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What you will love at campsites with your baby
What you will love at campsites with your baby
- Nature as a playground: a sandpit by the pitch, a paddling pool in the shade, or collecting leaves — nature offers endless sensory stimulation (touching, hearing, seeing) and supports motor development.
- Flexible routines — without stress: naps in the pushchair or tent, feeding breaks under trees, or early bedtimes — there are no rigid hotel schedules when camping.
- Fresh air & better sleep: babies often sleep more deeply outdoors (for example, in a travel cot with a mosquito net).
- Easy social interaction — for parents & child: on family-friendly campsites, it’s easy to meet other parents and share experiences.
- Greater control over hygiene: you can prepare baby food yourself using your own cooking equipment and have everything within easy reach.
Top destinations for families with infants
Holiday ideas for camping with a baby
Enjoy awalk through forest of the Hoge Kempen National parkin Belgium
Take a gentle walk through the dunes and along the beach near Ouddorp.
Enjoy a relaxed stroll along the promenade or the cliff viewpoints at Étretat.
Go for awalk along the coastal paths of the Côtes d'Armor.
Naturally, travelling with a young child requires a bit of extra preparation, but that doesn’t mean everything has to be perfectly organised. With the right campsite and a bit of flexibility, you can already go a long way.
A campsite that suits your family
Campsites vary greatly in layout and atmosphere. When travelling with a baby, many parents choose a place that is easy to get around and where facilities are not spread too far apart.
Think of:
- A logical layout of the campsite
- Short walking distances
- Plenty of shade and space on the pitch or around the rental accommodation
Whether you choose a quiet nature campsite or a larger family campsite, the most important thing is that the environment is comfortable and practical.
Facilities for babies and toddlers
More and more campsites cater for families with babies and toddlers. You will often find facilities that make your stay that bit easier, such as:
- Baby rooms where you can change your child, give them a bath and warm up a bottle. Especially useful when camping with a tent or caravan.
- Sanitary facilities with low sinks and children’s toilets
- Rental of cots and high chairs
Not every campsite offers these extras, but they can make your stay more comfortable — especially if you are staying longer or want to travel light. The campsites selected on this page have specific baby facilities.
Swimming pools and play
A swimming pool is fun, but with a baby it is mainly about gently getting used to the water. A shallow pool or a small water play area is often more than enough.
A large playground or entertainment programme is not really necessary at this age. A quiet space to move around and explore is usually sufficient.
Campsite pitch or accommodation
The choice of accommodation mainly depends on what you are used to and what you find comfortable.
Camping pitches are suitable if you are experienced with camping and enjoy being close to nature. In this case, look for a shaded pitch and, for example, proximity to sanitary facilities. You can also choose a campsite where you can book private sanitary facilities for your pitch.
Rental accommodation such as mobile homes, bungalows or glamping units offers more comfort: a private bathroom, kitchen and separate sleeping area. In some cases, there is even air conditioning, which can provide welcome relief during the hot summer months.
Both options work well — it mainly comes down to personal preference.
Practical things that make a difference
In addition to facilities, there are a number of practical aspects that help make your stay with a baby more relaxed:
- Accessible paths for pushchairs around the accommodation
- Short distances between your accommodation and facilities
- A supermarket or shop on or near the campsite
Something that is often underestimated is that shade and natural cooling on the campsite itself can make a big difference, especially during hot summer days.
Why camping works well with a baby
Camping actually fits surprisingly well with life with a young child. You benefit from:
- Plenty of time outdoors
- A calm environment
- Flexibility in how you structure your day
With the right campsite, it becomes a practical and relaxing way to spend your holiday.
The best destinations for families with a baby
Normandy, France
Normandy is one of the easiest and most practical options for a first camping trip with a baby from the UK. Short travel times, no extreme heat, and minimal disruption make it very appealing.
Campsites often cater specifically to younger children, beaches are clean and spacious, and the countryside offers gentle outings — think apple orchards, cheese farms, and historic villages — perfect for short trips that fit around a baby’s routine.
Travel from the UK: ferry to Caen, Cherbourg or Le Havre, or Eurotunnel to Calais followed by a drive (typically 1–3.5 hours depending on the route).
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the easiest and most baby-friendly destinations for UK families. Campsites are exceptionally well organised, clean, and often designed with young children in mind. You’ll find excellent facilities such as family bathrooms, indoor play areas (useful in changeable weather), and safe, flat surroundings.
The coastline offers wide sandy beaches, while inland regions provide peaceful, green landscapes perfect for buggy walks and cycling paths. Distances are short, making it easy to explore without long travel days.
Travel from the UK: ferry (e.g. Harwich–Hook of Holland) followed by a drive between 0.5 and 2.5 hours or Eurotunnel to Calais followed by a 2.5 to 4.5 hours’ drive depending on the region.
Brittany, France
Brittany is one of the most popular family destinations within easy reach of the UK — and is particularly well suited for babies. The key advantage is the climate: summer temperatures are milder than in the Mediterranean, helping to avoid overheated afternoons and restless nights.
Beaches are wide and sandy, bays are often calm, and the region’s camping culture is strongly geared towards young families. Brittany is also known for its exceptionally clean coastline, with many beaches awarded the Blue Flag.
Travel from the UK: ferry crossings (e.g. Portsmouth–St Malo, Plymouth–Roscoff) or Eurotunnel to northern France, then a manageable drive (typically 3–6 hours depending on the route).
Belgium (Flanders & Ardennes)
Belgium is an underrated but very convenient option for a first camping trip with a baby. Flanders offers flat landscapes, family-friendly campsites and easy access to the coast, while the Ardennes provide a quieter, more nature-focused setting with forests and gentle rivers.
It is compact, easy to navigate, and ideal if you want to avoid long journeys or extreme heat. Many campsites are small-scale and peaceful — perfect for maintaining a baby’s routine.
Travel from the UK: Eurotunnel or short ferry crossing, then typically a 0.5 to 2.5 hours’ drive depending on the region.
Questions parents with a baby often ask
From what age can you go camping with a baby?
There is no minimum age. Many families travel with infants from as young as two to three months. What matters is not the baby’s age, but the campsite facilities: air-conditioned accommodation with a separate children’s bedroom, baby package on request, changing facilities in the sanitary areas, and a quiet, safe environment.
Is the baby package included at all listed campsites?
No — conditions vary from site to site. At some campsites, the baby package is included in the accommodation price; at others, it is available for a small fee. Exact details are provided in each campsite description. We recommend reserving the baby package at the same time as the accommodation — availability is limited.
How far in advance should I book for July or August?
For peak season weeks, we recommend booking from January onwards. Mobile homes with a separate children’s bedroom and baby package are the first to be fully booked at all baby-friendly campsites in this selection.
What if my baby becomes ill during the holiday?
Choose a campsite near a town with basic medical services — a GP or pharmacy within a 15-minute drive. This is not always explicitly mentioned in campsite descriptions, but can easily be checked via the map function on our website. In France and Italy, pharmacies are usually open daily, even in summer.
Your checklist before booking — camping with a baby
Accommodation
- Mobile home with separate children’s bedroom — confirm explicitly when booking
- Air conditioning available — clarify conditions before booking
- Ask about blackout options in the children’s bedroom
- Terrace with enclosure for crawling or walking babies — confirm directly with the campsite
Baby package
- Reserve the baby package at the same time as accommodation
- Confirm contents: cot, high chair, changing mat, baby bath
Swimming area
- Separate toddler pool with maximum 30 cm water depth
- Shaded lounging areas directly next to the toddler pool
- Supervised swimming area during all opening hours
Everyday needs
- Family bathroom with changing table in sanitary facilities
- Campsite shop with nappies and SPF 50 sun cream — or a supermarket nearby
- Fresh bread available daily
- Restaurant with children’s menu and service from 6:30 pm or earlier
Travel planning
- Book for July/August from January
- Plan an overnight stop if travel time exceeds 5 hours
- Check for a GP or pharmacy within 15 minutes via map function
Conclusion
Choosing a campsite with a baby doesn’t have to be complicated. By looking at the layout, facilities and type of accommodation in advance, you’ll soon get a good idea of what suits you best.
Whether you opt for a simple camping pitch, a safaritent or comfortable mobile home: with the right preparation, camping becomes an accessible and enjoyable holiday for the whole family. Browse the selection here on Camping Direct using the filters and book.
5 frequently asked questions from parents travelling with newborn kids
At what age can you go on a camping holiday with a newborn baby?
There is no minimum age requirement. Most of the families involved stay for two or three months or more.
More important than the age of the newborn baby is the campsite’s facilities: air-conditioned accommodation with a separate room for the baby, a baby kit available on request, nappy-changing tables in the toilet blocks, and a quiet and safe environment.
Is the baby kit included with bookings at all the campsites featured in the Camping Direct selection?
No, the terms and conditions vary from one campsite to another. At some campsites, the baby kit is included in the price of accommodation, whilst at others it is available for an additional charge.
The specific terms and conditions are set out in the descriptions for each campsite. We recommend booking the baby kit at the same time as your accommodation, as availability is often limited.
How early in advance do I need to book for July and August?
For weeks during the high season, it is advisable to book as early as January.
Mobile homes with a separate bedroom for children and a baby kit are generally the types of accommodation that book up the quickest at campsites suitable for families with babies.
Can I filter for campsites suitable for a holiday with a baby?
Yes. Using the filters above the list of campsites, you can select sites based on criteria specifically designed for families travelling with babies.
What happens if my baby gets ill whilst on holiday?
It is advisable to choose a campsite located near a town or city with essential medical facilities, such as a doctor’s surgery or a chemist’s, which can be reached in under 15 minutes by car.
This aspect is not always explicitly mentioned in the campsite descriptions, but it can easily be checked using the map feature on the website.
