This large Balatontourist site (16 hectares), on the southern shore of Lake Balaton, has a grassy beach almost 600 metres long which is also used by day visitors. On flat grass, the 308 touring pitches are individual ones with electricity connections (10/16A). Shade is provided by a variety of trees. Windsurfing and excellent swimming are possible in the lake and there are pedaloes for hire. There are many sporting activities available and children’s entertainment. A train line runs along the back of the site.

This is a large international holiday village rather than just a campsite. Pleasantly decorated with flowers and shrubs, it offers a very wide range of facilities and sporting activities. All that one could want for a family holiday can be found here. The 890 individual pitches (60-120 sq.m), all with electricity (6/10A), are on either side of hard access roads on which pitch numbers are painted. Many bungalows are for rent. Mature trees cover about two thirds of the site giving shade, with the remaining area being in the open. Directly on the lake with 800 m. of access for boats and bathing, there is a large, grassy area for relaxation, a small beach area for children and a variety of watersports.

Camping Napfény, an exceptionally good site, is designed for families with children of all ages looking for an active holiday, and has a 200 m. frontage on Lake Balaton. The site’s 370 pitches vary in size (60-110 sq.m) and almost all have shade – very welcome during the hot Hungarian summers – and 6-10A electricity. As with most of the sites on Lake Balaton, a train line runs just outside the site boundary. There are steps to get into the lake and canoes, boats and pedaloes for hire. An extensive entertainment programme is designed for all ages and there are several bars and restaurants of various styles.

Castrum Keszthely is a three-hectare site on the southwest corner of Lake Balaton. Although it is next to the main road and a railway, and there is a disco nearby, we found it surprisingly quiet at night. It is a real family site with 176 pitches, all for tourers and with electricity (6/12A). The level pitches of up to 90 sq.m. are numbered on a grass and gravel surface (firm tent pegs necessary) and are separated by hedges with shade from a variety of mature trees. It is on the wrong side of the railway that runs along the north side of Lake Balaton and therefore has no direct access to the lake or the beach. However, this is compensated for by a large, well kept outdoor pool in the centre of the site, which includes a paddling pool and sunbathing area.

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.

Campsites around Lake Balaton generally have the disadvantage of being close to the main road and/or the railway, as well as being extremely busy in high season. Panoráma is popular too, but is essentially a quiet site inland from the western end of the lake. It also has the benefit of extensive views from the flat, grass terraces. Only the young or very fit are advised to take the higher levels with the best views of all. The original 50 pitches vary in size from fairly small to quite large (100 sq.m.), all with 10A electricity, with the lower terraces having fairly easy access. The lower part of the site is a suntrap, but the top part is shaded by mature trees. This site is for those who prefer a quiet holiday, yet still being close to the major attractions.

Balatontourist Camping Strand Holiday, formerly two separate sites, stretches for over two kilometres along the north shore of Lake Balaton. As its name suggests, this is a real beach holiday site and most campers will find themselves within 100 metres of the water. The pitches are in lanes, five units on each side, facing towards the lake. They are on level, grassy fields, some divided by low hedges, and there are several gravel hardstandings. Drinks and snacks can be purchased on site and there is a restaurant just outside the gate. English and German are spoken in reception.

Camping Lenti is one of a series of thermal spa campsites in the Hungarian-Slovenian-Austrian border region. It is a well established, well kept site with friendly management, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet in combination with the healing thermal waters of the Lenti spa (free access for campers). There are 146 numbered and fenced pitches (40-80 sq.m) with 6A electricity connections and 40 with hardstanding. Pitching is in rows, off gravel access roads mostly in the shade of mature trees.