These days, family camping holidays are less about going back-to-basics and more about discovering Europe’s most wonderful hidden gems. It’s not until you set your sights at least a little off the beaten path that you realise quite how dramatically diverse and deeply beautiful our very own continent can be.
So if you’ve been thinking of heading out with the kids for a spot of adventure, you’d be wise to consider checking out any of the following:
Bodenwöhr, Germany
First of all, and for those looking for something a little out of the ordinary, the Weichselbrunn camping ground at Germany’s Bodenwöhr is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful and enjoyable in Europe. Boasting a truly breath-taking lakeside forest setting, the whole place appears as if plucked from the pages of a fantastical fairy-tale. Tents and campervans are more than welcome, but there’s also the option of the rustic on-site cabins that really do top off the whole experience. Activities on offer range from canoeing to swimming to hiking, though you might find it difficult to pull your attention away from the scenery long enough to do anything at all!
Son Bou, Menorca
If you fancy a spot of island living to pair with all the fun of camping, Son Bou in Menorca ticks all the right boxes. With a season that starts in the early spring and goes right on through to the mid-autumn, it’s a great choice if the summer holidays aren’t a realistic option. From stunning pine forest to crisp white sands and the gorgeous blue sea lapping at the shoreline, it’s a tale of camping as you’ve come to know it taken to an altogether higher level.
Woolacombe, United Kingdom
Having been rated one of the Top Five Beaches in Europe by TripAdvisor, Woolacombe Beach alone represents every reason you’ll ever need to pay a visit. An absolute mecca for sun-seekers with a privileged plot on the Devon coast, Woolacombe is just the place for epic water-sports, unbridled relaxation and perhaps the best seafood in the British Isles. It’s also one of the most incredible family camping destinations in Europe with the award winning Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks being a very popular choice with campers, flanked on all sides by gorgeous scenery and bursting at the seams with entertainment and amenities.
Buna, Bosnia
Perhaps not the first place to spring to mind when dreaming of idyllic family camping, there’s a hidden beauty spot close to the town of Buna that’s even more stunning than the town itself. Perched on the banks of the River Buna lies a unique and extraordinary camping experience, where the simplicity of the camping grounds are more than made up for by their magnificent surroundings. What’s also great about camping here is the area’s close proximity to the town of Buna – one of the most stunning in Europe by far. For a camping holiday of real adventure and discovery, look no further!
Tartaruga, Zakynthos, Greece
Last but not least, Greece as a whole has epic family holidays written all over it – nowhere more so than Tartaruga. A firm contender for the single most gorgeous camping spot in the entire world, this clifftop location boasts the kinds of views you may never have dreamed existed on Earth. There’s plenty to do for kids of all ages, the beaches are beyond mind-blowing and there’s even a resident turtle population to keep your eye out for! Also an ideal base for you to explore further afield. Hire a car from Rental Centre Crete and who knows how far you can explore during your holiday!
If you are looking for other ideas then Holiday Park Guru has advice on holiday parks and camping around Europe for travellers in Germany, France and the Netherlands