The 5 best campsites in Europe

A camping holiday is a brilliant way to see Europe; a continent covered in campsites where different countries and cultures are in close proximity, so you can easily pack a tent in the car and drive from place to place. Here are the highest-rated European campsites.

The cost of camping in Europe

Camping is, on the whole, a lot cheaper than a hotel and cooking around a campfire is also going to save you a fair amount compared to dining out. But there are a few things to factor into your trip to make sure it’s all within budget. Depending on where you’re travelling to, motorway toll fees can add up while driving through mainland Europe – with Italy’s roads costing the most. It is still possible to wild camp in certain parts of Europe but it is tricky, so it’s easier to aim for a campsite and plan a route around that. There’s also a difference in camping pitches; a prime location beside the Mediterranean Sea will cost more per night than a tent pitch in a quiet, rural area inland.

Agricampeggio Madonna di Pogi in Bucine, Italy

At this off-the-beaten-track campsite, you can pitch a tent or hire a wooden cabin in the middle of the Tuscan countryside. It’s located on a farm in the Val d’Ambra region, bordered by forest. Start your camping holiday mornings off by diving into the lake from the wooden pontoon before having a breakfast of fresh eggs and home-grown, seasonal fruits by your tent in the flower-filled meadow.

Camping Châlets Larlapean 3★ in Saint Martin d’Arrossa, France

Camping in the French Basque Country allows ample opportunity for reconnecting with nature. This campsite takes the form of a collection of wooden chalets at the foot of Mount Larla has access to horseback riding, fishing, cycling, a variety of hikes and an outdoor pool with mountain views.

Eco Camping Juncal in Sao Salvador, Portugal

At Eco Camping Juncal, you can have breakfast on the wooden sun deck with trees swaying in front of you and mountains forming the backdrop. Camping options include pitching a tent, hiring a caravan, or reserving a bedroom in the main building. Explore further afield from the campsite by taking a boat trip along the Douro, or hiking over hills and valleys visiting Portuguese villages en route.

York Holiday & Cycle Stop in Holtby, United Kingdom

While this campsite is designed with cyclists in mind, it’s a great base for all campers looking to explore the Yorkshire countryside. It’s a more luxe camping holiday experience than your average tent-based trip, with glamping pods dotted around a landscaped garden. Each pod is painted either magenta and green, and has potted plants, outdoor decking and a seating area.

Rockinghams Pods in Layer Marney, United Kingdom

A tiny campsite of two glamping pods, the family-run Rockinghams Pods operates on a working farm in the Colchester countryside. The area is popular for cycling and fishing, with four artificial fishing lakes. It’s a dreamy spot for a camping holiday, with acres of woodland and open farmland to explore via the local walking trails, before enjoying a barbecue back at the pod.