Camping in the Dordogne Valley, France

Camping in the Heart of the Dordogne: A Guide to an Unforgettable Experience

If you’re dreaming of a camping holiday that combines natural beauty, rich history, and family-friendly fun, look no further than the Dordogne region in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine area of France. Nestled in the heart of the Périgord Noir, this stunning region offers a variety of campsites perfect for every kind of traveller. From luxury mobile homes to charming medieval villages, here’s your guide to making the most of your Dordogne camping adventure.

Discover the Dordogne Valley and Its Stunning Landscapes

With its lush greenery and picturesque riverbanks, the Dordogne Valley is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you stay in a luxury mobile home or a cosy camping pitch, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. The banks of the Dordogne River and the Vézère Valley offer panoramic views and a range of outdoor activities, from canoe trips on the cleanest river to hikes through wooded areas.

Family-Friendly Fun and Relaxation

The Dordogne offers a plethora of activities for families. Campsites like Saint Avit Loisirs and Le Paradis are ideal bases for a family holiday, featuring excellent aquatic complexes, including heated swimming pools, paddling pools, and play areas. These star-rated campsites provide a perfect mix of relaxation and fun, with options for younger children and even baby areas.

The surrounding area is rich with local products, including the famous foie gras, which you can sample at local markets or on-site at your campsite. And don’t forget to treat yourself to some delicious ice cream as you explore the beautiful villages.

Explore Medieval and Prehistoric Wonders

The Dordogne is a treasure trove of historical sites. A visit to medieval castles such as Château de Castelnaud and the picturesque village of La Roque-Gageac is a must. The region’s medieval heritage is evident throughout, from the charming streets of Les Eyzies to the stunning medieval villages dotted along the Dordogne and Vézère rivers.

For a deeper dive into history, the Lascaux Caves offer an extraordinary glimpse into prehistoric times with their remarkable cave paintings. The Gouffre de Padirac provides a thrilling underground adventure, showcasing the region’s natural beauty from a unique perspective.

Choosing Your Campsite: From Luxury to Small-Scale

Whether you’re looking for a small-scale campsite or a luxury experience, the Dordogne has options to suit every preference. Sunêlia campsites offer a range of accommodations, from safari tents to fully-equipped mobile homes. Many sites are in idyllic locations, providing easy access to the region’s natural surroundings and historical sites.

Consider the Périgord Blanc and Périgord Vert for a tranquil escape, or the Périgord Pourpre and Périgord Noir for a more vibrant experience. The selection of campsites in these areas ensures you’ll find the perfect place for your needs, whether after a relaxing stay or an active holiday. Have a look below for some ideas to add to your camping Dordogne carte.

Recommended Places for Camping in Dordogne

Camping Les Nauves, Pays-de-Belvès

One beautiful campsite in the heart of the Dordogne is Camping Les Nauves. Located just a short drive between the villages of Belvès and Monpazier. The closest airport is Bergerac, which is just 50 minutes away by car. 

This camping holds many childhood memories, as we used to have a permanent plot there. What we loved the most was the welcoming atmosphere in a peaceful location surrounded by nature. We would often see deer, squirrels, and birds, and there was a good area for bird spotting. 

On a clear night, the camping location is perfect for those wanting to stargaze. You’ll definitely see some shooting stars here right above your camping spot. 

The campsite offers many different types of accommodations, including pitches for your own transport. It also has free Wi-Fi and services like toilets and showers, a laundry area, and BBQs. Prices vary depending on the type of accommodation and season you visit, so it is best to check the latest prices on its website.

The camping is also very child-friendly, with space for children to play in the park, heated swimming pools, a games room, a kids’ club, and sports facilities.

While visiting for at least a weekend is enjoyable, we recommend spending at least 1 to 2 weeks here. The location is perfect for exploring the Dordogne with local activities like canoeing, visiting the summer markets in Bergerac and Sarlat, and discovering local castles like Château des Milandes. 

Contributed by Zoe from Together In Switzerland

Camping Bastide, Sainte-Foy-La-Grande

A serene camping destination nestled on the edge of the Dordogne River. It offers a peaceful and scenic environment for a relaxing getaway. Located just 500 meters from the nearest town, Sainte-Foy-La-Grande, it provides easy access to local shops and amenities while maintaining a tranquil atmosphere.

The campsite has a range of facilities designed to enhance your stay. There’s an outdoor pool perfect for cooling off during warmer months, a games room, and a play area to entertain families. A laundry room with a washing machine and dryer is available for added convenience, and Wi-Fi access is provided in select areas.

Guests can enjoy on-site bicycle rentals, making exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby towns easy. Wine and beer are also available at reception, adding to the relaxation experience.

Accommodation options include mobile homes and pitches to suit different preferences. There are two one-bedroom mobile homes, four two-bedroom units, and four three-bedroom options, all well-equipped for a comfortable stay. For those preferring a more traditional camping experience, the site offers 24 comfort pitches, four premium pitches, and four standard pitches, providing flexibility based on your camping needs.

Camping de la Bastide is an ideal location to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the convenience of nearby amenities and a range of on-site features for a memorable holiday.

Camping Maisonneuve, Castlenaud-La-Chapelle

A stress-free vacation in the heart of the Périgord, where every detail is taken care of to ensure your comfort. Nestled beside the crystal-clear Céou River, this charming site is perfect for those seeking a balance of relaxation and activity.

The camping grounds feature a large, heated, overflowing pool with a maximum depth of 1.40m, a shallow paddling pool for children, and a spacious 500m² tiled poolside area with sun loungers and shaded sections. Open from April to October, the pool is heated to a comfortable 26°C. For nature lovers, the river provides a clean swimming zone accessible to all campers. With 50 riverfront pitches offering private access, you can enjoy the tranquillity of the running water, which also prevents drought and mosquito issues.

Camping Maisonneuve offers many amenities, including a restaurant and bar. The restaurant is open from late June to September, serving meals daily in the evenings and providing lunch on weekends. A children’s menu and weekly special meals on Tuesdays add to the variety. You can dine in or take your food for a picnic within the 6-hectare grounds. The bar, open from April to October, is perfect for unwinding with friends and family in the evenings.

The on-site grocer’s shop offers organic products, fresh bread, and regional delicacies such as foie gras and Monbazillac wine for those seeking convenience. A work-friendly area with Wi-Fi and charging stations and a self-service library with multilingual books ensure all guests can stay connected and entertained.

The campsite’s modern facilities include three fully renovated bathroom blocks with individual showers, laundry stations, and amenities for young children. One block remains heated for off-season guests, and special attention is given to cleanliness and accessibility, including facilities for guests with disabilities.

Camping Maisonneuve is located in the Céou Valley, surrounded by various activities such as canoeing, horse riding, tree climbing, mini-golf, and more. Local attractions are easily accessible, providing opportunities to explore the Périgord region’s natural beauty and historic sites.

Recommended by Linda, who runs Le Pommier Gite in Riberac.

Camping Paradis in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère

An idyllic 5-star retreat set between the serene Vézère River and the lush, peaceful Côte de Jor hill, the campsite is a Natura 2000-certified area. Surrounded by rich vegetation, it blends luxurious services with a deep connection to nature, offering a truly immersive experience in the heart of the Périgord Noir, near renowned sites like Lascaux, Sarlat, and Les Eyzies.

At Camping Paradis, relaxation and well-being are at the core of the experience. Guests can unwind in the heated indoor pool, maintained at a comfortable 27°C when the campsite opens, ensuring a refreshing swim regardless of the weather. The pool area also features a dedicated spa with a hammam, sauna, and jacuzzi. With views of the campsite’s tropical gardens, it offers a tranquil escape. Access to the spa is included in the stay for guests over 12, adding an extra layer of luxury to the holiday.

Outdoors, the tropical garden with banana trees and two heated pools provides a cool oasis, perfect for swimming and relaxing on sunbeds in the shade. For families, the Splashpad and shaded paddling pool offer safe and fun water play areas for children.

For those seeking deeper relaxation, the on-site professional masseuse, Pé, offers Thai massages tailored to each individual’s needs. Her salon, conveniently located at the entrance to the indoor pool area, enhances the overall wellness experience.

Camping Paradis also provides access to the peaceful Vézère River, where guests can hire canoes or enjoy quiet moments of fishing. Early risers may even spot wildlife such as ducks, herons, or kingfishers. The wooden jetty offers direct access to river activities, making exploring the aquatic environment with family or friends easy.

The accommodation options are diverse, catering to every preference. Camping pitches are available for motorhomes, caravans, campervans, and tents, offering a comfortable, spacious, and green setting. For those seeking more comfort, the cottages and holiday homes provide a relaxing stay close to the river or the water park. There are even glamping options for those looking to blend the charm of camping with the comfort of a cottage.

Whether enjoying an active day by the river or simply soaking in the beauty of the surrounding countryside, Camping Paradis offers a perfect blend of nature, luxury, and relaxation for a memorable holiday.

Camping Perpetuum in Domme

A relaxing, nature-filled retreat in the Dordogne, the campsite offers a blend of convenience and recreation for a perfect vacation. Located just 8 km from Sarlat, it provides direct access to the Dordogne River, and sandy beaches are within walking distance.

A stay at Camping Perpetuum begins with the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries from the on-site bakery, delivered daily by a skilled artisan. The campsite’s bar and snack bar make it easy to enjoy meals and refreshments, helping you fully relax during your stay.

The aquatic area features two pools, including a heated one from May and a paddling pool with a fun mushroom sprinkler for the little ones. Sunbathing and lounging by the pool are favourite pastimes, with plenty of space to unwind under the Dordogne sun.

For those who love to stay active, the campsite offers a variety of activities, including a multisport court, a petanque court, and direct access to the river, perfect for swimming or simply enjoying nature. A sandy beach by the river, just 300 metres from the campsite, provides a scenic spot to relax or splash in the water.

In July and August, the campsite hosts numerous family-friendly animations. The schedule is presented every Sunday evening during a welcome drink, where guests can get to know the team and plan their activities. Whether you prefer leisurely relaxation or active fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Camping Perpetuum offers a range of mobile home rentals, accommodating up to six people. With options from 21m² to 33m², each mobile home is equipped with a semi-covered terrace for outdoor meals and relaxation. Barbecues are allowed near the terrace, which is perfect for grilling and enjoying the countryside ambience.

Pet-free rentals ensure those with allergies or asthma can relax in a comfortable, allergen-free environment. Nearby pitches are available for families or groups, allowing everyone to stay close while enjoying privacy and tranquillity.

Camping Perpetuum is an ideal destination for enjoying the beauty of the Dordogne River. It is easy to access swimming spots, natural surroundings, and the historic charm of Sarlat, which is just a short drive away.

Recommended by Parc St.Vincent near Bordeaux

Le Grand Dague, Atur

Camping Le Grand Dague near Boulazac-Isle-Manoire offers a luxurious and tranquil escape in the heart of the Périgord Blanc, just a stone’s throw from Périgueux. Awarded the Green Key label, this 5-star campsite is perfect for families, offering top-tier amenities and various activities.

Guests can stay in premium mobile homes, glamping tents, or campsite pitches amidst lush greenery, each with a terrace to enjoy the surrounding nature. The premium areas, such as Vesone and Cyrano, provide peaceful, pedestrian-only zones with modern, comfortable accommodations, making them ideal for families and couples.

A major highlight of Le Grand Dague is its water park. Featuring multiple pools, a lagoon, a whirlpool, and thrilling waterslides, the park ensures fun for all ages. Kids can enjoy pirate-themed adventures in the paddling pool, while adults can relax on the solarium terrace or cool off in the heated outdoor pool. The wild river waterslide and multi-lane slides add to the excitement.

The campsite also offers a range of free entertainment programs for children and teens. The Kids Club (5-7 years), Juniors Club (8-12 years), and Teens Club (13-17 years) keep younger guests engaged with creative workshops, treasure hunts, sports tournaments, and mini-discos. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy the outdoor sports grounds and the air trampoline or unwind in the serene environment.

The campsite’s bar, restaurants, and shops cater to everyday needs, with fresh bread and pastries delivered daily by a local baker. For those who love exploring, the trails around the campsite offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, and even river cruises on the Isle. A visit to nearby Périgueux, with its Gallo-Roman history, medieval streets, and famous Saint-Front Cathedral, provides a delightful cultural experience.

With its high-end services, natural surroundings, and range of activities, Le Grand Dague is an ideal destination for a family holiday in the Dordogne.

Recommended by Brie, Family Camping Europe

Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds

During the high season, the Dordogne comes alive with events and activities, while the low season offers a more peaceful experience. No matter when you visit, the heart of the Dordogne provides an ideal starting point for exploring the region’s natural beauty and rich history. With a range of star-rated campsites, beautiful villages, and unforgettable experiences, your Dordogne camping trip will surely be memorable.

So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in one of mainland France’s most beautiful regions. From exploring medieval castles to enjoying the excellent aquatic complexes and sampling local delicacies, the Dordogne is a paradise for campers.