A complete guide to camping abroad

If you’ve got a few successful camping trips under your belt, why not broaden your horizons?

Camping abroad offers a refreshing escape. Along with discovering new scenery, culture and cuisine, you’ll be able to truly get away from your everyday routine. Add to that the promise of warmer and drier weather than you’d expect from a British summer, and the benefits are clear.

However, there’s no getting away from the fact that camping in another country for the first time is quite a daunting prospect. Whether you’re going alone, with your best friend or with the whole family, it’s worth being prepared. In this article, we’ve covered a few things you should know.

Why camp abroad and not in the UK?

• Culture

Pitching up in another country gives you a clear opportunity to discover another culture. From homemade dinners to traditional dancing and even local festivals, it’s always worth seeking these new experiences. If you only returned to the same camping spot every year, you wouldn’t be able to challenge yourself and learn even more.

• Landscapes

There’s nothing like a change of scenery. While camping in the UK can still lead you to breath-taking views, the diverse landscapes across Europe show you natural beauty like never before. You can traverse unspoilt coastlines and picturesque beach towns, all just a stone’s throw from bustling cities and cultural centres too.

• Sustainability

Because camping abroad allows you to immerse yourself in local cultures and traditions, you benefit from a richer experience overall. International campsites often support local families and independent businesses, giving you the opportunity to make a difference to the communities you visit. Camping is always more eco-friendly than staying in high-rise hotels or on cruise liners.

When’s the best time to go camping in Europe?

The best time of year to go camping will depend on your chosen destination and the type of activities you’re planning. If you’ll be hiking, exploring, and ready for an action-packed holiday, it’s worth avoiding the height of summer. Don’t forget to check the weather before you go!

Mild temperatures and fewer crowds make springtime – from April through to May – a wonderful time to book a camping trip in Europe. Peak summer months can be overcrowded, so it’s worth doing your research on your destination first.

Our tip: smaller resorts and independent sites might still be pleasantly quiet in peak season. A little bit of creativity goes a long way!

Camping abroad: Our top 3 tips

1. Pack the essentials

Bringing important items with you will save you a lot of hassle while you’re away. Core camping equipment should include your tent, sleeping bag, camping stove, and cooking utensils for freshly prepared camp food. For safety and convenience, you should also pack a first aid kit, portable charger, and a selection of different outfits to suit varying weather conditions.

2. Know the score

You should take time to familiarise yourself with camping regulations and any relevant environmental practices at your chosen destination. Learning a little bit of the local language will help you to communicate with locals, which could prove invaluable in the event of an emergency. However, it’s also polite to show that you’re trying!

3. Stay safe

Finally, it’s your responsibility to keep yourself and your family safe. Keep an emergency phone on you, just in case yours runs out of battery.

Try to plan for the unexpected by always keeping basic supplies on you, including plenty of water and snacks. Hydration packs are essential for any hiking or all-day adventures. Don’t underestimate just how much water you need to drink!

The best destinations for camping abroad

Now you’ve got everything you need and have planned ahead in case of emergencies, all that’s left to do is to choose where to go! Here are some of the best European destinations to enjoy a relaxing and invigorating camping holiday:

• Spain

Camping In Spain delivers guaranteed sunshine and affordable prices. Whether it’s the wonders of the Pyrenees in northern Spain, head to the Costa Brava or swim in turquoise waters on the Costa Dorada, there’s an incredible variety to choose from.

Spain’s coastlines boast warm Mediterranean sun, often with a cool breeze even in the height of summer. Or, if you choose an inland destination like the Molina and Alto Tajo Geopark, you can take day trips to discover the rich cultural heritage of cities like Madrid.

• Italy

Indulge in Italy’s culinary delights while camping amid the luscious rolling hills of Tuscany or near quaint towns and quiet shorelines along the Amalfi Coast. This country is known for excellent family-friendly camping, with quaint towns on secluded bays boasting pristine sandy beaches.

Lake Garda is an Italian camping hotspot, offering beautiful shores lined with fresh air and citrus trees. Rolling hills stretch out towards the south while mountains tower on the northernmost horizons. Keen adventurers might prefer to camp in the Dolomites, a mountain region home to 18 awe-inspiring peaks.

• France

From the rugged beauty of the Alps to the sun-soaked shores of the French Riviera, there’s something for everyone when it comes to camping in France. For Brits – and especially those with young families – a huge part of the appeal stems from just how easy it is to reach France.

By car, you can travel across the channel in a matter of hours from most central and southern regions in the UK. Many tourists choose to take their cars on the shuttle train from Folkstone, which reaches Calais in just 35 minutes. If you’re heading to the South of France, it’s just as easy to book smooth and convenient airport transfers to your accommodation.