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 attractive five hectare site is a member of the Huttopia group. It can be found close to the popular seaside resort of Saint Trojan-les-Bains on the south side of the island. There are 163 pitches (56 for touring), which vary in size, most of which have electrical connections (10A French type). Huttopia Oléron Les Pins is situated in a lightly wooded setting on undulating, sandy terrain, just 1 km. from the nearest sandy beach. A number of specially designed wood and canvas safari-style tents are available for hire; the latest range are equipped with a shower, WC and sink. Large units should telephone ahead to ensure suitable pitch availability.
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.
Camping Grubhof is a beautifully laid out, level and spacious site set in the former riding and hunting park of the 14th-century Schloss Grubhof. The 250 touring pitches have been carefully divided into separate areas for different types of visitors – dog owners, young people, families and groups, and a quiet area. All the generous XXL pitches (at least 180 sq.m) provide electricity (16A), water and drainage (also in winter), many along the bank of the Saalach River.
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.
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.
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.
Yelloh! Village le Sérignan-Plage is a lively and vibrant Mediterranean site with direct access to a superb 600-metre sandy beach (including a naturist section). When you arrive at this site, the reception is very modern and efficient, and a map is printed to show you and direct you to your pitch. This is one of the largest sites I have visited, but as it is spread over such a large area, it does not feel like you are on a large commercial site. Touring pitches, number 273, are separated from an even larger area of mobile homes for rental. Pitches are generous and divided by low hedging and have direct access to the beach. There are approximately 1000 mobile homes and chalets for rental, plus some privately owned units and a good number of tour operator pitches.
Le Champ Neuf is located in Saint Quentin-en-Tourmont on the Bay of the Somme. It is a quiet site, 900 m. from the ornithological reserve of Marquenterre, the favourite stop for thousands of migratory birds; birdwatchers will appreciate the dawn chorus and varied species. This eight-hectare site has 197 pitches, 79 for touring, on level grass with 6/10A electricity.
In the region that the Kings of France chose to build their most beautiful residences, this pleasant, shaded site has been developed in the surroundings of an old 800-hectare forest, just 1 km. from the banks of the Loire river. For those seeking a relaxing holiday, it provides 169 pitches, including 111 for touring units, all with 10A electricity (119 Europlugs) and 58 with full services. The friendly family owners continue to develop the site with a multisports court and an attractive swimming pool complex. During July and August, they organise a programme of trips including canoeing and riding excursions, as well as twice weekly concerts and shows.
Domaine de l’Oiseliere is ideal for camping and campervan holidays and jsut 35 minutes from the Grand Parc du Puy du Fou. This is a small site with just 45 large pitches to choose from, 30 of which are for touring and are 200m2 and separated by hedges. There is a choice of full sun or shaded pitches with cover provided by oak trees. For families travelling in a caravan, large plots enable you to extend your awning easily. The site is a pedestrian zone; vehicles can drive to and from the pitches upon arrival and before departure. Otherwise, campers must use the adjacent parking area.
Camping Détente et Clapotis is in the Rhône-Alpes, on the banks of the Lac de Paladru. The site has 212 grass pitches, of which 140 are for touring units and have a 6/10-amp hook-up point, and there are 32 chalets are available for hire. At the front of the campsite, the touring pitches are located. These are quite open, and most are in the sun, but the large open lawns mean you have great views of the lake and direct access to the water.
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.
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.
Camping Val André, previously known as Les Monts Colleux, is a campsite with an unusual town centre location in Le Val André. The site, however, has a hilltop setting and some pitches have fine views of the sea. This was formerly a municipal site and is well-managed with well-kept hedges and pitches. The reception area and shop are modern, although the sanitary blocks are older. The 55 pitches (most with 10A electricity) are generally flat, although, given its hillside location, some are sloping. Although there is no swimming pool on site, there is a large covered municipal pool adjacent, with limited free access for campers.
Séquoia Parc, is just 7 km from the beach (Marennes-Plage). This is a high-quality family campsite in the heart of the Charente-Maritime region, set on the grounds of La Josephtrie, a castle with beautifully restored outbuildings and a courtyard area with a bar and restaurant. Sequoia Park is more a resort than a camping site; mobile homes outnumber pitches 3 to 1; however, both enjoy all the facilities of this fantastic site. On-site, there are 148 touring pitches available, which are divided by established hedging, and all have a good degree of shade; there are four different pitches available, with level 1 just offering a pitch whilst level 4 offers private sanitary facilities. The pitches are between 120 and 140m² with 6/10A electricity connections. The site itself is in a rural location surrounded by forest with no public transport links.
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.
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.
Situated on the west coast of the island of Ile d’Oléron, les Gros Joncs is owned and run by the Cavel family who work hard to keep the site up to date and of high quality. There are 50 or so touring pitches of a good size (some extra large) with tall pine trees providing a choice between full sun and varying degrees of shade. All have water and 10A electricity to hand. The main building not only houses a light and airy reception, but also a modern, beautifully presented bar and restaurant, a fully stocked and competitively priced shop, an attractive indoor swimming pool and a magnificent spa.
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.
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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.