Camping in Dunkirk

The small town of Dunkirk on the Opal Coast in northern France is the perfect place for a peaceful camping holiday and is easily accessible by motorhome. Fantastically beautiful landscapes, a wide range of campsites and few other holidaymakers make camping in Dunkirk a real insider tip.

Camping in Dunkirk: All important information at a glance

Dunkirk is located in northern France just over the border with Belgium on the North Sea coast and offers a wide range of campsites. Due to its direct location on the coast, Malo-les-Bains has a beautiful long sandy beach that offers the best conditions for camping by the sea.

Many campsites in Dunkirk are located close to the beach, such as the 4-star Camp des Dunes or Camping La Licorne. The wide 7 km long strip of sand is characterised by a gentle slope and is therefore ideal for families with children.

There are also a number of beautiful campsites in the vicinity of Dunkirk, such as Camping du Bois des Forts in the small town of Coudekerque. Here you can not only enjoy the beautiful coastal landscape and sunbathe, but also explore the natural paradise in the picturesque hinterland.

Those who appreciate a farmhouse atmosphere will love camping in Dunkirk in northern France. The four-star campsite not only offers families with children a varied programme with sports courses, entertainment and themed cooking evenings. There is also a small farm with goats, chickens, ducks and ponies to discover. Children's groups can learn about topics such as the water cycle, vegetable growing and sustainability.

The facilities at the campsites are generally good. There are electricity connections on the camping pitches and the supply of fresh water and disposal of grey water is standard. Many campsites have sports grounds, leisure areas and a wide range of entertainment. In the high season, the entertainment team ensures that even the youngsters don't get bored.

Campsites in Dunkirk

Here is a selection of the most beautiful campsites in and around Dunkirk.

Camping des Dunes

Spacious 4-star campsite in the countryside halfway between Calais and Dunkirk. The site offers direct access to the sandy beach via a dune path and is ideal for excursions and tours in the region. In addition to pitches for motorhomes and caravans, there are also tent pitches and modern rental accommodation.

Camping La Licorn

Centrally located campsite near the main beach of Dunkirk. Campers can also rent mobile homes, bungalows or hikers' cabins here, and there are also pitches for motorhomes in front of the barrier. There is an adventure playground and a restaurant on the site. The nearby cycle paths invite you to explore the surrounding area.

Camping du Bois des Forts

Beautiful campsite on the outskirts of Dunkirk and just a few hundred metres from the forest. In addition to pitches for caravans and motorhomes, you can also stay in mobile homes for 2 or 3 people. The surrounding area is ideal for walks and cycle rides through the woods and along the Opal Coast.

How to get to Dunkirk

Dunkirk can be reached quickly by motorhome or caravan, as the city is only a few kilometres from the Belgian border. Depending on the starting point in Germany, the journey only takes around 4 to 6 hours and only slightly longer if you are travelling from the east.

The route initially heads west from Düsseldorf to Antwerp. From there, the route leads via Bruges to Ostend and finally a short distance to Dunkirk. Alternatively, it is also possible to travel via Brussels with a stopover for a city tour. There is no toll for motorhomes in Belgium.

The most beautiful holiday destinations in Dunkirk

The Opal Coast in northern France is nowhere near as well-known among campers as Normandy or Brittany. However, there are several beautiful destinations in the area and you don't have to share the great landscapes with so many other travellers.

Steep cliffs and secluded beaches

The cliffs of the Opal Coast are interspersed with dunes and small rivers and are a great destination for hiking and cycling tours in the region. The two sister capes, Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, are worth seeing and are one of the most important tourist attractions on the North Sea coast in France.

Pretty fishing villages and fashionable seaside resorts

There are a number of pretty little fishing villages along the coast, most of which have retained their original charm. In Wimereux, the fish are caught in the sea and then served directly on the plate. In Boulogne-sur-Mer, the largest fishing fleet in France is moored at the quayside.

Excursion to Calais

Calais is just a stone's throw away from Dunkirk and is an ideal destination for a day trip. The city is an important ferry harbour for trips from northern France and England. It is also the end of the Eurotunnel, which runs under the Strait of Dover and is the longest underwater tunnel in the world.

Activities and excursions in Dunkirk

Dunkirk is definitely worth a visit. The city is considered a cultural mecca in the Nord-Pas de Calais and has a lot to offer, not only during the famous carnival.

Stroll through Dunkirk

Visitors can take a stroll along the waterfront and admire the characteristic colourful houses of the port city. The Belfry of Dunkirk, which has been a UNSECO World Heritage Site since 2005, is particularly architecturally appealing. It serves as a bell tower for the magnificent Saint-Éloi church, which is located right next door.

Art and culture

Holidaymakers interested in culture should visit the LAAC art museum. The surrounding park is already decorated with colourful sculptures. Inside, visitors will find modern art and sculptures to touch. From the park, you have a great view of the North Sea and the houses of the Dunkirk district of Malo-le-Bains and the harbour.

History you can touch

Today, Dunkirk is best known for its decisive role in the Second World War. If you want to find out more about the history of the town, don't miss the Musée Dunkerque 1940. Exhibits from the Second World War create an impressive atmosphere and shed light on the battles and the Allied landings on the northern French coast.

Best time for a camping holiday in Dunkirk

The North Sea weather is mild when camping in Dunkirk. In summer it can be up to 21 degrees. The water temperature rises to 19 degrees. It rains eight to eleven days a month. The transitional months of May and October are also suitable for cultural excursions. Temperatures then reach a maximum of 16 degrees. It can rain up to eleven days a month.

In winter, temperatures drop to as low as three degrees. Rainfall is more frequent, so holidaymakers need an umbrella 13 days a month. The water also cools down and is only five degrees in March.