The 17 best surf campsites in France
Looking for the perfect surf campsite in France? We selected 17 campsites, each within walking distance of a surf spot, highly rated, and offering something special for families and groups of friends. From the pine forests of Les Landes to the island vibe of Corsica – surf fun, nature & relaxed vibes guaranteed.
What you’ll discover in this article
- Quick overview of the best campsites
- Campsites in Southwest France (Basque Country & Landes)
- Campsites in the Gironde
- Surf campsites in the Vendée
- Campsites in Brittany
- A special campsite in Corsica
- Campsites in Normandy
- Map & overview table
- Wetsuit advice by region
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Surf guides & tips
Quick Overview: These are the surf campsites you need to know
- Camping Erreka – Bidart, Basque Country – Cozy & family-friendly
- Pavillon Royal – Biarritz – Right on the beach, premium location
- Naturéo Eco Resort – Seignosse – Longboard-friendly with yoga sessions
- Camping Cap de l’Homy – Lit-et-Mixe – Quiet & authentic, back to basics
- Camping Le Pin Sec – Médoc – Surf vibe in the heart of the forest
- Les Sablères – Vieux-Boucau – Family spot close to beach & lake
- La Grigne – Le Porge – Bike through the forest to uncrowded surf
- Le Bonheur Est Dans Le Pré – Montalivet – Idyllic between the beach and vineyards
- Huttopia Landes Sud – Landes – Spacious, peaceful, and affordable
- Les Cypres – Vendée – Small-scale & close to the La Sauzaie reef break
- Camping Kerlaz – Brittany – With on-site surf school
- Plage de Goulien – Crozon – Stunning bays & clean surf
- Camping Pors Peron – Brittany – Peaceful and close to the most beautiful beach
- Les Peupliers – Penhors – Green campsite 8 min from surf beach
- Les Chênes Verts – Île d’Oléron – Island vibe with direct surf access
- Camping Algajola – Corsica – Surprisingly surfable and picturesque village
- Le Rivage – Yport, Normandy – Cliffside views and surf spot
Campsites in Southwest France (Basque Country & Landes)
Camping Erreka – Bidart (Basque Country)
A cozy campsite just outside the center of Bidart. Perfect for families with young children who want to learn to surf or friends seeking a relaxed atmosphere close to Biarritz. In the morning, you can smell the salty sea breeze right from your campsite.
- Surf spot: Bidart – mellow beach break, suitable for all levels, best at mid-tide
- Surf school: Various surf schools in Bidart & Biarritz
- Unique: Friendly vibe between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic coast
Pavillon Royal – Biarritz (hot tip!)
Even closer to Biarritz, you’ll find a very pleasant beachfront campsite: Pavillon Royal. A great spot for surfers and families. Nowadays with a swimming pool! This is currently the most popular of all the campsites, probably because it’s almost on the beach. And the surroundings are beautiful. Even the foothills of the Pyrenees are nearby. A trip to San Sebastián? No problem.
- Surf spot: Ilbarritz – rocky beach break, clean waves on east wind, advanced level
- Surf school: Surf schools in the bay and in Biarritz itself
- Unique: Directly on the beach, without a pool – pure surf vibe
Naturéo Eco Resort – Seignosse
This eco resort feels like a luxury surf camp in the woods. You’re just behind the dunes of Seignosse, where waves for every level can be found. Yoga sessions are organized and it’s wonderfully quiet at night. A place where nature and surfing come together beautifully.
- Surf spot: Les Estagnots – beach break, hollow with the right swell, best at mid-tide
- Surf school: Oxbow surf school on-site
- Unique: Luxury eco-accommodations, yoga, nature, surf
Camping Cap de l’Homy – Lit-et-Mixe
Cap de l’Homy is a real hidden gem. The campsite is directly behind the dunes. You can hear the sea from your tent. There’s nothing commercial about this place. The village is small, but the atmosphere is big. You come here for the simple surf life.
- Surf spot: Cap de l’Homy – gentle beach break, suitable for all levels
- Surf school: On the beach during high season
- Unique: Authentic, simple campsite right by the beach
Camping Les Sablères – Vieux-Boucau
A great mix of nature and cheer. You can walk to both the beach and the village. There are other campsites nearby, but this one is closest to both the center and the beach. Families especially love returning here.
- Surf spot: Vieux-Boucau – beach break with stable sandbanks
- Surf school: In the village, 5-minute walk
- Unique: Combination of boardwalk, lake & beach
Huttopia Landes Sud – near Moliets
Not on the sea, but still a surf vibe. The campsite is in the middle of the forest, with lots of space and peace. And a pool! By car or bike, you’re quickly at Moliets. Combine it with hiking, yoga, or a book under the trees. Your kids will find their place quickly.
- Surf spot: Moliets – mellow beach break, perfect for lessons
- Surf school: In Moliets itself, a 20-minute drive
- Unique: Rich in nature, shade, affordable, and with a pool
Wetsuit Advice (Southwest France – June to September)
In June and September: 3/2 mm full suit recommended.
In July and August: a shorty or 2 mm top is often sufficient.
See the full wetsuit guide here
Campsites in the Gironde
Camping Le Pin Sec – Naujac-sur-Mer
Back to basics among the pine trees, within walking distance of the ocean. Here, it’s all about getting up early, board under your arm, and heading straight for the first sets. Especially popular with young surfers who appreciate simplicity.
- Surf spot: Le Pin Sec – gentle beach break, unspoiled nature reserve, works well with NW swell
- Surf school: Within walking distance at the beach
- Unique: Basic surf vibe between forest and sea, far from the crowds
Camping La Grigne – Le Porge
A large, wooded campsite within cycling distance of uncrowded waves. You can still feel that classic French surf atmosphere here. Lively during high season, but always in harmony with the surrounding nature.
- Surf spot: Le Porge Océan – broad, clean beach break, uncrowded and mellow
- Surf school: Active at the beach entrance in summer
- Unique: Bike path to Lacanau, forest site, relaxed family atmosphere
Le Bonheur Est Dans Le Pré – Montalivet
A name that says it all: here you come to unwind. You’re surrounded by vineyards with the beach just a bike ride away. Not touristy, yet full of atmosphere. Perfect for those who love space, quiet, and simplicity.
- Surf spot: Montalivet – mellow beach break, works best at mid to high tide
- Surf school: Surf schools in Montalivet village (10-min cycle)
- Unique: Beautiful quiet campsite between the vineyards and the beach
Wetsuit Advice (Gironde – June to September)
In June/September: 3/2 mm full suit.
In July/August: a shorty or 2 mm is usually enough.
See the full wetsuit guide here
Surf Campsites in the Vendée
Camping Les Cypres – Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
This compact campsite feels personal and pleasant. You can walk or cycle to La Sauzaie, a spot that also hosts competitions. It’s often sunnier here than you’d think. Also nice: the center of Saint-Gilles is within walking distance.
- Surf spot: La Sauzaie – reef break for advanced surfers, works at mid to high tide and NW swell; Les Dunes for more mellow waves
- Surf school: In Saint-Gilles and at Les Dunes
- Unique: Small-scale campsite, cycling distance to several surf beaches
Wetsuit Advice (Vendée – June to September)
In June/September: 3/2 mm full suit.
In July/August: a shorty or 2 mm is often sufficient.
See the full wetsuit guide here
Campsites in Brittany
Camping Kerlaz – Tréguennec
A small, quiet campsite where surfing and nature go hand in hand. Owner Olivier creates a relaxed atmosphere and runs the surf school. There are chickens on the premises, a foosball table, and plenty of space for kids to play.
- Surf spot: Tronoën / La Torche – versatile beach breaks, also suitable for lessons
- Surf school: On-site, run by Olivier
- Unique: Small-scale campsite with personal atmosphere and direct surf access
Camping Pors Peron – Beuzec-Cap-Sizun
One of the quietest campsites in Brittany, within walking distance of perhaps the most beautiful beach in the region. No luxury, but pure calm, fresh air, and birdsong in the morning. You feel like you’re at the end of the world here.
- Surf spot: Penhors / Saint Tugen – a 20-min drive for beautiful waves and fewer crowds
- Surf school: On the coast
- Unique: 250 meters from one of the most beautiful beaches in Brittany
Camping Plage de Goulien – Crozon Peninsula
This campsite is located in a protected bay where beginners and advanced surfers alike can thrive. You stand almost with your feet in the sand. The Crozon peninsula is a spectacular setting for surf trips, hikes, and sunsets.
- Surf spot: Goulien – beautiful bay, clean waves, works well with NW swell
- Surf school: Near the beach
- Unique: Breathtaking location on the Crozon peninsula
Camping Les Peupliers – Penhors
Green, peaceful family campsite close to Penhors. Lots of shade, friendly owners, and plenty of space. The atmosphere is cozy, and you notice many guests return year after year. Close to one of the most consistent surf spots in the region.
- Surf spot: Penhors – wide beach break with consistent swell
- Surf school: On the beach
- Unique: Lots of greenery, friendly atmosphere, 8 minutes from the spot
Wetsuit Advice (Brittany – June to September)
In June/September: 4/3 or 3/2 mm full suit.
In July/August: 3/2 mm full suit is usually necessary.
See the full wetsuit guide here
A Special Campsite in Corsica
Camping Algajola – Corsica
Those who think you can’t surf in Corsica are mistaken. At Algajola, clean lines occasionally roll in on a sand-and-reef mix. The campsite itself is just steps from the water. Think: morning espresso with views of both mountains and sea.
- Surf spot: Algajola – rare but clean waves with the right swell, best in autumn and spring
- Surf school: No permanent school, but surf rental in the village
- Unique: Mediterranean atmosphere with surprising surf potential and crystal-clear water
Wetsuit Advice (Corsica – June to September)
In June/September: boardshorts, 2 mm shorty or 3/2 full suit in the morning.
In July/August: board shorts or a rash guard are usually enough.
See the full wetsuit guide here
Campsites in Normandy
Camping Le Rivage – Yport
A campsite with views of the white cliffs, where you can hear the surf crashing at the right swell. Surfing in Normandy is less predictable, but when it works, it’s magical. Yport is also just a few hours from the Netherlands.
- Surf spot: Yport / Étretat – rocky left-hand break, best with southwest swell, more irregular than elsewhere
- Surf school: No permanent school, but options available under good conditions
- Unique: Spectacular cliff views and just 5–6 hours from the Netherlands
Wetsuit Advice (Normandy – June to September)
In June/September: 4/3 mm full suit.
In July/August: 3/2 mm full suit or shorty, depending on the daily temperatures.
See the full wetsuit guide here
Map & overview table
Below is a map showing at a glance where the campsites are located along the French coast. From Normandy to Corsica. Click a pin for more info per region.
Overview Table
| Campsite | Region | Surf Spot | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camping Erreka | Basque Country | Bidart | Best choice for families |
| Pavillon Royal | Biarritz | Ilbarritz | Chance of powerful waves |
| Naturéo | Seignosse | Les Estagnots | Longboard-friendly |
| Cap de l’Homy | Landes | Cap de l’Homy | Peace & nature |
| Le Pin Sec | Gironde | Le Pin Sec | Pure surf vibe |
| Les Sablères | Vieux-Boucau | Vieux-Boucau | Perfect for families |
| La Grigne | Le Porge | Le Porge Océan | Bike paths & forest |
| Le Bonheur Est Dans Le Pré | Montalivet | Montalivet | Wine & surf |
| Huttopia Landes Sud | Moliets | Moliets | Nature campsite |
| Les Cypres | Vendée | La Sauzaie | Close to reef break |
| Camping Kerlaz | Brittany | La Torche | On-site surf school |
| Camping Pors Peron | Brittany | Saint Tugen | Peace & scenery |
| Camping Plage de Goulien | Crozon | Goulien | Breathtaking views |
| Camping Les Peupliers | Penhors | Penhors | Green & tranquil |
| Camping Les Chênes Verts | Île d’Oléron | Vert Bois | Island vibe |
| Camping Algajola | Corsica | Algajola | Mediterranean surf adventure |
| Le Rivage | Normandy | Yport | Cliff views |
Frequently Asked Questions about Surf Campsites in France
What is the best period to go on a surf holiday?
From June through September, it’s ideal for beginners and families. The swell is milder and the temperature pleasant. Experienced surfers tend to seek out the autumn and winter waves.
Do I need a wetsuit?
Yes. Even in summer a shorty or full suit is often needed, depending on the region. See our wetsuit advice for France.
️ Can I rent surf gear at the campsite?
Almost all campsites in this overview either have their own surf rental or are located close to a surf school where you can rent equipment.
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