Thinking about a Eurocamp holiday with your toddler? Ask our experts

[EllieSmumsnet]

Planning a break with a little one comes with plenty of questions, from nap times and mealtimes to splash pools, playgrounds and what your days might really look like on camp. Whether you’re curious about accommodation layouts and what you need to pack, available facilities for toddlers, or simply want travel tips and honest advice from a fellow parent, we’re here to help.

To help you feel confident and excited about your family holiday, we’ve combined two experts: Michelle, a Eurocamp representative who knows the parks inside out, and Breanne from Family Camping Europe, a mum who’s experienced many camping holidays first-hand with her own little ones.

Drop your questions in the comments by 13/04 and our experts will reply with friendly, practical answers. Plus, you’ll be in with a chance to win a £200 VEX voucher – T&Cs here.

About Michelle Troy:
Michelle Troy is Head of CRM at Eurocamp and has worked for the company for 12 years. She has been going on outdoor holidays since she was a child, and has continued the tradition at Eurocamp parcs with her own family since her little girl (now 3) was a baby.

About Breanne Lovatt:
"I’m Breanne Lovatt, the creator of Family Camping Europe. I help UK families plan European camping and outdoor holidays through honest reviews and practical tips. I’ve taken my two daughters (now 3 and 6) on many Eurocamp holidays across France and beyond since they were babies, so I’ve got plenty of real-life experience of what works when travelling with toddlers."

Can you recommend a a campsite near Brussels that would work well for ages 2, 5 and 8? Thank you!

Can you recommend a site in France with onside swimming lake aswell as a pool. And a site with larger spaces between the tents or mobile homes. And then also an option to be in one of your large tents for part of the time and holiday for last few days 😀

What does a typical day on a Eurocamp holiday look like with a toddler, especially around naps, meals, and keeping them entertained without overdoing it?

Can you recommend any parks with childcare for a one year old and 4 year old so me and my husband could enjoy a childfree morning or two together ?

Don’t do it. When my DC’s were young we did Eurocamp every year, lots of different sites all over France, Switzerland . My DC’s enjoyed so much that they worked a summer season for them whilst at uni. . Last year we went back with DGC. Grand Metairie near Carnac. It was awful. Dirty caravan, requested linen not in van on arrival, gangs of noisy teenagers marauding at night all weekend ( sports camp with no adult control), no Eurocamp reps on site to support us. Complaint to reception staff who said the site was taking youth groups to make money out of high season. Sympathised but could not remedy. Complaint on returning home and did get partial refund from Eurocamp. We would never holiday with them again.

When is the most ideal time to go for 2 young ones who enjoy making new friends?

I’ve only ever heard feedback that Eurocamp is really dated and a thing of the past. What makes it more attractive than travelling half an hour to my nearest Center Parcs?

We’re thinking about booking our first Eurocamp holiday with a toddler (around 2–3 years old), and I’d love some honest advice before we commit. How easy is it to manage day-to-day routines like naps and mealtimes while on camp, and are the accommodations generally set up well for little ones in terms of space, safety, and things like cots or highchairs?
I’m also wondering what a typical day might realistically look like with a toddler — are there enough age-appropriate activities (like splash pools, playgrounds, or shaded areas), and are they close enough to accommodation to make things easy without too much walking?

In terms of packing, what do you recommend bringing versus what’s usually provided, especially for younger children? And finally, from a parent’s perspective, are there any tips, must-knows, or things you wish you’d done differently on your first trip?

Honestly, I've never been on a camping holiday. My main concern is whether there's enough to do for everyone. What does a Eurocamp holiday look like? And is there much to do for teenagers?

I’ve never been to a Eurocamp before, and I’m curious about what it’s really like for families with little ones. How easy is it to manage naps and meals on camp? Are insects a problem mosquitos or spiders - and is there access to a doctor or first aid if needed I always take medication but just in case they become unwell. Also, how convenient are the on-site shops — do they stock all the essentials, and how do prices compare to local stores? Any tips to make the holiday as stress-free as possible would be really helpful to help me decide if it’s really for us.

No questions, just to say we absolutely love our Eurocamp holidays with young kids! They’re perfect for a younger age group. We’ve stayed at various ones across France and Holland with our now 7yo and 3yo and have enjoyed all of them. Far better value than holidaying in the UK too.

The one thing I’d say is that I think a lot of people think Eurocamp = tents still. We always stay in the cabins, we are currently on a park just now with a three-bedroom cabin with dishwasher etc which is great for families.

What is the feedback like for those with teenage children? Especially for those that have never been camping?

What are the best Eurocamp parks and facilities for toddlers, and what would you I pack to make the trip easier with a young child - things that you might not find on camp but would be really useful for the holiday - I can be a bit of a stress head about leaving the safety of my own home.

How easy it it to get local transport from the Europarks if you want to plan days out from the camp - and it is possible to take a eurostar and then train/tram to the desination - we are not good with european roads .

What is the noise level like at night - my dc's are light sleepers - do you think that guests are usually considerate in the evenings - have you had any experiences of loud behaviour ? Are the accomodations soundproof and do they have decent bathrooms ?

I would love to try Eurocamp but I don't drive abroad so I couldn't bring much more than clothes and essentials with me. Are there Eurocamp sites where we can get a public bus rather than relying on driving everywhere? And do you have access to equipment on site as I wouldn't be able to pack a travel cot, baby bath etc?

What can slightly older children do? They still want to be entertained but are too old/cool for some things 😬

Are cabins isolated or is it like a bunch of cabins together where it's possible to relax and meet other families more easily?

Is there a minimum age for babies or is it open to all families with children no matter their age group?

What are the local stores like for buying nappies and wipes in terms of price and brand - to save us taking too much luggage, and can I hire things from the camp like a bath seat or stroller for days out ?

You can definitely relax more with a toddler. That's the easy stage. Just wait you have a teenager out all night! You will be knackered!

What are your experiences of the splash pools and toddler pools in terms of hygiene and safety - I have had some horrid experiences in the past of these pools - what are Euro camp ones like, and are some better than others. Thanks

Can you recommend somewhere for a complete beginner? Never camped! Ages 5, 10 and 15