Of course, you can spend your entire camping vacation at the beach, by the pool, or on the patio. Nothing wrong with that—after all, it’s a vacation. Are you the active type who likes to lace up your hiking boots or bring your bikes along? Then these are the 13 best campgrounds for you.
Every year, camping specialist ACSI presents the ACSI Awards in various categories based on votes from approximately 100,000 European campers, including the best hiking and biking campsites. For cycling enthusiasts, here are 5 recommendations both at home and abroad, with the Buitenduin Campground in the Netherlands taking the top spot. The name says it all: this campground is located in Schoorl, right in the heart of the beautiful North Holland dunes. Of course, you can also rent bikes on-site, including tandems and cargo bikes. In Belgium, Zilvermeer Campground in Mol (Antwerp province) is the best choice for campers who love cycling, while in Denmark, Bryrup Camping is the place to go. The latter is situated in the heart of the Danish lake district near the city of Silkeborg and is therefore perfect for a bike ride through the water- and forest-rich countryside.
Cycling in Austria and Italy
In Austria, Camp MondSeeLand was this year’s winner of the ACSI Award for best cycling campground, located between Lakes Irrsee and Mondsee and offering an impressive view of the mountain landscape. What’s more, this campground is close to Salzburg, the city of Mozart. A little further south on the map of Europe, Del Sole Village campground—located on the enchanting Lake Iseo and right next to the town of the same name—is Italy’s best cycling campground. You can explore the beautiful surroundings and picturesque villages by (electric) bike—which are also available for rent at the campground—or venture off the beaten path into the hills on a mountain bike.
Hiking in Luxembourg, Germany, and Sweden
Relatively close to home, hikers will find a great spot at Camping de la Sûre in Reisdorf, Luxembourg, on the edge of the Müllerthal. Here you’ll find well-maintained hiking trails through impressive landscapes and charming villages. If you’re traveling to Germany, be sure not to miss Camping Braunlage in the Harz National Park, because from here you can not only enjoy wonderful hikes in the surrounding forests, but there are also beautiful marked trails up to 22 kilometers long. In Sweden, First Camp Hökensås, located in the heart of the nature reserve of the same name, is the winner of the 2026 ACSI Award. For hiking and nature enthusiasts, this is Scandinavia at its best, with vast forests and crystal-clear lakes.
The Alps, the Vosges, and Southern Europe
Located in the canton of Valais in the Swiss Alps, Camping des Glaciers offers direct access to a wide selection of stunning hiking trails at an elevation of about 1,600 meters above sea level. You can even embark on a multi-day hike toward Mont Blanc from here. For a slightly more rolling landscape than the Alps, hikers in France will enjoy staying at Camping Porte des Vosges in the Vosges Mountains. From the campground, you can walk right into the peaceful surroundings, passing fields and bodies of water. The Spanish winner of the ACSI Award for best hiking campground is Camping Ametlla on the Costa Dorada near Tarragona; in Portugal, Lima Escapein Peneda-Gerês National Park is the top choice for hiking enthusiasts; and finally, Plitvice Holiday Resort is the place to go in Croatia.
Curious to see what else there is to discover? ACSI will also be at the upcoming Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs. Their specialists are ready to answer your questions and inspire you!
