Spending a week in the fresh air, between the ocean and the pine forests, continues to attract many holidaymakers to the Bay of Arcachon. People come here for the unspoilt nature, the typical villages and the immediate proximity of the Atlantic beaches. But before pitching a tent or settling into a mobile home, the same question often comes up: what budget should I allow for 7 days’ camping?
Is the Arcachon basin an expensive place to camp?
Over the years, the Bassin d’Arcachon has established itself as an affordable family destination. Prices here are often lower than on the Mediterranean coast, where campsites charge much higher rates.
Compared with other tourist regions, vacations on the Bassin d’Arcachon are still quite affordable, even if high summer demand does push up some prices. However, the offer remains very diversified: you’ll find cheap and economical campsites as well as top-of-the-range club campsites, which leaves plenty of room for manoeuvre depending on your budget.
The basin’s exceptional natural environment, between pine forests and sandy shores, also contributes to the local charm. Staying here means enjoying a real family atmosphere, with markets, cycle paths and water sports activities within easy reach of most campsites. Prices depend on location, but are varied to suit all tastes and budgets.
How much does a week’s camping cost, depending on the category?
Prices vary according to star rating and type of accommodation. A 2-star campsite without a swimming pool is not the same as a 5-star beachfront campsite with a water park. Here are the price ranges to bear in mind.
2 and 3 star campsites
In low season, a bare pitch starts at around €150 a week, or €180 to €250 with electricity. For a mobile home, expect to pay between €400 and €650, depending on size and proximity to the beach. These campsites appeal to modest families and itinerant campers.
4 and 5 star campsites
A 4-star campsite like Ker Helen offers an aquatic area, entertainment for all ages and a wide range of facilities. In high season, a pitch generally costs between €220 and €380 per week. Mobile homes start at €800, with prices around €1,200 depending on size and options chosen.
The 5-star campsites on the Bassin d’Arcachon offer XXL water parks, wellness areas, restaurants and extensive kids’ clubs. In high season, premium mobile homes often exceed €2,000 per week, for holidaymakers looking for all services included on site.
Ancillary costs to be taken into account
- Application fee: €10 to €30
- Tourist tax: €0.50 to €1.50 per adult/night
- Rental of sheets, towels, baby kits: €15 to €60 per option/week
- Supplements: pets, end-of-stay cleaning (€40 to €80), barbecue or additional vehicle
- Activities at extra cost: kids’ club, spa, water sports
Sample budget for a family of 4
In high season, a family of two adults and two children should plan for :
- Bare pitch: €220 to €350
- Standard mobile home: €700 to €1000
- Extras (catering, bicycles, entertainment): €100 to €200
At Ker Helen, families enjoy having activities, swimming pool and entertainment close at hand, which can limit travel and outside costs.
A family mobile home in a quality establishment generally costs between €1,300 and €1,700 per week in July and August. For a spacious pitch with electricity, expect to pay between €350 and €500. A number of activities and services (heated pool, playground, on-site catering) are included in the package, saving you money on your leisure budget.
How to pay less?
There are two simple ways to reduce the bill: book several months in advance with early-booking offers, or choose the low season, when prices drop and crowds diminish. In spring and autumn, campsites remain open and the Bay of Arcachon can be discovered in a more tranquil atmosphere. Last-minute promotions also offer attractive rates.