If you are a fan of nature holidays in a preserved environment and far from pollution, then you will undoubtedly like a camping holiday in the mountains. This experience offers you the chance to enjoy a real vacation, far from the stresses and bustle of the city. It brings you as close to nature as possible without compromising on a certain level of comfort.
But how to choose a campsite in the mountain for you, your family and/or your friends?
Finding the perfect mountain campsite can be a challenge, whether it’s a sprawling chain with a water park or a cozy family site nestled in the Alps.
Here are some valuable tips to assist you in selecting the ideal mountain campsite.
Choosing the Ideal Mountain Campsite
Let’s explore the process of selecting a campsite in mountainous or high-altitude terrain…
Choose the campsite according to the activities it offers
If during a seaside vacation, nautical activities are king. During mountain vacations, the activities are very different. The presence of lakes and rivers, peaks and massifs as well as the preserved environment will give you the opportunity to work out in various outdoor activities.
If you go on vacation in the Alps, you will have the opportunity to try the ascent of the mythical Mont Blanc. You can also go Paragliding from the peaks at high altitudes. You will be able to observe incomparable nature with breathtaking views.
Do you enjoy skiing?
You might think that skiing, snowboarding, and all these sliding activities are not practicable in summer. However, if you go on holiday to a mountain campsite in the Alps, you will find ski resorts open all year round where you can practice your favorite sport.
Either way, your best gear will be a good pair of hiking boots. The activities are also varied and numerous. The exceptional environment is conducive to hikes and walks. Discover or rediscover activities such as canyoning, and river descents by kayak, or canoe.
For more comfort during your camping trip in the mountains, choose a campsite in lower altitudes. You will be surrounded by green nature, lakes and forests.
In summer, it is possible to walk and swim in the surrounding lakes and rivers. However, be careful if you are with children as swimming in nature can be dangerous, especially if your children cannot swim. The lakes are deep and the water can be very cold in some places.
Usually, campsites in lower altitudes are built in quiet places but close to villages so that you can benefit from amenities like shops, pharmacies and restaurants. You will be able to enjoy your nature vacation, but you can also go shopping, go out to clubs and restaurants, and try the activities offered by leisure clubs and parks around your campsite.
The activities that you can do among others are:
- Guided walks and hikes on foot, by bike, or on horseback
- Tree climbing to enjoy sumptuous views overlooking the waterfalls, rivers, and the surrounding nature.
- Paragliding. If you are a novice, it is possible to do an initiation with a trainer.
- Climbing
However, before leaving for your holidays, do not hesitate to contact the tourist office of the place of your campsite. You can get interesting information concerning the campsite located closest to the activities you want to do.
All the activities and places to visit in the region and the various providers that you can contact to organize your activities if necessary. With all this information in hand, you will be able to organize several family outings on your own without needing a guide.
The services offered by the campsite
When you go on vacation to a mountain campsite, you will spend most of your time doing outdoor activities. After a good day of hiking or downhill skiing, you will want to find comfortable, pleasant, and restful accommodations. It is therefore important to choose a campsite that will provide you with quality services to complete your holidays.
Before booking your mountain campsite, the points should be checked:
- The presence of sanitary blocks. These places must be in sufficient numbers, easily accessible, and spotlessly clean.
- The pitches must be spacious and have service terminals.
- More and more people are looking for a campsite with a water park, even in the mountains. If you are one of them, check that the water park has an indoor heated swimming pool so you can enjoy it comfortably whatever the weather.
- Activities, entertainment, and spaces dedicated to children. On days when parents are not planning outings or activities outside the park, children should have enough activities to do at the campsite so that they do not get bored.
Normally, all this information is available on your campsite website. If this is not the case, consult the site of the tourist office of the region and you will be able to get the information you are looking for.
Comparator sites are also excellent sources of information if you want to be informed of the quality of service offered by a campsite authority. Most of these sites allow consumers to leave a review of the campsites they have visited. An external body is responsible for verifying that these opinions really come from consumers. Do not hesitate to consult these sites if you want to have opinions on the campsite where you want to book.
The star rating of a campsite is an index on which you can rely on the quality of the establishment’s services. The awarding of stars depends on several criteria including reception, inventory, the various leisure facilities available, including the water park, the activities available, the location of the campsite, and many others.
Choose between a high-altitude campsite and a valley-bottom campsite
When you go on vacation to a mountain campsite, you have the choice between a campsite at altitude or rather a campsite at the bottom of the valley. The activities offered are not always the same and each type of campsite has its advantages and disadvantages.
If you are looking for a true nature holiday with complete disconnection, a camping holiday at altitude is for you. Campsites at altitude are really far from it all. In these campsites, the accommodation generally has a beautiful terrace where you can observe the surrounding landscape at your leisure. The facilities are basic to preserve the environment as much as possible, so forget about swimming pools or water parks.
In exchange, you can swim in the many surrounding lakes. You will not have a 4G network or Wi-Fi, on the other hand, you will benefit from incomparable nature, and exceptional views of the surrounding landscapes, and you will be closer to the hiking trails.
On the other hand, if you want to go on holiday to a campsite in the mountains, but you still want to have a minimum of comfort, choose a campsite at the bottom of the valley instead. The view and nature might not be as good as at a high-altitude campsite, but you will be close to villages and amenities.
In a valley bottom campsite, you can expect a more elaborate service such as the presence of a swimming pool or a spa, working Wi-Fi and a telephone network, much easier access allowing you to visit the towns around.
If you are on holiday in the mountains with children, it is preferable to choose a campsite at the bottom of the valley. Indeed, children, especially the smallest need a certain comfort. It is preferable to choose a campsite where children will have access to a greater multitude of activities and entertainment so that the holidays for parents and children go smoothly.
Find a cheap mountain campsite
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t afford a mountain camping holiday. It is quite possible to find tips for spending a stay in the mountains without spending too much.
In general, campsites are open all year round and offer lower prices in the low season. If you want to enjoy great services in an upscale establishment without costing all your savings, go in the low season. The benefits will be the same and you will even have all of nature to yourself.
Pick the right place to go. A stay in the mountains in Mont-Blanc will cost you more than an equivalent stay in another less famous massif. A campsite that offers services such as a beautiful water park, a spa, or a hammam area will obviously cost more than a campsite with a minimum of comfort.
If you really like swimming, choose a simple campsite but close to a river or a lake so that you can swim whenever you want in nature and you won’t have to pay more for services you won’t use.
If you are planning to go on a camping vacation, take the time to plan your trip in advance. Often, campsites have promotional offers or discounts on their site. Consult the campsite website often to be able to take advantage of it. If you book your stay well in advance, you can also get discounts.
Conclusion
When selecting a mountain campsite, prioritize accessibility, safety, and proximity to water. Ensure compliance with Leave No Trace principles and consider weather conditions. Opt for spots near desired activities and amenities, while respecting wildlife and legal regulations. Seek scenic views for an enhanced camping experience.
Hope now you can discover all the destinations for your upcoming vacation in the mountains. If you have any questions, ask in the comment section below.
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