Choosing to camp in lesser-known destinations has several advantages. These areas often offer a more authentic experience, away from the tourist crowds. You'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, enjoy untouched natural beauty, and discover unique attractions. Additionally, camping in these areas can often be more cost-effective, as campsite fees and local prices are generally lower than in more popular areas.
Nestled on the eastern Baltic coast, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with activities ranging from tranquil walks and boating to thrilling skiing and wakeboarding. The capital, Riga, is a delightful fusion of medieval and art nouveau architectural styles. For campers, Latvia offers several enticing options:
The old town of Riga is certainly well worth a visit and this new site provides the opportunity. Based on a small island in the...
In the grounds of the Verbelnieki guesthouse, this site would be an ideal spot to enjoy the quiet beaches of the Baltic Sea. Verbelnieki is...
Usma Camping is beside Lake Usma, the fourth largest lake in Latvia, which is used extensively for watersports. The site is attractively landscaped with a...
Lithuania, relatively untouched by mass tourism, boasts undulating landscapes interspersed with mixed forests, wetlands, and many lakes, making it a paradise for walking and cycling. The renowned Curonian Spit, with its mesmerising dunes and beautiful waters, is a must-visit for beach lovers. Some of the notable campsites include:
Camping Vitruna is a small site situated between two lakes in southern Lithuania. It has some 50 pitches on two level, grassy fields. One is...
The Nidos campsite is located on the small stretch of land that connects Lithuania with a part of the Russian Federation. There are 100 pitches...
Camping Apple Island is a new site, attractively located on an island on Lake Grabuostas, around 60 km. north of Vilnius. The site is named...
Estonia seamlessly blends the urban grandeur and vibrant nightlife of cities like Tallinn and Tartu with the untamed beauty of national parks such as Lahemaa. With meteorite craters to explore, ancient limestone cliffs to marvel at, and the opportunity to canoe through the forests of Soomaa National Park during the springtime thaw, Estonia is a camper's dream. Some of the standout campsites include:
Opened in 2004 and offering first class facilities for touring units, Tehumardi Recreation Centre has good toilet facilities, a sauna, a small rowing pond and...
This campsite is situated within the Mändjala nature reserve, beside the sandy beaches of the Riga Bay area. It shares the site with some 6...
As soon as you enter this site you will notice the unusual, wine-barrel shaped wooden cabins which are located next to 50 camping pitches for...
A hidden gem among holiday destinations offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Known as the "green heart of Europe," Slovenia offers stunning landscapes, including Lake Bled and Triglav National Park. Over half of the country is forested, making it a paradise for campers seeking a wild and authentic experience. Slovenia's diverse range of plant and animal life, extensive woodlands, and mountain areas create a stunning backdrop for various outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, rafting, and kayaking.
The country's karst cave systems, particularly the Postojna and Škocjan Caves, are a must-visit. These sprawling labyrinths of echoing chambers and passageways feature remarkable stalactite formations and are a testament to the country's geological wonders. Towns like Piran and Kobarid offer insights into Slovenia's long history, and the vibrant capital, Ljubljana, is known for its colourful central market, beautiful architecture, and impressive castle.
Included in our guides:
2019
Camping Terme Lendava forms part of an important thermal resort holiday complex, located at the meeting point of Slovenia, Hungary and Croatia. This is an...
Included in our guides:
2023, 2020, 2019, 2018
Camping Bled is situated on the western tip of Lake Bled and is an excellent example of how a site should be run, check-in is...
Included in our guides:
2018
Camp NaturPlac is a small, quiet and peaceful rustic campsite located beside the river Savinja close to the Logar Valley. The site is run by...
Included in our guides:
2018
Camping Saksida is a very small campsite, open all year in a rural setting in the Vipava Valley. It is set in the grounds of...
When it comes to camping in Hungary, two sites stand out for their unique offerings: Koppany Pines Camping and Balatontourist Camping Berény Naturist. Each provides a distinct camping experience, catering to different preferences and interests.
Formerly known as Tranquil Pines, Koppany Pines Camping is in a quiet, rural part of Western Hungary, some 150 km. south-west of Budapest and 5...
A holiday anywhere on the shore of Lake Balaton almost equates to being beside the sea. With a length of 77 kilometres and a surface...
Bulgaria, a country renowned for its affordable and exciting adventures, offers a stunning blend of scenic landscapes, delectable cuisine, and a wealth of cultural attractions. The country is an ideal destination for a caravan or motorhome holiday, allowing you to explore its diverse offerings at your own pace.
From the sun-kissed beaches of the Black Sea coast to the snow-capped peaks of the Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria has something for every traveller. The capital city, Sofia, is a popular tourist destination teeming with rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the ancient Roman ruins of Serdica, marvel at the stunning St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, or stroll through the beautiful Vitosha Mountain National Park, located just outside the city.
Food enthusiasts will be delighted by Sofia's vibrant food scene, which offers traditional Bulgarian dishes such as banitsa (a cheese-filled pastry), kyufte (meatballs), and tarator (a refreshing cold soup).
Eco Camping Batak is one of the newest campsites in Bulgaria. The campsite is located on the banks of the picturesque Batak Dam in the...
Steeped in history and folklore, Romania is a captivating destination for campers. From the legendary Transylvanian region, home to the infamous Dracula's Castle, to the bustling capital city of Bucharest, Romania offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
The country's diverse landscape, with its fertile plains, meandering rivers, and majestic mountains, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Bucharest, known for its impressive architecture, visual arts, and music, is a must-visit for cultural vultures.
If you cross the border into Romania near Oradea this could well be the first campsite you will encounter. You will not be disappointed! Dutch...
The pretty and typically Romanian village of Carta (or Cirta as it is spelt on some old Russian-era road signs) is almost in the centre...
Research: Research the area, local customs, and regulations before you go.
Respect Nature: These areas are often less touched by tourism, so it's important to respect nature and leave no trace.
Be Flexible: Lesser-known areas may have different amenities than popular tourist spots, so be prepared to be flexible and adaptable.
Learn Basic Local Phrases: Knowing how to say "hello," "thank you," and "where is the campsite" can go a long way. Take a look at our Guide to Learning Language Basics.
Duolingo offers language courses in Romanian and Hungarian. For other languages, why not pick up a phrase book?
Embrace the Unknown: Part of the charm of these destinations is their lack of fame, so embrace the adventure and enjoy discovering something new.
Camping in Europe's lesser-known destinations offers the chance to escape the crowds and experience a different side of Europe. Whether you're drawn to the untouched nature of the Baltic States, Slovenia's green landscapes, or Eastern Europe's cultural richness, these destinations offer unique experiences that will enrich your camping adventures. So why not take the road less travelled on your next camping trip?
Peter Stannett
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