If some of your best memories are of camping out under the stars, then you’re not alone. Many of us Brits find it hard to resist the freedom and fun a camping holiday offers the family.
While France might seem the obvious European destination for a camping adventure, let us invite you to look northwards to Belgium instead. From the coastal plains to the rugged hills of the Ardennes and beyond, this small nation offers enchanting cities to explore and breath-taking natural beauty that will rev up the kids’ imaginations.
And just like those fond holiday memories of Dad snoring in the tent and eating al fresco with new friends, we’ve also got some tales to tell of our parents losing their cool at the airport, too. So what better way to travel than to drive to Belgium? Pile the car high with your camping kit, take LeShuttle from Folkestone to Calais, and make some memories together this summer.
The best places to pitch up
Here’s our pick of the best campsites Belgium has to offer in 2019. Depending on how long you would like to drive for, we have listed them according to distance from Calais, starting with the closest. Enjoy!
Camping Nieuwpoort
Where in Belgium: Nieuwpoort, nr Ostend
Drive from Calais: 75.4km / 35mins
Cosy cabins and lush green grass are gloriously inviting for visitors to Camping Nieuwpoort | Credit:
Camping Nieuwpoort
You’ll get a warm welcome at Camping Nieuwpoort. After driving off the LeShuttle in Calais, it’s less than an hour along the coast on the A16 to this friendly site with great facilities. This is the campsite for your family if you’ve got a water baby or two to entertain. Ride your bikes along the scenic route to the sea or stay at camp and hit the outdoor pools and water slides. You can even hire kayaks. There’s so much to entertain everyone that you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Camping Jeugdstadion
Where in Belgium: Ieper (Ypres)
Drive from Calais: 94.4km / 1h 11m
History junkies should seriously consider Camping Jeugdstadion. Walk or hop in the car to Ieper (the Dutch city more commonly known by its French name ‘Ypres’) to visit the famed Menin Gate Memorial for those lost in the First World War. Take your bikes on the back of the car so you can tour around the immaculate cycle network. Although touched by tragic history this is some of the most beautiful countryside Belgium has to offer. Why not book into one of the cosy woodland cabins for a pocket-friendly and fun alternative to tents. Perfect for a late summer trip when the heat of the sun is waning.
Warning: customer reviews are resoundingly excellent, such is the quality of this campsite. However we must let you know that a factory in the near vicinity means this isn't a good choice for those looking for uninterrupted tranquillity.
Camping Memling
Where in Belgium: Bruges
Drive from Calais: 118km / 1h 25m
Sunset over the immaculately clean and tidy pitches at friendly Camping Memling | Credit:
Camping Memling
Camping Memling is a peaceful green haven surrounded by woodland and equipped with an indoor swimming pool to enjoy. It’s a well-organised, clean and spacious campsite that welcomes tents, caravans and motorhomes all year round. Now that would be tempting enough, but the real selling point is that Camping Memling is a short drive away from the medieval magic of Bruges. You could stay in Bruges on your way through, or head straight to Camping Memling and soak up everything this historic city has to offer over a series of day trips.
Camping Astrid
Where in Belgium: Bredene
Drive from Calais: 101.5km / 1h 23m
This is one for dog lovers! The beauty of travelling in your car using LeShuttle is you can bring Rover too. And the beauty of Camping Astrid is the dog beach within walking distance from this well-maintained site in the beautiful seaside town of Bredene. Go walking in the dunes (dogs on leads during high season) then take everyone to the popular tearoom Mdue, where they serve doggy-friendly ice cream. What a treat!
Camping Bonanza 1
Where in Belgium: Blankenberge
Drive from Calais: 130km / 1h 31m
The famous pier makes for an eye-catching sight on Blankenberge’s seafront
Camping Bonanza 1 is run by two sisters and is within easy reach of Blenkenberge town. This is a family beach paradise boasting the longest pier in Belgium and plenty of seafront cafes to enjoy a glass of the famous beer as you gaze out to sea. Those who love the countryside will have fun exploring the picturesque villages surrounding the site. After a hard day’s relaxing, round off the bliss with a delicious meal in the on-site bistro.
Camping Groenpark
Where in Belgium: Zele, nr Ghent
Drive from Calais: 170km / 1h 52m
Stroll along the river side in Ghent, Belgium’s reknowned ‘City of Beer'
Pitch up under the cooling shade of the pine trees, or if you’re in tents next to a tranquil lake, in this calm and peaceful campsite. The staff speak brilliant English, if like us your Dutch and German is a little rusty. Camping Groenpark is within easy reach of both Ghent and Antwerp. As Ghent is known as ‘The City Of Beer’ we recommend leaving the car behind, taking the bus and tram and making a day of it. Camping Groenpark is dog friendly, too, so man’s best friend can come along for the ride.
Camping Grimbergen
Where in Belgium: Grimbergen
Drive from Calais: 200.7km / 2h 8m
Small yet perfectly formed, Camping Grimbergen is a welcoming and spotlessly clean site. It’s perfect for those looking for a little bit of everything. Brussels city centre is a short car ride away, there are several good restaurants near the campsite, and 1 kilometre away is the Thermae Grimbergen – offering a spa, sauna, swimming pool and massages to release a years’ worth of tension. Look out for the immensely friendly black cat who lives on-site; according to past guests he likes to take a photo with visitors!
Camping De La Cascade
Where in Belgium: Coo
Drive from Calais: 344.8km / 3h 39m
Impressive view of Plopsa Coo Park from the top of the waterfalls
This one is a bit of a drive away, but trust us, when you get there it’s worth it. This is a superb mix of off-the-beaten-track combined with comfortable family and dog friendly camping. At Camping De La Cascade they have a campfire every night and you can cook your own pizzas in the oven outside. Next to the river and waterfalls, surrounded by the hills of Ardennes, we cannot think of anything more wonderful than enjoying your morning coffee as you dangle your feet in the water. Our recommendation is to get that playlist sorted for the car journey and head here for an idyllic summer camping holiday that you and the kids will adore.
Getting you on your way
If we have sold you on the idea of a camping holiday in Belgium then you can book your journey with LeShuttle using our Fare Finder. Veilige reizen!