Campsites With Lakes and Rivers for water sports in France (including eurocamps)

Camping Le Lac des Vieilles Forges (Ardennes, Grand Est)

Located in the middle of a beautiful forest, this campsite has direct access to a sandy beached artificial lake. The Lac des Vieilles Forges is 150 hectares, surrounded by a thousand-hectare forest. Whilst the lake is artificial, you cannot dismiss the natural beauty of the setting. The lake is ideal for families wishing to swim, paddleboard, kayak, and canoe, and it’s also great for walkers and cyclists. While the 3* campsite offers many facilities, the lake really steals the show. You can either take your own equipment or hire it from the lake.

Camping Le Val de Bonnal (Franche-Comté, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)

This stunning 5* campsite has four lakes and a river flowing through it. The first lake is suitable for swimming, sailing, pedalos and more. You can bring your own equipment or borrow equipment from the Eurocamp reception. But it isn’t just the lake you can practice your watersports on. Flowing through the campsite is the Ognon River, where you can canoe along one of the routes. Experienced paddlers can sail the 150km route along the river to its junction with the Saône River. Or you can stick to one of the shorter routes, like the 13km route starting from the campsite.

Camping Le Pin Parasol (Vendée)

With direct access to Lac Jaunay, Le Pin Parasol is one of the best campsites in France for watersport-loving families. The protected natural lake of Jaunay is a haven for paddleboarders and kayakers. The lake is 114 hectares in size and stretches 8km in length. You can bring your non-motorised watercraft or hire one from one of the many stations. However, swimming in the lake is prohibited as it doubles as a reserve drinking water supply.

Mayotte Vacances (South West France)

This 5* Homair campsite is also located on Lac de Cazaux-Sanguinet. The campsite has direct access to the lake, where you can practice all kinds of watersports, like paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and kite surfing. The campsite even has its own on-site sailing school, offering sailing lessons for beginners and advanced sailors. The campsite even has its own marina, so guests can park their boats. 

Les Ranchisses (Largentière, Ardèche)

Located on a tributary of the Ardeche River, les Ranchisses is one of the best places for a nature-rich holiday experience. This campsite is nestled in the Ardeche Mountains nature park, and La Ligne River is accessed directly from the campsite. You can swim, canoe, and enjoy this stunning freshwater river with a calm, gentle flow here.

Camping Au Lac de Biscarrosse (Les Landes)

This 5* campsite is located in Parentis-en Born and offers direct access to the Lac de Biscarrosse. The lake provides various water sports activities, including swimming, pedalos, kayaks, windsurfing, and boat trips. You can bring your own equipment or hire it from the local facilities. The campsite itself also has an extensive waterpark where you can relax.


Camping Val de Durance (Cadenet, Southern france)

This sunny 4* campsite, located just 60km from Marseille and 81km from the famous Lac de Sainte Croix, is perfect for families looking for an active, water-filled holiday. Camping Val de Durance has its own 4-hectare private lake that provides a variety of water-related activities, including swimming and paddleboarding. Whilst equipment is not offered by the campsite, you can bring your own and use it on this stunning lake with mountain backdrops. 

Bois du Bardelet (Loire Valley)

Another 5* Loire Valley Campsite, Le Bois Du Bardelet, offers guests the use of its 1.5-hectare lake for leisure activities and watersports. Whilst the campsite doesn’t provide a wide range of watersports, it does provide canoes to its guests. However, you can, of course, bring your own. This calm and serene campsite is perfect for both relaxing and adventuring, and we look forward to exploring it ourselves this year.

Camping Rivages des Landes (South West France)

Previously known as Domaine d’Eurolac, camping Rivages des Landes is a 4* campsite in the Landes department of France. The campsite has direct access to Lac d’Aureilhan, a 340-hectare freshwater lake. Just 50m from the campsite, sailing lessons and pedalo, boat and windsurfing hire are available. Bringing your own equipment? The campsite is perfect for you, with an entrance to the lake steps away from your accommodation. 

Camping La Source (Verdon Gorge)

Camping La Source is situated on one of the most gorgeous lakes in the whole of France. The man-made reservoir of Lac de Sainte-Croix was created in 1973 and features 2200 hectares of stunning turquoise water and hosts a whole range of watersports. Camping La Source is situated right on this lake’s banks; from there, you can paddle, kayak, pedal, windsurf and even sail an electric motorboat (gas motors are prohibited). The area around the campsite is perfect for active families who wish to hike and explore around the Gorge du Verdon, and whilst the campsite is basic in terms of amenities, it couldn’t be located in a better area.