Wish you were here? Seven incredible European campsites

Are you looking for some holiday inspiration this year? Or perhaps you keep a ‘must-visit’ list of places to visit in the future? Either way, you might want to bear in mind these recommended campsites with a difference before you book your next trip.

Below, we have picked out seven sites in seven different countries, each of which offers something spectacular. Some combine spectacular scenic views and top-notch facilities, others give you a chance to stay somewhere truly unique and memorable. We’ve highlighted a former Danish fort near Copenhagen, a few sites with direct access to rivers, beaches and lakes, an Austrian spa and wellness campsite. If they’re not already firm favourites, or on your list, then they may well be soon enough…

Camping Trevélez, Spain

If you’re looking to get away from it all, this site in the Sierra Nevada region is the highest in mainland Spain. Reached by a narrow winding road, it is suitable for tent campers and those travelling in smaller motorhomes. It’s well worth the journey, though: there are spectacular mountain views here, and relaxing while gazing at the stars at night is a real treat. Among the on-site facilities are a swimming pool and restaurant serving local cuisine, while a footpath leads to the pretty village of Trevélez, where you’ll find more places to eat. (Please use torches at night.)

Camping Trevélez
Spain, Andalucia, Granada, Trevélez

Set high up in the Alpujarras region of the Sierra Nevada, Camping Trevélez is a super site that was bought in 2005 by the resident owners, Richard and Alexandra. Since taking over, they have worked tirelessly to improve the site and, each year, have made significant progress.

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Camping Huttopia Noirmoutier, France

With pitches surrounded by pines or situated along a two-kilometre stretch of sandy beach, this camping paradise benefits from a beautiful location on the Isle of Noirmoutier in the Vendée. There are 488 touring pitches in total, all of which have electric hook-up points (10A) – those on the sand dunes have fantastic views across the Baie de Bourgneuf and cost a few euros extra, if you are lucky enough to get one! Huttopia has installed 100 large, well-equipped canvas tents on wooden bases to rent, while nearby there are salt marshes, an aquarium and a water theme park, as well as opportunities to walk, cycle, sail and windsurf.

Camping Huttopia Noirmoutier
France, Vendée, Noirmoutier-en-l’Ile

Located in woodland and on dunes along a two-kilometre stretch of sandy beach, just east of the attractive little town of Noirmoutier on the island of the same name, this could be a paradise for those who enjoy a simple campsite in a natural setting. On land belonging to France’s forestry commission, this site is operated by Huttopia, whose aim is to adapt to the environment rather than take it over. On site there are 488 touring pitches, all of which have electric hook up points (10A), and are situated among the pine trees and accessed along tracks. Those on the sand dunes have fantastic views across the Baie de Bourgneuf. They cost a few euros extra – if you are lucky enough to get one. Some pitches may experience noise from a nearby bar.

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Camping Huttopia De Roos, Netherlands

This tranquil, family-run campsite makes the most of its pretty riverside location in Overijssel’s Vecht Valley, near the Netherlands border with Germany – the pitches and amenities have been carefully blended into the natural setting by the owners, and you can swim, fish and go boating in the river. There’s also a small beach with a protected area for swimming, plus a helpful list of cycling and walking routes should you wish to explore. Facilities include toilet blocks, launderette, health food shop and tea room (open in the high season), boules area, small playgrounds and free Wi-Fi. To the west is Ommen, famous for its historic windmills as well as the Bissing fair and markets, which are held each July.

Camping Huttopia De Roos
Netherlands, Overijssel, Beerze-Ommen

De Roos is a family run site in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, truly a nature lovers’ campsite, immersed in an atmosphere of tranquillity. It is situated in Overijssel’s Vecht Valley, a unique region set in a river dune landscape on the River Vecht. The river and its tributary wind their way unhurriedly around and through this spacious campsite. It is a natural setting that the owners of De Roos have carefully preserved. The 275 pitches and necessary amenities have been blended into the landscape with great care. Pitches, most with electricity hook-up (6A Europlug), are naturally sited, some behind blackthorn thickets, in the shadow of an old oak or in a clearing scattered with wild flowers.

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Camping Charlottenlund Fort, Denmark

Looking for an unusual place to stay? As the name suggests, this popular, small campsite near Copenhagen is situated inside a former 19th century fort – it’s possible to pitch up next to one of 12 howitzers, while the kitchen and bathroom are located in the old casemates. There’s a cafe/bakery, small shop, indoor dining area and kitchen (help yourself to herbs outside!), TV lounge and free Wi-Fi. A regular bus service passes the site if you want to head into the Danish capital to visit the likes of the Tivoli Gardens theme park or colourful Nyhavn, or you could use the excellent cycle network.

Camping Charlottenlund Fort
Denmark, Islands, Sjælland, Charlottenlund

Camping Charlottenlund Fort is a small campsite located on the grounds of the disused Charlottenlund Fort, about 8 km north of the centre of Copenhagen. There are 75 pitches on grass, all with 10A electricity. The limitation on the space available means that pitches are relatively close together, but many are quite deep. The site is very popular and is usually packed every night, so a reservation is necessary.

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Salema EcoCamp, Portugal

Promoting sustainable camping and glamping, this site near Sagres and Lagos in the Algarve works with the local community and carefully selected partners in order to showcase organic produce in the restaurant, and, among other ‘green’ initiatives, also encourages a zero waste approach. With 500 pitches spread over two valleys, this is a great one for sunseekers and surfers – the golden sand of Salema Beach is just 1.5km away.

Salema EcoCamp
Portugal, Algarve, Faro, Budens-Salema

Salema EcoCamp is an attractive and peaceful valley site. The campsite was formerly known as Parque de Campismo Quinta dos Carriços. On arrival, a traditional tiled Portuguese-style entrance leads you down a steep incline into this excellent, well-maintained site, which has a village atmosphere. Much of the site has been recently redeveloped, along with the introduction of environmental elements such as solar heating for the water, using locally sourced, organic produce in the restaurant and selling eco-products in the shop. The campsite is spread over two valleys (which are real sun traps), with many of the 500 partially terraced pitches marked and divided by trees and shrubs (oleanders and roses). Others are less well defined among trees. There are 6/16A electricity connections to over 300 pitches. A small stream (sometimes dry) meanders through the site.

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Camping Menina, Slovenia

If you’re after super scenery and fresh, mountain air, this family-owned nature lover’s paradise is situated in the heart of the beautiful Upper Savinja Valley, with plenty of hiking and cycling trails nearby. Swimmers and paddleboarders will find a lake on-site, while the campsite also offers kayaking on the Savinja river. Other facilities include a tree-top zip wire, sauna and bar/restaurant. There are 200 pitches on grassy fields under mature trees – all have 10A electricity.

Camping Menina
Slovenia, Recica ob Savinji

Camping Menina is in the heart of the 35 km. long Upper Savinja Valley, surrounded by 2,500 m. high mountains and unspoilt nature. It is being improved every year by the young, enthusiastic owner, Jurij Kolenc, and has 200 pitches, all for touring units, on grassy fields under mature trees and with access from gravel roads. All have 10A electricity.

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Wellness-Seecamping Parth, Austria

In need of some pampering? This site on the southern shore of Lake Ossiach – close to the borders with Italy and Slovenia – offers spas, saunas and a range of health treatments. Once relaxed and settled in, you’ll be ready to explore the attractive countryside of southern Austria on foot, by bicycle or by car. Level touring pitches all have electricity connections, while additional pitches have mobile homes to rent. There’s a playground, a private beach and even a distillery which provides drinks for the restaurant.

Wellness-Seecamping Parth
Austria, Carinthia, Ostriach am See

On the southern shore of Lake Ossiach, in the heart of Carinthia, close to the borders with Italy and Slovenia, this site offers spas, saunas and a range of health treatments. It also serves as a base from which to explore the attractive countryside of southern Austria on foot, by bicycle or by car. The level touring pitches all have electricity connections, additional pitches have mobile homes to rent. The site has a private beach where you can have a gentle swim or take advantage of some of the varied activities that are organised. There is even a distillery providing drinks for the restaurant!

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