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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In the Bay of Roses, south of Empuriabrava and beside the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, this is a high quality site of particular interest to nature lovers (especially birdwatchers) and families. A large site, there are 1,110 well kept, large, numbered pitches, all with electricity and on flat, sandy ground. Beautifully laid out, it is arranged around the river and waterways, so will suit those who like to be close to water or who enjoy watersports and boating. It is also a superb beachside site, and there is also accommodation for rental.
Huttopia Beaulieu sur Dordogne is an enjoyable and well-equipped site on a beautiful small island in the River Dordogne, only two minutes from the centre of the medieval town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, with its ancient streets, old churches, and many shops and restaurants. This seven-hectare site has 185 shady grass pitches and 144 available for touring, all with 10A electricity. These are spread across the site over mowed lawns and under tall trees, providing shade during the hot summer weather.
Views of France's most famous river and the wooded hills opposite can be seen from Camping de la Seine, a small riverside campsite tucked away not far from Le Havre. This rural setting has 40 touring pitches, grassy and dotted with fruit trees. The campsite offers spa services, bike hire and a large grassy expanse where youngsters can run around and let off steam. The staff here are keen to ensure a warm welcome and can arrange trips to local attractions and activities. Local farmers occasionally bring fresh local produce to the site.
This well-run, modern site is pleasantly situated in Delft's park and forest area on the city's eastern edge. It has 200 touring pitches formally arranged in groups of four to six and surrounded by attractive trees and hedges. All have sufficient space and electrical connections (10A Europlug).
Les Mures is a site on the Gulf of St Tropez, and it really is on the Gulf with direct access to its own beach. This is a modern site offering the highest standard of amenities. The site is divided into two parts: ‘The Vineyard’ and ‘The Beach’. There are Pitches located directly on the beach, with direct access to the Mediterranean. ‘The Vineyard’ is just a short distance on the other side of a very busy road (connected by a pedestrian underpass) and is more spacious and offers a little more shade; this is where most of the site facilities are located.
This campsite is situated on the beach in the small fishing village of L’Ampolla, famous for its gastronomy, peaceful beaches and coves. The site offers 87 large grass shady touring pitches with electric hook up connections available a and fully equipped bungalows for rent. Ideal for couples, families and anybody who wants lots of activities including fishing, excursions (walking, cycling, horseriding, boats), watersports (windsurfing, kite-surfing, kayaking and waterskiing), as well as good food and relaxation.
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.
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.
Camping Le Marais Sauvage is located in Le Mazeau, Vendée, France. It is in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The campsite is surrounded by woodlands and waterways, offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Take advantage of the 57 large touring pitches with electric hook-up points available. Some pitches are shaded, while others are in more direct sun.
Located in the Peneda-Gerês National Park amidst spectacular mountain scenery, this excellent, well-run site offers modern facilities in a truly natural area. The national park is home to all manner of flora, fauna and wildlife, including the roebuck, wolf and wild boar. There's plenty of scope in the immediate area for fishing, riding, canoeing, mountain biking and climbing, so outdoorsy types take advantage of the quality mountain hospitality and enjoy the clear, fresh air and activities amidst the dramatic scenery.
A beautiful setting in the grounds of a French Chateaux just 6 km from the main beach in Saint-Malo, and the bus stops just 400m from the site gates; you are also just 2 km from the sea if you fancy a dip. The site is also just a short drive from the ferry terminal, so it could be used as an initial overnight upon arrival in France, although most guests seemed to be staying much longer. The location is ideal for exploring Brittany as you are on the Emerald Coast close to Mont St Micheal and Cancale. The site facilities are of an excellent standard, having been recently refurbished.
Camping des Familles is a friendly, family site located in the countryside and offers a relaxed atmosphere. It lies on the promontory of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde Estuary, the largest river estuary in Europe. There are 100 pitches with 46 on level grass for touring, all with 6-10A electricity, neatly hedged and with small trees giving some shade. Mobile homes are also available to rent. It is in the Médoc region just north of Bordeaux, an area famous for its vineyards, woods, sandy beaches, rolling dunes, marshes and châteaux.
Camping Altomira is a terraced site in a rural hillside setting on the outskirts of a quiet village. It offers excellent views across the valleys and hills, an amiable welcome, and a Spanish and international clientèle.
Huttopia Lac de Sillé (formerly Indigo Les Molières) is an attractive recent addition to the Huttopia group. It is a good choice for families looking for an active holiday in a verdant setting. It can be found close to Sillé-le-Guillaume, around 30 km. north of Le Mans. There are 166 large shady pitches here, with 129 for touring units. Most are equipped with 10A electricity connections. A large lake of 32 hectares is ideal for sailing and windsurfing, and the forested surrounds of the Parc Naturel Régional provide an excellent environment for cycling or walking.
This site is in a rural location and great for the beach which is just across the road, 3km down the road is the town of Blanes with its shops, supermarkets and nightlife. There are 100 well-spaced pitches, these are not separated to any degree, but there are trees offering shade on most pitches; there are also a further 80 mobile homes/glamping units and tents available for rental. The site shop was well stocked, and the standard of food served in the restaurant was excellent, offering a lovely view over the modern pool complex.
Huttopia les Châteaux is a well situated, wooded site on the outskirts of the small town of Bracieux, and convenient for many of the best known châteaux of the Loire valley. There are 350 pitches, 282 of which are reserved for touring. Some are grouped in blocks of four between hedges, and all have access to 6/10A electricity. Mature trees provide shade throughout most of the site. Rental accommodation includes mobile homes, chalets, Romany-style caravans and wood and canvas tents. A heated swimming pool was added in 2015.
This quite large but peaceful, lakeside site with its modern bar/restaurant and swimming pool complex, is useful as a stopover, or indeed for longer stays to explore the region. It can be very busy during the school holidays, but is quiet and relaxing outside the main season.
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.
The enthusiasm of the owners here comes across instantly in the warm welcome received by their guests. Bordering the Layon river, around 100 good sized grass pitches (73 for tourers) are reasonably level and fully serviced (10A electricity, water tap and drain) but have little shade. Five pitches have a hardstanding for cars.
Well located for visits to Mont St. Michel, The Vieux Chêne campsite has two swimming pools and 1 paddling pool for children.
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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.