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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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.
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.
Within easy reach of all the attractions of the Périgord region, Sandaya has created an attractive and friendly family campsite at les Péneyrals. There are around 274 pitches, 122 of which are for touring. The pitches at the bottom of the hill tend to be quieter as they are further from the main facilities but are all level and grassy (some on terraces), with electricity (5/10A), and most have some shade.
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 spacious site is on the southern outskirts of Privas and aims to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere. The site has 166 large, grass, mostly level pitches, of which 112 are for touring units with 10A electricity and trees offering varying degrees of shade. It is a comfortable base for exploring the lesser-known parts of the Ardèche with bus and coach trips available. On site there is something for all ages with a bar, restaurant, heated swimming pool complex and a multisports area with outdoor gym equipment. A welcome drink is offered each Sunday evening when details of the attractions in the area are given.
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 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.
Camping Ribamar lies to the north of Alcossebre, tucked away within the National Park of the Sierra de Irta, a magnificent landscape of intense colours. Alcossebre is a delightful resort town which has retained its Spanish identity, unlike some of the larger resorts to the north, and offers three Blue Flag beaches and a wealth of cafés and restaurants. Although a little over two hours drive south of Barcelona, this is a very underpopulated region with excellent long-distance footpaths and cycle paths.
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.
This pleasant site is part of the Huttopia group whose philosophy is to rediscover the camping spirit. It is in a peaceful forest location beside a lake, with good tarmac access roads and site lighting. The 116 touring pitches, 100 with electricity connections (10A), are set among the trees and in clearings. As a result, shade is plentiful and grass sparse. The main area is kept traffic-free but there is a section for motorhomes and those who need or prefer to have their car with them. The result is a safe, child-friendly site. There is an Espace Nature with 40 large pitches for camping.
At Camping Porte des Vosges you are assured of a very warm welcome from the owner, Sylvie Drode. This spacious, clean and very well cared for site is situated in Lorraine, on the outskirts of the historic town of Bulgnéville and is just off the E21/A31 making it an ideal stopover as well as for longer holidays. The sloping site has trees and bushes which shade around 100 spacious touring pitches (70-150 sq.m) that are on gravel or grass and there are two equipped tents and a vintage caravan to rent. All the pitches have access to electricity (6A, Europlug) and water points are distributed throughout the site.
A secluded holiday village set in the heart of the forest, with many sporting facilities and a super spa centre, Camping les Alicourts Resort is midway between Orléans and Bourges, to the east of the A71. There are around 600 pitches, 138 for touring and the remainder occupied by mobile homes and chalets. All pitches have 6A electricity connections and good provision for water, and most are 150 sq.m. (min. 100 sq.m). Locations vary from wooded to more open areas, thus giving a choice of amount of shade. All facilities are open all season and the leisure amenities are exceptional.
In the heart of the vineyards near Bordeaux, Yelloh! Village Saint-Emilion offers an ideal retreat for families traveling with caravans, motorhomes, or tents. There are 105 spacious pitches, some with private sanitary facilities, ensure a comfortable and authentic camping experience. Set within 10 hectares of lush greenery, the campsite provides a serene environment for relaxation and adventure. Families can enjoy a variety of on-site activities including a heated swimming complex, a newly renovated sports area featuring a multisport field, tennis courts, ping-pong tables, fitness stations, and a double zip line. Lake activities include canoeing, pedal boating, and fishing.Children will delight in the dedicated play areas and the vibrant kids' club, while parents can explore local vineyards or visit the nearby medieval town of Saint-Emilion, renowned for its rich history and wine heritage.
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.
The Camping Belle Plage is situated with direct access to a clean, sheltered, sandy beach on the perennially popular Morbihan peninsula. There are 79 grassy touring pitches (80m²), some with shade and in pairs. Ten of the pitches (100m²) have a private water tap. All pitches have 10A electricity connection (EU plug). A short walk around the bay leads to the village of Lomener, with shops, restaurants, a pharmacy and a bank, while it is just a short journey to the attractive old town of Ploemeur. A bus service from outside the gate runs to Ploemeur and Lorient, useful for those with motorhomes.
Yelloh! Village Camping Les Mouettes is a sheltered site on the edge of an attractive bay, with access to the sea at the front of the site. In a wooded setting with many attractive trees and shrubs, the 457 pitches include 63 for touring units, all with electricity, water, drainage, and private sanitary facilities.. The remainder are taken by tour operators and by 406 mobile homes and chalets to rent.
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.
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.
Huttopia De Veluwe is an exceptional site lost in the heart of nature in the province of Gelderland, a stone's throw from the De Hoge Veluwe and Veluwezoom national parks and just an hour from Amsterdam and Rotterdam. There are 200 touring pitches in this wooded location, most with electric hook up available. Here you will enjoy spending your holiday in the heart of nature. The site offers a restaurant that has a terrace where you can enjoy a homemade pizza or a glass of wine after a long day of exploring the surrounding area. The site also offers kids many sporting activities, including ping pong tables, a football pitch, badminton and a multisports court. Every morning during high season ( 6 days out of 7), Huttopia De Veluwe offers activities for 5 - 12 years, which involve building dens, treasure hints, and creative crafts. During the evenings in July and August every night, there are cinema evenings, live music and shows.
Camping Sandaya le Col Vert is a large, well-maintained campsite, well-laid out on the shores of Lac de Léon, that offers 259 touring pitches and 548 mobile homes for rent. The pitches range from simple ones to those with water and a drain, and there are eight with private, well-designed, modern sanitary facilities.
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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.