Europe is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultures. While many travellers flock to popular destinations like France, Italy, and Spain, there are countless lesser-known spots that offer unique camping experiences.
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.
Latvia
House of the Blackheads, Riga, Latvia
Latvia
Nestled on the eastern Baltic coast, Latvia 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 Daugava River in a mixed urban area, this small site provides 100 touring pitches; all with electricity connections. Much of the old town has been rebuilt since the war and the informative and perhaps disturbing Museum of Occupation near the Town Hall is worth visiting as is the Art-Nouveau architecture of Riga’s residential area. The market, which occupies the former Zeppelin hangers, should also be seen. Latvia’s answer to fast food is also an essential part of your visit – ‘pelmeni’ (meat dumplings fried, boiled or swimming in soup) and pancakes are cheap, filling and tasty and are served throughout the town.
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 only 6 km. south of the impressive harbour town of Liepaja. The site is divided into four large, grassy fields with 200 unmarked touring pitches, although there are only eight electricity connections. However, since most visitors come to stay in the guesthouse, the campsite is rarely busy. Two fields have some shade from mature trees. It is only a 50-metre walk through the sand dunes to the beach, where you can enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
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 variety of shrubs, colourful flowers and trees. The pitches are on grassy fields with views of the lake, most being level and in the shade of mature trees. There are 16 electricity connections (16A). The site also has 10 cabins to rent. As with so many Baltic sites, the site mainly relies on income from its rental cabins and, as a result, toilet facilities for tourers are not extensive, but they are clean and adequate. A spa hotel has been built with a covered pool, three different saunas and a restaurant and bar and internet.
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 a circular area in front of the reception, the other is closer to the lake under mature trees that provide shade. There are 15 pitches with 4A electricity connections. Vitruna has recently updated their services that they provide including a sauna and a new multisport ground for all ages to let of some steam. The campsite also has a café and bar for those that would like to sample some local dishes and there is also a communal BBQ area if you like to dine al fresco. Vitruna is an ideal base for enjoying water sports on the lakes or for simply relaxing by sunbathing on the site’s sandy beach.
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, all for touring units and all with 6/10A electricity. Most are on hardstanding, some made of concrete, some in small, rocky bays. This means there is little room to use awnings, although there is space between the trees to put up small tents. The site has a very welcoming ambiance and there is a covered swimming pool and a restaurant (housed in reception) which provides good quality meals. Popular with local people and German, Dutch and Scandinavian campers, in high season the site can become busy.
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 after the island where some 2,500 apple trees were planted at the beginning of the nineteenth century. A little bridge leads to the site, which offers some attractive tent pitches (no electricity) on sloping terrain in the shade of apple trees. Additionally, there are 24 hardstanding pitches with electricity, water and drainage, all of which are level and of a good size. These pitches also have a grass area with private picnic bench.
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 an Estonian-style grill house (both inside and with covered terrace) where you can enjoy barbecues. The site has two touring fields, one under mature pine trees, close to reception and the facilities and offering 30 hardstanding pitches with 16A electricity for motorhomes and caravans. The other pitches are on a large, grassy field without shade and this is used mainly for tents. The centre is located at the narrowest part of the largest Estonian Island, Saaremaa, at the start of the Sorve peninsula.
This campsite is situated within the Mändjala nature reserve, beside the sandy beaches of the Riga Bay area. It shares the site with some 61 holiday homes, but the camping area is towards the rear with direct access to the beach and the shallow waters of the bay. Mändjala has about 60 touring pitches, most in the shade of mature pine trees, with 16 electrical connections (10A). On grassy, gravel or sandy ground, the pitches are rather small. There are good views of the bay from some. The beach area is open to the public and at weekends both the site and the beach can become crowded with local people.
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 touring units. Camping Vetsi Tall was once an orchard and the pitches are arranged between low fruit trees that provide some shade. They are on well kept grass in long rows and include two pitches with 10A electricity. The toilet facilities are rather basic, and we see this as a stopover rather than a long stay site.
Did you know? The Estonian national anthem, Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm is played to the same tune as the United Kingdom national anthem.
Slovenia
Church of St John the Baptist, Bohinj Lake, Slovenia
Slovenia
A hidden gem among holiday destinations, Slovenia 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.
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 all-year site with 80 grassy pitches, most with electricity connections, and eight hardstandings. Lendava is an open site with views over the vineyards, although some pitches around the edge have shade from mature trees. Campers have access to a large swimming pool complex as well as the resort’s various thermal facilities, including bathing in water with paraffin content, considered to be an effective treatment for rheumatic disorders. There are several good restaurants within the complex. Special facilities are also available for naturist bathers.
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 quick and efficient, and English is spoken. The site is large but well-spaced, with 244 touring pitches, all with electricity, 40 fully serviced pitches, and six with private sanitary facilities; most pitches benefit from shade. Pitches at the front are used mainly for overnighters. There are lovely views across the lake toward its famous island. This site is well-organised, and the facilities are modern and spotless.
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 a restaurant which has its own vineyard and it is surrounded by vineyards and orchards. There are 25 pitches for all units, including 12 hardstandings, most with electricity (10A, Europlug). There is a large, covered picnic area and a communal area for barbecues. The price of one night’s stay includes wine tasting from three local wines. There is a small, heated swimming pool where one can relax and the campsite restaurant offers an extensive menu of genuine Vipava dishes.
Koppany Pines Camping is in a quiet, rural part of Western Hungary, some 150 km. south-west of Budapest and 50 km. south of Lake Balaton. It is well and truly off the beaten track, in an orchard setting with 20 pitches for motorhomes and tents with 13A electricity hook-ups available. A warm welcome is guaranteed whilst you enjoy the site facilities, including a natural plunge pool for 2024 and a wild café , which is self-service on Tuesday & Wednesday and offers garden to plate options. There is also communal seating area, outdoor kitchen and cooking area. Workshops inspired by nature are also run on site.
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 area of 600 sq.km. it is the largest freshwater lake in western and central Europe. The quieter, less commercial southern end of Balaton provides the location for this very acceptable 5.5 hectare naturist site with direct access to the lake. The 217 numbered, flat, grass touring pitches, each with electricity (16A), plus 100 for tents, also with the possibility of electricity, are of a good size. Well spaced, mature trees provide a degree of shade.
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 Rhodopes - one of the most beautiful mountains in Bulgaria and the Balkans, providing stunning panoramic views. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied with various water sports, including fishing and kayaking. You can also find a restaurant on site for those days you don't fancy cooking. The campsite is 15 minutes from the spa capital of the Balkans - Velingrad, as well as 1 hour from Plovdiv and 2 hours from Sofia on road 37 in the Tsigov Chark resort complex.
Kromivodo is a small campsite and guest house on the edge of a village in the foothills of the Pirin Mountain range, a protected area of outstanding natural beauty in south-west Bulgaria. Close to the Greek border and under 4 km. from the E79 Sofia to Greece highway, this is a very relaxing place to stay with friendly and helpful hosts. There are 12 pitches at this developing site, catering for tents, caravans and motorhomes, with some tents for hire as well as bed and breakfast in the house.
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 owned but locally managed, it offers excellent facilities and good pitches, although its proximity to the route 1 road does mean there is some background traffic noise. There are 140 level pitches, unmarked but with some shade and all with 8A electricity connection possible. At the edge of the Transylvanian basin, you will have passed the small mountainous area and can now enjoy the rolling countryside with its extensive views. The site offers an excellent base from which to explore the area.
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 of Romania, north of the Fagaras mountains (highest peak Moldoveanu 2544 m.) in a broad valley. To reach the site you have to cross a small, flat, concrete bridge so those with very large units and those over 3.5 tonnes will find it difficult. The site has 30 level pitches on a spacious field, 12 with 6A electricity connections. A restaurant is open in the spring and again later on in the season. Horse and carriage rides may be possible.
Embark on an extraordinary outdoor adventure surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Montenegro.
Along the Adriatic coast, Montenegro provides diverse camping experiences. From the medieval charm of Kotor and the pristine shores of Lake Skadar to the adrenaline rush of Tara Canyon, each campsite blends history, natural beauty, and exciting activities.
Whether you prefer lakeside tranquillity or the thrill of Europe's deepest canyon, Montenegro's campsites cater to all types of explorers.
Camping Maslina is an all-year site located on the main Montenegro coastal road, south of the large holiday resort of Budva in Buljarica, just 2 kms from Petrovac. This main connecting road runs all the way down from the Bay of Kotor to Ulcinj, with its pretty bay and old town and the border of Albania. The site has a peaceful setting amongst 300-year-old Olive trees with other varieties, such as oaks, ash and elm trees which provide welcome shade on the pitches from the strong sunlight and heat in the summer months.
Camping Kod Boche is situated 2.1 km southwest of Zabljak, the main town in the Durmitor National Park. It is at an altitude of 1,450m and has a 2,000 m2 fenced field suitable for tents with a hardstanding area in the centre for Motorhomes and Caravans. You have a fabulous view of the surrounding countryside and the mountains from the site. There are 30 touring pitches on-site with electrical hook-up connections available. Facilities on-site include a communal BBQ area with a fully kitted-out kitchen and a spacious dining area that can accommodate up to 30 people, making it an ideal spot for sharing meals and creating memories. The friendly and welcoming staff are always eager to provide guidance and recommendations for activities, restaurants, and local attractions.
Camping Zloković is a small, family-run campsite located in the picturesque village of Bijela, just a short drive from the historic town of Herceg Novi in Montenegro. Nestled amidst lush greenery and overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea, the campsite offers a tranquil and idyllic setting for a relaxing camping holiday. The campsite has 60 spacious and well-maintained pitches with 10amp electric hook-up points. The campsite also offers a variety of facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests, including a delightful beach restaurant and bar serving delicious Montenegrin cuisine owned by the family-run by Ivan and his friendly team. There is a well-stocked shop selling essential supplies and a children's playground for the little ones to enjoy. There are also boat mooring facilities right on the campsite's doorstep for those who want to explore the area by water. There is also a scuba diving club just 200m from the campsite.
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.
In summary...
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?
Author
Peter Stannett
Content Writer
Peter is a key part of our creative team; he's a multifaceted individual with a deep love for cooking, travel, and music.
While he does a stellar job of keeping our content fresh, focusing on SEO and monitoring website traffic, his heart truly belongs to the world of culinary delights, exploration, and his guitar.
We will be covering over 450 of Europe's UNESCO sites over four blogs; sorted into northern, southern, western and central/eastern Europe starting with the northern states. We hope to inspire more people to visit more UNESCO sites when travelling.
