Camping in the low season: nothing but benefits!

4 February, 2019 | Update: 25/10/2024

You’re retired, you don’t (yet) have children, or you have very young (grand)children or (grand)children who are no longer in school, so you’re not bound to peak season holidays? That’s great because camping in the low season is highly recommended for various reasons. Read on to discover the benefits of camping outside of the high season.

Table of contents

• • Summary
  • When exactly is the low season?
  • Nature at its best
  • Quieter towns and villages
  • Affordable rates in spring and autumn
  • School holidays
  • Even cheaper camping in the low season
  • Where should I go in the low season?

Summary

Camping in the low season offers benefits that many people don’t yet know. Fewer crowds, lower rates, and ample space to enjoy nature at its finest. While peak season often brings crowds and heat, spring and autumn provide more tranquillity and milder temperatures. Whether you enjoy exploring towns and villages or prefer to relax on the campsite, the low season offers peace and considerably lower prices. In short, the low season offers a unique camping experience that’s both relaxing and affordable. Here’s everything you need to know about camping in the low season.

When exactly is the low season?

Let’s start with the basics – when is the low season? Many campsites actually divide the year into three seasons: low, mid, and peak seasons. Broadly speaking, the seasons are as follows:

• Low season: January, February, March, April, October, November, December
• Mid season: mid-May, June, September
• Peak season: July, August

Of course, some campsites have different peak seasons. For a campsite at the foot of a ski slope with heated facilities and ski amenities, the winter months might be seen as the peak season.

Nature at its best

In spring and autumn, nature is often at its best. In spring, you’ll enjoy stunning colours and scents as everything is green and in bloom. In autumn, trees and leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow, red, and orange. During the peak season, temperatures come into play. It’s not only quite warm, especially in southern countries, but also dry, which means nature often struggles and loses its lustre in the middle of summer.

Quieter towns and villages

In some places during July and August, it’s so busy you can hardly move. In the low season, this is much less of an issue. The reason is simple: far fewer people are free to travel. So, you’ll spend less time queuing at museums, and finding a spot on a terrace is much easier. Another benefit is that temperatures in spring can be quite pleasant, making it ideal for enjoying a terrace.

The campsites themselves are also usually much quieter. You won’t have to queue for showers or washing up, and there’s much more space by the pool.

Affordable rates in spring and autumn

In peak season, many people are looking to secure a camping spot. In the low season, demand is much lower, so campsites make prices more attractive. Perfect if you’re not bound by work or school holidays, allowing you to go camping at a lower cost.

School holidays

Camping during school holidays offers plenty of opportunities for affordable and relaxing getaways. Autumn and spring breaks are ideal times to take a break, experiencing nature at its best. During the Christmas holiday, enjoy picturesque winter landscapes, cosy campfires, and even winter sports at some locations.

Easter and Pentecost also bring advantages: the weather starts to warm up, days grow longer, and the first blossoms appear. By camping during these periods, you avoid the summer crowds and can often benefit from lower rates and discounts. Many campsites also offer fun, seasonal activities, ensuring you’ll never be bored.

Even cheaper camping in the low season

As stated above, camping is cheaper in the low season and rates can become even lower with CampingCard ACSI. This discount card allows you to stay at participating campsites for only €13, €15, €17, €19, €21, €23, €25 or €27 per night during the low season. On eurocampings.co.uk you can recognise these campsites immediately by the blue CC logo.

And the best part? The price already includes everything: a pitch for two people, electricity, hot showers, and VAT. Taking the dog along? That’s free, provided the campsite allows pets. With CampingCard ACSI, you can save up to 60%. Some campsites even let children up to five stay for free and offer discounts like 7=6 (nights). Super affordable!

Low-season campsites

Where should I go in the low season?

Wherever you want! Head out in spring to Tuscany or to Provence in autumn. There’s no need to book in advance, so what are you waiting for? Check the weather forecast, see where the sun is shining, and plan your next trip!