So, you have decided to go for it and have a hobby holiday where you do a lot of walking and hiking. Where do you start with the planning?
Campsites for walkers & cyclists
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Chardons Bleus is a recently redeveloped 4.8-hectare site situated in a pine forest on the Ile de Ré, only 1,500 m. from the sea. It is often a bustling site in the high season, so booking is advised. Since taking ownership of the site, Huttopia has embarked on a program of redevelopment works, which include a new reception building, restaurant, playgrounds and swimming pools. The site is divided into two areas on either side of the quiet entrance road. Hedges separate some of the 114 level, but natural touring pitches and mature trees give plenty of shade from the hot sun; all have electricity (6A Europlug). A further 77 pitches are dedicated to glamping in safari-style tents, roulottes or cabins. In high season a snack bar provides takeaway food.
This attractive, high quality site, ideal for families with young children, is in a rural setting and well situated for exploring the less well known eastern part of the Loire Valley. Two lakes (one for boating, one for fishing) and a pool complex have been attractively landscaped in 18 hectares of former farmland, blending old and new with natural wooded areas and more open grassland with rural views. There are 245 large, level grass pitches with 120 for touring units. All have at least 10A electricity, 15 have water, waste water and 16A electricity, and some 30 have hardstanding. Eight have individual en-suite sanitary units beside the pitch.
Set in the grounds of a château, Castel Camping le Château de Lez Eaux lies in a rural situation just off the main route south, under two hours from Cherbourg. Of the 122 touring pitches, all with electricity (10A, Europlug) and 87 with water and drainage. Most of the pitches are good-sized, partly separated by trees and shrubs on flat or slightly sloping, grassy ground overlooking Normandy farmland and a small fishing lake.
This friendly and ever-popular site has a very imposing and dramatic situation in a steep valley with a fine view of the Jungfrau at the end. Mountain meltwater cascades hundreds of feet down the sheer rock walls of the valley. Many active pursuits are available in the area, as well as trips on the Jungfrau railway and mountain lifts. In winter, the site runs a free shuttle bus to the local ski lifts, and large community lounges are available for après-ski enjoyment.
Lanmary, the first Huttopia forest camp, opened in 2013 has been carefully integrated into the landscape of the Lanmary National Forest. Some of the access routes in the campsite are quite rough and steep. Cars are only allowed on arrival and departure days. There are several designs of pre-erected tents and chalets, some on substantial stilts. Two chalets are adapted for those with reduced mobility (car access permitted). The touring tents can be pitched in defined areas and have plenty of space around each pitch, while other units must use the level pitches by the entrance. These are served by a large sanitary block, while three smaller blocks serve the tented areas.
Sites et Paysages le Panoramic is a medium-sized, traditional site, situated on quite a steep, ten-acre hillside with fine views. The 170 pitches are arranged on flat, shaded terraces, in small groups with hedges and flowering shrubs, and 20 pitches have services for motorhomes. Divided into two parts, the main upper site is where most of the facilities are located, with the swimming pool, its terrace and a playground located with the lower pitches across the road.
This is a spacious site sitting high on a hillside and set in natural woodland. Royat is on the outskirts of Clermont-Ferrand, but close to the beautiful Auvergne countryside. There are 196 terraced pitches on part hardstanding with 132 available for touring units, 107 of which have 10A electricity (long leads may be needed). The pitches are informally arranged in groups, each of which is separated by natural trees and shrubs. The central lodge and reception area have been completely renovated. The bar and terrace overlooks the irregularly shaped swimming pool area and play areas. Although very peaceful off season, the site could be busy in July and August.
Camping Huttopia Lac de l'Uby is a campsite located in Cazaubon, France, in the Gers department of the Occitanie region. It is situated on the shores of Lac de l'Uby, a lake that offers swimming, fishing, and boating. The site has 211 pitches, of which 106 are for touring units, and have a 16-amp hook-up point. There are also 105 safari tents and chalets available to hire. The pitches come in different sizes. They have a flat surface and are surrounded by shrubs and plants to provide privacy; some are located right by the water, giving a great view of the lake and its surroundings.
Camping Larrouleta is an all year site located at the heart of the Basque country. The site has been developed around a 2.5 hectare lake which has a sandy beach and is ideal for fishing. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, covered in low season. There is also a bar/restaurant specialised in local cuisine and where occasional Basque folk evenings are held in high season. The 327 touring pitches are of a good size. Choose between the standard (80m²) with electricity (5A), or a number of ‘Grand Confort’ pitches are available (about 100m²) with 10A electricity, water and drainage.
Situated in the heart of Andalusia, Huttopia Parque de Doñana is the perfect base for exploring the region amid the Andalusian provinces of Huelva, Seville and Cadiz, nestled in the heart of the Doñana National Park (the largest protected natural site in Europe and a UNESCO biosphere reserve). Nature is everywhere here, and with 200 touring pitches on this site, it is the preferred place to explore the surrounding region.
wecamp Cabo de Gata is located in the heart of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in Almería, Spain, near the small fishing village of Las Negras. The site is situated in the adjacent bay 1.5 km from the town on a secluded stretch of beach.
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.
Sites et Paysages Camping Au Clos de la Chaume is a pleasant site within walking distance of the town, on level ground with a small stream. The friendly family owners, who are British and French, live on-site and do their best to ensure campers have an enjoyable, relaxing stay. The grassy pitches are level, of varying sizes and with varying amounts of sun and shade. All touring pitches have electricity hook-ups (6/10A), and some are divided by shrubs and trees.
Situated on the southwest edge of Dartmoor, this holiday park has been developed on the grounds of the old Langstone Manor house. The touring pitches are tucked into various garden areas with mature trees and flowering shrubs or in the walled garden area with views over the moor. There are 40 level grass pitches, which vary in size (35 with 16A electricity). A popular camping area has been terraced with open views over farmland and the moor.
Le Grand Large is a well-established, quality family site with direct access to a long sandy beach within 20 km. drive of Cherbourg. It is a neat site with about 120 touring pitches divided and separated by hedging, giving an orderly, well-laid-out, attractive appearance. Almost all have electricity (10A Europlug), water and drainage. There are 50 mobile homes to rent in three separate areas.
This former municipal site is a recent addition to the Huttopia group of campsites and is located close to the pretty village of Vallouise, deep in the Hautes-Alpes. The site extends over 6.5 hectares and enjoys some magnificent views of the surrounding mountain scenery. There are 134 touring pitches here, bordered by two glacier streams. Most have 10A electricity. Several fully equipped safari-style tents and chalets are available to rent.
On the edge of a pine forest and just a short walk across the dunes from a fine sandy beach, this could be an ideal spot for a seaside holiday. Les Cyprès is a very French campsite with good basic facilities and a pleasant modern pool complex. The 300 pitches are in an arc curving out towards the sea in both directions from reception; the 141 touring pitches of varying shapes and sizes occupy the southern end of the arc. All have access to electricity (10A) and water, though long leads are required in places and some are more suitable for tents because of the trees.
This is a large Mobile Home Park with just 36 touring pitches in a small self-contained area of a holiday complex. It looked a little dated, and although the facilities were clean, they were worn. The camping pitches were open with no designated area, and there seemed to be quite a few parties of young teenagers camping in groups. Partial English was spoken at reception, and access to the site was good; management were not available. The surrounding area is not picturesque as you pass through a small industrial estate to access the site. However, the site makes an excellent location for touring the surrounding area.
One hour from Paris, on the banks of the Seine and overlooked by the impressive remains of Château Gaillard (Richard Coeur de Lion), this attractive and spacious ten-hectare site will appeal to couples and young families. The site offers mobile units to rent and touring pitches in separate areas. These are either riverside or in a large central triangle, all very close to the Seine; all pitches are divided by low hedging, and some offer a degree of shade.
Situated across the yacht harbour from the Canet-Plage resort, Yelloh! Village Le Brasilia is an impressive, well-managed family site directly beside the beach. There's much to praise here, from the state-of-the-art reception to the sensational water park, excellent spa and park-like grounds. Although large, it is attractive and well kept with a remarkable range of facilities – with good reason, it's always a popular choice.
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Campsites for walkers & cyclists
Walking and cycling are among the most popular activities when camping, and it’s no surprise when so many campsites are set in beautiful countryside locations.
The campsites in this listing offer visitors access to scenic walking and cycling routes, some of which are accessible directly from the campsite’s gates. Several are located on official way-marked paths or trails, meaning you’re sure to find yourself in some spectacular surroundings.
Whether you prefer wheels or feet, there’s something satisfying about adventuring into the great outdoors to discover the local area. Browse through the list of campsites for walkers and cyclists below. It covers sites and parks all over Europe and you can filter your search by country for more refined results.
Camping For Walkers
Camping and walking are two hobbies that go hand in hand, and it's easy to see why. There is nothing quite as good as pitching up your tent or caravan in a beautiful location and then heading out into nature to walk, explore and experience the beautiful world around us. Not only can you get some exercise and fresh air but you can experience new places. You can find those hidden beauty spots only hikers can get to, and you can meet local people and pick up some fantastic local produce along the way. There is no better way of spending a little time living for the moment without the usual everyday stresses and worries that clutter up our minds.
There is no one way to have a walking and camping holiday; you have plenty of options and methods you can use to personalise your holiday to be exactly what you need it to be.
Book A Base To Start From Every Day
One way to have a hiking holiday is to find a place to explore and book yourself onto a campsite as a base. If you pick carefully, you can use your chosen campsite as a great base to start from and come back to each day. The apparent advantage of this type of camping holiday is that you can pitch up, unpack and make yourself a cosy home to come back to and relax in after a long day hiking. You don't need to worry about packing up daily and heading out to your next destination. You can get up and have a relaxing morning before heading out to your chosen walk for the day.
Make sure you have plenty of walking equipment with you and book yourself onto a campsite that has all the facilities you need for your stay.
Head Out On A Walking And Driving Holiday
If you want a camping holiday where you see as much of the country or area you have chosen to visit, a great option is walking and driving. Pack up your tent or hook up your caravan and plan out a driving route that takes in all the sights and places you want to see the most. Book yourself into campsites along that route, making sure you book yourself a couple of nights in each location and then start on your camping road trip.
This is perfect for anyone wanting to see as much as possible. Or for those who have somewhere to be and want to take the scenic route to get there. Every time you make your home in a new location, you can head out on walks and explore the local area before moving onto the following destination and exploring that area!
Have A Hiking Holiday
For anyone who really wants to experience a camping and walking holiday that takes them back to nature and gives you a real sense of achievement, you can have a hiking holiday where you pack up your tent and everything you need onto your back and walk from campsite to campsite.
This option isn't for the fainthearted. It isn't easy, but if you are a hardened hiker with experience and the fitness level required and love nothing more than to indulge in a good walk, then this is the holiday for you.
Choose your destination and then plan your route. You need to be aware of how much you can realistically walk in a day and how far this will take you. Once you have worked out a route and the places you will need to stop for the night, you can start planning the campsites you will be staying at and start searching and booking for suitable campsites along your route.
When planning this type of holiday, you need to take extra care to plan it out thoroughly. Make sure your campsites have all the washing and shopping facilities you may need. You won't be able to take a week or two's worth of food in one go, so you need to have plenty of snacks in your bag and have it planned where you would stop and grab some food or a hot meal while out on your walk. If you can, plan food stops into your daily walking routes. It gives you somewhere to aim for, and it ensures you get a good rest at some point during the day.
Don't be afraid of stopping for two or three nights in one location. You don't have to fill every day with walking from destination to destination. You will need some resting and recuperation time in between your long hikes between destinations.
Cycling and Camping Holidays
Cycling is a fantastic hobby. It gives you a sense of achievement; it's an excellent way to get some exercise in a fun way that gets your adrenalin going, and you get to travel to and bike through some of the most beautiful hills and scenery the world has to offer.
Like many hobbies, especially outdoor pursuits, biking can be an expensive one. With your bike, clothing and equipment, the costs can start to add up. That's before you have even thought about travelling around the country or the world to pursue your hobby. This is just one of the reasons that camping and cycling go hand in hand.
There are far more reasons to pack your tent along with your bike. While camping is generally a cheaper alternative to hotels and more expensive holiday options, it isn't all about the cost. Camping is an incredible hobby all on its own and is a fantastic way to get back to nature and explore all the hidden beauty spots that staying in hotels means you can miss out on.
Camping is a hobby and holiday lifestyle that is popular worldwide, which means you can pack up your bike and travel anywhere in the world to your chosen trails.
Mountain Biking and Camping Holidays
If you really want a mountain biking adventure, you won't forget in a hurry you could choose to go on a bike packing holiday. With the correct bags and equipment, you can plan out your routes and destinations and bike your way from destination to destination and make the most of all the best mountain biking trails in between.
Whilst you can partake in a mountain biking hobby almost anywhere in Europe and the world beyond, we have some fantastic mountain biking trails and options right here in the UK.
Wales, in particular, is a hotspot of mountain bike trails and has a strong camping and caravanning culture that makes it perfect for enjoying both of these hobbies and exploring some of this beautiful country that is right on our doorstep.