10 Amazing Places to Camp in Europe
1. Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, Italy
Why its cool: The Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park is the most extensive area of wilderness in northern Italy. The Dolomite Mountains of northern Italy are surrounded by alpine lakes and rolling green pastures, offering treks and hikes of all skill levels.
Most parts of the park are wild and unvisited, offering peaceful and quite walks among a floral haven. The park is home to more than 1,700 plant species, including the very rare Iris cengialtii.
Things to do: Skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, dog sleding in winter. Hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking in summer.
When its open: Year round
Cost: Free-$25 USD, depending on location
2. Tyresta National Park, Sweden
Why it’s cool: The Tyresta National Park contains 12,355 acres of undisturbed natural areas. 400-year-old pine trees blanket the landscape and shroud clear forest lakes and thousands of species of unique plants and animals.
The park is nearby Drottninholm Palace, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This palace is one of the best preserved 1600 century castles in all of Sweden.
Things to do: Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, swimming, fishing, rock climbing. Nearby established camping offers water slides and horseback riding.
When it’s open: Year around
Cost: $5-$55, depending on where you camp
3. Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut, Switzerland
Why its cool: Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut offers some of the highest altitude campsites in Europe. It is positioned in such a place that is holds magnificent panoramic view of glaciers and mountain.
In the spring, the park’s alpine valleys are filled with a spectacular show of wildflowers. There are cabins built right on the mountains in many places for day and over night hikes.
Things to do: Hiking, camping, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking
When it’s open: Until September 11, 2016
Cost: Cost varies. Can range from $7–13 USD.
4. Göreme National Park, Turkey
Why its cool: The astonishing “fairy chimney” rock formations are the Göreme’s most notable feature. The striking monolithic steeples were sculpted over time simply by erosion and house massive, ancient cave-dwelling complexes that are believed to date back to the 4th century.
Miles of man-made tunnels and caves network through the landscape’s soft-stone cliffs, plateaus, plains, hills and river valleys, where you can hike and explore.
Things to do: Hiking, climbing, canyoning, mountain biking and hot air balloon tours in April-October.
When it’s open: Year round
Cost: Prices vary by landmark, but they are around $7 USD.
5. Parc naturel régional des Grands Causses, France
Why its cool: Parc naturel régional des Grands Causses lies in the middle of an unspoiled conservation area called Les Grands Causses. This park offers some of France’s most spectacular landscapes.
There are historic villages dotted through out the conservation area. Grassy hills are scattered amongst stunning red-sand dunes. The Regional Natural Park of Grands Causses is crossed by three major rivers and their tributaries, which offer an array of water sports and tons of wildlife to witness.
Things to do: There is no shortage of the great outdoors here. It seems no matter where you walk you can run into churches and villages dating back to the middle-ages. For the water lovers they also offer rafting, kayaking or canoeing, along with water slides and chutes at nearby established camp grounds. Guided wildlife tours are available in May/June.
When it’s open: Year round
Cost: Prices can vary depend on time of year.
6. Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Why its cool: The Triglav National Park, the only Slovenian national park, was named after Triglav, the highest mountain in the heart of the park. The park extends along the Italian and Austrian border in the south-eastern section of the Alps.
The park contains hikes alongside alpine rivers that smooth and carve into stone cliffs as they fall into clear blue pools. Mountain lakes are surrounded by mossy forests for exploration.
Things to do: Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, fishing, canyoning, canoeing, kayaking and rafting.
When it’s open: Year round
Cost: $3–5 USD
7. Serres de Busa-els Bastets-Lord, Spain
Why its cool: The Cardener River is surrounded by jagged mountaintops and sheer cliffs in the Upper Basin. Beautiful lakes nearby offers swimming in summer, with untouched oak and beech forests to explore.
Campsites near the Panta de Sant Ponc offer a short hike to a small river that runs into a cascading waterfall.
Things to do: There is hiking, swimming and many trials that lead into the romantic surrounding mountains. The park is also surrounded by lots of cozy little towns within walking distance of the campsite. There is plenty of wilderness to explore, with modern amenities nearby.
When it’s open: Year round
Cost: Call ahead for costs.
8. Réserve Naturelle de la Forêt de Massane, France
Why its cool: This park offers camping that is secluded by foggy forests, vast mountain scapes and remnants of ancient architecture. There is just the right mix of French and Spanish influence as it was once part of Catalonia.
Hikes up the lush, green mountain ridges offer spectacular views of the French countryside below.
Things to do: Rock climbing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, backpacking, snorkeling and plenty of peaceful pebbled beaches to explore.
When it’s open: All year weather permitting
Cost: $14-$21 USD for camping in established sites, free for all backcountry access
9. Armorique Natural Regional Park, France
Why its cool: This 450,000-acre park is set right off the Atlantic Ocean and contains winding rivers, rolling green hills and soaring cliffs, alongside beaches, moorland and bogs.
Tons of wildlife can be viewed here, such as salmon, dolphin, puffin, Montagu’s Harrier, otter and beaver. A short boat ride out to one of the park’s several islands offers a glimpse at relatively undisturbed wilderness.
Things to do: Kayaking, boating, horseback riding, rock climbing, archery, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking.
When it’s open: Year round
Cost: Pitch, including car, from about $10 USD/individual
10. Penwith Heritage Coast, Cornwall
Why its cool: This site has dramatic views of the coast, with sheer cliffs dropping into the ocean. Further inland, the rolling countryside is lined with forest, where a plethora of established camping sites exist. Camping is just a short hike from the sandy beaches and many sites are close enough for a 10-minute walk into town.
Things to do: This is a family-friendly destination, with excursions of all skill levels. Here you can take boating or paddling trips, walk the miles of coastline or lie on the beach. Walk through art galleries in town and see many historical sites.
When it’s open: Year round
Cost: Tent from $7 USD, adults from $4 USD, children (5–16), cars $1.70
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