These are Europe’s most beautiful campsites, according to the Guardian

Sure, splashing out on a lavish hotel can be a brilliant way to celebrate a special occasion, but if you’re heading on a break to properly switch off and soak up some fresh air, a good old-fashioned campsite could be the best way to do it. 

While camping can mean sacrificing comfort, the plus side is that it gives you unfettered access to some of the world’s most beautiful views and natural spots. 

Don’t believe us? Check out this new list of Europe’s most ‘beautifully located’ campsites on the Guardian. A bunch of camping pros spoke to the newspaper about their favourite campsites across the continent, from a medieval farm near Zgornje Jezersko in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Slovenia, to Þakgill, perched near a hidden valley in south Iceland. 

One of the dreamiest inclusions is Camping La Serradora, a campsite near the village of Peralejos de las Truchas, in Spain’s rural Guadalajara. Not too far away is Río Tajo, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula, where you can swim, canoe, raft and river tube. 

Recommended: The most breathtaking hikes in Europe, according to Time Out. 

‘It is surrounded by enormous pine forests, with red cliffs nearby,’ authors of Wild Swimming Spain Lola Culsán and John Weller, said to the Guardian, ‘There is an excellent restaurant and bar, while the village shop is a great source of information about local hiking.’

Glaskogen, a forest with more than 80 lakes in Värmland, Sweden, was also included, as the reserve has a wilderness campsite which is described as ‘a lush plot bounding two lakeshores’. It has over 60 pitches for caravans and motorhomes, as well as a sauna, café, natural trails and canoes or kayaks for rent. 

Elsewhere on the list is an eco camp in Portugal, a plot in a stunning German forest and Europe’s highest campsite, Camping Arolla in Switzerland. Check out the rest below. 

These are Europe’s 20 most beautiful campsites

• Šenkova Domačija farm, Slovenia
• Camping Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
• Etno Kuća pod Okićem, Croatia
• Camping Menina, Slovenia
• Camping d’Alpage les Jorets, France
• Camping La Serradora, Spain
• Huttopia de Roos, Netherlands
• Natura Camping, Italy
• Þakgill campsite, Iceland
• Camping Sofas, Greece
• Clifden Eco Camping, Ireland
• Camping Trevélez, Spain
• Petzen Camping and Glamping, Austria
• Hirmuste Telkimisala, Estonia
• Glaskogen, Sweden
• Huttopia Noirmoutier, France
• Waldcamping Thalheim, Germany 
• Camping Arolla, Switzerland
• Salema Eco Camp, Portugal
• Camping Charlottenlund Fort, Denmark

Did you see that Europe’s best destinations for a walking holiday have been named?

Plus: These are Europe’s best hiking trails in 2025, according to the Independent. 

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