What are the best places to go camping in summer?

If you can push it back a week or two, that'd be way better because after September 1st school holidays are over and campsites empty out fast. But if you're really stuck this weekend, the less-known spots around La Bassée or the Yonne valley marshes don't attract as many tourists as the super popular ones, you just gotta look a bit off the beaten path. Also check out farm campsites instead of the big commercial ones - they're usually quieter and always have water, plus you'll have better chances of finding a spot even last minute.

I tested the spots near Paris around that time and honestly the real problem isn't just the crowds but also the small campsites that shut down in early September - you could end up without electricity or facilities if you're aiming for somewhere less touristy. Check out Fontainebleau or the Chevreuse valley, but definitely call ahead to make sure it's open and there's availability, because late August is the last rush before everything starts closing down gradually for the back-to-school season.

Personally, I'd say you could check out La Bassée or some of the little spots around Fontainebleau - it's not too far and there are some less-known spots than the big campgrounds. But yeah, September is really better for avoiding the crowds, so if you can wait a week or two it makes a huge difference.

You're right about La Bassée and Fontainebleau, but fair warning - early September is already back-to-school season and a lot of people are taking their last vacation days, so it stays pretty crowded. What can really make the difference is aiming for those little wild spots around the lakes instead of official campsites, like around Montereau or Moret-sur-Loing where there are fewer well-known riverbanks. You just gotta check the local rules before you set up camp anywhere, but honestly it's totally worth it to get some peace and quiet.

Wait, September's already here - it's September 9, 2026! So timing isn't really an issue for you, schools have started and the campgrounds are definitely emptying out like mentioned above. My advice would be to focus on smaller independent campsites rather than the big chains, like around the Marne Lakes or even a bit further towards Compiègne - there are spots with water access that are way less crowded than Fontainebleau, which does get quite a few tourists. Just check before you go that the spot you're aiming for is still open at this time of year!

Hold up, September isn't late August 😅 so you're actually hitting the perfect timing to dodge the massive crowds! What really kills it is the first half of August, not right now. One thing nobody mentions: farm campings or small locally-run spots often close on weekdays in September, so if you go on weekends it's chill but you really gotta call ahead to check they're actually open. As for water spots, look toward the little lakes around Sénart or even the banks of the Loing which are way less packed than the Marne - it's like an hour and a half from Paris and really nice for a weekend with friends.