Camping in the French Alps: Top 10 Spots

August 16, 2024 pierce

Imagine waking up to the sound of rustling leaves, crisp mountain air filling your lungs, and the promise of adventure waiting just beyond your tent.

The French Alps charm is undeniable, beckoning travellers who love the blend of untamed wilderness and modern-day amenities.

If you prefer mountains over beaches, boots over bikinis, a summer camping holiday to the Alps should be on your radar. We’re here to talk you through the top 10 campsites in the French Alps that merge nature with the embrace of comfort.

So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for journey of camping in the French Alps.

Campsite Les Marmottes: Chamonix, Mont-Blanc

Location and Overview

First up, in the Chamonix resort town, is Campsite “Les Marmottes”, situated against the backdrop of Mont Blanc du Tacul, and the “Les Bossons” and “Taconnaz” glaciers.

With 85 pitches on offer, including 15 rentals, Les Marmottes is a front-row seat to nature.

Campsite Amenities

“Les Marmottes” makes the most of its sunny location, giving you the chance to relax in the natural surroundings while enjoying home comforts. Guests receive a host’s card that gifts free rides on Chamonix’s buses and the Mont Blanc train running between Servoz and Vallorcine.

And guess what? The bus and train stations are a quick 200-metre stroll from the campsite. We love convenience… Plus, your host card unlocks the doors to the local swimming pool, museum and more.

Time spent chilling at the campsite is far from boring, with plenty to keep you entertained:

Set up a picnic table or fire up the barbecue for outdoor dining
Challenge the crew to ping pong or table football match
The little ones have play areas, so they’re sorted too
There’s a chill-out room for downtime; perfect for reading, board games, or just chilling
Feeling hungry? The campsite has takeaway services dishing out a variety of cuisines

Sanitary Facilities

The sanitary facilities game is strong, which are clean, modern and accessible. There’s baby baths available, washing machines and dryers, all a short walk from your tent. Even in the heart of nature, you still have the conveniences of home.

Campsite l’Oustalet: Châtel’s

Location and Overview

Next up is Campsite l’Oustalet, situated in Chatel resort, part of the Abondance Valley. This campsite is your gateway to adventure, surrounded by the iconic Mont Blanc and the serene Lake Léman. Get ready to experience the rich traditions of Savoyard culture in Chatel.

Campsite l’Oustalet offers 16 mobile homes and 77 spacious pitches for caravans, campervans, and tents. It’s your the ideal starting point for the dream alpine summer experience.

Campsite Amenities

Now, let’s dive into what makes Campsite l’Oustalet a gem in the Alpine crown:

A heated swimming pool to soothe tired muscles after a day of conquering trails
Tennis courts, ping pong tables, and football fields to fire your competitive spirit
A TV lounge, complete with comfy sofas
Playrooms and playgrounds to keep the little ones are entertained

Sanitary Facilities

Campsite l’Oustalet doesn’t skimp on comfort, evident in its well-equipped toilet blocks. Showers, toilets, dishwashing areas, and clothes drying spots – they’ve got it all. Accessibility is key, with provisions for babies and those with limited mobility. And the best part, dedicated cabin with chemical toilets!

Not to mention, a spot to wash your trusty bike is conveniently located on the campsite.

Mark Your Calendar

Campsite l’Oustalet operates its summer camping from June to September. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, or looking to relax, this campsite is the ideal starting, midway or ending spot.

Camping de Tignes: Route des Ruines, Tignes

Location and Overview

Nestled along the scenic Route des Ruines in Tignes 1550, you’ll find Camping de Tignes, perfect for active families and sports enthusiasts heading for the mountains. The campsite welcomes hikers, bikers and nature lovers from mid-June to mid-September. With 90 available spots and two spacious tents for rent, Camping de Tignes is will make your stay unforgettable.

Campsite Amenities

Whether you’re here for relaxation or an active getaway, Camping de Tignes’ amenities suit all:

Gather in the communal room or indulge in a barbecue with fellow campers
Be tempted by delicious aromas, courtesy of the on-site bakery
Playground and trampoline to keep children entertained
Sport options like petanque, molky, ping-pong, and badminton
Orientation circuit offers an opportunity to perfect your navigating skills

Not leaving any family member behind, Camping de Tignes is pet-friendly, so bring your four-legged companions to join. And worry not about language barriers, staff are well-versed in both English and Spanish… as well as French.

Mark Your Calendar

Camping de Tignes runs from June to September.

Camping Bornand: Megève

Location Overview

Picture yourself in paradise as you discover Camping Bornand, sat within the delightful towns of Megève and Combloux. With a collection of 51 spacious pitches and 4 inviting chalets, this campsite offers the perfect blend of comfort and nature’s beauty.

Campsite Amenities

Camping Bornard ensures your stay is both convenient and enjoyable with a range of amenities:

Stay connected to the world beyond the Alps with Wi-Fi access, keeping you in touch with loved ones and your favourite online spaces
Games of baby-foot and ping-pong
Refuelling with a variety of bread, drinks, and ice – and don’t worry, a supermarket just 1 km away has your larger needs covered.

But, the real excitement lies in the array of summer sports and activities accessible right from the campsite’s doorstep. A mere 3 km from Megève, you can dive into adventures ranging from swimming pools and thrilling water slides to exhilarating ice rinks and challenging climbing walls. And that’s just the start – tennis, paragliding, golf, and even summer sledging await your exploration.

Sanitary Facilities

Comfort and cleanliness define the campsite’s sanitary facilities, while additional perks cater to your convenience. The availability of a washing machine and dryer ensures you have the essentials of home at hand. Families with young ones are catered to with thoughtful amenities like cots and high chairs, making your journey with little travellers smoother.

For those arriving with motorhomes, Camping Bornard has you covered with a dedicated drain air and a power adapter to ensure your devices remain charged. The campsite’s equipped toilets are designed to accommodate those with reduced mobility, ensuring that everyone can partake in the campsite’s offerings.

With its range of amenities and a prime location promising adventure around every corner, Camping Bornard stands as the perfect home base for your exploration of Megève and Combloux. Open daily from June 20th to August 31st, 2023, it invites you to create unforgettable memories amidst the stunning Alpine landscapes.

Le Grand Champ Campsite: Les Bossons & Les Houches

Location and Overview

Unveil a haven of nature at Le Grand Champ Campsite, nestled between Les Bossons and Les Houches, offering a tranquil escape into the heart of the French Alps. With its welcoming embrace of peace and natural beauty, this campsite is ready to host your adventure.

Campsite Amenities

Le Grand Champ Campsite is your hub for a stay filled with fun and memorable moments. With 100 pitches at your disposal, there’s room aplenty for enthusiastic travellers like you. The campsite’s ingenious layout, featuring a variety of trees and bushes, ensures that every camper can find their perfect private spot – be it in the warming sunlight or the cool shade.

But the amenities don’t stop there. Le Grand Champ Campsite has something special for group adventurers as well.

With the capacity to accommodate groups of up to 50 campers in private spaces, it’s an excellent choice for those travelling with friends or family. And if your group is rolling in on buses, fear not – dedicated parking for buses is readily available, making your arrival and departure hassle-free.

Adventure Awaits

Le Grand Champ Campsite isn’t just about relaxation – it’s a gateway to exploration. Two hiking trails kick off right from the campsite, promising both adventure and connection with the local environment. On one side, the “La Jonction des Glaciers” trail traces the path of the first mountaineers who conquered Mont Blanc in 1786. On the other, the “Animal Park de Merlet” provides an immersive experience with native mountain animals in their half-freedom habitat – a true treat for wildlife enthusiasts.

Le Grand Champ Campsite opens from May 1st to mid-October every summer, inviting you into the beauty of Les Bossons, Les Houches, and the surrounding Alpine landscapes.

Campsite Les Richardes: Val d’Isère

Location and Overview

Get ready to experience the heart of Val d’Isère, a mountain paradise famous for its skiing and stunning summer scenery. Welcome to Campsite Les Richardes, nestled amidst the beauty of Les Bossons Glacier and the Glacier de Taconnaz, offering a serene escape into the heart of the Alps.

A Perfect Mix

Campsite Les Richardes strikes a perfect balance between tranquillity and convenience. It’s just a short kilometre away from the city centre, giving you the best of both worlds – a peaceful retreat with easy access to city life. The resort’s free bus service lets you explore Val d’Isère with ease, and a supermarket just a quick 400-metre walk away ensures you’re stocked up.

Campsite Essentials

As Val d’Isère’s only campsite, Campsite Les Richardes welcomes guests from June 15th to September 15th. Set right on the doorstep of La Vanoise National Park, it’s your gateway to nature. And for motorhome travellers not staying on-site, there’s a handy service for water tank emptying and filling at a flat rate of €3.50.

Keep in mind, Campsite Les Richardes doesn’t provide mobile homes, tents, or caravans for rent – they encourage you to bring your own gear for an authentic camping experience. While the campsite is accessible for those with reduced mobility, specialised sanitary facilities aren’t available.

What’s On Offer

With room for 100 pitches, Campsite Les Richardes is ready for your alpine adventure. The terraced lawn is thoughtfully dotted with trees and bushes, creating private spots for soaking up the sun or finding shade.

For bigger groups of up to 50 campers, private spaces are tucked away in the natural surroundings, making it a fantastic choice for group getaways. And guess what? There’s even parking available for buses, making group travel a breeze.

Explore the magic of the French Alps with hiking trails starting right from the campsite. And there’s no shortage of activities around, from skiing, swimming, and tennis to mountain biking, horseback riding, archery, and golf – so you’ll never be bored.

Thrill-seekers can enjoy trampolines, volleyball, football, and fishing, promising non-stop fun.

For those seeking stunning views, hop on the ski lifts and get ready to be wowed by panoramic vistas of these awe-inspiring landscapes.

Camping Le Frêne: Les Gets

Location and Overview

Get ready for an adventure at Camping Le Frêne! Nestled in the heart of nature on La Grange au Frêne in Les Gets, this campsite is all about creating unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re in a caravan, camping car, or tent, you’ve got a prime spot to soak up the beauty. And guess what? Mont Blanc is there to greet you with its majestic presence, promising an extraordinary stay with access to all things Les Gets has to offer.

Campsite Amenities

Camping Le Frêne is your cosy haven where relaxation meets convenience. Start your day with a splash in the heated pool or let your worries melt away in the Jacuzzi. And for those who can’t resist staying connected, don’t worry – there’s partial Wi-Fi in selected spots, so you can stay in touch and share your stories.

But that’s not all:

Hot showers that never run out of steam
Sanitary facilities designed with disabled persons in mind
Got some laundry to do? There’s a washing machine ready to tackle that task.
Channel your inner ping pong champion with a fun game.
Don’t miss a chance to swim in the heated pool, surrounded by the stunning alpine landscape.

Your Alpine Escape

Camping Le Frêne promises you more than just a stay – it’s an experience. With Mont Blanc as your backdrop and Les Gets’ activities at your fingertips, get ready for a warm welcome and a vacation that’s full of memories.

Camping La Piat: Brides-les-Bains, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Location and Overview

Camping La Piat is a charming retreat in the heart of Brides-les-Bains. This campsite is set against the backdrop of the illustrious 3 Valleys, which includes the captivating Méribel and Courchevel, opening up a myriad of exciting opportunities.

Camping La Piat offers 80 pitches for tents, motorhomes, vans, and caravans.

Campsite Amenities

La Piat is all about comfort and making sure you have a great time. They’re serious about giving you a top-notch experience. Everything’s super clean and well-kept, making the place inviting and chill. They’ve set up private spots that fit right into the natural beauty, giving you a cosy place to kick back.

La Piat has lots of fun stuff for everyone:

Join the kids and embrace your inner child with trampolines, turnstiles, and rocking games.
Get competitive with ping pong, foosball, and volleyball
Splash around in the stream that winds through the campsite – it’s a hit every year
Play some boules on their two courts, great for everyone to have a go

Are the activities not enough? Well, you can also:

Make a splash in the swimming pool – perfect for hot days
Feel the movie magic at the cinema – they’ve got some awesome films lined up.
Join organised outings to explore the area – there’s so much to see beyond the campsite.

Food time! Get ready for some yum. In July and August, you can order freshly baked bread and pastries at the reception chalet. It’s a tasty way to start your day. As the sun sets, the O PIZZA Ï OL pizza truck rolls in every Friday evening with wood-fired pizza that sure hits the spot. BBQ lovers, you’re covered too – they’ve got three spots set up for communal grilling.

Discover the natural beauty of Brides-les-Bains while enjoying modern comforts. It’s an unforgettable experience waiting for you.

Montchavin Mobile Home Camping: Mont Blanc

Location and Overview

Montchavin Mobile Home Camping is a year-round haven that offers both pitches and mobile homes for rent. Montchavin is nestled against the backdrop of Mont Blanc in the captivating Savoie region of the French Alps. Imagine this: it’s perched like a balcony overlooking the Tarentaise Valley and the neighbouring Vanoise National Park. Talk about a scenic spot that adventurers and nature lovers would dig!

Campsite Information

This campsite is more than just a place to crash; it’s your ticket to authentic Alpine adventures. With Mont Blanc towering and the Savoie region as your playground, here’s the deal:

Hop into hikes right from Montchavin’s motorhome site – great for hikers of all levels
Montchavin Les Coches has plenty to keep you busy – from exciting activities to spots that can help you chill out
And when you’re just in the mood to soak in mountain beauty, this village is the place to do it.

Now, about the campsite itself. They’re all about keeping you comfy and covered:

Need your hiking gear drying? No worries, there’s a drying room to help
Furry friend in tow? Great! Bring ’em along – pets are welcome
Gas? Yep, they’ve got propane for sale so you’re all set
Even in winter, they clear out snow from pitches and access routes

And if you REALLY want to indulge in relaxation, check out this gem nearby:

Espace Paradisio is a true sanctuary, with saunas, hammams, beauty treatments, and Jacuzzis aplenty, perfect for winding down after your adventures.

Campsite Amenities

Time for some campsite amenity highlights:

Hit up the play area for some old-school fun – you or the kids
Covered picnic areas for rainy days (uncovered picnic spots, too)
TV room for chilling and watching.
Shady grounds to escape the blazing sun when you need to
For all you motorhome travellers, there’s a dedicated service area just for you.
Don’t worry about staying fresh – there’s a number of washing machines to help
Keep your devices alive with electrical connections.
Parking and caravan storage? Yep, they’ve got your back

Montchavin Mobile Home Camping invites you to soak in Mont Blanc’s beauty and dive into Alpine authenticity. With that backdrop and all these perks, you’re in for a stay that’s a true French Alps experience.

Camping Alpes Lodges: Pralognan-la-Vanoise

Location and Overview

Welcome to Camping Alpes Lodges, nestled in the heart of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of Savoie. Picture this: rolling forests, meandering rivers, and nature’s finest all around. This 4-star campsite puts nature at the forefront and offers you a playground with 250 pitches to choose from. Whether you’re a tent aficionado or a motorhome explorer, there’s a spot for you here.

Campsite Amenities

Curious about the goodies that Camping Alpes Lodges in Vanoise has in store? Well, feast your eyes on these amenities:

Dip into the swimming pool for a refreshing splash on those sunny days.
Unwind in the communal space decked out with comfy sofas and a TV – perfect for a chill-out session.
And hey, there’s more! Take your pick from a range of pitches, each positioned smartly to keep you close to all the campsite’s offerings.

Sanitary Facilities

Cleanliness and comfort are high priorities here, and that’s reflected in the sanitary facilities. Meet “Bouquetins” and “Marmottes,” the names of the well-kept shower areas with washbasins. Got little ones in tow? No worries – there’s even a designated baby area to make things easier. Oh, and let’s not forget about everyone’s comfort. For those with limited mobility, there’s a special facility to make sure they can enjoy every bit of the campsite.

And motorhome travellers, listen up! They’ve got you covered too with a dedicated service area. Expect handy features like a free motorhome service station, a tap for drinking water, and a spot to drain those chemical toilets.

And that’s it – we’ve taken you through the top 10 camping spots in the French Alps. The beauty of Lake Annecy, the thrills of Chamonix – each place offers a slice of nature blended with comfort.

But remember, the French Alps are more than just peaks – they’re stories waiting to be told. Whether you’re after peace, excitement, or a bit of both, these campsites have something special for you.

Your unforgettable summer camping trip is waiting. Grab your crew, pack your bags, and let the magic of the French Alps unfold around you. And when it comes to getting there hassle-free, don’t forget Alps2Alps – your go-to transfer company. We’ll make sure your journey gets off to a great start.