What time should we arrive at the campsite?
Unless you have a specific agreement with the campsite, in high season - particularly in midsummer - you must arrive in the afternoon, as you must leave in the morning, and both the pitch and the accommodation must be vacated by the end of the morning at the latest. Your booking or, failing that, the campsite's internal rules will clearly specify the possible times of arrival for your arrival as well as the times for your departure at the end of your stay.
The bottom line is that there's no point in running out and arriving too early, bearing in mind that in high season, reception is often open until 7 or 8 pm. While it's rare to be able to leave the "Saturday-Saturday" (or "Sunday-Sunday" for some campsites) slot for a full week for a rental pitch, you should be aware that campsites are much more flexible when it comes to bare pitches. Take advantage of this to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams during the big departure weekends.
Late arrivals at a campsite
A problem on your journey? It happens. If you expect to arrive late, after the campsite reception has closed, don't delay in informing the campsite manager of your late arrival: he will be able to tell you what to do to prepare for your arrival at the campsite and in particular the conditions of access to the campsite and admission: office open at night or number to call in an emergency.
Can I arrive at the campsite the day before or in the morning?
Let's be clear: if you want to arrive at the campsite the day before, it will be to add an extra night, and to do that, you first need to check that the campsite has availability for the accommodation or plot it has reserved for you.
Arriving at the campsite in the morning will allow you to check in early and avoid the long queues that can occur in the afternoon, when the bulk of holidaymakers arrive. Some campsites allow this, but be sure to check beforehand.
However, you will not necessarily have access to your pitch or accommodation before the agreed time: the keys will be handed over in the afternoon, once the pitch or accommodation has been vacated and cleaned if necessary. In the meantime, the campsite may give you access to its facilities, such as the restaurant or swimming pool.
How do you get to the campsite?
On arrival, start by checking in
On your arrival, the reception area is a compulsory place to go through the welcome formalities:
Park in the campsite car park - the reception is usually located nearby - while you complete all the formalities: the campsite will explain where you can park your vehicle during your stay.
What documents do I need to present on arrival at the campsite?
Before arriving at the reception desk, please have your documents ready: national identity card or passport, driving licence, booking number or booking documents, vaccination certificate if you are bringing your pet...
Please note: although the campsite won’t keep your proof of identity during the stay, it does have the right to ask to make a photocopy when you check in.
Regulations governing stays and tourist tax
Unless you have already paid for your stay in full in advance, you will certainly be asked to pay the balance outstanding when you arrive.
In addition, tourist tax must be paid on arrival at the campsite, unless your booking platform has asked you to pay it in advance.
When is a deposit required?
If you are renting, the campsite may ask you to pay a deposit which will be returned at the end of your stay, after any rented or loaned equipment has been returned, or after an inventory has been made. Here are the different situations you may encounter:
- Rental accommodation such as mobile homes, chalets or even tents: A deposit is often required to cover any damage to property or cleaning not carried out. This is usually returned at the end of your stay, after you have checked out.
- Pitches with private sanitary facilities: for pitches with individual sanitary facilities, a deposit may be required to ensure that they are in good condition on departure.
- Hire of equipment: some campsites require a deposit for the hire of bicycles, barbecues, fridges, deckchairs, canoes, tennis rackets, etc., to ensure that they are returned in good condition.
- A deposit may be required for the loan of an entry badge, an access bracelet (for the water park, for example) or a hire key, in order to guarantee their return.
Check your options
When you made your reservation, you could have booked the hire of equipment such as bicycles, a fridge or a TV, or subscribed to services such as treatments at the campsite spa or excursions nearby. Be sure to check the options you have booked - and how to take advantage of these services - with reception when you check in.
If, on the other hand, you have not made a pre-booking, check-in may be the right time to subscribe to a service.
Arrival on the campsite pitch
In general, a member of the campsite staff will take you to your campsite pitch.
In any case, when you set up on the pitch, make sure you respect the peace and quiet of your neighbours, as you will be happy if they do the same. Turn off your car engine and the radio, and avoid the traditional telephone call to your parents to say in a loud voice that you have arrived: your neighbours already know that. Before setting up your tent, your caravan or campervan, take a note of the shaded and sunny areas so you can choose the right spot (also take into account the neighbours’ set ups). And when it’s time to pack up, try not to take everything out at once so that your pitch is transformed into a big car boot sale...
Arrival in your mobile home
For rental accommodation, you’ll need to do an inventory, even if this may seem tedious, especially after the tiring journey. o. If a member of the campsite staff is not with you, check that nothing is missing from the list of items you are given and inform the reception at once if you see anything wrong (a cracked window, dirty oven, etc.). Your security deposit depends on it.
anomalies you find (cracked window, dirty oven, etc.). Your deposit depends on it.
In both cases, read the campsite rules and regulations, the conditions of access to the facilities and... enjoy! Your camping holidays are finally starting!