It's time to book all kinds of vacations, it's the last straight line for everyone and if you've been caught by the weather, now is the time to book your accommodation. Perhaps for many, the vacation will be in a campsite. These places have been back in fashion for a while now and are a favorite of many vacationers who are looking for a different way of life during their summer break. Campsites are all different from each other and camping does not necessarily mean depriving yourself of comfort. To be sure to have a pleasant and relaxed stay, and before booking, it is advisable to have in mind a few details, which will make your stay a total success. Here are 10 tips to help you choose the right campsite.
Get information from different establishments
There are many campsites to choose from, so don't rush to make a reservation. Search the Internet, make phone calls and check with the staff to see what facilities the campsites have. Websites are now very complete, but it is sometimes necessary to call for details. It's better to spend a little time on the phone than to discover unpleasant surprises upon arrival.
Check that there are shady places to put your tent
This is the basic requirement. If mobile homes are taking up more and more space in campsites, some people are unconditional fans of tents. When you make this choice, it is essential to find out about the campsite to know if you can benefit from a shady pitch. If during the day, you often wander around, it is nice in the morning, when you extend your breakfast, or after lunch, when you want to quietly read a book in the shade of a tree before going to the beach. Also, check out our buying guide for choosing your tent
Do a thorough scouting of your location
To do this, consult the maps that are often available on campsite websites. Look out for pitches that are isolated so you won't be bothered by neighbors. Or those that are close to the toilets if you are with children. It can also be near a playground, so you can keep an eye on them while you go about your business.
Choose a mobile home with a fireproof awning
For those who stay in a mobile home, the presence of an awning to protect themselves from the sun is essential. Indeed, not all campsites have trees to provide shade and lunch on the terrace can quickly become difficult when temperatures soar. Moreover, you have to take care of the fire prevention standards, which aim at preventing campsites from this risk. So, whether you rent a mobile home or you own one and you want to equip it with an awning, make sure that it is fireproof, it is essential. There are several examples of awning fabrics, acrylic or technical. They have a classification from M0 to M5, ranging from "non-combustible" to "very easily flammable". In the category of technical awnings that meet safety and fire standards, you can confidently turn to recognized brands like Dickson Constant or Serge Ferrari.
Paying attention to camping equipment
Today, camping does not mean being far from everything and having to travel miles to get your bread, for example. Many establishments are equipped with a grocery store, a restaurant or a bar. These are not necessarily the places where you will go to eat or drink every day, but it makes life so much easier when you need something to make a meal or want to be served! Because yes, even if you have the time, sitting at a table in a nearby restaurant is always nice.
The presence of a pool or a water park
It has become an essential element, families particularly want it and campsites are increasingly equipped with it. Even if you are tempted to go swimming at the beach or in the nearby lakes, the presence of a swimming pool at the campsite is appreciated. These moments of swimming at hand in the early morning or in the evening just before the shower and the meal are so relaxing... So, it is important to think about this too. And if you are traveling with your children, a water park in the campground is even better. The slides are an opportunity to watch them have fun for hours, and for you to have time to sunbathe, read and do whatever you want. Here you can find our selection of the most beautiful campsites with a water park.
What is there to do around the campsite?
Camping is good, it's a break from the traditional way of life, but you're not going to spend all your time in the establishment either. When choosing, it is advisable to find out about the activities and entertainment available in the area. Nature spots, sports activities, cultural places, architectural heritage, it is important to choose a campsite near sites of interest and with surrounding structures that offer activities.
Choosing a campsite with unusual accommodation
Not all campsites are equipped only with mobile homes and pitches for tents and caravans. Have you thought about unusual accommodation? There are several places that offer accommodation in a teepee, a yurt or a tree house. Don't hesitate to try new forms of camping. It's fun, it's new and it makes your vacation even more enjoyable.
Choosing the right region
The choice of the region is crucial. It has an important impact on the way you live your daily life during your stay. If you like the sun and the sea, go to the French Riviera. On the contrary, if you wish to live in harmony with nature and avoid the crowds, choose a rural region like the Dordogne. For a breath of fresh air, without being too hot, the Loire-Atlantique, the Vendée or Brittany are two very popular regions.
Compare prices
Campgrounds do not charge the same prices, nor are budgets the same for all households. It is therefore interesting to compare the different establishments and to find out the number of stars. There are online campground comparators and if you look hard enough, you can also find discounts depending on the dates of your stay. The dates of the vacations are also decisive and to pay less, going out of season, in June or September, is the best option.
