best campsites in calabria beachfront

The Best Campsites in Calabria for Car Camping

ByCassandra Tresl

Family-Friendly & Beachside Escapes: Your Complete Guide to the Best Campsites in Calabria for Tents, Camper Vans, and Bungalows

Waking up to the lull of Mediterranean waves, stepping out of your tent onto warm sand, and sipping your morning coffee as the sun peeks over Calabria’s rugged coast. If that sounds like your idea of the perfect family getaway, you’re in the right place.

After nearly three weeks of car-camping with our toddler, I’ve road-tested the region’s best pitches – scouting for soft sand beaches, shady pine groves, and budget-friendly bungalows that make camping in southern Italy feel more like a home-away-from-home than a fight for elbow room in a crowded field.

In this post, we’ll dive into the Best Campsites in Calabria, from beachfront havens near Tropea to forested hideaways in Pollino National Park. You’ll find practical tips on everything from tent pitches and camper-van hookups to cozy bungalow rentals, plus the quirks of Italian “villaggio” camping culture that North American campers often find delightfully surprising.

Whether you’re planning a multi-generational adventure or simply craving a sun-soaked escape with practical comforts, read on to discover the perfect spot for your next Calabrian camping trip. Let’s roll out the sleeping bags!

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Quick List of the Best Campsites in Calabria

  1. Villaggio Riva del Mare
  2. Camping Village Punta Alice
  3. Camping Alfieri
  4. Camping Il Fico D’India
  5. Camping dell’Uva
  6. Villaggio Camping Lungomare
  7. Camping Calabrisella
  8. Villaggio Camping Poseidon
  9. Camping Fiorina
  10. Camping Marina Del Convento
  11. Villaggio Camping Sambalon
  12. Camping “Lido Dei Pini”
  13. Lao River Camp
  14. Agricampeggio “L’Oasi del Pollino”

Why Calabria Is a Camping Paradise

Calabria camping isn’t the “wild, pitch-a-tent-in-the-middle-of-nowhere” vibe North Americans imagine. It’s more like glamping’s cheeky cousin – structured, community-driven, and always within reach of sandy beaches or shady pine forests.

With pools, bars, mini-markets, and even nightly kids’ shows, these camping sites in Calabria make you feel like part of a big, sun-soaked family.

Having car-camped for nearly three weeks (and convinced a three-year-old it was all magical), I learned that:

  • Privacy? Don’t count on it in peak season. Your neighbors could be inches away.
  • Facilities Everywhere. Showers, restrooms, sometimes even fitness classes or dance parties for babies.
  • Seasonal Openings. May and September can be iffy. Always double-check dates before you set off.
  • ‘Villaggio’ Culture. Some folks own their own plot on site, a semi-permanent summer home. You’ll spot years-old caravans or tents that look…well, lived in.

Types of Camping in Calabria

  1. Tent + Car Camping
    Most campsites welcome tents with car parking – perfect for families who love road-trip freedom.
  2. Camper Vans & Small RVs
    Hook up to electricity and water, then park right near the beach or forest trailhead.
  3. Bungalows & Cabins
    Tiny huts with basic furniture, kitchenette, and beds – ideal for travelers flying into Lamezia Terme without camping gear.
  4. “Villaggio” Plots
    Year-round campers’ summer homes: you’ll see permanent structures they visit annually.

Coastal Gems: Southern Calabria Campsites

1. Villaggio Riva del Mare

  • Location: Calopezzati
  • Features: Tent plots, camper-van spaces, and even seaside apartments. Wake up to soft surf and grab your morning cappuccino at the on-site bar.
  • Website: https://www.rivadelmare.it/

2. Camping Village Punta Alice

  • Location: near Cirò Marina
  • Features: Huge pool, private beach, restaurant, evening kids’ shows, sports fields – full service for families who like a sprinkle of luxury with their sandcastles.
  • Website: https://puntalice.it/

3. Camping Alfieri

  • Location: near Crotone
  • Insider Tip: My personal favorite! Camp on red-sand beaches under dramatic cliffs. Clean restrooms, a relaxed restaurant – enough bells and whistles to feel comfy, but still that “off-the-grid” charm.
  • Website: http://www.alfiercamping.it/

4. Camping Il Fico D’India

5. Camping dell’Uva

6. Villaggio Camping Lungomare

7. Camping Calabrisella

8. Villaggio Camping Poseidon

9. Camping Fiorina

10. Camping Marina Del Convento

11. Villaggio Camping Sambalon

  • Location: Marina di Zambrone
  • Kid Magnet: My daughter’s fave – daytime animation, nightly shows by teen entertainers (free “camp daycare”), sandy beach with umbrellas, spotless showers.
  • Website: http://www.sambalon.it/

12. Camping “Lido Dei Pini”

Inland & Mountain Retreats

13. Lao River Camp

14. Agricampeggio “L’Oasi del Pollino”

A typical campsite layout in Calabria

Calabria Camping Quirks & Tips

  • Structured “Wildness”: Don’t expect zero-amenity plots. Even “rustic” sites have showers, bars, and mini-shops – glamping vibes!
  • Community Spirit: Fitness classes, dance nights, kids’ clubs – camping villages (villaggi) are summer holiday micro-towns.
  • Peak-Season Hustle: July–August demand is fierce. Reserve early or risk ringing a lonely gatekeeper who might only open if they feel like it (true story in Pollino!).
  • Villaggio Residents: Permanent summer homes on site – don’t be surprised to see parked caravans untouched for months.
  • Language Tip: “Campeggio” = campsite, “piazzola” = pitch, “bungalow” = small cabin.
A campsite in Calabria was projecting the game on that night!

FAQs: Best Campsites in Calabria

When is the best time for tent camping in Calabria?

Late May–June or September. July and August are hottest… and fully booked. Some sites shut doors before early May or after mid-September.

Can I bring my dog to Calabria campsites?

Absolutely. Many sites (e.g., Il Fico D’India, Lido Dei Pini) are pet-friendly. Always check policies and book pet pitches in advance.

Are there family camping spots in Calabria with kids’ entertainment?

Yes! Punta Alice, Sambalon, Lungomare, and Poseidon all offer daytime animation and evening shows.

Do I need to book a bungalow in Calabria ahead of time?

Highly recommended, especially in peak months. Bungalows are scarce and popular with fly-in visitors.

What about safety and facilities for camping near Pollino National Park?

Lao River Camp and Agricampeggio L’Oasi del Pollino provide clean bathrooms, picnic areas, and host-family support – more rugged than coastal sites but still with essentials.

The inland towns of the Pollino National Park

There you have it – your go-to guide for the Best Campsites in Calabria, from sun-drenched beaches at Tropea to pine-fringed mountain hideaways in Pollino.

Whether you’re tent-pitching with your clan, rolling in your camper van, or bunking in a cozy bungalow, Calabria’s camping culture promises salty sea air, warm local hospitality, and memories that last way beyond checkout time.

Cassandra Tresl is the author and owner of Adventures of Ace, a travel blog that helps fellow adventurers uncover underrated destinations, budget travel hacks and family travel tips. She serves as the head co-pilot on road trips and is known to get captivated for hours by a search in Google Maps. When she isn't writing, Cassandra enjoys navigating life abroad in Italy and cooking for her daughter and husband.