The unique and boisterous landscapes of Corsica make it one of the most interesting places to visit in Europe. With such a variety of terrain, including never-ending coastlines, towering clay cliffs, and river gorges, Corsica is a top destination for outdoor lovers. It’s truly no wonder that the Mediterranean island is home to over 200 beautiful campsites! Camping on Corsica is a wonderful experience and should be highly considered when choosing the type of accommodation for your trip.
Whether you’re camping with a tent, recreational vehicle, station wagon, or camper van, Corsica’s many splendid campsites are waiting for you. In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your camping trip in Corsica.
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Things to Know About Camping on Corsica
Naturally, there are a few quirks that come with car camping on Corsica. If you’re not aware of them beforehand, they can take you by surprise. These are details to keep top of mind when choosing your campsite, planning your trip and keeping your expectations intact. To ensure you’re well prepared for your Corsica camping trip, take a quick look at these things to know before you go.
- Don’t stay at a campsite that charges you money for the use of showers. Free showers should come as a standard service included in the tariff.
- Corsica campsite tariffs will have à la carte pricing instead of one set price. The grand total for your daily tariff can depend on a number of factors including:
- Number of adults or children
- Size of your tent
- Type or size of vehicle
- Pets
- Access to electricity
- Time of year
- Always ask to see the entire campsite before committing to payment. You’ll want to see which spots are available and whether they’re any good!
- Corsica campsites can be located in “normal” areas such as fields or even someone’s backyard. They will not always be located in forests or among trees. If you visit a lawn campsite, try to choose a spot with natural shade.
- If you know you’ll need access to electricity, make sure you choose a spot in close enough proximity to the nearest electric hub. Each tent site will not have its own outlet and you will have to share with neighbouring campers.
- A campsite may advertise their “beach access” but this may mean the beach is a 30 minute hike away. Confirm the actual distance and path to the beach if frequenting the beach is the focal point of your trip.
- This is a bit of a grey area as not every campsite will have this posted on their tariff list. You may see a tourist tax which is often nominal and can be charged once or daily. If it bothers you, don’t be afraid to ask why you’re required to pay it!
- Corsica and France in general is quite dog friendly. Most campsites will allow dogs for a small fee but it’s recommended you always ask the campsite just in case.
Reasons to Camp on Corsica Island
1. Remarkable Nature
There are a handful of reasons why Corse camping is fantastic. First, the island is simply a remarkable place in regards to its scenery and terrain. Spending as much time outdoors and among its beautiful landscape, is the best way to experience Corsica.
From the lush forests of the hillsides to the crystal clear sea water, there’s no shortage of magnificent spots to spend your nights in nature. Camping on Corsica allows you to wake up and immediately be steps within some of the most gorgeous places in Europe.
→ Don’t miss out on remote beaches! Book a 4×4 excursion of Corsica ←
2. Good Weather
Corsica’s year round mild climate is what makes it an excellent place to go car camping. If you are camping in the summer time, you’ll be pleased to know that temperatures do not get scorching hot. Summer temperatures tend to not to break 30°C / 86°F which means you won’t be baking in your tent.
It stays cool enough to cozy up in your sleeping bag at night and still hang out in just your swimsuit during the day. The weather on Corsica is perfect for camping outdoors.
3. There Are Many Campsites
The modern traveller loves options, or least knowing they’ve combed through enough choices before deciding. Corsica has many campsites on the island, over 200! With so many to choose from, it makes your chance of finding one you’ll love even greater.
The biggest advantage to the number of campsites on Corsica is finding a place to camp without worrying about campsites selling out. Of course, if you have a tight itinerary and don’t want to risk it, you can make reservations at most campsites on Corsica. However, there is something to be said about the spontaneity of pitching a tent at a campsite you randomly decide to pull into.
4. Budget Friendly
The island has the appeal of being a luxury destination with its famous beaches and coastal resorts but there’s a much more affordable side to it as well. As a more economical type of accommodation, camping is the most suitable alternative. If you are a budget traveler, seeing Corsica by car or even visiting with kids, camping is the most cost effective way to discover Corse. A bit more on this later, but not all campsites in Corsica will be reasonably priced as glamping is equally as popular. Certainly, camping will be more inexpensive than staying at a hotel or apartment, but the cost saving factor is really just a bonus. We chose to camp because it was just more fun!
Is Camping Cheap on Corsica?
Bare Minimum Campgrounds
The answer to this depends on your own standards of comfort. Similar to hotels and Airbnbs, you’ll find campsites in different price ranges. Star ratings help determine the level of campsite quality and therefore what you can expect to pay.
Campsites rated a slow as 1 or 2-star will be provide the bare minimum with no frills. These will clearly be the least expensive but may not be the best options for a classic vacation as they’ll lack above standard services.
You’ll actually find that this type of basic camping is not too common on Corsica. Instead, it’s much easier to find a mid-range or luxury campsite.
Average Pricing & Location
Mid-range and high end campsites will have facilities such as washing machines, restaurants onsite, free wifi, pools, electricity hookups or even motorhome rentals. We paid anywhere from €25 – €40/night for mid-range campsites in Corsica. Many campsites will be closed during the winter but if you visit during shoulder seasons, campsites tend to offer discounts. This is particularly convenient for visiting in the month of September when weather will still be summer like.
The location of a campsite on Corsica has a big impact on pricing as well. Since many people are most interested in camping near a beach, campsites with beach access will be the most expensive. For example, you may pay the same amount for a waterfront pitch in Balagne than you would for an entire bungalow in the Corsican mountains. This all goes back to what you prefer and want to prioritise when it comes to your camping style.
Is There Glamping on Corsica?
We are Americans who hail from the Pacific Northwest and the version of camping we grew up with was very minimal. In Europe, the average campsite is an American’s defintion of glamping. The majority of campsites on Corsica will include warm showers, community kitchens, a swimming pool, wifi, mini market and even full service restaurants. Essentially, glamping is the norm on Corsica!
Camping establishments are also a mixed bag in terms of what type of camping is offered at one site. Many higher end campsites will offer motorhomes or tiny homes for rent which are essentially just sheltered places to sleep and do not always include their own bathroom.
If you’re only looking to car camp with a tent, make sure the campsite you’ve chosen accepts tents. More often than not, car and tent camping live side by side with mobile homes at the same campsite but it is possible that some RV or camper van parks do not allow tents.
→ ✨ Find a glampsite on Corsica ←
Can You Camp Anywhere in Corsica?
Although wild camping is generally favoured on mainland France, wild camping in Corsica is not allowed. This means you cannot pitch a tent just anywhere and you must camp at a designated campsite or local establishment which you’ve been given permission by the land owner.
The only exception to free camping on Corsica is within specific areas of a refuge. The Parc Naturel Régional de Corse prohibits wild camping in Corsica in efforts to continue protecting and preserving the island’s environment.
Best Areas to Stay in Corsica for Camping
With such a large number of campsites to choose from, it can be challenging to make sure you’re booking a place you’ll really like. Although there is not one best area to stay in Corsica for car camping, there are a handful that stand out for different reasons. Whether it’s because of the prime location or types of campsites, below are areas to consider staying in when camping on Corsica.
1. Near Asco in Haute-Corse
This area is best for anyone looking to enjoy the mountains over the beaches. Campsites will be less crowded and more affordable than areas by the sea. Asco is particularly great for its proximity to the river. If you’re more interested in an adventurous river swim than sitting on a beach with other tourists, definitely check out this area for camping!
2. Cap Corse
Cap Corse is perfect for seafront campsites on a budget. Mid-range and luxury campsites on Cap Corse tend to cost less than other areas that are more popular with tourists. Although prices are more affordable, you won’t compromise on scenery or direct access to phenomenal beaches.
→ 🏖 Book a 4×4 Tour of Cap Corse ←
3. Balagne
Choosing a campsite in Balagne is best for those who want the best of both worlds. If you choose a campsite in the hills of Balagne opposed to the coastline, you’ll have a quick commute to the beaches yet still be surrounded by the marvellous mountainous terrain of Corsica.
→ ⛵️ Recommended Activity: Sunset Cruise to Revellata Peninsula ←
4. Porto-Vecchio
Camping near Porto-Vecchio is the best option for travellers most interested in visiting the renowned beaches of south Corsica. If your top priority is to spend your holiday enjoying the charming town of Porto-Vecchio and be within a stone’s throw of Santa Giulia Beach, this is the best area for you.
→ 👍 Recommended Tour: 4×4 Excursion of South Corsica ←
How to Search for Campsites in Corsica
Other than gathering recommendations from articles about which campsites are best, you’ll likely want to explore all of your options before booking anything. In recent years, popular accommodation search engines such as Booking.com and Airbnb have opened their inventory to include campsites. These are both practical resources to utilise when searching for a campsite in Corsica but they’re also not the only ones available. Below are a few additional and lesser known websites to search for campsites on Corsica.
- https://www.campingfrance.com
- https://www.camping.info/en/country/france/corsica
- https://www.campingdirect.com
If you are more of a scrappy researcher, Google Maps is incredibly useful and the most direct way to search for a campsite. It will also likely show you options that you won’t find on the other sites. Corsica campsites almost always have a website which is linked on Google and this is where you’ll be able to find the campsite’s tariffs. The only downside to this method is a potential language barrier but nothing that Google Translate can’t help solve!
→ 💻 Find Corsica campsites online ←
Corsica Campsites on a Map
Recommended Campsites in Corsica
Camping Dolce Vita
Location: 5 km (7 minutes) east of Calvi in the Balagne region.
Reasons to Love It: Seafront plot with many trees for shade and the close distance to the center of Calvi.
Funtana a l’Ora
Location: 3 km (6 minutes) from Plage de Porto and 82 km north of Ajaccio.
Reasons to Love It: Beautifully located in the hills and among greenery. Pitches are flat and well shaded with access to a lovely pool!
Camping Vigna Maggiore
Location: 8 km (10 minutes) north of Propriano in southern Corsica.
Reasons to Love It: Beautifully decorated with a fantastic pool and range of accommodation types to choose from.
Camping Mozziconaccio
Location: 25 km (30 minutes) north of Porto-Vecchio along the east coast of Corsica
Reasons to Love It: Quietly located in the hills with a view of the sea. Equipped with many amenities such as a pool, hairdresser and even car vacuum.
Camping La Pietra
Location: 20 km (30 minutes) north of Bastia.
Reasons to Love It: The 5 minute walk to reach the beach plus the fantastic family friendly pool. The common area and restaurant also had free and easy to access wifi.
CAMPING CABANELLA
Location: 55 km west of Bastia in the center of Haute-Corse.
Reasons to Love It: Inexpensive tariffs and great location near the river among the breathtaking mountain landscape.
Camping SANTA MARINA
Location: 27 km (40 minutes) north of Bastia on Cap Corse.
Reasons to Love It: Dog friendly with no fees! Competitively priced with a short walk to the beach and suitable for families.
Camping Le Bodri
Location: 3 km (5 minutes) west of L’Île-Rousse in the Balagne region.
Reasons to Love It: Huge campsite with many spots to choose from and chance to find privacy. Wifi is available at your tent site and two beautiful beaches are within walking distance.
Camping San Damiano
Location: 10 km (15 minutes) south of Bastia.
Reasons to Love It: Huge campsite with 300 tent pitches available! Includes a large pool and kid play area in addition to being exquisitely located within meters of the beach.
CAMPING MINOCCHI
Location: 42 km (1 hour) east of Ajaccio.
Reasons to Love It: A relaxing and well maintained campground among lush trees and the green countryside. The most ideal campsite on Corsica for peace and quiet!
Camping Mandriale
Location: 55 km (1 hour) north of Ajaccio.
Reasons to Love It: Tucked away in the hills above the beautiful beach of Plage de Péru. The farm stay feel, stunning view and clean facilities are perfect for any type of camper.
Camping Rondinara
Location: 20 km (25 minutes) south of Porto-Vecchio or north of Bonifacio.
Reasons to Love It: The closest place to stay to enjoy Beach Rondinara! Full service campsite with a pool, grocery store and wifi.
Camping La Vetta
Location: 6 km (10 minutes) north of Porto Vecchio.
Reasons to Love It: Privacy and lack of neighbouring campers nearby. There is a lovely view of the sea through the trees and a great pool too. Affordably priced for the quality of facilities!
FINAL THOUGHTS: Camping in Corsica
- Be aware of all the fees when understanding your nightly cost. Campsites in Corsica will charge you based on many variables and not by a set price.
- There are many areas of Corsica like Cap Corse that are only accessible by off-road vehicles. Book a guided 4×4 tour if you’re interested in experiencing the island’s most beautiful remote beaches.
- Porto-Vecchio is the most popular area on Corsica island and will be the most crowded in the summer. The Balagne area is a great compromise of spending time in the mountains as well as the beaches.
- Do not expect to find a completely bare-bones campground as most campsites on Corsica are classified for glamping. Additionally, wild camping in Corsica is prohibited.
- Given the large number of campgrounds, it’s unlikely that you’ll find yourself in a completely “sold out” situation but just in case, attempt to make reservations online beforehand if you’re camping in June – August.
Travel Resources for Camping on Corsica
TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
CAR RENTALS: Rentalcars.com or Discover Cars
FLIGHTS: 
ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Hostelworld or Trivago
ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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