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Best Campsites in the Dordogne, France

If you're dreaming of a family camping holiday that's got it all — stunning scenery, rich history, warm sunshine, and great food — then the Dordogne in southwest France should be right at the top of your list. This magical corner of France is one of the most beautiful and popular holiday destinations in all of Europe, and it's easy to see why.

Rolling green hills, ancient châteaux, winding rivers, and charming medieval villages make it a place that feels almost too good to be true. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned France fan, the Dordogne will absolutely blow you away.

The beautiful Dordogne Region

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Best Campsites in the Dordogne, France

The Dordogne is part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and takes its name from the magnificent Dordogne River, which winds its way through the heart of the area. The region is also known as the Périgord, and it's divided into four distinct areas, each with its own personality: the Périgord Blanc (White), Périgord Vert (Green), Périgord Pourpre (Purple), and Périgord Noir (Black).

The Périgord Noir, centred around the stunning medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, is particularly popular with families and tourists. It's packed with prehistoric caves, fairy-tale castles, and gorgeous river valleys that'll keep the whole family entertained for weeks.

About the Dordogne Region

The Dordogne has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back tens of thousands of years. The famous Lascaux Caves, discovered in 1940 near Montignac, contain some of the most spectacular prehistoric cave paintings in the world, dating back around 17,000 years.

While the original caves are now closed to protect the paintings, the incredible Lascaux IV replica visitor centre gives families an unforgettable, immersive experience. Beyond prehistory, the region is dotted with over 1,000 châteaux, bastide towns (planned medieval villages), and Romanesque churches. It's genuinely like stepping back in time — and the kids absolutely love it.

The Dordogne Area

When it comes to getting to the Dordogne from the UK, you've got a few great options. The most popular route is to take a ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth to either St Malo, Caen, or Cherbourg with Brittany Ferries, and then drive south through France. From St Malo, you're looking at around an 8–9 hour drive to the heart of the Dordogne.

If you prefer a shorter sea crossing, you can take the Eurotunnel or a ferry from Dover to Calais, and then drive south — that's roughly an 8-hour drive from Calais to Sarlat. Many families choose to break the journey up with an overnight stop, which makes the whole trip feel much more relaxed and enjoyable.

The Dordogne is also a foodie paradise, and that's a huge bonus when you're camping. Local specialities include foie gras, duck confit, truffles, walnuts, Bergerac wines, and the famous Périgord black truffle. Markets are a real highlight — Sarlat's Saturday market is one of the best in France, and you'll find fresh produce, local cheeses, and artisan foods that'll make your campsite meals feel like a gourmet experience.

Many of the best campsites in the Dordogne in France have their own excellent restaurants and bars too, so you can treat yourself to a proper sit-down meal without even leaving the site. It's the best of both worlds!

Best Campsites in the Dordogne

Now, let's get to the really exciting part — the campsites themselves! There are around 200 campsites in the Dordogne, ranging from small, intimate spots to large, resort-style parks with waterparks, restaurants, and kids' clubs. Choosing the right one for your family can feel a bit overwhelming, so we've done the hard work for you.

Here are our picks for the 5 best campsites in the Dordogne in France, all of which are brilliant for families. Whether you're looking for a riverside pitch, a luxury mobile home, or a glamping experience, there's something on this list for you.

1. Domaine de Soleil Plage, Vitrac

Domaine De Soleil Plage Camping

Sitting right on the banks of the Dordogne River, just 7km from the gorgeous medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, Domaine de Soleil Plage in Vitrac is one of the most iconic and beloved family campsites in the Dordogne France. This stunning 5-star site is managed by Marvilla Parks (formerly Homair) and offers a truly spectacular setting with shady pitches, mobile homes, and glamping options.

The river frontage is one of the site's biggest draws — you can literally step off the campsite and onto the banks of the Dordogne, where you can swim, canoe, or just sit and soak up the incredible views. It's the kind of place that makes you want to stay forever.

The medieval town of Sarlat

In terms of facilities, Domaine de Soleil Plage has everything a family could want. The site boasts a large outdoor swimming pool complex, a snack bar, a full restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, a grocery shop, a launderette, and a kids' play area. The restaurant serves both à la carte meals and daily specials, and you can dine al fresco on the terrace on warm evenings — which, in the Dordogne in summer, is most of them!

The bar is a great spot for a cold drink at the end of a busy day exploring. Nearby attractions include the medieval town of Sarlat (a must-visit), the Château de Beynac, the Château de Castelnaud, and the stunning Cingle de Montfort viewpoint. Canoeing on the Dordogne River is also a hugely popular activity for families.

2. Camping Le Paradis, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère

Camping Le Paradis

If you're looking for a campsite that feels genuinely special — somewhere with real character and charm — then Camping Le Paradis in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is the one for you. This beautiful 5-star site sits on a 7-hectare estate on the banks of the Vézère River, in the heart of the Périgord Noir.

The campsite has the feel of a traditional Périgord village, with the reception, restaurant, and shop all housed in gorgeous old stone farm buildings built from the golden limestone of the Dordogne.

Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley

Le Paradis is a family-run site with a wonderfully personal feel, and the staff are passionate about the region and genuinely love helping guests get the most out of their stay. Facilities include a fantastic indoor water park with slides, an outdoor pool, a snack bar, a full à la carte restaurant, a shop selling local produce and fresh bread, free high-speed WiFi, and equipment hire including bikes and kayaks.

The site also rents out bed linen, towels, barbecues, and high chairs, so you can travel light. Nearby, you'll find the prehistoric caves of Font-de-Gaume and Les Combarelles at Les Eyzies (the "capital of prehistory"), the charming village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère itself, and the famous Lascaux IV cave replica at Montignac, just a short drive away. It's a perfect base for exploring the Vézère Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This site gets great reviews!

3. Camping La Peyrugue

Pool at Camping La Peyrugue

A fabulous 3 star family campsite in the heart of nature in the hear of Périgord Noir! The site features different types of accommodation: chalets, mobile homes (from 4 to 6 people), luxury lodge tents on stilts, a character gîte open all year round (2 to 8 people), different types of camping pitches and pitches for motor homes.

The site has very clean sanitary facilities, a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and children's play area.

one of the accommodation options at Camping La Peyrugue

Situated 1.5 km from the centre of Daglan, a village of character, Camping la Peyrugue is in a wonderful wooded setting, full of greenery and flowers. Hike and cycle on the trails around the site and enjoy the scenery, the calm and the fresh air.

Domme, La Roque-Gageac and Beynac are all within a 20-minute drive, as are the Milandes and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle castles.

Beautiful area around the site

Reviewers say: "Well-maintained camping, spacious mobile home. The owners are very pleasant and welcoming. We recommend this camping without hesitation."

"Very clean, complete, luxurious and atmospheric. Deborah and Gilles are super nice people who have created a very nice place."

We think this would be a great site for a family camping holiday in the Dordogne!

4. Camping Le Moulin de Paulhiac, Daglan

Camping le Moulin de Paulhiac

If you're after a more intimate, relaxed camping experience without sacrificing quality, then Camping Le Moulin de Paulhiac in Daglan is an absolute gem. This 4-star campsite is tucked away in a beautiful valley between the Dordogne and Céou rivers, and it has a wonderfully peaceful, unhurried atmosphere that's perfect for families who want to slow down and really enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

The site is medium-sized, which means it never feels overcrowded, and the pitches are large, shady, and beautifully maintained. Reviewers consistently rave about the warm welcome from the staff and the excellent facilities. The campsite has a 9.6/10 rating on the Dordogne tourism website based on 168 reviews, with 96% of travellers recommending it — which tells you everything you need to know!

Camping le Moulin de Paulhiac pool area

Le Moulin de Paulhiac has a lovely aquatic park with a large swimming pool, water slides, and a private river beach where kids can splash around to their hearts' content. There's also a restaurant, a bar, a snack bar, an épicerie, and a kids' club with organised activities. Evening entertainment is also on offer during the high season.

The campsite is ideally located for exploring some of the Dordogne's most beautiful villages, including the stunning hilltop village of Domme, the medieval town of Sarlat (around 20km away), and the Château de Castelnaud. Canoe hire is available nearby on the Dordogne River, and the surrounding countryside is perfect for cycling and walking. It's a brilliant choice for family camping in the Dordogne France.

Best Campsites in the Dordogne

5. Camping Le Pech Charmant,Les Eyzies

Camping Le Pech Charmant

A lovely peaceful 4 star campsite in the heart of the Dordogne. It is easy to walk right from the site and is in a perfect location from which to explore this wonderful area.

Facilities include:

Outdoor heated pool
Jacuzzi and massages
Mini farm & donkey rental
Animations in high season
Pet friendly - dogs are welcome
Play Areas
Restaurant
Poolside snack bar

Accommodation includes camping pitches, equipped tents, lodge cabins and mobile homes.

Camping Le Pech Charmant shaded accommodation

Most of the major sites in the Dordogne are located within a 5 to 25 km radius of this campsite. No fewer than 15 prehistoric sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and there are many other exceptional sites to visit, mainly concentrated in the Périgord Noir region.

Nestled within a 12-hectare oak and chestnut forest, this campsite offers you a peaceful, nature-focused experience just 2 kilometres from the town center of Les Eyzies, known as the prehistoric capital of the world.

Tips for Planning Your Dordogne Camping Holiday

Before you pack up the car and head off on your adventure, here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your family camping holiday in the Dordogne France.

Book Early

First, book early. The Dordogne is one of the most popular family holiday destinations in Europe, and the best campsites fill up fast — especially for July and August. Many families book their preferred dates six months or more in advance, so don't leave it too late if you have your heart set on a particular site or accommodation type. Most campsites open their bookings for the following season in the autumn, so get in there early to avoid disappointment.

Timing

Second, think carefully about when to go. July and August are the busiest and hottest months, with temperatures regularly reaching 30°C or above. The roads, markets, and tourist attractions can get very busy during this period. If you have flexibility, consider going in June or September instead.

The weather is still warm and sunny, the crowds are much smaller, prices are often lower, and the whole experience feels more relaxed and authentic. Many experienced Dordogne campers swear by early September as the absolute best time to visit.

Castles in the Dordogne

Go Canoeing!

Third, hire a canoe. Canoeing on the Dordogne or Vézère rivers is one of the quintessential Dordogne experiences, and it's something the whole family will absolutely love. There are numerous canoe hire companies dotted along both rivers, offering trips of varying lengths — from a gentle two-hour paddle to a full-day adventure.

The scenery from the water is simply breath-taking, with golden limestone cliffs, ancient châteaux, and weeping willows lining the banks. It's one of those experiences that will stay with your family for years to come.

Visit a Market

Fourth, visit a local market. The markets of the Dordogne are legendary, and no family holiday in the region would be complete without a visit to at least one. Sarlat's Saturday morning market is the most famous and is an absolute must — the stalls overflow with foie gras, truffles, local cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, walnut products, and much more.

Other great markets include those at Le Bugue (Tuesday and Saturday), Montignac (Wednesday and Saturday), and Domme (Thursday). Stock up on local goodies for your campsite meals and you'll eat like royalty.

A Market in the Dordogne

Get a Guidebook and Map

Fifth, get a good guidebook and map. While Google Maps is great for navigation, having a physical guidebook to the Dordogne — such as the Rough Guide or the Michelin Green Guide — will help you discover hidden gems and plan your days more effectively.

Click here for the best price for the Rough Guide to the Dordogne!

The region is huge and there's so much to see and do that a little advance planning goes a long way. Make a list of your must-see attractions before you go, but also leave plenty of room for spontaneous detours — some of the best discoveries in the Dordogne happen when you take an unplanned turn down a quiet country lane.

Why the Dordogne is the Perfect Family Camping Destination

The Dordogne truly is one of Europe's great family holiday destinations, and camping is without doubt one of the very best ways to experience everything this magnificent region has to offer. From the prehistoric caves of the Vézère Valley to the fairy-tale châteaux of the Dordogne River, from the golden medieval streets of Sarlat to the sun-drenched vineyards of Bergerac, this is a region that fires the imagination, nourishes the soul, and creates memories that last a lifetime.

The five campsites we've highlighted in this guide — Domaine de Soleil Plage, Camping Le Paradis, Camping La Peyrugue, Camping Le Moulin de Paulhiac, and Camping Le Pech Charmant — represent the very best of what the Dordogne has to offer in terms of family camping. Each one has its own unique character and charm, but all five share the same commitment to quality, comfort, and creating an unforgettable holiday experience for families of all ages and sizes.

Whether you're looking for a lively resort-style campsite with waterparks and entertainment, a peaceful riverside retreat, or something in between, you'll find it in the Dordogne. The region's combination of stunning natural beauty, rich history, superb food and wine, warm sunny weather, and genuinely excellent campsite infrastructure makes it, quite simply, one of the best places in the world for a family camping holiday.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Dordogne camping adventure today - your family will thank you for it.

Bonne vacances!

Maybe you are travelling to another region in France? Check out our reviews of camping sites in the following areas:

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