Camping for water sports enthusiasts

Canoeing is a relaxing way to glide across the water and enjoy the surrounding nature. Windsurfers and kitesurfers look forward to making the lake and sea unsafe in ideal wind conditions. Anglers can enjoy the idyllic landscape by a babbling river. Discover new shores while camping with your own or a hire boat and see the world from a different perspective while diving.

Special features of camping for water sports enthusiasts

When camping by the water, it's not just the view that's fantastic as soon as you wake up. The opportunity to pursue your hobby every day is also something very special. Anglers, for example, will find quiet spots and rich fishing grounds in Slovenia, and many campsites hire out rowing and pedal boats or canoes to explore the surrounding waters. Fun for young and old is guaranteed and couples also love this romantic excursion. Boating enthusiasts will not only find plenty to do on the seas, but also on numerous lakes, including in Germany. Windsurfers and kitesurfers are drawn to regions with strong and constant winds. Thanks to the Peler and Ora winds on Lake Garda, fans of these trendy sports flock to Italy's largest lake. In Croatia, there are many clear and beautiful sea spots that are best explored underwater - a paradise for divers and snorkelling fans. Camping for water sports enthusiasts is as diverse as the rivers, lakes and seas in Europe.

Travelling

• Water sports enthusiasts with their own equipment, such as windsurfers, should find out about safe transport options before their holiday. Hiring the necessary equipment locally can therefore sometimes make travelling more comfortable.
• For many water sports, not only the outside temperature but also the water temperature is crucial. Divers, snorkelling fans and surfers should pack wetsuits in their suitcases if necessary.
• For boating enthusiasts, it is important to remember the boating licence that is required when hiring a motorboat.
• Dog owners who take their four-legged friends on camping holidays should think about where they will keep their dog while they are on the water. A caravan is not a good idea, especially in the height of summer, because the temperatures in the vehicle are too hot.

Destinations for water sports enthusiasts

The Fürstenberg Lake District lies between the Mecklenburg Lake District, the Ruppin Lake District and the Uckermark. A boat tour is a particularly good way to discover the extensive water landscape. The Himmelpfort campsite, for example, rents out kayaks or canoes to gently paddle across the Stolpsee and through the beautiful natural landscape. There are also moorings for boats and motorboats you bring with you. There are not only bathing spots directly on the lake, there is also an outdoor pool nearby. Outdoor enthusiasts are particularly drawn to the Šobec campsite in the north of Slovenia: it is located in a fresh pine forest in the immediate vicinity of the Triglav National Park between a babbling river and a calm lake. This five-star campsite offers spectacular views of the Julian Alps and Karawanks. Water hikers, anglers, kayakers and canoeists get their money's worth here. Adrenaline junkies can go on a guided rafting tour. The Marina Camping Resort in Croatia boasts four stars: The campsite is located by the Adriatic Sea and is ideal for diving enthusiasts. Beginners and advanced divers can take courses on site. Swimming fans can also enjoy a pool area with a magnificent panoramic view. With play and slide facilities, children especially look forward to this offer at the campsite. The Maroadi campsite is recommended simply because of its direct beach location on Lake Garda. With such bathing opportunities, children are kept busy all day long and holidaymakers looking for peace and quiet can look forward to reading an exciting book on the sunbathing lawn by the lake. Sporty campers can swim in the lake, charter a sailing boat or take a course to learn the basic techniques of windsurfing or kitesurfing. Advanced surfers can hire high-quality equipment on site and take on the world-famous, constant wind of Lake Garda.

Top tips

• When camping for water sports enthusiasts, the pitch for the caravan or motorhome is particularly important - especially for those who take their own equipment with them: Sportspeople with heavy equipment, such as windsurfers, should choose a campsite as close to the water as possible.
• Suitable insurance cover should be considered for an action-packed holiday. There are many providers who offer insurance with worldwide cover or for the whole family.
• In summer, sun protection with a high sun protection factor is recommended for almost all water sports. This should not be applied just before entering the water, but at least half an hour before so that the cream can be absorbed.
• Anglers are best advised to take sufficient quantities of their usual bait with them on their trip, as the desired lures are sometimes not available in the holiday destinations or it is not always easy to obtain specific materials in a foreign-language country.
• Water sports with children often require special preparation and organisation. Larger campsites in particular offer child-friendly activities: For example, an entertainment programme and baby and childcare. This means that parents can also enjoy some time for themselves - including sporting activities in, around and on the water.

Activities and excursions

Camping for water sports enthusiasts is more than just exercise in the cool water. For many, it also conveys a sense of freedom and adventure; for example, on a jet ski or boat trip or on a surfboard with the wind in the sail.

A peaceful boat trip in Germany

If you are looking for relaxation or want to take a day off from water sports, you can enjoy a peaceful boat trip. As a guest on board, you can enjoy the trip to the full. The aforementioned Fürstenberg Lake District in Germany, for example, can be explored on a passenger boat. Here you can drift leisurely across the waters between Lychen and Fürstenberg and take in the idyllic natural surroundings.

An instructive windsurfing course on Lake Garda

Young and young-at-heart campers who have never tried windsurfing before can do so while camping in Italy. Windsurfing courses for beginners are offered at the Maroadi campsite mentioned above. But advanced windsurfers can also improve their technique during a course.

Speed across the water with wakeboarding

Some campsites on lakes have their own waterskiing facilities. Athletes are pulled across the water on a rope on wakeboards, water skis or kneeboards. Advanced skiers dare to take a jump or two over a kicker. The Alfsee holiday and recreation park in Lower Saxony, for example, offers its guests two facilities.