One of my earliest childhood memories is waking up in a rain-soaked tent in a field and watching a line of ants making their way across the floor.
The year was 1995, I was five years old and my family and I were at a Eurocamp in northern France for a camping holiday.
While I have plenty of happy memories from that trip - from building sandcastles on the beach to making friends with fellow campers - I wasn’t exactly in a hurry to return. I mean, why would you when air conditioning and all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets exist?
But now I have a little one of my own, holidays look a little different. Cost and convenience are now firmly at the top of my list, with splash pads taking priority over spas.
So, 30 years after my first foray into camping, I decided to give it another go - and discovered that camping holidays have had a serious glow-up.
We booked through Eurocamp and stayed in two sites over 10 days, both located in Normandy and easily accessible by ferry from England’s south coast.
A world away from gas fires and folding tables (although those are still available for those who fancy braving the elements), we were treated to fully kitted-out cabins complete with Wi-Fi, veranda decking - and, yes, air conditioning.
My verdict after 10 days? After years of cushty hotel holidays, I’m officially a glamping convert and have already started planning my next trip.
And with prices starting at less than £50 per night out of season, it’s perfect for families who don’t want to get stitched up by school holiday price hikes.
So if you’re interested in trying out Eurocamp, but don’t know where to start, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Eurocamp?
Formerly known as Key Camp, Eurocamp is a major franchise operating in over 400 sites (known as ‘parcs’) across Europe. With a choice between cabins, lodges and tents, it’s camping with all of your creature comforts - plus a load of extras.
When it comes to cabins, depending on your parc of choice there are four comfort levels to choose from, ranging from Classic (basic) to Ultimate Plus (bougie).
We went for Ultimate (massive respect to anyone who doesn’t mind sipping coffee from a Thermos or running through a field for a midnight wee, you’re built of stronger stuff than me).
First and foremost, it’s a family-friendly holiday choice so if you’re after a relaxing read by the pool or romantic dinner spots then this might not be for you. But with that said, some sites are quieter than others - and we spotted a handful of holidaying couples who were happy to soak up the lively atmosphere.
The two parcs we stayed in were a kids’ paradise; from multiple swimming pools to water slides, playgrounds, entertainment and bouncy castles open all day every day (and that’s just for toddlers), you could happily pass a couple of days on site without getting bored - though you might need to nip out to the local supermarket as the on-site shops are somewhat basic in what they stock.
While Eurocamp operates in 12 countries, we went for France for its price and convenience. France famously does camping well too - whether it’s freshly-baked pastries for breakfast, spotless shower cubicles or playgrounds installed in bar areas (genius), no detail is overlooked and it makes for a relaxing stay without all the bells and whistles.
Plus, if you’re visiting with small children you can rest assured that you’re never going to feel like a nuisance to other guests (something we’ve previously found in more upmarket resorts).
Normandy's sandy white beaches are a hit with families (LADbible)
How do I choose which campsite to visit?
There’s a huge array of parcs to choose from, so checking out the local climate is a sensible first port of call (especially if you’re visiting out of season - we were blessed with a June heatwave but it could have gone either way). Be warned that not all outdoor pools will be open all year long, especially in poor weather.
You’ll also want to have a think about travel options.
Northern France is connected to southern England by more than six ferry ports, making driving a great option if you don’t fancy the stress of flying. But if you’re travelling from further north - or want to head further afield, there are plenty of parcs situated near southern Europe’s international airports (like Barcelona and Lisbon to name a few).
Lastly, parcs are divided into three categories; Campsites (peaceful), Villages (more lively) and Resorts (with a focus on entertainment, waterparks and fun).
The latter might appeal more to big groups, whereas couples will likely prefer relaxing for a quieter stay. If you’re travelling with kids, some parcs are tagged as toddler-friendly - handy for those wanting splash pads and playgrounds.
How much does Eurocamp cost?
Depending on what sort of accommodation you’re after (and how many bedrooms) this will vary hugely, but a static home like the ones we stayed in will set you back anywhere between £40 and £350 per night.
Alternatively you can save money by bringing your own equipment such as bed linen, towels and baby equipment (which are otherwise available to hire).
Eurocamp La Vallée, Normandy
The lowdown: Set in a scenic valley as the name suggests, expect sweeping views of rolling hills and fresh sea air (we could even see the coastal horizon from our veranda). With two pools (including one indoors), a huge splash pad (sadly unheated - brrr) and multiple water slides, the water park was a firm favourite with my two-year-old.
He was also a big fan of La Vallée's two playgrounds and on-site bouncy castle, and loved making friends with the other kids running around the parc.
But our favourite part was undoubtedly eating al fresco dinner prepared on the BBQ provided with our cabin.
As well as the pretty seaside town of Houlgate, it’s a short drive from the picturesque Dives-sur-Mer and the upmarket Deauville.
We also made the most of a grey and rainy day with a trip to a local working farm (Ferme pédagogique du Lieu-Roussel) complete with roaming pigs, goats and tractor rides - just make sure you brush up on your GCSE French if you’re planning to visit as you’ll struggle to get by on English.
The site: 372 pitches (a mixture of spaces for tents and vans, and static homes) rented out by a number of holiday park operators including Eurocamp.
Nearest town: Houlgate and its sprawling sandy beaches are a 15-minute walk but parking is free if you prefer to drive. There you’ll have access to public toilets, showers and an ice cream kiosk without having to set foot off the sandy strip.
Travel: Half an hour’s drive from Caen ferry port or an hour from Le Havre (both make crossings from Portsmouth). Once you’re there, it’s easy to get around on foot with the town a stone’s throw - or you can hire a bike for around €13 per person per day.
Facilities: Two pools (one indoor, one outdoor) plus water slides and a splash pad; a bar-restaurant; a supermarket with bakery; two playgrounds; a kids’ club and multiple sports courts.
Eurocamp Château Lez-Eaux, Normandy
The lowdown: Built around a picturesque crumbling château on a small fishing lake, Château Lez-Eaux feels more like a small hamlet than a campsite. It’s got a small, on-site grocery store which stocks all the essentials plus your daily baked goods (beware, it closes at lunchtime along with A LOT of places in France).
We loved the cosy bar area that backs onto a stunning outdoor area overlooking the lake, this is a favourite in summertime - expect to pay around €6 for a pint of draught beer and €7 for a medium house wine. There’s also a fast food kiosk where you can pick up fries or pizza in the evening - perfect after a day at the beach.
The site: 229 pitches make this one of the smaller camps
Nearest town: Saint-Pair-sur-Mer is the nearest major town and it’s a five-minute drive or a longer, hour-long walk. Its buzzy beach boasts clean white sand and a seawater pool at low tide. Set alongside a modest strip of restaurants and bars, it’s a steep walk down to the shore (and up again!) so bear this in mind if you’re taking loads of gear with you.
Travel: You’ll want a car for this one, as the nearest town and train station is 2.3km away. Your nearest ferry port is St Malo (about a 90-minute drive), with Dinard airport nearby.
Facilities: A massive indoor pool complex, complete with splash pads and water slides, means the weather isn’t going to hold you back. Outside, a brand-new pool area is perfect for sunbathing and the fishing lake is popular with visitors. There are sports pitches, two playgrounds and a small petting farm which is a hit with little ones.
Unity Blott