Finding the best campsites Sweden for families can make a big difference to your holiday. The right campsite gives children space to play, parents practical facilities, and everyone easy access to beaches, forests, swimming areas, and Swedish attractions. From large seaside resorts with pools and activities to quiet lakeside sites surrounded by nature, camping in Sweden suits many different travel styles.
What makes a campsite family friendly in Sweden?
Family friendly campsites in Sweden are usually more than places to park a motorhome or pitch a tent. Many have cabins, playgrounds, service buildings, kitchens, laundry rooms, mini markets, restaurants, and organised activities during the high season. Larger resorts may also offer water parks, adventure playgrounds, kids clubs, bicycle hire, and entertainment.
Before booking, think about the kind of holiday your family wants. A beach resort can be ideal for younger children who enjoy shallow water and supervised activities. A forest campsite may suit families looking for canoeing, hiking, and peaceful evenings. If you are travelling with a baby, proximity to a shop, private bathroom options, and a quiet pitch may be more important than a large entertainment programme.
- For beaches and swimming: look at campsites beside the Baltic Sea, Lake Vänern, Lake Vättern, or Lake Siljan.
- For activities: choose a resort with playgrounds, pools, mini golf, sports areas, and children’s entertainment.
- For sightseeing: stay near Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Visby, or major family attractions.
- For nature: search for campsites close to national parks, hiking trails, canoe routes, and wildlife areas.
- For comfort: consider a cabin, glamping tent, or serviced pitch with electricity and water.
Facilities and opening periods change, so check the campsite’s current information before making a reservation. Swedish summer holidays are popular, especially from late June through early August.
12 of the best campsites Sweden for families
The following campsites represent several types of Swedish camping. Some are large holiday resorts with extensive facilities, while others are better for families who prefer a quieter base in nature.
1. Daftö Resort, Strömstad
Daftö Resort on Sweden’s west coast is one of the country’s most entertaining choices for families. It is located near Strömstad, close to the Bohuslän coastline and the Norwegian border. The resort has camping pitches, cabins, and other accommodation, making it suitable for families who do not own camping equipment.
Children are a major focus here. During the main season, the resort offers themed activities and entertainment inspired by its pirate setting. There is also a large adventure area, swimming opportunities, play spaces, and access to coastal scenery. Families can combine resort days with boat trips, kayaking, swimming from rocky shores, and visits to the Koster Islands.
Daftö is a good choice if you want camping Sweden style with plenty to do on site. It is particularly suitable for families who prefer an active holiday and do not want to plan a separate activity every day.
2. Böda Sand, Öland
Böda Sand is situated beside one of Öland’s best known sandy beaches. The long beach, shallow water, and broad dunes make it attractive to families with children who enjoy building sandcastles and swimming. The campsite is one of the largest holiday destinations on the island and offers pitches, cabins, and other accommodation.
Facilities typically include swimming areas, playgrounds, sports activities, shops, restaurants, and seasonal entertainment. The surrounding northern part of Öland is also worth exploring, with cycling routes, nature reserves, windmills, and distinctive limestone landscapes.
Because Böda Sand is a popular summer destination, booking early is sensible. It works best for families who want a lively holiday atmosphere and plenty of facilities within walking distance. If your family prefers silence and empty beaches, consider visiting outside the busiest weeks of July.
3. Kneippbyn Resort, Visby
Kneippbyn Resort is located just outside Visby on the island of Gotland. It is especially appealing to families planning a trip around Pippi Longstocking, as the resort is home to a Pippi themed park. There is also a water park, making this a destination where children can spend several days without becoming bored.
The resort offers camping pitches, cottages, and other accommodation. Families can combine time at the water park with visits to medieval Visby, beaches, coastal viewpoints, and Gotland’s unusual limestone formations. A car is useful for exploring more of the island, although local transport and cycling can work for some itineraries.
Kneippbyn is among the best campsites Sweden for families who want attractions built into their accommodation. The main drawback is that popular dates can fill quickly, and some activities may operate only during the summer season.
4. Pite Havsbad, Norrbotten
Pite Havsbad is a large seaside resort on the Gulf of Bothnia in northern Sweden. Its beach is a strong attraction during the bright summer months, when northern Sweden enjoys exceptionally long days. The resort has camping facilities, cabins, hotel accommodation, restaurants, and a broad selection of family activities.
Depending on the season, facilities can include swimming areas, water activities, playgrounds, sports, entertainment, and indoor options for changeable weather. The area around Piteå offers forests, islands, walking routes, and opportunities to experience the calm light of the northern summer.
This is a practical option for families travelling north or planning a longer road trip through Sweden. It is also worth considering if you want a campsite where a beach holiday is possible without travelling abroad. In cooler weather, confirm which outdoor facilities are open.
5. First Camp Kolmården, near Norrköping
First Camp Kolmården is a convenient base for families visiting Kolmården Wildlife Park. The campsite is close to one of Sweden’s most popular family attractions, where visitors can see animals, explore themed areas, and enjoy rides. Staying nearby means you can avoid a long drive after a full day at the park.
The campsite offers pitches and cabins, along with facilities such as play areas and service buildings. The surrounding region has forests, lakes, and coastal scenery, so the holiday does not need to revolve entirely around the wildlife park.
For families with children who love animals, this campsite can simplify the itinerary. Book attraction tickets and accommodation in advance during school holidays, and check whether transport between the campsite and the park is available for your travel dates.
6. First Camp Sibbarp, Malmö
First Camp Sibbarp is a useful choice for families who want to combine camping with a city break. It is located near Malmö, with access to beaches, green spaces, cycling routes, and views across the Öresund. The campsite offers pitches and cabins, which makes it suitable for both traditional campers and families looking for more comfort.
From Sibbarp, you can visit central Malmö, explore museums, cycle along the coast, or take a train across the Öresund Bridge to Copenhagen. The beach and outdoor setting give children room to play, while the city provides restaurants and cultural attractions for adults.
This is one of the better campsites for families who do not want to choose between nature and urban sightseeing. It can also be a convenient first or last stop for a driving holiday entering Sweden from Denmark.
7. First Camp Liseberg Askim Strand, Gothenburg
Located south of Gothenburg, First Camp Liseberg Askim Strand combines a coastal setting with easy access to Sweden’s second city. The campsite is near the sea and has a beach, while central Gothenburg can be reached by public transport or car.
Families can spend one day swimming and playing outdoors, then visit Liseberg amusement park, Universeum science centre, or the city’s museums on another day. The campsite provides pitches and cabins, plus practical facilities for a self catering stay.
Askim Strand suits families who want a flexible itinerary. You can keep the holiday relaxed with beach days, or fill it with attractions when the weather is less suitable for swimming. Gothenburg is also a good starting point for boat trips into the southern archipelago.
8. First Camp Hagön, Halmstad
Halmstad is known for sandy beaches, and First Camp Hagön gives families a base close to the coast. The campsite has a natural setting, pitches, cabins, and facilities designed for holiday stays. It is close enough to Halmstad for restaurants, shops, and sightseeing, while still feeling separate from the town.
The region is well suited to families who enjoy cycling, swimming, mini golf, and uncomplicated beach days. Tylösand is one of the area’s best known beaches, and the coastline has several places for walks and picnics. Families can also explore Halmstad Castle and the town centre.
Hagön is a good middle ground between a large activity resort and a basic campsite. It offers enough facilities for convenience without requiring every day to follow an organised programme.
9. Orsa Camping, Dalarna
Orsa Camping lies beside Lake Orsa in the Dalarna region. The sandy beach and lake setting are major attractions in summer, while the surrounding forests provide opportunities for walking, cycling, and wildlife experiences. The campsite offers pitches, cabins, and family facilities.
Children can enjoy swimming, playgrounds, mini golf, and outdoor activities, while parents can use Orsa as a base for exploring traditional villages and the wider Dalarna landscape. Nearby Mora is associated with the famous Vasaloppet ski race, and the region has a strong cultural identity connected to folk art, crafts, and local traditions.
Orsa Camping is a strong option for families who want a classic Swedish lakeside holiday. It is less focused on major amusement attractions than some coastal resorts, which makes it appealing for a slower trip.
10. First Camp Glyttinge, Linköping
First Camp Glyttinge is located near Linköping in central southern Sweden. Its position makes it useful for families travelling between Stockholm and southern destinations, or for those who want to explore Östergötland without staying in a city hotel.
The campsite provides pitches and cabins and is close to family attractions in the Linköping area. Families can visit the open air museum Gamla Linköping, explore cycling paths, and make day trips to lakes and historical sites. The city itself has shops, restaurants, and transport connections.
Although it is not a beach resort, Glyttinge shows why campsites can work well for family road trips. A comfortable campsite outside town often gives children more freedom than a city centre accommodation, while keeping attractions within reach.
11. Hafsten Resort, Bohuslän
Hafsten Resort is set on a peninsula in Bohuslän, one of Sweden’s most scenic coastal regions. The resort has sea views, camping pitches, cabins, and a broad selection of activities. Its position between forests and the sea gives families many ways to spend the day outdoors.
Facilities may include swimming areas, pools, playgrounds, adventure activities, mini golf, and seasonal entertainment. The rocky coastline is characteristic of western Sweden, and nearby towns and islands offer opportunities for boat trips and seafood meals.
Hafsten works well for families who want an activity rich campsite in a beautiful coastal landscape. As with other large resorts, it is important to check opening dates and reserve popular accommodation well ahead of time.
12. First Camp Tylösand, Halmstad
First Camp Tylösand is another attractive option near Halmstad, especially for families who place the beach at the centre of their holiday. Tylösand is known for its wide sandy shoreline, dunes, and opportunities for walking and swimming.
The campsite offers pitches and cabins and provides a convenient base for exploring both the beach and Halmstad. Families can combine relaxed seaside days with cycling, local sightseeing, and visits to nearby nature areas. The west coast is also well suited to a longer road trip, with Varberg, Falkenberg, and Gothenburg within reach by car.
Choose Tylösand if your ideal family holiday involves simple routines: breakfast outdoors, a day at the beach, an easy dinner, and time to play without a packed schedule.
When is the best time for camping in Sweden?
The main camping season usually runs from late spring into early autumn, but the best dates depend on your destination. Southern Sweden can be pleasant from May, while northern regions often have their most reliable warm weather in July and early August. Midsummer, which falls in late June, is a special time to visit, but it is also a busy holiday period.
July offers the warmest swimming conditions in many parts of Sweden, although weather can change quickly. June provides very long days and bright evenings, while August can be slightly quieter after the main school holiday period. September is attractive for hiking and autumn colours, but some resort facilities may have closed.
If you are travelling with a tent, bring clothing for rain, wind, and cool evenings even in summer. A waterproof groundsheet, warm sleeping bags, and quick drying towels can make a noticeable difference.
How to choose among Swedish campsites
Start by deciding whether you want a resort holiday or a nature based stay. Large resorts are convenient for families with young children because activities, food, and play areas are nearby. Smaller campsites may offer more peace, lower prices, and a stronger connection to the surrounding landscape.
- Check the accommodation type. Pitches vary in size and may or may not include electricity. Cabins range from simple rooms with shared facilities to fully equipped holiday homes.
- Look at the swimming options. A lake or sea beach may not have lifeguards, changing rooms, or shallow water, so read the campsite details carefully.
- Review kitchen facilities. A shared kitchen, barbecue area, or cabin kitchen can help keep family costs under control.
- Consider transport. Some campsites are easy to reach by train and bus, while others are most practical with a car.
- Ask about quiet hours. This matters if younger children need an early bedtime or if you prefer peaceful evenings.
- Reserve in advance. Beachfront pitches, cabins, and school holiday dates are often the first to sell out.
Useful tips for a family camping holiday in Sweden
Sweden is generally straightforward for campers, but a little preparation helps. Bring a card or contactless payment method because many campsites and shops accept digital payments rather than cash. Download maps before travelling to rural areas, where mobile coverage can be less consistent.
Pack mosquito repellent for evenings near lakes and wetlands, particularly in northern and inland areas. Check local fire rules before using a barbecue or campfire. During dry periods, fires may be prohibited even at established campsites.
Many Swedish families travel with bicycles, and cycling is often the easiest way to reach a beach, shop, or nearby attraction. Helmets are recommended for everyone, and children should have properly fitted seats or trailers.
Finally, leave room in the itinerary for weather changes. A rainy day at a campsite can still be enjoyable with board games, a visit to a nearby museum, baking in a cabin kitchen, or a short walk in waterproof clothing. Choosing accommodation with both indoor and outdoor options is especially helpful when travelling with younger children.