Internet and Wi-Fi at the campsite: a must for everyone?
At the campsite, Wi-Fi has become an essential service for many holidaymakers. Parents check the weather, look for ideas for outings and share their memories on social networks. Teenagers keep in touch with their friends via Snapchat, Facebook lives and Instagram, whether from their mobile home or the bar terrace. In the evening, the whole family can get together to watch a film via streaming after a day by the sea.
Did you know? According to OpinionWay, 47% of French employees check their work email while on holiday, and some even plan to spend 1 or 2 days teleworking during their next holiday.... These teleworkers and other nomadic workers appreciate a stable connection for video-conferencing and managing their projects remotely.
The wifi connection at the campsite
Already available at 5-star campsites, WIFI is now available at most French campsites. From July 2019, it will be compulsory for campsites of at least 2* to offer WIFI on 100% of their pitches. At the very least, you should be able to check your e-mails at low speed. However, certain exceptions are permitted, notably in the case of duly justified technical impossibility or a commercial positioning in favour of "disconnection". No fewer than 5,212 campsites offer holidaymakers WIFI access, representing 63% of the total number of French outdoor accommodation sites.
The broadband challenge
As with hotels, campsites must adapt to the technical constraints linked to the installation of Wifi on their grounds, especially as a good Internet connection is essential for customer satisfaction. More and more campsites are therefore equipping themselves with fibre optics to supply Internet to their pitches. Some are pushing digitalisation even further with the help of connected bracelets to access certain private areas or with cashless payment. Thanks to this method, there is no need for a wallet. Payments inside the campsite are made using a credit platform connected to a connected bracelet.
Wi-Fi hotspots at campsites: how do they work? What are the solutions?
Wi-Fi hotspots are access points installed at campsites to provide holidaymakers with an Internet connection. Their number and location vary according to the size of the site and the campsite's policy. They are often found in communal areas such as the reception, restaurant or swimming pool, where access may be free or limited in time.
At campsites equipped with a wide area network, several hotspots are installed to cover as many accommodation units as possible. However, the quality of the signal depends on the distance between the terminal and the user, obstacles (buildings, vegetation) and the number of simultaneous connections. To ensure a good experience, some campsites opt for paid Wi-Fi, which limits overload and ensures a more stable speed.
Finally, technologies are evolving: some campsites are now installing the latest generation Wi-Fi hotspots or repeaters to improve coverage.
More and more often, campsites are even offering additional wired connections for holidaymakers who want ultra-reliable access: fibre, ADSL, Ethernet cabling...
Is wifi free at campsites?
Wi-Fi is sometimes free at campsites, but this depends on the establishment. Some offer a free connection, often limited to certain areas such as reception, the poolside bar or the restaurant. In this case, you may have to pay for a Wi-Fi connection elsewhere on the campsite.
Other campsites offer access for a fee, with packages adapted to the length of your stay and the number of machines. Quality varies according to location and infrastructure. It is advisable to check the specific conditions of the campsite before booking to avoid any surprises regarding free wifi access and coverage at the campsite.
Different campsite pricing policies
In the open-air hotel sector, campsites are adopting various strategies to offer Wi-Fi to their holidaymakers:
- Chargeable access to the entire campsite
- Free in public areas but chargeable in private accommodation
- Included for top-of-the-range accommodation, but chargeable for standard accommodation
- Free for a limited period, then billed after that
- Completely free, accessible from anywhere on the site
How much does the wifi option cost on a campsite?
The cost of Wi-Fi at campsites varies from one establishment to another and, as we have said, Wi-Fi is free at some campsites. At other campsites, you'll be charged by the day or by the number of devices. Current prices range from €2 per day to around €35 for a fortnight per device.
Some practical examples:
Le Vieux Port campsite in Messanges, for example, allows you to connect to Wi-Fi via fibre throughout the site. It offers a free initial Wi-Fi connection for bookings made directly via their site or their central reservations office. For additional connections, paying packages are available, such as €9 for one day, €25 for one week or €35 for a fortnight.
Similarly, the Chadotel chain offers a free connection for every booking made directly with the campsite chain. For additional devices, prices range from €3 to €5/day, €9 to €15/week, etc., depending on whether the tariff is equipped with a traditional wifi terminal or fibre.
The Yelloh! Villages chain is offering free WiFi in around 2/3 of its open-air establishments, while there will be a charge for WiFi in the other Village campsites. WiFi connection is always offered for rentals and Premium bare pitches.
At Eden Villages, Wi-Fi service (high-speed Wi-Fi or 4G access) is included in special-purpose accommodation, where you can connect up to three devices simultaneously. For other types of accommodation, the chain offers Wi-Fi packages tailored to the length of your stay and the number of devices to be connected.
In conclusion, the cost of Wi-Fi options at campsites depends on the policy of each establishment. We therefore recommend that you contact the campsite in question directly to find out the rates and conditions for Internet access.
Why is there a charge for wifi at campsites?
Camping sites often charge for Wi-Fi to ensure a stable, high-performance network. The state of the infrastructure influences the quality of the connection, particularly in remote areas where deployment is more complex. The speed and bandwidth must be managed to avoid saturation due to the large number of users and the high volume of data exchanged (streaming, video-conferencing, online games). Paid access limits abuse and ensures a fast, reliable connection when you log on. What's more, the income generated by this service finances the maintenance and improvement of the network by the campsite.
How can I get free wi-fi throughout the campsite?
If your main aim is to have a free wi-fi connection, choose your establishment carefully: most campsites detail the conditions for wi-fi access on their site, and in particular the free access that may be offered if you meet specific conditions, such as booking directly on the campsite or chain site, when booking top-of-the-range accommodation, etc.
How can I get internet at a campsite without Wi-Fi? And how can I get Wi-Fi outside the campsite?
When staying at a campsite without a Wi-Fi network, there are several alternatives available to holidaymakers. The simplest solution is to share your connection via your smartphone, creating a personal access point for your devices.
Another option is to use a portable 4G router. This compact device transforms the mobile signal into a Wi-Fi network accessible to the whole family. Recent models are compatible with 5G for even faster speeds.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are also a valuable resource, particularly in town centres, restaurants or tourist offices close to the campsite.
Digital detox: if you don't want camping or an internet connection at the campsite....
Do you really want to get away from it all during your holidays, and enjoy the many advantages of your campsite with your family?
In contrast to ultra-connected campsites, other campsites advocate disconnection and "digital detox" for a 100% natural stay. This is the case of the Huttopia chain, which invites its customers to disconnect from their holiday to better connect with nature and the environment. The WIFI area is strictly limited to the campsite's "living centre" area.
