Active holidays are increasing in popularity with people wanting to enjoy nature and try something new on their trips and camping in Spain offers the perfect opportunity to do this. With loads of amazing campsites to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits you. Here, we share some of our favourites.
Campsite Voraparc
Located just across France’s border with Spain, Campsite Voraparc is a peaceful and picturesque camping option for those seeking an active holiday in Spain. It takes 13.5 hours to drive to Campsite Voraparc from Calais, and when you reach the campsite you’re sure to be amazed by the stunning scenery that surrounds it. The campsite sits at the entrance of the National Park Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici which is home to impressive mountain peaks and more than 200 lakes and offers both walking and cycling routes. Named after its largest lake, Sant Maurici, this National Park will enable you to immerse yourself in nature – just don’t forget your hiking boots!
When it comes to the campsite itself, Campsite Voraparc has everything you need for a relaxing stay. Set at an altitude of 1400m, the campsite has pitches plus tent and cabin glamping options. Pitches vary in size from 70 – 150m², so make sure to choose the right one for you and your camping equipment when making your booking. Campsite Voraparc has a swimming pool and a toddler pool set on its sunbathing lawn, and surrounding trees provide shade for those who want it. When it comes to activities, you’ll be able to try white water rafting, horse riding, quad biking, kayaking and much more thanks to Campsite Voraparc’s diverse location, and walking tours can be arranged during the high season too.
El Pinajarro Camping and Bungalows
Set in an enviable woodland location, El Pinajarro Camping and Bungalows offers a fun-packed stay for people of all ages. It will take around 16 hours to drive to this Spanish campsite from Calais, and you can rent a tent or bungalow here if you don’t have your own camping equipment. The campsite arranges at least two excursions per week which will give you the chance to discover the local area and the activities on offer. For example, you can enjoy some great fishing opportunities or take part in a guided walk. There are also a number of cycle routes nearby, so you can explore on two wheels. Don’t forget, you can take your bike on board with you when you sail with us!
At the campsite itself you’ll find lots of great facilities. You certainly won’t go hungry thanks to El Pinajarro Camping and Bungalows’ pizzeria and restaurant, plus there’s fresh bread available every day which makes the perfect breakfast or lunch accompaniment. The on-site outdoor pool is the place to be when you need a refreshing dip and there’s a toddler pool for the littles ones too. During your stay, you might like to head into Hervás town. Home to some lovely architecture, including the 13th century church of Santa María and the Palace of Dávila, Hervás also boasts a quaint Jewish Quarter which combines steep streets with clusters of houses.
Bassegoda Park
Just 12 hours from Calais by car is the gorgeous Bassegoda Park. Set on the edge of the Alta Garrotxa Area of Natural Interest, this campsite is surrounded by mountains and trees which makes is a perfectly picturesque option. A great option for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while camping in Spain, Bassegoda Park is the perfect base for exploring the Catalan region by foot or bike. On days where you want to hang around at the campsite, you’re sure to love the large swimming pool and sunbathing area, plus there’s a games room, playground, minigolf course, and a number of sports pitches too!
Something that makes Bassegoda Park stand out from the crowd is its Dark Sky Park status. Rewarded by the International Dark Sky Association, this status proves that Bassegoda Park is one of the best possible places to admire the sky and stars at night. Whether you want to stargaze from your own accommodation or from around the pool area, you’re bound to be amazed. Bassegoda Park also holds a Starlight Camp Certificate thanks to their range of astronomy activities, so you can learn all about the sky in addition to appreciating its beauty. This was also the first campsite in Spain to maximise their energy efficiency and significantly reduce their noise and light pollution, making it a top choice for those seeking an environmentally friendly camping option.
Nou Camping
Nou Camping is located just south of the French border in the river valley of the stunning Vall d’Àneu, just over 12 hours from Calais by car. With the Aigüestortes National Park on its doorstep, this Spanish campsite offers so many outdoor activities that you’ll be spoilt for choice. With lots of hiking and cycling paths to choose from, you can confidently explore the mountains and surrounding areas, and there are options for both road and mountain bikes. Fishing is another popular activity here, and the water also hosts kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing. Adrenaline junkies will love the chance to try out canyoning or bungee jumping, whilst others may prefer to opt for an archery course or some leisurely horse riding – all of which can be arranged at the campsite reception.
You’ll find all the facilities you need at Nou Camping, including pitches of different sizes – some of which have access to electricity. If you’re not taking your own camping gear with you, fully equipped bungalows are available which you can book in advance. The campsite boasts a restaurant serving local delicacies from an a la carte menu, and you can also choose from takeaway options. Elsewhere on the site you’ll find a supermarket where you can buy essentials, such as food and hygiene products, plus showers and laundry facilities. Nou Camping boasts two heated outdoor swimming pools which are guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family and offer the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing dip after a day of activities.
Camping Las Hortensias
If the beach is always a big part of your holiday, you’ll love Camping Las Hortensias. Located on the attractive Costa Verde around 13.5 hours from Calais, this campsite in Spain offers its guests direct access to the beautiful, sandy beach of La Franca. At high tide, the beach is the perfect place for a paddle, and when the tide goes out there are wonderful rock pools and caves to discover. There’s also the opportunity to have a meal or drink whilst enjoying a sea view. La Franca beach attracts locals on the weekends and during local holidays, but outside of this it can be peaceful and is great for those who want to swim or snorkel.
The campsite itself has pitches in rows set along paved roads which makes them easy to access. Some pitches boast sea views and others are partly shaded which can be very welcome on hot days. The site is surrounded by tree covered hills and hydrangeas add colour, giving you the chance to really appreciate nature during your stay. Camping Las Hortensias has tennis courts, a football pitch, and a playground for children, plus laundry facilities and a small shop. The bathrooms are large and modern and there’s a hotel next door which offers campsites guests a discount in its restaurant. For a day away from the campsite in the great outdoors, head to the Parque Nacional Picos de Europa where you’ll find plenty of hiking opportunities. A haven of flora and fauna, this park has over 30 walking routes to choose from or you could opt for a free guided tour between July and September.
Now you know where to find some of the best camping in Spain, plus all of the great outdoor activities that can be enjoyed nearby, you can start planning your active holiday today. Book your Dover to Calais ferry crossing today and let us take you to mainland Europe. Don’t forget to read our post about driving to Spain from the UK before you go!