Can you go camping without booking?
Unlike hotels or tourist residences, there are plenty of campsites in France with a large capacity. So it can be tempting to book at the last minute, or not at all... And it's true: it is sometimes possible to turn up without booking, particularly out of season or in less touristy areas.
But beware: from the beginning of July, and even more so in August, availability dwindles rapidly and the choice of campsite becomes increasingly limited. Without a reservation, you run the risk of having to visit several campsites before finding a place... if you find one! And don't forget: if you can't find a place to pitch your tent or van at a campsite, freedom camping is banned in France, at least without the agreement of the landowner.
When is booking essential?
It all depends on the location, the campsite and your wishes!
From spring onwards, the best campsites - particularly those on the coast, near the sea or in popular destinations such as Corsica - start to sell out for the summer. The more attractive the campsite (direct access to the beach, water park, entertainment, etc.), the earlier you book.
There are also different situations depending on the type of accommodation:
- For rental accommodation (mobile homes, chalets, bungalows), booking is virtually essential, sometimes several months in advance.
- For traditional camping pitches (or ‘bare’ pitches), it is sometimes still possible to find a place at the last minute in low season, but it is strongly recommended that you book for July and August.
High season vs. low season: different constraints
In high season, i.e. during the French school holidays, particularly July and August, and during the long weekends in May, booking is almost essential to secure a place on a campsite, especially in tourist areas.
In the low season (April, May, June, September and even October), it is often possible to go camping without booking, particularly during the week or in less popular areas. However, even in the low season, some campsites limit their opening hours or reduce their capacity, which can sometimes make it difficult to find availability.
Is it still possible to find a campsite without a reservation in summer?
It all depends on the destination and the type of holiday you are looking for. By moving away from the most touristy sites, or by opting for simpler, family-run campsites, it is sometimes possible to find a free pitch when you arrive.
However, if you have specific criteria (proximity to the sea, access to facilities, children's activities, etc.), it's better not to take your chances and to book in advance.
What about a weekend or a few nights?
If you're planning a short stay at a campsite - a weekend or just a few nights, for example - booking in advance is also recommended, especially during busy periods such as long weekends in May or French school holidays.
Outside these periods, it is sometimes possible to find a pitch at the last minute during the week, especially in low season. However, even for a night or two, booking ensures that the campsite allows short stays (like renting a mobile home for just one night, for example), and of course guarantees a pitch.
Did you know? Some campsites don't take bookings
Please note: some campsites - particularly municipal, association or farm campsites - only operate without reservations. This is the ‘first come, first served’ principle: pitches are allocated on arrival, with no possibility of booking in advance.
If you're targeting this type of campsite, it's best to arrive early in the day to increase your chances of finding a pitch, especially in summer.
The advantages of booking
To make the most of your camping holiday, booking is the best guarantee, especially in high season. First of all, you can guarantee a place at the campsite you want.
Reservations mean you know all the key points of your camping holiday in advance: arrival dates and times, the price of the holiday, the various rental conditions, the rates for additional services, etc. Your booking contract and the campsite rules and regulations will tell you everything you need to know, for example whether you can bring your pet, and what its stay conditions will be.
It also informs you of the conditions for cancelling your stay at the campsite: so if you need to, you can always change your mind... A little extra advice: don't forget to check whether your campsite offers cancellation insurance or free amendment options ( ). If something unexpected happens, you'll be able to leave with even more peace of mind!
Booking a pitch or renting a mobile home, chalet or bungalow is very easy these days, as many campsites allow you to search for availability and book via their website. In fact, the most attractive campsites offer a ‘Book’ link directly on Campingfrance.com.
To sum up: making a reservation saves you stress and disappointment, and ensures that you get the campsite and pitch that really match your wishes. Even though there may be some booking fees, and you'll certainly have to make an initial payment (a deposit), booking gives you peace of mind... which comes at a price!
So, are you ready to book your next holiday in a tent or mobile home?