Campgrounds for backpackers in France

Camping Les Okiri

• Lakeside site in the Pyrenees a 30-minute drive from Pau
• Beach, watersports, fishing, bar and shop
• Terrace restaurant on the lake, 15 waterslides and nautical ski lift

Camping Le Trel

• Hillside setting next to the Lousse river, 35 minutes from Domme
• Pool, paddling pool, trampoline, bouncy castle, bar and restaurant
• Shuttle service for Dordogne canoe trips

Les Chalets de Pierretoun

• Rural chalets 10 minutes' drive from La Bastide-Clairence
• 40 minutes' drive from the beaches of Biarritz, Anglet and Bayonne
• Llamas and donkeys on site to accompany local hikes

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

La Vallée du Paradis

• A campsite between moutains and the Mediterranean sea

L'Atelier des Rêves

• Repurposed shipping container a five-minute drive from Salernes, Var
• Verdon Natural Regional Park 10 minutes’ drive; Port Fréjus one hour
• Large terrace with a hot tub and swings; magazines and board games

Camping La Rochade

• In a grove of oak and birch trees with many facilities
• Just over a kilometre from the village of Naujac-sur-Mer
• Fishing, beach, bathing pond, bouncy castle, events and snack bar

Camping Le Temps de Vivre

• Peaceful family-run site in the Périgord Noir
• Wildlife haven with many walking trails nearby
• Pool, paddling pool and massage parlour

Chez Marie Roulotte

• Adults-only bohemian trailer caravans with a complimentary breakfast
• A 15-minute drive from Les Gorges de la Vire; 45 minutes from Bayeux
• In two and a half acres with apple trees; shared kitchen and lounge

Les Deux Vallées

• Well-kept family-run park between the Dordogne and the Céou valley
• Castle views of Beynac two kilometres away
• Bar, fishing pond, swimming pool, restaurant and kids' clubs

Camping des Gorges de l'Allier

• Large woodland park with direct access to the Allier river
• A short walk from Langeac and the Allier gorges tourist train
• Restaurant, play area, fishing, pool and TV room

Camping Les Sources

• Family-friendly site on the edge of Saint-Jean-du-Gard
• Close to hiking and horse riding in the Cévennes National Park
• Heated pool, playground, restaurant, mini market and games room

Les Neuf Cerisiers

• Small, peaceful and luxury park at the foot of the Pyrenees
• Plenty for kids including trampolines, swings and animals to meet
• Heated pool surrounded by comfy sunbeds with parasols

Les Palmiers

Les Petites Martinies

• Small and quiet site on an old farm in the Charente countryside
• Angoulême and Caves Quéroy within half an hour's drive
• Massages on site; barbecue available for guests to borrow

Kinda Kamping

• On a family-run farm in in rural France
• Just outside the village of Mialet
• 56 acres of woodland to explore on site

Le Camping d'Ys

• Site with spectacular views over the bay of Douarnenez’s Kervel beach
• A 10-minute drive from Locronan and a 10-minute walk from the coast
• Surf school on the beach with lessons and paddleboard rental

Les Tipis du Bonheur de Vivre

• Amerindian tipi camp on a private meadow in the Pays de la Loire
• A 15-minute drive to Solesmes Abbey; 50 minutes to Zoo de La Flèche
• Themed events, animal encounters, gift shop, bar and restaurant

Camping Les Rives de l'Ardèche

• On the banks of the Ardèche river
• 3 kilometres from Mayres and near the Monts d'Ardèche Natural Park
• Snack bar, games room and TV room with books and games

Camping Les Prés Verts aux 4 Sardines

• Spectacularly scenic site overlooking Concarneau bay
• Direct access to the beach and the GR 34, 3km from Concarneau
• Pools, play area, miniature golf and giant chess; bakery within 1km