© Samuel B. - stock.adobe.com

Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Ardèche is a dream destination for holidaymakers looking for a stay in the open air and close to nature. Indeed, it is difficult not to fall in love with the striking landscapes of the department with gorges to be explored from the ground or from the waterways, mysterious places like the Païolive wood, without forgetting the idyllic agricultural landscapes of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park. The territory is conducive to a multitude of activities for those who enjoy active vacations: hiking, biking, canoeing, potholing, swimming, bicycle railways, steam train, safari in Peaugres... Children and adults alike are sure to come back with unforgettable memories. Finally, let's mention the most beautiful villages of the Ardèche with Labeaume, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, Balazuc or Vogüé, each step is an enchantment. In a hurry to enjoy all the splendors of the Ardèche? Le Petit Futé recommends 10 campsites in the Ardèche where you can book without delay!

1- Camping Beaurivage, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc

© Camping Beaurivage

This campsite, which is located in the heart of the southern Ardèche and offers mobile homes and open pitches, is perfect for enjoying a nature holiday. Bordered by the river Ardèche, you can take advantage of it to swim, fish or plan a canoe trip. Those who prefer can join the pleasant heated swimming pool. A bar-snack bar is located next to the reception and offers pleasant evenings in summer. An animator organizes activities for the younger guests. Excursions to the natural arch of the Pont d'Arc, walks in the heart of the Ardèche gorges and a visit to the Chauvet 2 cave: the program is quickly loaded when you decide to explore the surroundings

2- Camping Bois Simonet, Joyeuse

© Camping Bois Simonet

Direction Joyeuse and the south of Ardèche to put down your bags in this 4 star campsite with free pitches, chalets, mobile homes and lodges for those who are looking for more comfort. A real little corner of paradise between the Cevennes and Provence where you can enjoy the shade of the pine trees and two swimming pools to cool off. Bar-restaurant, grocery store, playground, fitness area, barbecue, several facilities allow you to spend a relaxing vacation. Various animations are also proposed to children and adults inside the campsite, sports activities or relaxation. Around, the river Beaume and its translucent waters are waiting for the swimmers and the fishermen. We are also near magnificent sites such as the Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc and the Ray Pic waterfall.

3- Camping Le Plan d'Eau, Saint-Privat

Les falaises de Jastres© midgardson - stock.adobe.com

A very nice campsite where you can pitch your tent, caravan or settle in a recent chalet. The structure proposes playful and sporting activities for all. It also has a beautiful swimming pool with a view on the surrounding nature. Bar-restaurant, grocery store, petanque courts and ping-pong tables, we appreciate the presence of useful and entertaining services and equipment. But this campsite of Saint-Privat is especially appreciated for its privileged situation at the edge of the Ardèche. You can enjoy superb views from the cliffs of Jastres. Numerous sandy and pebble beaches welcome holidaymakers for a picnic, a moment of reading or a refreshing swim.

4- Camping Le Clapas, Salavas

Kayak entre Salavas et Vallon-Pont-d'Arc© didier salou - stock.adobe.com

This campsite in Salavas is located at the entrance of the Ardèche gorges, near the charming village of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. We have the chance to find a private beach on the edge of the Ardèche, with fine sand, stones and pebbles typical of the area. Different shaded areas also allow you to exercise. There are playgrounds dedicated to soccer, volleyball, petanque and basketball. The campsite also organizes theme evenings, competitions and friendly meals. We are so good that we almost forget that we are close to sites such as the Aven d'Orgnac, the Madeleine cave and the famous Pont d'Arc.

5- Huttopia south Ardèche, Vagnas

Les Gorges de l'Ardèche© Richard Semik - Stock.adobe.com

Tents, huts, wooden cabins, chalets, you could almost feel like a Canadian trapper when you go to this campground in Vagnas, built on natural terraces. This place offers breathtaking views of the Ardèche mountains, as well as a suspended swimming pool open to nature and a forest spa for a relaxing moment in the shade of the trees. If a plancha awaits the holidaymakers on each site, one is often tempted to go and taste a traditional cuisine at the café-resto. Many activities are possible in the surroundings: visit of the Ardèche gorges, canoeing, discovery of the lavender fields in a small train or accrobranche course at the Indy Parc

6- Camping-Bed and Breakfast le Moulin d'Onclaire, Coux

© Camping Moulin d\'Onclaire

This campsite, located in the beautiful medieval village of Coux, offers several accommodation possibilities. You can rent a free pitch or stay in a chalet, a bungalow, a mobile home and even in a guest room! The structure is based on the site of a former flour and milling mill. It has kept its original buildings from the 17th century and the charm is immediate. The campsite has a swimming pool, a restaurant and animations are proposed during the summer. Close to Privas, we have an ideal location to join the valley of the Eyrieux and practice climbing, via ferrata, canoeing and canyoning.

7- Camping Le Sous-Bois, Saint-Maurice-d'Ibie

© Camping Le Sous-Bois

The campsite is located only 2 km from the village of Saint-Maurice-d'Ibie. In a tent, caravan or in one of the mobile homes or cottages offered, you can enjoy an ideal location in the middle of nature, with breathtaking views of the green Ibie valley. Two aquatic areas with paddling pools for children allow you to cool off on the hottest days. In the summer, there are many activities to have a good time on site. The location allows you to explore in no time the treasures of the Ardèche: the gorges, the neck of Sceautres or the circus of Gens.

8- Camping Le Viaduc, Arlebosc

© Camping Le Viaduc

In Arlebosc, this campsite allows you to enjoy the northern part of the Ardèche, also called the Green Ardèche. Large pitches are dedicated to tents and caravans, but the structure also offers unusual accommodations for rent: yurts, safari lodges, Finnish kota, bivouac tents and other trapper's huts. The campsite also has the "Accueil Vélo" label. Restaurant, games for all the family at disposal. And then, there are the natural spaces of the Doux valley to explore day after day, with several paths to follow through forests, pastures, orchards, without forgetting spectacular gorges.

9- Camping Les Truffières, Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche

© Camping Les Truffières

A 3 star campsite in Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche with the possibility to install your tent, your caravan, your van or to rent a mobile home that can accommodate up to 6 people. Please note: this campsite is open all year round! To get some exercise, don't miss the swimming pool, the soccer field, the miniature golf, the trampoline and the ping-pong table. The structure also provides campers with a small store of basic necessities. Throughout your stay, you will enjoy the beautiful view of the Rhone Valley, the Ventoux and the Alps. Good to know: the beach of Sauze and the Pont Cassé in Saint-Just are less than 10 minutes away

10- Camping Les Cruses, Ribes

© Camping Les Cruses

Free pitches, chalets, mobile homes and even a caravan, it's up to you to make your choice before coming to stay in this campsite located at the foot of the pretty village of Ribes in the Mont d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park. The setting is green and you will enjoy spending time swimming or re-discovering the world around the beautiful infinity pool. A heated spa and a terrace-solarium complete the aquatic space. A bread store, grocery store, game room with pool table, pinball machine, table soccer, video games, there is no shortage of things to do for a great family vacation. No need to look for what to do during the day, the most beautiful sites of the Ardèche are quickly accessible