There are two ways to look at getting into shape on the campsite. The first we might call… the gentle method, consisting in making the most – without excess – of the sports on offer, as well as all the other non-sporting activities, and to devote the rest of the time… to doing nothing, or very little. The second, the more robust method, is addressed above all to fitness fanatics or anyone who wants to make the most of the holiday to get rid of… unseemly love handles, to stay in shape, etc. On the programme: jogging or a long bike ride in the morning, the gym straight afterwards and a few lengths in the swimming pool in the afternoon. You can also take up team or individual sports, such as horse riding or sailing. There's a wide range to choose from, so make the most of it.
Whatever you decide to do, you can do it at the campsite, so keep this in mind when booking.
Sports activities on a campsite: Gentle method
Aquagym or muscle toning:
Aquagym is first of all a registered trade mark for water aerobics equipment. Aquagym lessons always involve a qualified instructor. Otherwise, the morning lessons focus on toning up the muscles. In any event, they are aimed at anyone looking to take advantage of how easy it is to make movements in the water that would be much harder in the open air.
Outdoor fitness areas:
In recent years, fitness areas have flourished on the campsites. They feature a range of equipment similar to the kind found in gyms, but with some big advantages. They are open to access by all, particularly to people would never dare enter a gym because they don’t meet certain aesthetic criteria or because they… can’t see themselves in a pink leotard. All respectable manufacturers include precise instructions with each piece of equipment, sometimes with training plans and even, in some cases, flashcodes giving access to training videos.
Just… walk!
Even if you take a gentle approach, you can discover new ways to stay active while enjoying the friendly atmosphere of the campsite:
Sports activities on a campsite: The hard way
Sports lessons with professional instructors
At some campsites, you can enjoy real sports sessions throughout the day: a yoga session, perfect for relaxing, and outdoor fitness, which combines cardio and muscle strengthening, to keep in shape. Take part in dance and zumba classes in a friendly atmosphere and meet new friends while sharing some fun times.
The sports pool
Campsites with a sports pool offer much more than just a swimming area: it's not just the waterslides that can attract holidaymakers! Campsites have facilities for swimmers and lovers of dynamic aquatic activities. These pools, which are often longer and have several swimming lanes, allow holidaymakers to train or keep fit during their holidays. Some campsites also offer swimming lessons for youngsters, with water at an ideal temperature and appropriate supervision.
As well as swimming, a range of activities can be organised, including aquagym, aquabike and aquafitness classes, ideal for combining sport and fun in a friendly atmosphere during a family camping holiday.
Gym with or without a coach:
Campsites, often those with 4 or 5 stars, have made fitness one of their main selling points. They provide guests (aged 18 and over) with real gyms, including the same equipment that they use the rest of the year. They are often “self-service”. But more and more often, qualified staff are on hand to provide tips, to correct your position or even draw up training plans, etc.
For those who want to take the experience a step further, the campsite offers facilities and supervision suitable for all levels.
A wide range of sports for children... and adults
Some campsite managers, who are themselves fitness fans, organise activities as part of their programmes, including jogging sessions, mountain-bike or road cycling rides, roller-skating, etc.
A camping holiday is an opportunity to take part in physical and sporting activities in the open air, for a truly convivial experience. If you want to choose your campsite in according to the sports activities available, use the multi-criteria search or consult our selection of campsites with many sports available.
Multisports pitches, at the heart of sports activities, even at small campsites: foot, basketball, volleyball, water polo, tennis, etc.
Your children or teenagers (and yourself for that matter) will certainly enjoy team sports activities on one of the campsite's multi-sports pitches, as part of the teenagers' club activities or with a group of friends: basketball, volleyball (or beach volleyball at campsites by the sea), water polo matches, table tennis tournaments... Enjoy mini-golf as a family or a game of pétanque!.
Multi-sports pitches are available at most campsites, from 2-star to 5-star.
Many tennis courts offer access to tennis lessons. Don't want to be burdened with rackets on holiday? Don't worry, the campsite will lend or hire you the equipment you need to practise your sport.
Finally, more and more campsites are installing pumptracks for skateboarders, scooter riders, rollerbladers, mountain bikers, BMX riders and scooter enthusiasts. These closed-loop tracks alternate between a series of small bumps, banked turns and larger bumps for jumping.
These spaces are ideal for team activities, letting off steam and sharing fun moments with family or friends.
Individual sports, for fitness, relaxation or fun: archery, horse riding, water sports, tree climbing...
From archery to horse riding, your campsite could offer you new activities to enjoy during your next camping holiday: it's a great way to keep fit while having fun and discovering the campsite's surroundings.
A campsite by the water will allow you to enjoy the pleasures of water sports: you may be able to go scuba diving, windsurfing or stand-up paddling under the supervision of professional instructors and take your first scuba-diving course, for example. A campsite in the mountains near a river will certainly allow you to hire a pedalo or a canoe-kayak (not to be missed if you're camping near the Verdon gorges).
On a campsite, you may be able to take advantage of an on-site tree-top adventure course, such as at La Farigoulette campsite *****, in Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon (04).
After sport: wellness at the campsite, for ideal fitness
To complete your fitness programme, some campsites offer dedicated wellness areas where you can relax and recharge your batteries after physical activity.
But getting into shape during your holiday doesn’t necessarily mean getting out of breath or a t-shirt bathed in sweat, or major aches and pains the next morning. Getting into shape also means taking the time to look after yourself from every point of view, and here campsites have made big efforts over the past few years. Some of their wellness areas are quite monumental. Here you will find, of course, hot tubs (Jacuzzi is a registered trade mark), saunas, hamams… but much else besides! You’ll be welcomed by professional staff who will take care of you with massages and a whole range of beauty treatments. The treatments are by appointment and of course are not free… but they are well worth it and will boost your well-being. Discover a selection of wellness campsites.