We’re a camping family, which basically means we’ve spent a lot of our summers under canvas somewhere in Europe, figuring things out as we go. It’s not always smooth—there are bugs, surprise changes in the weather, and the occasional forgotten adaptor plug—but over the years, we’ve learnt to roll with it and it’s become one of our favourite ways to holiday.
I should say up front: we’re fair-weather campers. We’re not hardy wild camping types braving storms or going off-grid for days. We like a decent campsite with showers, a bakery nearby, and a pool. We’ve also been known to change plans quickly if it rains. If you’re looking for wild camping ideas, I am not your gal, sorry.
We’ve camped our way through Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland, and it’s become our go-to way to explore Europe and make the most of the school summer holidays. It’s not fancy, and definitely not for everyone, but it works for us. It’s simple, flexible, and—best of all—one of the most affordable ways we’ve found to spend weeks travelling Europe without breaking the bank.
If you’re thinking of venturing into the world of camping in Europe then read on for some of our tips on how to make it work, particularly if you’re new to it or figuring out how to go about starting to plan .
Choose the right kind of tent
You don’t need an expensive or fancy tent but the layout, porch, doors etc are important considerations, in my view. If you have young kids then you may all want to sleep together in one sleeping compartment or you may all want to be located in the same part of the tent. If you have teenagers or older children then they may want a more private space (or even their own pop up tent, hello Decathlon). Another thing to think about is the porch of the tent. As you’re essentially living outdoors you are exposed to all weather and a covered outside area is very very useful indeed. If there is one thing, however, that I would definitely look for (I wouldn’t buy a tent without this) is a mesh covered door. This means that the door has the three options of being fully open, fully closed or just the mesh closed, allowing for airflow but keeping insects out.
A fridge is a game changer
This is a non-negotiable for us (think milk for morning cereal, cold beer, cheese and ham for lunchtime baguettes as well as the obvious, essential summer rosé). The last time we camped in France our fridge stopped working and it was a low point. We take one with us which is a three-way fridge, meaning it can run off the electric, gas or the car. It does take up a LOT of room in the car, however, and there are often options to hire them at the campsites. You will never regret having a fridge but if you’re new to camping consider hiring one until you know it’s for you. I can’t see the one we have available but there are loads here.
A pool is essential
When planning a family camping holiday in Europe, having a pool on-site isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s an essential. A pool offers built-in (free!) entertainment that keeps kids active and happy for hours, giving parents a well-deserved break. It’s the perfect escape from the summer heat, especially in warmer countries like Spain, Italy, and France, and provides a safe, convenient activity just steps from your accommodation. Whether it’s a morning splash or a late-afternoon cool-down, a pool adds structure and fun to the day without the need to venture far. We sometimes look for campsites with slides etc but not always; often just the pool is enough. That said, this summer we have booked a campsite by Lake Bled, with no pool, so I’ll report back on whether this works too!
How to book
We do check out recommendations from time to time—word of mouth or tips from fellow campers can be gold—but honestly, for ease and convenience, we’re pretty loyal to Pitchup.com. It’s just super straightforward, has loads of options, and takes the hassle out of planning. It’s kind of our camping trip sidekick at this point. It also keeps a record of all your previous bookings so it’s very easy to revisit your favourites and book though pitchup. In moments of adapting to weather situations on the fly we do also use google maps and just search campsites! We found one of my favourite ever campsites here. It used to be called cool camping but has changed to Hipcamp. You don’t need to book months in advance unless you want one of the big, popular ‘all in’ campsites. We’ve just rocked up to some real gems.
Essential campsite facilities
Aside from a pool, there are a few key things we always look for in a campsite:
- A shop
- A café, restaurant, or bar
- Electric hook-up
These amenities don’t just make life easier—they also add to the overall vibe of the place. A good shop, restaurant or bar can create a real sense of community, which might not be essential for everyone, but it definitely influences the atmosphere. Sometimes, that little extra buzz can really elevate the experience which when you’re in holiday mode is always nice, I think (and that’s coming from a committed introvert!).
Think about the weather
Camping in good weather? Pure bliss—I absolutely love it. But stretch that same trip into a few rainy days, and suddenly it becomes a test of endurance rather than a holiday. That’s why weather is always front and centre when we plan a camping trip.
Our golden rule? Head south of the Loire. Yes, it might be unfair to northern France—which, to be honest, I do have a soft spot for—but when it comes to camping, we’ve learned the hard way that the weather up north can be hit or miss. Sure, it can be glorious, but when it isn’t… well, let’s just say soggy tents and muddy grounds aren’t our idea of fun.
The bottom line is this: weather can make or break a camping trip. So we stick to our motto, and so far, it’s served us well.
Ensure you have European breakdown cover
Of course, there are Eurocamp-style campsites available — though we haven’t personally tried them, so we can’t speak from experience. These types of sites typically offer pre-pitched tents or mobile homes, which can be a great option if you prefer to travel light or avoid the hassle of setting up camp yourself.
However, if you’re bringing your own tent, it’s likely you’ll also be travelling by car. In that case, having comprehensive European breakdown cover is absolutely essential. Peace of mind on the road can make all the difference, especially when you’re far from home.
We have breakdown cover through our Nationwide account, and it’s been reliable the couple of times we’ve needed it (I think we’ve used it twice). It’s reassuring to know help is just a phone call away if anything goes wrong — especially when navigating unfamiliar roads abroad.
Things you will need
Finally, stuff you need. We have travelled with a car on its own and with a Trailer, we’ve taken bikes, travel cots, bunk beds (!), paddleboards…the list goes on, but what do you actually need? You’ll get different opinions on this but here is our list:
- Chairs – Sound silly I know but the amount of times we see people who haven’t taken chairs is too many not to mention it here. You need enough chairs for everyone.
- A table – again, seems obvious but worth a mention
- A hob (gas or electric or maybe both) – We take both but if you were going to take one, I’d recommend gas. We use these. The refill canisters are easy to find and they’re really user friendly. We used to take a bbq but you’re often not allowed to use your own bbqs so we don’t bother anymore. There are usually bbq-ing facilities provided on French campsites so if you really want to, you can use them.
- It’s really useful to take something breathable to put on the floor outside the tent. I couldn’t find the one that we have but here is another version.
- Lights – Either gas lights or the solar lights work well. Headtorches are also something we couldn’t do without. those late night trips to the loo or trying to hammer in pegs in the dark are made so much easier.
- Multiplug – These are so useful for charging multiple things at the same time as well as running a fridge and hob. No fighting over charging points.
Camping is always our go-to for summers, and I think it’s about making it work for you. Don’t fancy roll mats and sleeping bags? Take an air bed and duvets (we do). It really is a great way to holiday, just needs a bit more planning. Good luck!
Kitchen Family Travels 