Europe is known for its diversity, boasting a variety of landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. For adventurous teens who love to camp, one of the best ways to explore the continent’s diverse landscapes and discover unspoiled nature and pristine wilderness is on a camping trip.
Camping in Europe is also a cheap way to experience its natural wonders with the opportunity to unwind in nature. But the question is: where should you camp? Here are some of the best European destinations for teen camping getaways.
1. France
France is an incredible country to consider for a teen camping getaway. It’s a wonderfully diverse country – each region offering something different, from stunning mountain ranges to rolling countryside, charming villages, gorgeous vineyards, and idyllic beaches. You can camp in France all your life and never run out of places to explore!
Since the French love camping, you’ll find many campsites in various regions around France. Whatever your taste and preference, you’ll find one perfect for you. Some are pretty basic, while others offer a more luxurious camping experience, where you sleep in lavish accommodations with upscale amenities.
The best camping sites in France boast stunning nature views, such as those in the South of France, sitting directly across the Mediterranean Sea. Families can stay at big commercial campgrounds with child-friendly amenities like kiddie pools, playgrounds, and kids’ club activities. Those with teens can stay at campgrounds offering activities for older kids, such as hiking and kayaking.
Popular four-star campgrounds are best suited for those who prefer glamping in France. Glamping is a glamorous option for camping, where you sleep in high-end accommodations surrounded by nature and have access to extravagant amenities like private pools and spas.
2. Switzerland
Your teens can also consider joining international summer camps, with Switzerland being a great option. Switzerland summer camps offer a range of learning opportunities and activities to ensure an all-around experience for your teens. It’s a fun way to spend their time on a school break. On a deeper level, a summer camp can teach them many essential life skills.
Sending your kids to a summer camp in Switzerland is one of the best ways to improve their social skills, allowing them to meet and interact with friends from different walks of life. One of the focuses of a Switzerland summer camp is fostering friendships while practicing social skills.
During summer camp, your kids will have fun playing outdoors and learning new activities with other teens. The camp counsellors will facilitate these activities and encourage participants to build friendships and foster positive experiences.
Aside from meeting new friends, your kids will have the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and discover Switzerland’s incredible landscapes. Depending on the camp, some activities your teens can enjoy include trekking through picturesque trails while coming across fascinating wildlife species.
3. The Netherlands
You will have loads of choices when sleeping amidst the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Netherlands, making it one of the top destinations for teen camping getaways. Aside from well-established campsites, you will find natural sites to pitch tents, perfect for those who want to enjoy wild camping away from the crowds.
There are hundreds of natural campsites across the Netherlands, with some incredible options a bit further in neighboring countries like Belgium and France. But those not confident with wild camping can opt for glamping, which means sleeping in fully furnished luxury tents and other unique accommodations.
Since camping has become one of the favorite pastimes for the Dutch, you can expect to find thousands of camping sites all over the country. Some of these sites have facilities allowing for a more comfortable experience, such as shared toilets and bathrooms, barbecue facilities, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a playground. These are ideal for those not ready for wild camping but don’t want to splurge on glamping.
What’s great about camping in the Netherlands is you can enjoy fun outdoor activities, like hiking through the woods, swimming at the beach, and other fun activities well-suited for adventurous teens.
4. Scotland
Scotland is famous worldwide for its incredible landscapes, making it a top destination for a camping getaway with teens. You will find some great glamping options in Scotland, perfect for those who want to sleep outdoors but don’t want to give up on luxury comforts. What’s great about the glamping sites in Scotland is they offer the opportunity to enjoy fun activities, such as taking scenic hikes towards mountains and forests. And when you come home to your camp, you can take advantage of relaxation amenities, such as soaking in a hot tub.
When camping in Scotland, head to the Cairngorms National Park, considered the best place in the UK to camp. The stunning spot is in the Scottish Highlands, boasting captivating scenery and breathtaking landscapes. It’s a camping spot for people of all ages, including adventurous teens who want to experience sleeping amidst nature.
If lakeside camping is what you fancy, you can camp beside the famous Loch Ness. The area has many fantastic camping sites, but the best ones are those on the quieter southern shores. They offer the perfect base for exploring the area, famous for its incredible panoramic views.
5. Italy
With its gorgeous natural landscapes and pleasant climate, Italy is one of Europe’s top destinations for a camping vacation. Expect to enjoy a diverse outdoor escape, allowing for an incredible experience. Along with its scenic countryside, Italy boasts bustling cities steeped in culture and history, not to mention delectable local cuisines.
Thousands of camping sites are spread across Italy, from Tuscany to Sicily and Tyrol to the Adriatic Sea. If you want to see many places while camping in Italy with your teens, consider renting a campervan and driving from one place to another.
Italy has a highway network of almost 7,000 kilometers, and many of these will take you to some of the country’s most scenic regions. You can park in various places, from parking lots with camper service to luxurious camping grounds with amenities like toilets and showers.
The Best European Destinations for Teen Camping Getaways
Camping can be an inexpensive way to see the beauty of Europe, especially for teens who want to have some freedom to explore. There are numerous options from campgrounds in France, driving a campervan across Italy, glamping in Scotland, attending a summer camp in Switzerland, or enjoying outdoor activities in the Netherlands. It’s up to you how you want to experience the great outdoors in Europe!