Carcans – Camping Huttopia

Lake-side camping with pitches, fixed tents and cabins for hire west of Bordeaux

This is a favourite holiday haunt for Freewheeling France. We've camped here at the start of seasons when we've – literally – been the only ones camping, in the middle of summers when it's been busy with Dutch and German number plates in the car park, and on quieter weekends as summers have drawn to a close. We've been for single-night stays and week-long adventures and we've loved them all. Backing onto the shores of the lake at Carcans, it's a wonderful base if you're cycling along the Atlantic Coast. Nestled under the pine trees of Bombannes national forest in Carcans-Maubuisson, it has pitches for tents and campervans, as well as fixed tent options for people wanting a little more luxury. Toilet blocks are well-maintained. Bike available on site to hire. Outdoor pool. Yes, it's pricier than your standard municipal campsite, but it really is a nice set-up with an on-site food van, kids' playground and other little luxuries that provide a bit more than your usual 'pull-up and pitch' site. The local villages and school holiday camps often put concerts around the lake on Friday or Saturday nights on long weekends – these can be fun but just also a warning that the music can go on late.

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