EU Travel Guide: Rick Steves Favors Campgrounds in Europe for Minimalist Camping Without Bulky Equipment
For travelers seeking a hassle-free way to experience the great outdoors, Europe offers a wealth of turn-key camping options. This style of camping provides fully equipped accommodations, eliminating the need to bring your own gear. In this article, we'll explore three top providers – Eurocamp, CanvasHolidays, and EuroGlamping – and what they offer for your next European adventure.
Eurocamp: Comprehensive Mobile Home and Safari Tent Stays
Eurocamp offers a wide range of family-friendly campsites across France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, and Croatia. Their mobile homes and safari tents are fully equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, and comfortable sleeping areas, making them ideal for families and groups. Many sites also feature swimming pools, entertainment, waterparks, and activities for all ages. Turn-key accommodation includes linens, kitchenware, and on-site amenities, ensuring a hassle-free camping experience.
CanvasHolidays: Stylish Canvas Accommodations with Practical Facilities
CanvasHolidays focuses on providing spacious and stylish canvas tents and lodges, complete with solid floors, real beds, and kitchenettes. Their popular campsites can be found in France, Spain, Italy, Austria, and the UK, and often feature large pools, children’s clubs, restaurants, and supermarkets. Turn-key stays come with amenities provided, plus optional extras like Wi-Fi and BBQ kits for added convenience.
EuroGlamping: Upscale, Boutique-Style Glamping Stays
EuroGlamping specializes in luxurious, boutique-style glamping stays that blend comfort with nature. Their luxury glamping tents, pods, and treehouses can be found at select spots in the UK and continental Europe. High-end furnishings, private bathrooms, heating, outdoor seating, and sometimes hot tubs ensure a premium camping experience. EuroGlamping offers unique accommodations like yurts and cabin-style lodges in countries like France, Spain, and Italy.
In summary, Eurocamp offers comprehensive classic mobile home and safari tent stays on large family-friendly sites, CanvasHolidays focuses on stylish canvas accommodations with practical facilities, and EuroGlamping specializes in luxurious, boutique-style glamping stays combining comfort with nature. All provide fully equipped, turn-key options that allow travelers to enjoy camping without the hassle of bringing their own gear.
Camping in Europe is more a social experience than a chance to retreat to nature. European campsites often have security at the gate, ensuring a safe environment for travelers and their belongings. Rick Steves' blog discusses the benefits of turn-key camping for travelers in Europe.
For those who prefer self-drive camping, Happy Campers in Iceland rents vans complete with essential camping equipment. Eurocamp.co.uk and CanvasHolidays.co.uk are British companies contracted with campgrounds across Europe, helping travelers find their ideal campsite. European campsites offer a lively, shared environment where travelers can connect, unwind, and enjoy the outdoors together.
Relatively few Americans take advantage of the thousands of available campgrounds in Europe, but those who do give rave reviews. Turn-key camping allows travelers to focus on exploring the top camping destinations in Europe, such as those with a picturesque view of the Alps. European campsites are typically located near towns, providing easy access to public transport, grocery stores, restaurants, and sometimes waterparks.
Registration at most European campsites is straightforward, with rules clearly explained upon arrival. Rick Steves, a travel expert, recommends turn-key camping for those who want to experience the outdoors without the hassle of lugging equipment. Traveling through Europe, turn-key camping offers a convenient alternative for those who prefer not to bring their own camping gear. Some popular campsites fill up quickly during peak seasons, so reservations may be necessary.
Accommodations such as pre-set tents, RVs, or mobile homes come fully equipped with essentials like linens, kitchen supplies, and more. EuroGlamping offers luxury "glamping" experiences with unique yurts and cabin accommodations in countries like France, Spain, and Italy. Whether you're seeking a classic camping experience or a luxurious glamping stay, Europe's turn-key camping options have something for everyone.
Travel guides often recommend turn-key camping providers like Eurocamp, Canvas Holidays, and EuroGlamping for a hassle-free experience when traveling in Europe. These companies offer a variety of accommodations, including mobile homes, safari tents, canvas tents, and glamping options, that cater to different lifestyle preferences.
In addition to providing fully equipped accommodations, these turn-key camping options also offer access to on-site amenities such as swimming pools, entertainment, waterparks, and activities, making for a vibrant lifestyle experience during your travel.
