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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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Valkenburg - Maastricht is situated in Valkenburg, close to Recreatiepark De Valkenier and VVV Valkenburg. On-site, you can choose between 340 comfortable pitches, 255 for touring, which are nestled harmoniously with the surrounding nature. The on-site amenities include everything you would need to enjoy a holiday here, Featuring a bar with a terrace and a cosy lounge with table football. There is a food truck where you can enjoy some tasty treats and a small grocery shop selling all the basics.
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.
With easy access from the A6 autoroute and the N6, this attractive and welcoming site is perfect for overnight stops. But stay awhile and get to know this delightful region with its wine heritage, historical monuments and magical rolling landscape. This is a neat, well-ordered campsite situated in the heart of Beaujolais. It's surrounded by vineyards and just walking distance (within 1 km) of the pretty village of Fleurie (one of the premier Beaujolais crus). Here you'll find all the shops and amenities you'll need.
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.
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.
Nestled in the heart of the vineyards near Bordeaux, Yelloh! Village Saint-Emilion offers an ideal retreat for families traveling with caravans, motorhomes, or tents. 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 with partially covered pools suitable for all ages. Sports facilities including a newly renovated sports area featuring a multisport field, tennis courts, ping-pong tables, teqball, fitness stations, and a double zip line. Lake activities including 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.
The Château des Marais campsite is a good base for visiting the château at Chambord and the other châteaux in the Vallée des Rois. The site, providing 115 large touring pitches in avenues, all with electricity (10A), access to water and drainage and ample shade, is situated in the oak and hornbeam woods of its own attractive, small château. Twenty-five designated motorhome pitches are on hardstanding and grass. An excellent swimming complex offers pools with two slides, two flumes and a lazy river. There is an on-site tourism office where bookings can be made. Used by a UK tour operator. There is also a pizzeria separate to the main bar and restaurant.
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.
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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.