Top Destinations: Camping Holiday

South of France

A camping holiday in the South of France is a great way to enjoy the countryside while saving on costs, and the vast array of campsites across the region makes a camping holiday easy. Another advantage of a camping holiday in the South of France is the proximity of most campsites to the major cities, allowing you to enjoy the fresh country air and still grab a bit of urban sightseeing. Campsites are pretty much everywhere in the South of France, with many being signposted from the major highways. It is advisable to book during the summer months, however, as places can be in short supply when the weather is fine.

Austria

Ideally suited to the summer seasons, camping in Austria more or less guarantees you a clear blue mountain lake, the purest mountain air, and a friendly local tavern. Choose your campsite according the type of holiday you’re after; the stunning Tyrol region, for example, is famous for its glorious forests and lakes and offers many exciting outdoor activities. Or choose a location near one of Austria’s vibrant cities, such as Salzburg in the north east of the country. Whether you enjoy fishing, hiking, walking, or the more extreme sports such as mountain biking, paragliding and rafting, Austria’s campsites are generally well equipped and offer a good range of activities. A tent for two people for 7 nights will cost you from €250-300 – which may not sound especially cheap, but many boast ‘hotel standard’ facilities and do include some sporting activities.

Corsica

There are some beautiful campsites in Corsica which means that you can enjoy the beautiful island but on a budget. Corsica is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors and prefer a taste of the simple life. One campsite is ‘U Monte Cintu’ in Lozzi which is in the central area of the island. Here you will be in the heart of the stunning countryside with incredible sea and mountain views to enjoy. Staying at the site will cost around 5 Euros a night for adults and you will need to pay extra for things like electricity and car parking. Another camp site is ‘Camp La Pinede’ which offer chalet and mobile home accommodation. This site is in the centre of a one of Corsica’s many pinewood forests. They have great facilities including an onsite disco, riding area, children’s area and volley ball court. Here expect to pay around 10 Euros a night in peak season. Peak season is recognized as July through to the end of August. Most campsites have supermarkets and good shower facilities as well. Campsites tend to be in more rural areas so it’s great if you can hire a car or bike in order to get about.

Costa Dorada

There are masses of camp sites located on the Costa Dorado. The warm summers and array of campsites means that the Costa Dorado is a great place to camp. The Kawan Village campsite in Tarragona is marvellous, it has a TV room, washing machines, and a swimming pool is located by the coast, so you can enjoy lots of water sports too, it is like staying in a hotel, you can even have cooked food too, while there are a mammoth 620 pitches to put up your tent.

One campsite in Cambrils has shops, baby pools, as well as a cinema and disco for its residents and has 466 areas to pitch tents, there is nearly every sport on offer, from ping-pong, to horse riding. While the Camp site at Cubelles has a Jacuzzi, sauna, an outdoor pool, and a heated pool, these are just a few of the numerous campsites dotted around the Costa Dorada and many have these fantastic facilities discussed above. All the campsites have a star rating based on their facilities. Prices for pitches cost approximately €300 to €1100 for 12 nights for 2 adults and children. Due to their facilities, choice of locations and the amount of pitches, Costa Dorado is a fabulous place to go on a camping holiday.

Italy

Camping in Italy is quite a big deal. Campsites in Italy – “campeggios”– tend to be on the expensive side, but on average prices are lower than in Britain and France. One of the best places for camping holidays in Italy is on the very southern tip of the country – what locals refer to as “Italy’s boot” – where you can find beach campsites that are well equipped with shops and entertainment. Most campsites in Italy have good better than average facilities, with hot showers and modern toilets. Expect to pay under €20 a night for camping in Italy if you stay in the countryside.

Spain

Camping in Spain is a popular choice for families as it offers a glorious combination of sandy beaches, seemingly endless sunshine, and fun packed adventures in a cost effective way. Northern Spain is more popular among British families taking camping holidays as it is cooler and closer. Even outside of the hot summer months Spain is mild and pleasant for camping. Camping operators will generally run a return midweek Dover-Calais ferry crossing or a Euro tunnel crossing. Alternatively you can put your car on a Motorail train and travel overnight to the sun. An even better option, particularly if travelling with children, are the longer ferry crossings where you might sail directly from Plymouth to Santander or from Portsmouth to Bilbao. The ships operating these routes will contain plenty to keep the family amused during the journey.

A camping holiday is an ideal way to see more of Spain than you might on a typical beach package holiday. When you have reached your destination you might want to explore the traditional fishing villages as well as visit the nearby holiday resorts, for a fun holiday filled with lots of variety. Sample the delicious local food and indulge in the relaxed style of living. There are lots of options for accommodation, from a basic tent to the latest luxury mobile home. It is certainly possible to organise the entire holiday yourself but you may choose to use an operator to help you with your arrangements. Although it can work out a little more expensive, an operator should ensure that your tent or mobile home and facilities at the site meet expectations. Regions that are popular for camping holidays include Cantabria on the Atlantic coast and Costa Brava on the Mediterranean.
 

Switzerland

Camping is a popular activity in Switzerland. Most towns and even many villages in Switzerland have organised campsites; however, availability of campsites in Switzerland depends on seasonal factors. Because of the cold weather in Switzerland during the winter months, camping is less common and many campsites in Switzerland are closed outside of the peak summer months. This is especially the case for campsites located at high altitudes in the mountains of Switzerland.

The quality of campsites in Switzerland is very good with washing and showering facilities with hot and cold running water. Campsites in Switzerland charge in three ways: per person, per tent and per car. Prices for campsites in Switzerland are generally low but if you want to camp or go mountain walking in Switzerland in the busy summer months are advised to book ahead.
 

Iceland

Most of the camping places in Iceland are located in spectacular surroundings. Waterfalls, lakes, glaciers and hot springs and are usually a stone’s throw away from these sites. Camping is a popular activity in Iceland and there are 125 registered campsites in Iceland. Campsites in Iceland open from beginning of June till September. A camping holiday in Iceland offers a wide variety of facilities such as shower rooms, toilets and shops for daily necessities. As swimming is a favourite sport in Iceland, swimming pools and recreational facilities are never far away from these campsites. A camping holiday in Iceland provides an inexpensive and enjoyable holiday experience especially for families with children. Rent a tent or stay in sleeping bag accommodation in cabins within the campsite. Camping prices range from about ISK 1,000 per person depending on the type of accommodation, season and location.

Sweden

There are over 1000 campsites in Sweden, so if you are looking for a camping holiday anywhere in Europe, Sweden is one of the best places to go. Camping in Sweden is fairly straightforward, although you do have to bear in mind that you may sometimes require a membership card. Camping Card Scandinavia is a membership card which allows access to all SCR-affiliated campsites around Sweden and is valid in Denmark, Finland, Norway and 16 other European countries. It costs €13 and includes accident insurance and privileged booking status. The Camping Card International (CCI) is another such membership card which is a respected proof of identity for campsites across Europe.

Crete

Crete has plenty of campsites fully equipped with all the amenities you would expect to find when camping. Most of the campsites are situated within walking distance of the most popular resorts and not too far from the beach. The most endearing feature about camping in Crete is you have a retreat to escape the rigours of everyday life that is calm and relaxing. The campsites in Crete are all very reasonably priced at around £5 (€6) a day and are equipped with toilets, showers and a laundrette. They all have supermarkets a short distance away for convenience and most have evening entertainment.

British Columbia

Camp sites in British Columbia are abundant and located just about everywhere from just outside the city and town centres to remote pristine locations. Most campgrounds in BC are only open seasonally from mid-June to September. Campsites usually are based on lakes, rivers or in open wilderness in provincial parks and private facilities. Campgrounds make a good place to explore British Columbia while avoiding the crowds. Check out the Cedar Beach Resort on Saltspring Island for fantastic facilities. Campgrounds in British Columbia are available for tents, RV's, groups and caravans. British Columbia has over 450 provincial parks, of which 175 offer camping facilities. Note that BC provincial parks do not have electrical plug-ins and water hook-ups.

Canada

Camping in Canada is a great idea as it will allow you to stay in the heart of the most breathtaking natural scenery, away from the hustle and bustle of the major cities. Whether you want to go car camping with the kids, or you're a more hard-core wilderness camper, Canada has endless places to fulfill your passion for camping. Before you travel, make sure you are aware of restrictions on what you can and cannot bring with you. For example, You are permitted to bring camping gear, recreational equipment and supplies with you provided all items are clean and free of pests and soil. However, you cannot bring firewood or live bait into the country without a permit and there are certain restrictions on the types and quantities of food that are allowed to enter Canada. Canada has so many beautiful and peacful sites where you might choose to have your camping holiday, whether you wish to trek up the mountains or visit a campsite near one of the lakes. The weather in summer should be fine, but be aware that at other times of year it may be cold.

South Africa

Camping is one option that will suit lower budgets in South Africa. South Africa offers its visitors over 700 camping sites to choose from. Most of these are located along in tourism routes, near or even inside nature reserves, and in the vicinity of tourist attractions and famous landmarks. The most popular camp sites in South Africa are found on the east coast. If you're visiting any of South Africa's cities however, camping may not be an option.

Brisbane

Brisbane has a wide range of great spots for a camping holiday in and around the city, with many more ideal locations in the surrounding area and all along the coast. The closest camping park to the city centre is Newmarket Gardens Caravan Park in Ashgrove, fantastic for holidaymakers looking to stick close to city comforts. Another local option is Brisbane Holiday Village, which offers the ultimate getaway for families, couples or groups wanting to kick back, unwind and enjoy being together. Away from the centre, Adder Rock Holiday Park on East Coast Road sits at the entrance to North Stradbroke Island's beautiful Point Lookout and is a very shady camp ground, nestled behind Adder Rock Headland and sheltered from the westerly winds - perfect for couples looking for a secluded camping holiday near to Brisbane.

The adjoining surf beach looks North West to Moreton Island and North East to the sparkling Pacific Ocean, a relaxed country getaway with the added attraction of a golden beach right on its doorstep. There is plenty to see and do nearby, with several freshwater lakes, waterways and lagoons to explore. For those chasing a bit of fun and adventure, there are four wheel drive safaris, fishing charters, sea kayaking tours as well as a golf course. For those looking to camp further afield, Broadwater Tourist Park in nearby Southport has one of the best locations on all of the Gold Coast.

Located directly on the water’s edge of the Broadwater its named after, the park has enviable views southwards towards the high-rises of Surfers Paradise. So whether you wish to stay close to the city or head out into the beautiful hinterland or along the wonderful coastline, Brisbane caters for everything a camping holiday could want, and provides an inexpensive stay close to some of the world’s finest natural beauty.

New Zealand

New Zealand is the ideal destination if you are a traveller looking to spend your nights in the beautiful outdoors. With a huge selection of beautiful, clean camping grounds, campsites and holiday parks providing all the necessary facilities (powered tent sites, cabins, motel units, campervan sites and more),

New Zealand offers both experienced and beginner campers a perfect kiwi stay during your New Zealand camping holiday. Excellent food, a temperate climate, stunning landscape and nature, friendly locals and plenty of activities on offer, we just had to put New Zealand on our top 20 Camping Holiday destination list. Although a bit of a long flight from the UK, we think its worth eating plane food for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Cairns

With a warm climate all year round, sleeping under canvas allows visitors to really sample the outdoor life which Cairns has to offer. For those people wishing to embark on a camping holiday in Cairns, there are numerous sites throughout the region, with many located on caravan parks or in the National Parks themselves, but a permit is often required at an added cost. Prices for a camping holiday vary according to the time of year, but expect to budget from a minimum of A$28 per night during peak season. The standard of facilities also depends on the chosen location.
 

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has a wide range of great spots for a camping holiday in and around the city, with many more ideal locations in the surrounding area of Queensland. The closest camping park to the city centre is found off Gold Coast Highway in Southport, fantastic for holidaymakers looking to stick close to city comforts and still get an authentic bushland experience.

Other local options that offer caravan parking are in Burleigh Heads, which offers a great and affordable camping holiday. Away from the centre, Coolangatta and Canungra is a very shady camp ground and more secluded area. Further afield, the beautiful hinterland surrounding the Gold Coast offers a wonderful host of camping opportunities - Tamborine Mountain and Green Mountains two excellent sites to the west of the city, which are close to the natural wonders of Springbrook and Lamington National Park. So whether you wish to stay close to the city or head out into the beautiful mountainous hinterland of Queensland, the Gold Coast caters for everything a camping holiday could want, and provides an inexpensive stay close to some of Australia’s finest natural beauty.
 

Sydney

Sydney enjoys a close proximity to many widely renowned National Parks and nature reserves, many of which are only a short bus journey from the city centre. First for families and couples alike would be the Royal National Park, the second oldest national park in the world; that has rainforest, creeks, wildflower meadows, sea-sculpted sandstone headlands and majestic stretches of coastal trails. Bonnie Vale is the most accessible and comfortable camping area; with car parking, hot showers and wood-fired barbecues. It is located near Bundeena on Port Hacking, close to a large sand spit that offers good swimming. Bush camping can be found at Uloola Falls, 5km south to the south of Audley, but is intended for serious walkers on the park's two main long-distance walking trails only. As such on both sites, campers are allowed to stay for just one night.

If wild and rugged come high on your wish list for a camping holiday in Sydney, Marramarra National Park is the place to head. Designated camping grounds are located at Gentlemans Halt and at Marramarra Creek, which is accessible by water as well as on foot.

Overlooking the Hawkesbury River on Sydney's northern outskirts, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park loiters on the shores of Pittwater and Broken Bay with sandstone cliffs and edges of rainforest. The park also has an profligate displays of birdlife, and a rich legacy of rock art left by the Garigal people, for whom the park is named. However, camping is only allowed at The Basin; which has toilets, cold showers, gas barbecues and a small shelter shed - but relatively difficult access makes it difficult for campers with cars. The camp site can be reached via a two-kilometre walk along The Basin Track or by ferry from Palm Beach Wharf. If you don’t mind crowds, Cattai National Park is a good choice for family camping trips during the summer holidays.

Built by convicts in 1821, the beautiful Cattai Homestead is an important part of our colonial heritage. Meanwhile, the Heathcote National Park on Sydney's southern border is a bushwalker's paradise - no roads clutter the park and facilities are limited to a few basic picnic sites and camping is confined to sites at Kingfisher Pool, Mirang Pool and Lake Eckersley. Sydney caters for everything a camping holiday could want, and provides an inexpensive stay close to some of the world’s finest natural beauty.
 

Tasmania

Tasmania offers many opportunities for camping in some of the most spectacular countryside; carry your own tent through the Land of a Thousand Lakes, spend the night in the habitats of wombats and wallabies, or camp in a Gondwanan forest – the choice is yours. Tasmania is one of the easiest and most unspoiled places to camp in the whole of Australia. About 40 per cent of the Island is protected as national parks and reserves, but there are plenty of opportunities to camp in these areas. In Tasmania, you have a choice of formal and informal camp sites. Formal camp sites are located inside national parks and forest reserves. They are managed by Forestry Tasmania or Hydro Tasmania. Informal camp sites are marked as such on maps and road signs and you need to be aware of local usage requirements before you set up camp. If you are visiting either type of camp-site, you should check for local fire lighting conditions. Sometimes a total fire ban may be in force so ask the local rangers. Typical prices for staying in a minimal impact campsite in a Tasmanian National Park are: £7.50 per night for a site without power and £8 with power. There is an additional charge from £2.50 to £3.50 for each adult and £1.25 to £1.75 for children between 5 and 17. Families (consisting of 2 adults and 3 children can make block bookings that will cost between £8 and £11. Tasmania is an excellent destination for a camping holiday.