Just imagine: Crawling out of your tent in the morning, jumping straight into the cool water and starting the day with your favorite water sport. Sounds fantastic, doesn't it? The combination of camping and water sports is the perfect vacation mix for many outdoor enthusiasts. Here you can find out all about the best campsites with water sports facilities, what you should look out for when choosing and what equipment will make your water sports experience perfect.
Table of contents:
Where can campers find the best water sports facilities?
What makes a perfect campsite for water sports enthusiasts?
What should water sports enthusiasts consider when choosing camping equipment?
Conclusion
Where can campers find the best water sports facilities?
The search for the ideal campsite for water sports enthusiasts can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are some real gems in Europe that are guaranteed to make your mouth water!
| Campsite | Region | Water sports facilities | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Water fun" | Lake Constance, Germany | SUP, sailing, windsurfing | Own jetty, spacious pitches directly on the shore |
| "Aqua Funpark | Friesland, Holland | Kayaking, surfing, sailing | Vacation park with direct access to the lake area |
| "Wave fun" | Baltic Sea coast, Germany | Swimming, SUP, kitesurfing | Heated swimming pool, terraced pitches with sea views |
| "Azur Waves" | South of France | Surfing, windsurfing, snorkeling | Own surf school, shady pitches under pine trees |
| "Rapids" | Austria | Rafting, kayaking, white water sports | River access, campsite's own sauna |
The "Wasserspaß" campsite on Lake Constance is an absolute insider tip. There are spacious pitches right on the shore, from where you can get your SUP board into the water in just a few steps. Particularly practical: the campsite has its own jetty for sailors and windsurfers.
Holland is also a paradise for camping with water sports. The "Aqua Funpark" vacation park in Friesland scores with direct access to an extensive lake area. Here you can go kayaking in the morning, surfing at lunchtime and enjoy a barbecue in the evening - all without having to get in the car.
The "Wellenspaß" campsite on the Baltic Sea is perfect for families. In addition to access to the sea, it also has a heated swimming pool, which ensures bathing fun even when the weather is typically North German. The pitches are laid out in terraces so that you can enjoy the sea view from your motorhome.
In the south of France, the "Azur Waves" campsite not only impresses with its Mediterranean flair, but also with its own surf school. There are shady pitches under pine trees right on the beach - it couldn't be better!
The "Rapids" campsite in Austria is a must for white water fans. The river rushes by just a few meters from the pitch, the perfect starting point for rafting and kayaking tours. And after the adrenaline rush, you can relax in the campsite's own sauna.
What makes a perfect campsite for water sports enthusiasts?
Camping and water sports - it's like chips and ketchup: simply the perfect combination! As a water sports enthusiast, you don't want to spend ages driving to the nearest lake or river, you want to be able to get straight from the breakfast table into the boat.
Checklist: What makes a water sports-friendly campsite?
- ✅ Direct waterfront location - Ideally, the pitch should be right on the water
- ✅ Suitable water type - depending on the sport: calm lake for SUP, windy lake for surfers, flowing waters for kayakers
- ✅ Infrastructure - slipways, jetties, boat ramps or shallow entrances to the water
- ✅ Sufficiently large pitches - space for equipment and drying
- ✅ Specialized offers - water sports schools, rental stations, repair service
- ✅ Safety - lifeguards, marked areas, up-to-date weather information
The most important factor for a successful water sports vacation is definitely the location of the campsite. Ideally, it should be right on the water - and on the right type of water for your preferred sport. If you are an avid windsurfer, you need a campsite on a lake with a reliable wind. For kayakers, campsites on quiet rivers or sheltered bays are ideal.
The quality of the pitches also plays a decisive role. As a water sports enthusiast, you usually have more luggage with you than the average camper. Spacious, paved pitches with enough space for your equipment are therefore worth their weight in gold. Some campsites even offer special water sports pitches with extra storage space for boards and boats.
The infrastructure of the campsite should also not be underestimated. Is there a shallow entrance to the water? Are there jetties or slipways? What about showers on the beach to rinse off the salt water? These details can make your water sports vacation much more enjoyable.
Different types of water offer different possibilities. Inland lakes often offer calmer conditions, ideal for beginners or stand-up paddling. Lake districts such as in Mecklenburg offer varied tours for kayakers. Campsites right on the water are particularly practical because you don't have to lug your heavy equipment far and can spontaneously get into the water at any time when the conditions are perfect.
Campsites on rivers with gentle currents or in sheltered bays are particularly suitable for kayak trips. Here you can set off on day trips directly from the campsite and end the day around the campfire in the evening.
What should water sports enthusiasts bear in mind when camping?
As a water sports enthusiast, you need some special camping equipment that will make your vacation much more enjoyable. Quick-drying microfiber towels are an absolute lifesaver - nobody likes damp, musty towels in a tent or motorhome! Waterproof bags or boxes for your cell phone, keys etc. should also be part of every water sports vacation.
Table: Comparison of campsites with rental services
| Campsite | Region | Rental offer | Price level | Reservation necessary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seecamp at the Chiemsee | Bavaria | SUP, kayak, sailing boat | €€ | Yes, at least 1 day in advance |
| Beach camping Waging | Bavaria | SUP, pedal boat, e-boat | €€€ | Only in the high season |
| Rheincamping Meerbusch | NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA | Canoe, rowing boat | € | No, spontaneously possible |
| Water sports camping Langlau | Franconia | Windsurf board, catamaran, SUP | €€€ | Yes, at least 3 days in advance |
| See-Camping Altenwörth | Austria | Kayak, canoe, SUP, sailing boat | €€ | Online booking recommended |
A big challenge for any camper with water sports ambitions: Where do you leave your wet equipment overnight? It's worth taking a look at campsites that offer special storage facilities for surfboards, kayaks or SUPs. Some even have lockable boxes or covered areas. Otherwise, a spacious awning is recommended, under which the equipment can dry under protection.
Not everyone has space to transport a kayak or surfboard on the roof of their car. No problem! Many water sports-friendly campsites offer rental directly on site. This allows you to try out different sports without having to invest in expensive equipment. Ask whether you can hire equipment before you book - this not only saves space, but also allows you to go on spontaneous trips without having to plan ahead.
Watersports packing list for campers:
-
Basics:
- 🏄♂️ Water sports equipment (or check information on rental equipment in advance)
- 🧳 Waterproof bags for wet clothing
- 🛡️ Tarpaulin to protect the equipment
- 🧵 Repair kit for your equipment (repair kit, adhesive tape, etc.)
-
Clothing & protection:
- 👙 Several swimsuits (often do not dry overnight)
- 👕 UV shirts for sun protection on the water
- Wetsuit (water can be cool even in summer)
- 👟 Water shoes with a sturdy sole
- 🧴 Waterproof sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
- 🧢 Waterproof headgear
- 👓 Sports sunglasses with goggle strap
-
Comfort & safety:
- 🔒 Lock for your equipment
- 🎪 Wind protection for the beach area
- 🚨 Signal whistle/emergency equipment
- 📱 Waterproof cell phone case
- 🛟 Life jacket (if not provided by the rental company)
For your next water sports vacation, you should definitely think about a packing list for your motorhome that also includes water sports-specific items. In addition to the usual camping equipment, this includes Wetsuit (even in summer, water can be surprisingly cold), UV shirt for sun protection on the water, waterproof sunscreen and a simple repair kit for your sports equipment.
Conclusion: the most important things at a glance
Camping and water sports make an unbeatable combination for your next active vacation in the great outdoors. With the right planning, this mix of relaxation and action will be an unforgettable experience.
Advantages of camping and water sports in combination:
- Flexibility - spontaneously on the water when the conditions are perfect
- Proximity to nature - right by the water and surrounded by natural surroundings
- Community - exchange with like-minded people and joint activities
- Cost savings - cheaper than hotels and often including water use
- Independence - plan your own schedule without fixed guidelines
Choosing the right campsite is crucial to the success of your water sports vacation. Pay particular attention to the location directly on the water, the available water sports facilities and comfortable pitches with enough space for your equipment.
Whether you are a beginner interested in leisurely stand-up paddling or an experienced windsurfer looking for the perfect wave - there is a suitable campsite for every water sports level.
Incidentally, Holland is a real insider tip for water sports fans. With its network of canals, lakes and access to the North Sea, it offers ideal conditions for a varied camping vacation on the water.
With the right equipment, a well-chosen campsite and a bit of luck with the weather, nothing stands in the way of your perfect water sports vacation. So, hook up your caravan, put your SUP on the roof and set off on your adventure!
