‘A stunning campsite with views of the fjords': readers' best camping trips in Europe

The Guardian

04-04-2025

Veganeset Camping (tent pitch from £18 a night) is a stunning campsite in the Norwegian fjords – remote, but an easy drive to the village of Balestrand. The views were to die for, and in the summer there was still some light at midnight. No frills, but good-quality bathrooms. It was the best campsite we found in Norway and also the cheapest.Sarah
Tucked away on the banks of the Soča River in a remote corner of Slovenia, and surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Triglav national park, Camp Jelinc (from €10 per adult per day) is a picturesque campsite in a stunning setting that lured me out of my tent in the morning with views of pine forests, glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. The fast-flowing river outside my pitch had water so brightly turquoise that I couldn't decide whether to drink it or dive in. There are only a small number of pitches and simple facilities, but I felt totally in harmony with nature during my stay. On Saturdays, hearty Slovenian 'soup and song' nights made for beautiful evenings under starry skies.Will
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On a road trip through Georgia, we stayed at Damba Camping in Samegrelo-Zemo. Though it was difficult to find (a local we asked for directions ended up driving us there as he realised his instructions were too complicated to follow), the immediate peace and beauty we found when we arrived made us forget the journey. Set amid cherry groves, the site has tables right on a riverbank, with views across the lush fields of western Georgia to the towering white wall of the Caucasus beyond. As the sun descended, the host grilled mtsvadi (meat skewers), served with fresh salads, while his brother cycled back from the village bakery with a stack of megruli khachapuri (a regional variation of stuffed bread which has cheese inside and on top). Amazing food, the river, the mountains, Georgian hospitality and the prospect of hiking to an 11th-century monastery the next day – I'd love to go back, if I can ever find it again.Henry
One of the highlights of our campervan trip round the coast of Portugal in 2023 was a night at the Salema Eco Camp (adults from €6, tent pitch from €7 a night). It sits almost at the far west corner of the Algarve, which is much quieter and less developed than the better-known areas. You choose your own pitch on the terraced hillside, and then head down to the bar and play area. The pizzas were incredible, and our kids had a blast playing on the pirate ship and making friends with children from all over Europe. Lucie
Dragsö Camping (pitches from £14 a day) in the island city of Karlskrona, Sweden, offers pitches right next to the water. There's a beach on the site and lots of walks. Rent a bike and cycle into the Unesco heritage city of Karlskrona. Visit the naval museum, where you can go into a submarine and see old naval ships. Or rent a kayak and find your very own beach – Allemansrätten (the right of public access) means there are loads of islands you can explore.Asa
Arrive at Delphi Camping (tent pitch for two from €27 a night) at night and pitch your tent under a sky the colour of dark wine among the pines of Mount Parnassus, haunt of the gods. The Kanatas family will serve you pine-scented retsina wine and slabs of creamy goat's cheese, generously doused in oil harvested from their ancient olive groves. Awake at dawn and wander a dusty mountainside path to the archaeological sites, catching a glimpse of the temples through the trees before the crowds arrive. Return for an early dip in the campsite pool, perched above the Gulf of Corinth, 300 metres below. Emma
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Camping Campéole Navarrosse Plage (pitches from €27 a night for two) has idyllic surroundings in the Landes region of south-west France – pine trees and a sandy lake beach – perfect for early morning and evening dips. Rented bikes took us along riverside paths to the hydroplane museum in Biscarrosse and over sandy forest hills to the coast. Our daily routine included fresh baguettes from the on-site shop and evening table tennis. As the French holidays began, the campsite came to life, filling up with holidaymakers playing pétanque and football, and zipping around on bikes – our son chatted with some fellow tweens over games of table tennis.Belinda
Our best camping holiday was to Camping Eden (adults from €9 a night, pitch from €16), near Porto di Portese, overlooking Lake Garda in Italy. The pitches were on terraces above the lake, there was a private beach from which we could swim in the lake, and a beautiful small port was a five-minute walk away. Simon
I am a solo parent, and Marvilla Parks' Le Domaine du Clarys (from €80 for four people for two nights) on the west coast of France has become our annual retreat since my daughter was three. The static caravans with decking offer a comfortable blend of camping and convenience – perfect for those who prefer a bit of luxury without the extremes of traditional camping. The parks, water slides and vibrant kids' club activities provide endless fun for my daughter, and while she attends I savour a few precious hours of calm. She enjoys the fun activities delivered by the young and enthusiastic team, and I go for jogs along the coast, hire a bike to explore nearby towns (like Saint Jean de Monts), enjoy a glass of Provence rosé, or simply unwind with a book by the quiet pool. With friendly fellow travellers and a supermarket nearby, it's the perfect safe escape for a solo female adventurer.Paula
We were lucky to get the last pitch at Kamp Koren (pitches from €13 per person per night), near Kobarid in Slovenia, when we arrived in August without a reservation. The small pitch, at the top of a terraced hillside with trees for shade and privacy, was perfect for our tent. The campsite is on the banks of the Soča River and it was a short clamber over the rocks to reach the bracing, crystal-clear, green water for a dip. The pretty town of Kobarid has plenty of traditional restaurants, which made a welcome change from campsite cooking. Becs