for tents and motorhomes as well as lodges, chalets and pre-erected 'safari-style' tents if you like the idea of sleeping alfresco but don't want to travel with ALL THE STUFF.
We've also paid close attention to the small matter or getting there so you can expect plenty of suggested campsites that are within easy reach of the UK.
Read on for our guide to the best family campsites in Europe.
Where to camp in France
Image: Domaine Des Ormes in Brittany
Near Calais
Check out canvas holidays(cheaper French version of eurocamp), they have some lovely sites about half an hour away from Calais. La Bien Assise is great. The Cote d'opal is a lovely holiday destination". Inmyownlittlecorner
Chateau de drancourt is smaller and quieter but still has pools and slide. About an hour from Calais". rosy71
There are about 100 chalet type things on one side and lovely camping field on the other great barn with ping pong tables etc if it's rainy for Dc's. Bit of a mix of clubhouse vs nice camping." lostineurope
Near St Malo
It’s massive. There’s loads to do (go ape style course, pools with slides, horses, crazy golf etc) but there’s also lovely woodland for quiet walks and great cycling around the area. reallyneedmoresleep
We love Camping le Chatelet. It has amazing views at sunset. There is a nice covered pool and a reasonably priced bar." converseandjeans
Near Paris
It was very pleasant. Really easy to get into Paris on the train, lovely spot next to the Seine and the facilities are good. dorisdoesdidsbury
The train station is literally next door and gets to Paris in around an hour and it’s about a 25 minute drive to Disneyland. One of the pools is heated and there was an indoor soft play area and two small outdoor play areas." PicturesOfLily
South of France
We've been. It was great! Pool and surrounding area was top notch. It was only 20 minutes taxi ride from bezier airport, as we didn't want to spend money on rental car." bex611
It has a giant pool with waterslide, and football on site with places to eat. Very close to the coast." Penguinsa
Read next: The best UK farm stays, as recommended by parents
Where to camp in Italy
Image: Marina di Venezia near Venice
Near Rome
I can highly recommend it. We hired a car but it was a short walk to get a bus which takes you into the centre of Rome. The campsite had a great pool and ice cream!" thehat
Near Venice
The beach is stunning and it's a quick boat ride to Venice. Loads of water slides too. ElBanana
We stayed at the Portofelice campsite near Venice and the kids loved it. They keep asking to go back. It has a decent pool with slides for the kids and very close to the beach." Lolly12
Near Lake Garda
It's one of my favourites. Right on the lake and a ten minute walk from beautiful, busy town with a castle called Peschiera di Garda. I've been several times. Softsoftsleep
Very relaxed, nice pool right on the lake. It's also handy for the supermarket and central to travel." WallyBantersJunkBox
Read next: The best city breaks for families, as recommended by Mumsnetters
EDITOR'S PICKS: GLAMPING HOLIDAYS IN EUROPE WITH FEATHER DOWN FARMS
La Ferme de Penquelen, Brittany, France
Organic dairy farm close to the beach with BBQs and horse riding.
Hoeve de Betuwe, Gelderland, Netherlands
Organic farm between Amsterdam and Eindhoven with alpacas and a cuddle barn.
Hoeve Brugge, Bruges, Belgium
Dog-friendly farm close to Bruges with a play barn and pizza ovens.
From £143 per night.
Where to camp in the Netherlands
Image: Camping Zeeburg Amsterdam
Just outside Amsterdam. 5 mins walk to the tram which takes you straight to centre of the city. Kayak hire onsite. Looks like they've added loads of camping pods and glamping options." Drews
We started going when are kids were 10 and 8, they are now 18 and 16 and still want to go! It's fab. Theme park on-site is free. Pool you pay extra for but so many slides! You can hire bikes on site and cycle to the beach, nearby villages etc.Local town of Wassenaar is a short walk.. lovely restaurants. Highly recommend it." No1HolidayPlanner
Just south of Amsterdam. Cool children's farm. Fire pits for hire. River swimming. Nice cafe. No cars on site and trucks/play area for kids." badger21
Where to camp in Spain
Image: Tamarit Beach Resort in Tarragona
We took our DC there when they were 9 and 11 and they loved it. It’s got about 6 different pools with water slides, trampolines, crazy golf, nice restaurants and bars. The kids had lots of freedom as it’s very v safe. It’s about a 20 minute drive to Port Aventura." Canshopwillshop
Plain swimming pool (ie no slides) but a fabulous beach and river. Good playground for older kids, the small town is walking distance and the campsite was not noisy. It's 30 minutes from Santander if taking the ferry is an option." SunnivaGunne
It was fab. Pools, activities, private beach, not too big, air con in accommodation. Salou and Portaventura isn't far if theme parks are his thing, plus day trips to Barcelona etc are possible by train." ginyogarepeat
Read next: The best hotels with waterparks in Spain, as recommended by Mumsnetters
Where to camp in Croatia
Image: Istra Premium Camping Resort near Porec
There is a glamping site called Arena one 99 which was brilliant and would be great for kids. I'm not a camper and I loved it." organicapricot
We loved it, we stayed in a camping home with its own jacuzzi and the site itself had so much to do, in a beautiful area." LittlePickleHead
How much does it cost to camp in Europe?
It really depends on how you camp. If you're taking camping gear with you and you're looking to sleep under canvas, pitch prices can start from around £20 per night for sites with limited amenities. However, if you're seeking a site with pre-erected tents or more of a chalet set up with access to pools, kids' clubs and entertainment, prices may start from £100 per night. Look out for seasonal discounts and book ahead to secure the best price if you can.
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. Several of the campsites in this roundup offer space for campervans.
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
We first consulted the Mumsnet forums. With over 8 million users per month, there are lots of suggestions by real parents who have been there, done that when travelling to European campsites with the family.
Expert guidance and traveller reviews
After we collated our campsite picks, we then turned to sites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com to check user reviews, taking into consideration both positive and negative points 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 awards and accolades. 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.
About the author
Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel.
She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London and once spent a summer working as a chalet host in an Austrian mountain resort. She loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids.