Camping water parks compete with tourism players
In the 1960s, swimming pools were only timidly appearing on French campsites, but by 2025, the proportion of campsites with swimming pools had risen to almost 50%. And above all, there is increasing talk of superb aquatic complexes, sometimes stretching to 7,000 m², with several pools, a wave pool, spiral slides, a water play area for the little ones, a jacuzzi and a covered pool! The sites understand that holidaymakers' favourite outdoor activities take place by the water. In some cases, the aquatic area has become the campsite's main attraction, where a cascade of activities takes place, from aquagym classes to the campsite dance.
Indoor or heated pools, giant slides... How to choose your water park according to your needs
Before booking your holiday, it's essential to be clear about what you want in terms of water facilities. Not all campsites offer the same facilities, and certain details can make all the difference to your holiday.
Do you want to enjoy swimming all year round, even in bad weather?
Choose a campsite with an indoor swimming pool. You'll be able to swim or relax whatever the weather, without being dependent on the sun.
And if the weather is fine, the campsite pools are usually surrounded by solariums and deckchairs (or other sunbeds) so you can relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Are you looking for comfort?
Favour heated pools, which guarantee a pleasant water temperature from spring through to the end of summer, even in regions where the nights remain cool.
For adults, spa areas with jacuzzi, hammam or sauna add a touch of well-being to your stay and extend the pleasure of the water.
Are you going on a family trip with children or teenagers?
If you're staying at the campsite with the whole family, especially children, a large, lively water park is ideal. Giant waterslides, wave pools and counter-current rivers will provide hours of entertainment for young and old. Some slides are even designed entirely for thrill-seekers...
For the little ones, water games and paddling pools are available in fully secure aquatic areas (find out more about safety in campsite swimming pools).
Depending on what you want to do and how you want to spend your holiday, take the time to study the water facilities on offer at each campsite: this will help you choose the ideal destination for a successful stay.
Campsite waterpark attractions: much more than just a swimming pool with a slide
Traditional swimming pools are now giving way to veritable water theme parks, veritable temples of aquatic fun. Here's a closer look at these facilities, which are a delight for holidaymakers of all ages, parents and children alike.
Fun for all the family in crazy aquatic complexes
In a real aquatic complex, you can find :
- Several outdoor and/or indoor pools
- A river against the current
- Slides of different shapes and sizes, even for the most intrepid climbers
- Fun paddling pools for children
- Wave pools
- Interactive water play areas
- Relaxation areas such as jacuzzis and whirlpool baths
- And sometimes even lagoons, stretches of shallow water surrounded by a beach of fine sand.
Want to discover even more? Dive into our article dedicated to the top attractions in camping water parks.
Some examples of aquatic centres in France
Among the models of its kind are the Resort la Rive***** campsite in Biscarosse (40) with its impressive water play area, Les Mimosas***** in Portiragnes (34) with its improbable "Spacehole", a sort of slide that propels you into a cylinder 9 m in diameter by 6 m high, before plunging into a pool, or the Pachacaïd**** campsite (83), which has a superb aquatic centre with a heated outdoor pool, a water games area, a paddling pool with slide, 2 whirlpool baths, a balneotherapy pool, a steam room and 10 water slides.
Another not-to-be-missed example is the campsite Resort & Spa Le Vieux Port***** in Messanges (40), which boasts a beautiful aquatic area with a wave pool, slides for young and old and areas dedicated to relaxation, perfect for all the family.
The best campsites with water parks, from Brittany to the Ardèche via the south of France
Whatever your style of holiday, there's a campsite with a water park to suit you, whether in Brittany, the Ardèche or the Vendée, on the Mediterranean coast or in Argelès-sur-mer...
See a selection of campsites with a water park.
Just imagine: sunshine, a friendly atmosphere, the joys of swimming... Between laughter, fun and aquatic adventures with your family, you're sure to have an unforgettable camping holiday!