Before this trip, most of our camping experience had been shaped by the U.S.
We’re used to national park and state park campgrounds — places that prioritize space, privacy, and nature. Campsites are spread out. You might see your neighbors, but you’re not living right on top of them. Amenities are minimal: bathrooms, maybe a picnic table, and not much else.
European campgrounds — at least the ones we stayed at while traveling with a large group — were very different.
Less Privacy, More Shared Space
The first thing we noticed was how close everything was.
European campgrounds don’t prioritize privacy in the same way U.S. campgrounds do. Sites are often right next to each other, with little separation.
Under normal circumstances, that might not be our preference.
But because we were traveling with a large group — and because community was one of the main reasons we chose this trip — the close quarters actually worked in our favor.
Being physically close made it easier to connect, linger, and feel like we were sharing space rather than just camping near each other.
Built Amenities We Weren’t Used To
European campgrounds also offered a level of built amenities that felt very different from what we’re accustomed to.
Across different sites, we encountered things like:
- Pools — some natural and pond-like, others with slides and play features
- Saunas
- Gyms
- Sports fields
- Ping pong tables, foosball tables, and trampolines
On paper, it was impressive. And in practice, many of these things were genuinely fun.
Location Still Mattered — Just in a Different Way
In addition to those amenities, many campgrounds were simply located in incredible places.
Some were adjacent to woods where kids could roam freely. Others had trails starting right from camp, following rivers or heading into the mountains. Some were on the shores of lakes or seas, with easy access to swimming and beaches.
That part felt more familiar to us — closer to what we’re used to at U.S. national park campgrounds.
And as it turned out, it mattered more than the amenities themselves.
What the Kids Actually Did
Despite the wide range of features available, the daily rhythm was remarkably consistent.
Kids would roll out of their campervans in the morning, find each other, and disappear.
Sometimes that meant the woods. Sometimes the river. Sometimes a field. Sometimes the beach. Sometimes it meant inventing elaborate games we never fully understood.
Ping pong tables and trampolines were fun. Pools were exciting. Saunas were a novelty.
But what really mattered was simply having space to explore, outdoors, with other kids.
The specific feature almost didn’t matter.
The Cost Question
These campgrounds were not cheap.
We often paid €50-100 per night, which initially felt expensive — especially compared to the kinds of campgrounds we’re used to in the U.S.
To be clear, the campgrounds were lovely. Well-maintained. Thoughtfully designed. Full of things to do.
But here’s the honest reflection we came away with:
I suspect we would have had almost as good an experience anywhere our whole group camped together — with or without most of the amenities.
Community Over Comfort
What made these campgrounds special wasn’t the pools, saunas, or facilities.
It was:
- being outside
- being together
- being in places where kids could roam
- being close enough that community happened naturally
The lack of privacy — something that might feel like a downside in other contexts — actually helped facilitate connection. That closeness — fewer barriers, fewer transitions, and more shared time — fits naturally with how we prefer to travel as a family.
Was It Nice to Have All the Extras?
Absolutely.
We enjoyed them. We used them. They made the days easy and fun.
But were they essential?
No.
If we did a similar trip again, we’d feel comfortable choosing:
- simpler campgrounds
- fewer amenities
- lower cost
As long as the core elements were there: shared outdoor space, room to explore, and community.
What This Taught Us About Frugality
This experience clarified something important for us.
Frugality isn’t about always choosing the cheapest option. It’s about understanding what actually creates value — and being willing to spend less on the things that don’t.
European campgrounds showed us that:
- built amenities can be fun
- but access to nature and people matters more
That insight will shape how we travel in the future.
