Nature campsites
Camping in nature: peace, space and the great outdoors
Camping at a green site guarantees a big dose of nature. At a nature campsite you enjoy peace, space and the outdoors. Camping in the forest, by the sea, near a river or in the dunes? It's all possible at one of Europe's quiet nature campsites. Stay on spacious pitches in green surroundings and wake to birdsong. Nature campsites are ideal for anyone who wants to escape the crowds and be close to nature.
Ovisola maps 9,589 nature campsites. Pick a country below to explore further.
Popular nature campsites
Nature campsites on the map
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Nature campsites by country
All about nature campsites
A nature campsite is a place to camp where nature takes centre stage: spacious, natural pitches among trees, beside water or in rolling countryside, with as little paving, concrete and crowding as possible. You choose a nature campsite because you want to camp in nature rather than on a busy resort: peace, space, dark night skies full of stars and the sound of birdsong instead of poolside noise. These are often small-scale grounds, forest campsites or spots inside protected nature reserves, sometimes with an eco approach such as compost toilets, solar power or no dividing hedges between pitches. On Ovisola you can find nature campsites across Europe on a single map, from a simple forest campsite close to home to remote spots in the mountains or by a lake. That lets you see at a glance which campsites genuinely sit in nature and book the atmosphere that suits you.
When choosing a nature campsite, look out for a few key features. Good nature campsites offer spacious, natural pitches on grass or forest floor rather than tightly measured plots, little paving and plenty of greenery, with forest, water or hills close at hand. Quiet and dark nights are often what set them apart from a regular campsite, as is a deliberate, sometimes minimal setup with eco facilities. Bear in mind that comfort can vary: some nature campsites provide full sanitary blocks and electricity, while others deliberately keep things simple. On Ovisola you compare campsites by location, so you can filter specifically for a spot in the forest, by a lake or in the mountains. You see facilities clearly per campsite, plus reviews from previous campers. That way you can weigh atmosphere, comfort and surroundings before you decide, and know in advance whether a place is truly natural and peaceful.
Europe is full of regions made for a nature campsite. In Scandinavia, think Sweden, Norway and Finland, the right to roam applies and people love camping among forests and lakes with plenty of space and silence. The Ardennes in Belgium and Luxembourg offer woods, rivers and hills, ideal for anyone wanting to camp in nature close to home. The Alps, spread across France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy, draw lovers of mountain campsites with sweeping views. In the Netherlands the Veluwe is a classic for forest campsites among heath and pine, while the Eifel in Germany combines crater lakes, woodland and dark starry skies. Areas such as the Jura, the Vosges and the Scottish Highlands are equally suited to natural camping. Through the Ovisola map you can hop from region to region and see which nature campsites are available in each area.
Practically speaking, the best time to visit a nature campsite is usually late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild and nature is at its finest; July and August are busier, while May, June and September are often quieter and cheaper. Popular and small-scale nature campsites fill up quickly in high season, so booking ahead is wise, certainly for a specific pitch by the water or in the forest. An exact price is impossible to give, as rates vary widely by country, season and comfort level; as a rough indication, expect anything from a modest amount per night for a simple pitch to more for more luxurious or well-situated grounds. Want to search with intent? Open the Ovisola map, filter by location in the forest, by a lake or in the mountains, and compare nature campsites across Europe on atmosphere, facilities and reviews.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a nature campsite?
- A nature campsite is a place to camp where nature comes first: spacious, natural pitches among trees, by the water or in the mountains, with little paving and plenty of peace. It is about camping in nature, often small-scale and sometimes with eco facilities, rather than a large resort with lots of entertainment.
- What is the difference between a nature campsite and a regular campsite?
- A regular campsite often focuses on comfort and entertainment, with neat plots, pools and organised activities. A nature campsite instead prioritises space, quiet, natural pitches and a setting in forest, mountains or by the water. Comfort can be simpler, but the experience of nature comes first.
- What facilities does a nature campsite have, and is there electricity?
- This varies greatly per site. Some nature campsites have full sanitary blocks and electric hook-ups, while others deliberately keep things simple with basic facilities or eco solutions such as compost toilets and solar power. So check in advance whether electricity is available and which facilities you need; on Ovisola you can see this per campsite.
- Is wild camping allowed, and what does the right to roam mean?
- Wild camping is restricted or banned in many European countries, so an official nature campsite is usually the safest choice. In the Scandinavian countries the right to roam applies, which under certain conditions allows brief overnight stays in open nature while respecting land and property. Always check the local rules, as they differ by country and area.
- Can you bring a dog to a nature campsite?
- Many nature campsites are well suited to dogs, thanks to the space and walking opportunities in forest and nature. Even so, not every site has the same policy: some require dogs on a lead, limit certain periods or charge extra. Check the dog policy of the specific campsite in advance, especially in protected nature reserves where rules can be stricter.
- Should I choose a nature campsite in the mountains or in the forest?
- That depends on the atmosphere you are after. A mountain campsite offers sweeping views, cooler nights and walking or climbing options, while a forest campsite gives shade, shelter and calm among the trees. If you want water nearby, choose a spot by a lake or river. On Ovisola you can filter by location, so you can compare forest, mountains or water with intent.