When we think of unusual camping rentals, we immediately imagine cabins nestled in trees or on the edge of a lake. With more than a thousand campsites in France offering unusual accommodation, it has never been easier to enjoy an atypical stay in the safety of a campsite.
These lodgings, often more compact than traditional rentals, offer a comfortable stay in a small space, with a touch of design and lots of charm. Here are the main options to help you choose the unusual small accommodation that suits you best.
Mini cabins and small wooden shelters: simplicity and immersion in nature
For a cosy, minimalist stay in nature, these compact wooden lodgings offer a real cocoon close to the environment. Ideal for lovers of peace and quiet, hiking or short getaways, they combine rustic charm with essential comfort.
Pods/Eco-pods: the minimalist charm of a cosy refuge
Small, cosy and minimalist semi-circular wooden cabins, pods are perfect for a cocooning stay. Their soft silhouette and warm atmosphere make them one of the most popular unusual types of accommodation, with their beds and comfortable seating area. Among the campsites that offer them are Ker Eden*** in Larmor-Baden (56), ideal for enjoying the Gulf of Morbihan, and Les Jardins de la Pascalinette**** in La Londe-les-Maures (83), in the Var, for a stay between the sea and nature.
Cabadienne: the trapper spirit in an all-wood cabin
The cabadienne is a simple, rustic mini wooden cabin, often used as a compromise between a tent and a small cabin. Ideal for short stays. You can rent a cabadienne at the Les Pommiers** campsite in Saint-Léonard (76), Le Chaponnet**** in Brem-sur-Mer (85) or Camping du val de Saône*** in Thoissey (01).
Barrel cabins: a night in a giant barrel
These cylindrical barrel cabins offer a fun and unusual experience. Compact and optimised, barrels appeal with their unique shape and rustic look, perfect for an unusual getaway.
Other campsites offering these barrels include La Ferme de Perdigat**** in Limeuil (24) and Lodges de Blois - Chambord*** in Mont-près-Chambord (41).
Wooden teepee cabins: a touch of adventure in a miniature cabin
Wooden teepees offer compact, rustic and cosy accommodation (not to be confused with Native American teepee tents). They offer a cosy retreat for two people, with a double bed and sometimes a small relaxation area. They generally measure between 8 and 15 m², ideal for a simple, immersive stay close to nature.
These small wooden bivouacs can be found at the Domaine de Longemer**** campsite in Xonrupt-Longemer (88).
Cabanétapes, practical shelter for travellers on the move
The cabanétape is a micro-refuge designed for hikers and cyclists. Minimalist, secure and practical for a one-night stopover, it is one of the most compact types of accommodation available on campsites. You can find them, for example, at the La Tour** campsite in Ambon (56), a campsite with the Accueil Vélo label.
Stay somewhere different: bubbles, fantasy cabins and designer mini-houses
For those looking for something unusual, whimsical or designer, these types of accommodation offer unique experiences: sleep in a transparent bubble, a hobbit house or a fantasy cabin, and enjoy a memorable stay in the heart of nature.
The Tiny House: the art of cosy minimalism when camping
A bright, functional and stylish eco-friendly mini house on wheels. The tiny house is the most comfortable option among micro-accommodations, while remaining very compact.
Rent a tiny house at the Le Ventoulou**** campsite in Thégra (46) or La Trye** in Bresles (60).
The Hobbit hut/cabin, a round house worthy of the Shire
This small round hut inspired by fantasy worlds is very cosy and cute. You can find them at the Bleu Mer*** campsite in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne (17), the Nevers*** campsite (58) or the Bourbon-Lancy*** campsite (71), for example.
Bubbles / Bubble Dreams: sleep under the stars in a transparent bubble
Transparent bubbles allow you to sleep under the stars while staying protected from the wind and humidity. Ideal for a contemplative and romantic night.
The Goutte d'Ô cabin, an original and airy experience
A suspended, drop-shaped accommodation that is light, airy and completely unusual, the Goutte d'Ô is perfect for a night perched or semi-perched, with an experience close to that of a "perched nest". You will find this original accommodation at the camping Entre Terre et Mer*** in Pont-Scorff (56)
The fantasy cabin, the playful and original charm of a mini-cabin
Fantasy cabins appeal for their originality and playfulness, offering a real miniature cocoon for families or couples looking for something unusual. This type of accommodation can be found at the Le Sagittaire***** campsite in Vinsobres (26), with its Politicator Boat and sandy beach, or at the Entre Terre et Mer*** campsite in Pont-Scorff (56), which offers original and charming cabins in a natural setting.
Coco Sweet: unusual accommodation... but not really miniature
Coco Sweets are hybrid accommodations, halfway between a tent and a bungalow. Their rounded shape and rigid structure offer a nice compromise for holidaymakers who want original accommodation without going for "truly" unusual accommodation.
They are not as small as pods, barrels or fantasy cabins, but they remain a charming and economical alternative, perfect for those looking for simple, comfortable accommodation that is different from a classic mobile home.
You can find coco sweets, for example, at the La Source*** campsite in Hautot-sur-Mer (76), the Camping de l'Aigle*** campsite in Aiguines (83) or the Les Jardins de la Pascalinette**** campsite (83).
For those who want to sleep a little higher up, immersed in the forest or on stilts, check out our article dedicated to tree houses and perched cabins.
Which small unusual accommodation should you choose?
For a cosy, nature-filled stay
Opt for a pod or cabadienne.
For a truly unusual experience
Choose the bubble, the barrel, the Hobbit house, the fantasy cabin or the goutte d'ô.
For a minimalist but comfortable stay
The Tiny House is ideal: compact, eco-friendly and stylish.
For a simple and economical option
The Coco Sweet remains an excellent compromise.