Want to explore Europe while keeping the kids happy every step of the way? Family camping across Europe has come a long way — modern campsites now offer everything from waterparks and kids’ clubs to treehouses and glamping tents, all while giving you the chance to discover somewhere new together. Here are the best 10 spots for family camping in Europe.
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#1. La Croix du Vieux Pont – France
If you’re looking for a campsite that isn’t too far from home, La Croix du Vieux Pont is well worth considering. Set in the heart of the Aisne Valley and easily reached from Calais, it has a fantastic range of activities for all ages. The setting is among rustic French farm buildings, with impressive pool complexes and three on-site lakes where families can fish, canoe or simply relax on a sandy beach.
Younger visitors are well catered for too, with an indoor children’s play area, a ten-lane bowling alley and a laser quest centre. Good food options and its handy location near Disneyland Paris make this a convenient all-round choice for a family trip.
#2. Domaine de Litteau – France
Also in the north of France, this peaceful site sits on the edge of the Cerisy Forest and makes a great base for exploring Normandy, with its huge beaches, medieval towns and rich history for all ages.
Domaine de Litteau is packed with sports and activities for the whole family, including:
- A fully lifeguarded, heated, covered pool with waterslide, spa bath and toddler area
- A children’s club for ages 5–9 and 10–14
- An outdoor playground
- A bar and terrace with satellite TV
- Evening entertainment and a takeaway food bar
- Horse riding for adults and children during the summer school holidays
Depending on when you travel, the site also runs special seasonal events.
You might also like our Family Camping Checklist
#3. Camping De Lilse Bergen – Belgium
Fancy staying a little further north? Camping De Lilse Bergen in Belgium is an attractive, quietly located site with 513 shady pitches, whether you bring your own tent or campervan or rent facilities on-site. Set among pine trees around a large lake, it has a lovely relaxed feel, and is genuinely child-friendly, right down to animal-icon coding to help kids find their own pitch.
There’s a strong focus on watersports and an imaginative playground, plus woodland walks and a picnic area. You’ll also find tennis, mini golf, a climbing wall, trampolines and a skateboard ramp, along with pedalos and kayaks, and bikes, kids’ electric cars and pedal kart tracks available to hire.
You might also enjoy reading Make Camping with Kids Fun
#4. Cap Cabane – France
Fancy something a little different in the south of France? Cap’ Cabane, in the Landes forest just south of Bordeaux, lets you stay in a giant wooden pine-cone-shaped cabin.
Kids can sleep under the stars, as these rocket-shaped tree houses have clear roofs for stargazing at night. Each “cone” sleeps up to four people and is simply furnished with comfy beds. There’s a composting loo on the ground floor, with full facilities available in a communal hut nearby.
A breakfast hamper of local produce is delivered each morning, and in the evening the on-site restaurant serves organic, locally sourced meals. Cap’ Cabane is a great base for exploring the chateaux of Aquitaine, or you can simply stay at camp, explore the forest and swim in the natural pool. Sports and craft activities run for children during school holidays.
You might also like reading Family holiday camping adventures in France & 9 European city breaks you might never have thought of
#5. Camping Manor Farm – Switzerland
Image courtesy of Mountainleon.com
Get ready for some truly stunning scenery. Camping Manor Farm sits on the shores of Lake Thun, with views of the Eiger, and is less than two miles from Interlaken, from where the mountain railway climbs to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe.
It’s a great spot for watersports — windsurfing, canoeing and swimming — as well as table tennis, mini golf, trampolining and more.
#6. Camping de Roos, Ommen – The Netherlands
If you love natural scenery, Camping de Roos could be the campsite for you. Located east of Amsterdam, this spacious site has plenty of shady woodland, soft grassy pitches and a cool river for a dip on a hot summer’s day.
The surrounding area is flat, making it easy to hire bikes for a day of exploring. Table tennis, foosball and other games will keep the kids busy on site, and the campsite also runs local exploring activities during the summer.
#7. Vilanova Park – Spain
Spain is a firm favourite for many families, and Vilanova Park offers a slightly different way to enjoy it. Set on the Costa Dorada near a sandy beach (with a free bus service), this campsite has indoor and outdoor pools, a wellness centre, a play area and a supermarket. There’s plenty to keep the kids busy, plus an on-site bar and restaurant set in a beautiful Catalan farmhouse.
This campsite combines well with a city break to Barcelona, whether you travel by car, bus or train.
#8. Camping Roma – Italy
Ever thought you could camp in Rome? Now you can. Once you’ve pitched your tent at Camping Roma, you’re only around 15 minutes from the city centre.
With a bus stop right outside the entrance, it’s a perfect base for exploring the Eternal City while enjoying all the usual family camping comforts. Facilities include a lovely pool, restaurant, grocery store, bar with sports screen, a separate internet room and affordable bungalows.
You might also enjoy reading Family Camping in Italy
#9. Hidden Treehouse – Germany
This is a treehouse holiday with a difference. Raised four metres above the ground on steel legs, this forest retreat in Lower Saxony, near Germany’s North Sea coast, offers a genuinely unique family stay.
Each cabin is fitted out with sleek Scandinavian-style furnishings, under-floor heating and a large terrace that reaches out into the trees. It’s ideal for active families, with more than 200 miles of cycling and walking routes right on the doorstep. Nearby, you’ll find a high-rope trail through 30-metre-tall trees, while Lake Zwischenahn is a short drive away for watersports fans.
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#10. Canonici di San Marco Glamping – Italy
Not keen on roughing it outdoors? Here’s camping like you’ve never seen it before. Canonici di San Marco is a beautiful, family-friendly glamping lodge just nine miles from Venice, bringing a touch of colonial African style to the Venetian plains.
Luxury safari tents come decked out with four-poster beds, opulent décor, soft furnishings and vintage tubs. You won’t spot any of the Big Five here, but there’s plenty of space for wild children to roam. With Venice just a 20-minute train ride away, you can enjoy the best of city culture while keeping your five-star comforts close by.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping a good option for a family holiday in Europe?
Yes — many European campsites are designed with families in mind, offering pools, kids’ clubs, playgrounds and organised activities alongside the chance to explore a new destination at a relaxed pace.
Do I need my own tent or campervan to stay at these sites?
Not necessarily. Most of the campsites featured here offer a mix of options, from pitches for your own tent or campervan to on-site rentals such as mobile homes, cabins or glamping tents.
Are these campsites suitable for younger children?
Many of them are, with features like lifeguarded pools, toddler areas, children’s clubs and playgrounds. It’s always worth checking the specific facilities and any age restrictions for activities like high ropes or watersports before you book.
What should I check before booking a family camping trip abroad?
It’s a good idea to confirm current opening dates, prices, facilities and any booking requirements directly with the campsite, as these can change from season to season.
Related Articles
- Family Camping Checklist
- Make Camping with Kids Fun
- Family Holiday Camping Adventures in France
- 9 European City Breaks You Might Never Have Thought Of
- Family Camping in Italy
- 10 of the Coolest and Best Vacation Spots for Kids
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