Family camping with children aged 2 to 6: how to choose, where to go and how to make the most of it

Scenario : who you are and what you're looking for

Mark, 33 and Olivia, 36, live in Bristol. Their daughter Zoey is 2, their son Arthur is 6. This is their first family camping holiday. Mark used to go camping as a child and remembers it fondly. Olivia is more cautious—she wants to be sure everything goes smoothly with two young children.

Zoey loves the water, still takes naps, needs peace and quiet at night, and tends to run off the moment nobody is watching. Arthur is curious and enthusiastic; he wants to swim, ride his bike, and play with other children—but a day that is too long without a break usually ends badly.

The parents also genuinely want to relax. They would like to read, enjoy a coffee in peace, explore the region, and eat well. And if possible, spend one evening together as a couple—a luxury they have not had in months.

Here are the questions they are asking themselves—and the practical answers.

Is a mobile home big enough for a family with a 2-year-old and a 6-year-old?

Yes, provided you choose a two-bedroom mobile home. These accommodation options feature a separate master bedroom and one or two children’s bedrooms, with a total floor area of 25 to 35 m². Zoey can sleep in her own room without waking the rest of the family — and vice versa.

Air conditioning is included in most mobile homes at 3-, 4- and 5-star campsites. In July in the south of France, it’s essential for Zoey’s naps. Make sure to check this specifically before booking — some campsites charge extra for it.

A terrace is almost always included. If you’d like a semi-enclosed space to stop Zoey from wandering off, ask the campsite directly when booking: some mobile homes have a gate or barrier in front of the terrace.

Is the swimming pool safe for a 2-year-old child?

At well-managed campsites, yes—provided you check two key points before booking.

The first is the presence of a dedicated paddling pool for toddlers, separate from the main pool, with a maximum depth of 20–30 cm (8–12 inches). The best campsites also offer ground fountains, water jets, and water play features designed specifically for babies and young children.

The second is the access system to the main pool. Quality campsites typically have double-action safety gates or badge-controlled access, designed to prevent children from entering the pool area on their own. Lifeguards are present throughout opening hours.

If you are considering a campsite by a river or lake, make sure the shoreline is secured and that swimming areas are supervised. Some campsites also create designated children's swimming zones marked by buoys or safety nets.

Is there a kids’ club for a 6-year-old? What about a 2-year-old?

For Arthur (6 years old): yes, at most 4-star and 5-star campsites. Kids’ clubs generally operate in the morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and sometimes again in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with separate groups based on age. At 6 years old, Arthur can enjoy creative workshops, discovery games, nature-based activities, and age-appropriate sports sessions.

In France, campsite kids’ clubs are regulated under the framework for collective childcare and youth activities. Activity leaders must hold a specific and official qualification or an equivalent certification, and staffing ratios are set by law (one activity leader for every eight children under the age of six). This information is available on the French government’s public services website.

For Zoey (2 years old): options are more limited. Most kids’ clubs start accepting children from age 3. However, some campsites that specialize in welcoming families with babies offer dedicated toddler areas—sometimes called a Little Ones House or a Baby Club—which may open early in the morning.

If this service is important to you, look for it specifically in campsite descriptions and confirm its availability before booking.

Can I buy diapers and baby products on site?

The campsite convenience store usually carries essential baby products, including diapers, sunscreen, and basic childcare items. Prices are generally slightly higher than in supermarkets, and the selection of brands is often limited to one or two options. It is a good idea to bring enough supplies for the first four or five days and then restock either on site or at the nearest supermarket.

Fresh bread is available at almost all quality campsites, either through daily deliveries from a local bakery or through sales at the reception desk. Théo will probably love going to pick up croissants in the morning.

The campsite restaurant or snack bar can be a real lifesaver on evenings when nobody feels like cooking. Look for a venue that offers a simple children’s menu, takeaway options, and family-friendly opening hours, with service starting around 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. so that young children can eat at a reasonable time.

How should you organize your days with a 2-year-old and a 6-year-old?

The golden rule with a 2-year-old is simple: never sacrifice nap time. The entire day should be planned around it.

• Morning (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.): Focus on active activities—swimming pool, beach, kids’ club for Arthur, or a short outing.
• Midday (12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.): Enjoy a relaxed lunch, let Zoey take her nap in the air-conditioned mobile home, and take the opportunity to read or unwind.
• Afternoon (3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.): Plan a short excursion once the temperature cools down, choose gentle activities, and return to the campsite afterward.
• Evening: Keep dinner simple, either at the campsite restaurant or on the terrace of your accommodation.

For excursions, try to limit driving time to no more than one hour each way. Choose destinations with outdoor spaces where the children can run around freely, and keep the active part of the visit to around 90 minutes maximum. This pace is usually much more enjoyable for both children and parents.

Dordogne (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

Why it’s a wise choice: the River Dordogne is calm, shallow in places, and lined with campsites featuring flat, grassy banks — ideal for Zoey. Temperatures in July are pleasant (25–28°C) without being excessive, and the nights are cool and restful. The region is a 5-hour drive from Paris.

Dordogne welcomes several million tourists every year, the vast majority of whom are French and foreign families (Dordogne Périgord Tourisme). Its reputation as a family-friendly destination is based on a dense network of high-quality campsites, a calm river and an exceptional cultural heritage that is accessible with young children.

For Zoey (aged 2): flat, grassy riverbanks, calm water, and no risk of waves or strong currents in the designated swimming areas.

For Arthur (aged 6): medieval castles, prehistoric caves with children’s workshops, river trips in parent-child two-seater canoes for children aged 4 and over, and lively village markets.

For parents: an exceptional gastronomic region, villages such as Sarlat and La Roque-Gageac just 30 minutes from the campsite, and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of the coast.

Journey from Nantes: approximately 3 hours — the most accessible destination in this selection.

Our recommendations for campsites for families with children aged 2 to 6 in the Dordogne:

1. Camping Sandaya Le Carbonnier

• Air-conditioned mobile homes, heated swimming pool, kids’ club, entertainment, restaurant, secure water play area.
• Close to major tourist attractions (Sarlat, Lascaux).

2. Domaine de l’Etang de Bazange

• Mobile homes with air conditioning, a panoramic swimming pool, water slides, a fishing pond and a children’s play area.
• A peaceful and spacious setting, ideal for families with young children.

3. Camping La Rivière

• Comfortable mobile homes, a mini-farm for children, modern toilet facilities, a family-friendly and peaceful atmosphere.
• Close to Bergerac and family-friendly spots.

4. Camping La Forêt Enchantée

• Cottages and mobile homes surrounded by nature, heated swimming pool, playground, evening entertainment.
• Close to Périgueux and Brantôme, perfect for family excursions.

5. Camping Romanee Capeyrou

• ADirect access to the Dordogne, heated swimming pool, kids’ club, air-conditioned mobile homes, play area for children aged 0–6.
• Close to Sarlat and the area's many castles.

→ See all our campsites in Dordogne on CampingDirect

Brittany

Why it’s a wise choice: Brittany’s seaside campsites offer fine sandy beaches with shallow waters that are lifeguard-patrolled during the season, set against a strikingly diverse landscape — wild coastlines, sheltered coves, moors and islands. The coastline of southern Finistère is characterised by its gently sloping beaches, where children can paddle in complete safety. There are intimate, family-run campsites (some managed by the same family for three generations), alongside livelier establishments with kids’ clubs. Depending on your preferences, you can choose one or the other — Brittany has both.

Brittany, with its rocky coastline and wide tides, is the ideal playground for family shellfish gathering: armed with buckets and landing nets, young and old alike set off in search of shellfish and crustaceans at low tide. Kayaking trips offer an accessible and safe way to explore the coast. Tourism in Brittany

For Zoey (aged 2): supervised beaches with a gentle slope for her first encounters with the waves; rock pools to explore at a toddler’s pace (crabs, shells, anemones); sea air and the sound of seagulls included.

For Arthur (aged 6): shore fishing with a shrimp net in the rock pools; the Forest of Brocéliande and its themed trails featuring Merlin the Enchanter and the fairy Morgane; Océanopolis in Brest, an ocean discovery park with interactive exhibits and educational activities; the Breton islands accessible by boat.

For parents: cycle rides along the greenways (Brittany is relatively flat, making it ideal for family bike rides), the GR34, coastal markets, and salted butter galettes.

Journey from Nantes: about 2 hours by car to Morbihan (Brittany’s motorways are toll-free), 3 hours to Finistère.

Our recommendations for campsites for families with children aged 2 to 6 in Brittany:

1. Camping de L'Île Verte

• Heated pool, quiet atmosphere, air-conditioned mobile homes.
• Close to Saint-Malo, Cancale and Mont-Saint-Michel.

2. Camping Le Cabellou Plage

• Direct access to the beach, water park with slides, heated pools.
• Close to Concarneau.

3. Yelloh! Village - La Plage

• Direct access to the beach, covered and heated pool, activities for children.
• Perfect to enjoy family excursions in the nature.

4. Camping Les Embruns

• Great facilities, water park, covered heated pool, comfy accommodation.
• Perfect to discover Finistère.

5. Camping du Vieux Verger

• Mini-farm with animals, quiet, authentic atmosphere, small estate.
• Family-run site with a friendly atmosphere.

→ See all our campsites in Brittany on CampingDirect

Normandy

Why it’s a wise choice: Normandy’s seaside campsites combine fine sandy beaches, spectacular cliffs and lush countryside. On the Côte Fleurie, swimming and water sports are a must, whilst in the Manche department, the wilder beaches are perfect for long walks. You’ll find everything from intimate nature campsites to lively resorts with kids’ clubs.

Several seaside resorts in Normandy have been awarded the ‘Famille Plus’ label and feature beaches specially equipped for children. The Alabaster Coast, with its 140 km of chalk cliffs, is the jewel in the crown of the coastline and can be admired on foot or by sea kayak.

For Zoey (aged 2): supervised sandy beaches with gentle slopes, paddling pools at campsites for cooler days, and the peaceful Normandy countryside for strolls in a pushchair.

For Arthur (aged 6): sand yachting on the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, suitable from ages 4–5; a walk along the ramparts of Mont-Saint-Michel with a search for gargoyles and views over the bay; an introduction to the coast at Étretat — shellfish gathering, kite flying and first sailing lessons from age 4.

For parents: the GR223 trail along the cliffs, local markets, cheeses, calvados — and, for those who wish, a visit to the D-Day beaches, a moving and educational experience suitable from late primary school age.

Journey from Nantes: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes by car to Caen, a little longer for the Cotentin Peninsula or the cliffs of Seine-Maritime.

Our recommendations for campsites for families with children aged 2 to 6 in Normandy:

1. Camping Yelloh! Village La Capricieuse

• Easy access to the beach, activities for children, great facilities.
• Close to Bayeux, Caen and D-Day beaches.

2. Camping Sandaya La Côte de Nacre

• Close to the beach, 5-star site, covered heated pool.
• Close to Ouistreham.

3. Camping Le Grand Large

• Quiet atmosphere, covered heated pool, great amenities, spectacular setting.
• Close to Cherbourg.

4. Camping Paradis Utah Beach

• Fantastic natural setting, large sand beach, pool, activities for the whole family.
• Next to one of the most famous D-Day spot.

5. Camping Sandaya L'Anse du Brick

• Heated pools, great views and natural setting, activities for the whole family.
• Close to Cherbourg.

→ See all our campsites in Normandy on Camping Direct

Côte Bleue (Bouches-du-Rhône, near Marseilles)

Why it’s a wise choice: less well-known and less crowded than the Côte d’Azur or the Languedoc, the Côte Bleue between Marseille and Martigues offers sheltered calanques, crystal-clear water, and campsites situated right on the coast — with the sea right on your doorstep, no car needed.

For Zoey (aged 2): access to calm waters in coves sheltered from the wind and waves, natural shade from the pine trees, and a slow, stress-free pace of life.

For Arthur (aged 6): snorkelling with a mask and snorkel from the age of 4–5 in very clear water, short coastal walks to neighbouring calanques, and authentic fishing villages just a few minutes’ walk away.

For parents: the feeling of a car-free holiday — the beach, a mini-market and a restaurant are all within walking distance, evenings by the water, and an unspoilt Provençal atmosphere.

Journey from Nantes: around 6 hours — it’s best to set off in the evening so the children can sleep in the car.

Our recommendations for campsites for families with children aged 2 to 6 near Marseilles:

1. Camping L’Arquet – La Côte Bleue

• 4-star site, direct access to the beach, paddling pool, mobile homes, activities for the whole family.
• Close to Martigues and the calanques.

2. Camping Les Tamaris

• By the sea, mobile homes, playground, activities for children, preserved estate.
• Close to Martigues and Côte Bleue.

3. Camping Le Neptune

• Family-friendly, direct access to the beach, mobile homes, quiet and safe vibe.
• Close to Carry-le-Rouet.

4. Camping Club Tikayan Les Palmiers

• 300 m from the beach, water park slides, paddling pool, mobile homes.
• Close to Hyères.

5. Camping Tikayan Clau Mar Jo

• 2 kms from the sea, water park slides, paddling pool, mobile homes.
• Close to Bormes-les-Mimosas.

→ See all our campsites near Marseilles on CampingDirect