Campgrounds for backpackers in France

Écurie Leseigneur

• Medieval-themed site and horse riding centre on the Cotentin Peninsula
• On the edge of a regional natural park, 15 minutes' drive from the sea
• Riding lessons, beachside rides and carriage trips available

Domaine de la Motte

• 500 metres from a lake, beach, picnic area and 310-hectare forest
• Horse riding, quad biking, fishing, pedalo hire and more in the locale
• Miniature golf plus indoor pool, paddling pool and whirlpool

Camping Les Falaises

• Clifftop site with sea views on Normandy's Alabaster coast
• Within 15 minutes' walk of the shops and beach of Saint-Pierre-en-Port
• A 20-minute drive from Fécamp, treetop adventuring and paintball

Camping du Chêne Vert

• Family-friendly site two kilometres from Castelnau-de-Montmiral
• Amusement park with lake within 300 metres
• Pool, playground, games room, restaurant, bar and shop

Camping La Grangeonne

• Friendly-family campsite near Esparron lake
• Provençal villages, lavender fields and local markets nearby
• Snack bar and wifi

Camping de Sainte-Mère-Église

• Normandy site in Sainte-Mère-Église with playground and shop
• WW2 museum five minutes' walk; Utah beach and museum 15-minute drive
• Play area, massages, bike hire and shop with the site's own craft beer

Camping des 5 Vallées

• Family-friendly Hautes-Alpes site 10 minutes' drive from Briançon
• Close to Tour de France passes, plus hikes, rafting and skiing
• Heated pool, café, play area and activities on site

Camping Portes d'Ariège

• Leafy family campsite edging the Ariège River in the Midi-Pyrénées
• Pamiers five minutes’ drive and La Ferme aux Bisons 25 minutes
• Swimming pool, bar and restaurant; fishing and kayaking on the river

Camping du Lac de Grolejac

Les Chênes de Calviac

• Peaceful woodland site with cottages and century-old oaks
• Five minutes' drive from Calviac en Perigord and 15 from Sarlat
• Outdoor pool, snack bar and bar, play area and outdoor games

Camping de Pors Ar Vag

Domaine de la Paille Basse

• Restored medieval farmsteads with spectacular views near Souillac
• A 45-minute drive to Rocamadour; wine tastings in the Dordogne valley
• Outdoor pool with slide, sports, restaurant, snack bar and creperie

Camping Les Goélands

• Relaxed family-friendly south Brittany site on the Atlantic coast
• Heated pool with water play area, whirlpool bench and jets
• Games room, play areas and disabled-friendly amenities

Camping Le Grand Bois

• Rural, woodland and peaceful site in the Drôme
• Pool, solarium, play area and shop
• Inn restaurant with outdoor terrace and bar

Le Domaine du Cedre

• Family-friendly site with swimming pool and summer activities
• A 10-minute walk from trout fishing and kayaking on the Tarn
• Bar, restaurant and shop; spa with sauna, hot tub and massages

Camping Mille Etoiles

• In the nature reserve of the Ardèche gorges
• A 20-minute walk from the Ardèche river via several routes
• Restaurant, shop, playground and small library

Domaine de l'Étang

• Vineyard site on the estate surrounding Château de Brissac
• A 25-minute drive to Angers, 35 to Saumur and 55 to Puy du Fou
• Well-maintained grounds with pools, summer bar and its own wine

Castelwood Vacances

• Peaceful woodland chalets 20 minutes' walk from Château de Biron
• 45 minutes' drive from the vineyards around Bergerac
• Quiet site with swimming pool, playground and pétanque court

Camping Etchemendigaraya

• Family-run site in the Basque Country between mountains and sea
• Adjoined to a working farm and with spectacular views
• Communal area, games room and playground