Campgrounds for backpackers in France

Camping Saint James Les Pins

• In a pine forest close to the Écrins National Park
• Many outdoor activities available nearby; sandy beach within 3km
• On-site restaurant serving local cuisine and Châteauroux wine

Camping Saint-Blaise

• Peaceful lakeside site in the Anjou region
• Restaurant, mini market, playground and bar-restaurant
• Direct access to a leisure park with beach, swimming and pony rides

Les Prairies de Pacouinay

• Small, sociable site in the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park
• Boat trips 10 minutes' drive away; an hour to the coast or Puy du Fou
• Shared kitchen/dining area on site; hiking/bike maps to borrow

Camping Rural Les Opillères

• Small-scale, family-run site with mountain views near La Cabanasse
• A 10-minute walk from the GR 10 and GR 36 hiking routes
• Pétanque court, barbecue area and common room

Camping La Condamine

• Wooded riverside site on the edge of Vercors Regional Natural Park
• Mountain biking, skiing, climbing, fishing and horse riding nearby
• On-site market selling regional produce, craft beers and local wines

Camping La Grangeonne

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

Camping La Plage

• Friendly site by Lac de Bariousses, with easy access to a sandy beach
• Four kilometres from Treignac, on the Vézère river and St James's Way
• Heated pool; playground with bouncy castle; motorhome service point

Camping de Moncontour Active Park

• Lakeside site near historic Moncontour
• 45 minutes' drive to Futuroscope and 90 minutes' drive to Puy du Fou
• Next to a 10-hectare lake with a watersports centre and miniature golf

Camping Paris Beau Village

• A 30-minute train ride from Paris: local train a kilometre away
• Well-sited stopover on the way to Lyon, Marseille and Nice
• Games room, fitness area, playground and bar with wifi

Le Pigeonnier

• Family-friendly camping in the Perigord
• Great facilities and plenty of activities during high season
• Many villages and historical sites nearby

Domaine de Calabel

• Quiet rural site on a Gers farm close to hiking trails
• Waterpark, château and L'isle de Noé village within 15 minutes' drive
• Swimming pool, snack bar and archery on site; meal baskets to order

Camping Le Clos Cottet

Camping de l'Orival

• Quiet and friendly site 15 minutes' drive from Eawy Forest
• A 35-minute drive from Dieppe and 50 from Rouen
• Heated pool, games room, snack bar and restaurant

Le Pequelet

Camping Le Rouge Gorge

• Calm family-friendly park with an undercover heated pool and Jacuzzi
• In Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, a 10-minute drive to Puy du Fou theme park
• Large play area with a multi-sports field, zipline and bouncy castle

Camping Naturiste La Genèse

Le Mas Des Sédariès

• Family site in the Cévennes National Park
• Ten minutes' walk from a swimming, fishing and watersports lake
• Pool, spa, snack bar and summer shuttle bus to the local market

Camping La Grivelière

• Quiet rural site on the banks of the Verne river near Montrigaud
• Restaurant, market, pool, playground and fishing
• Excellent hikes and cycle trails nearby: bike hire available