17 Unique Spots Where Castle Camping Is Allowed
Castle camping extends beyond fantasy stories and festival scenes. Adventure travelers, budget campers, and history enthusiasts across Europe, Africa, and North America are all embracing the emerging trend of castle camping. The 2024 Statista Travel Survey showed that 61% of outdoor travelers now prefer unique accommodation experiences beyond standard campgrounds.
The ultimate camping experience combines beautiful natural settings with ancient stone structures and the excitement of sleeping in places once inhabited by royalty. This listicle showcases 17 camping locations, from Sweden’s forested castle sites to Kenya’s “castle on a hill,” with updated booking information for pitching your tent near historic landmarks.
If you imagine yourself wild camping in the Mojave or glamping at a French château festival, you’ll find both practical guidance and creative ideas for your next distinctive vacation.
Läckö Castle Camping, Sweden
This forested campsite offers the perfect Swedish experience as it lies only 200 meters from the baroque masterpiece of Läckö Castle. Modern amenities, including showers, toilet facilities, and dishwashing areas, are available to campers in a picturesque protected location by Lake Vänern.
Explore the castle gardens on foot or join a guided history tour after paddling your kayak through the morning mist. The campsite operates between May and mid-September, and its stepped pitches ensure that every tent has an outstanding view. Tent spots at the campsite begin at a nightly price of 200 SEK.
Castle Camping Certified Site, Mow Cop, Staffordshire, UK
This family-operated campground, situated on the boundary of the Peak District, allows guests to set up tents next to the charming remnants of Mow Cop Castle. Two types of pitches with electricity outlets and amenities like heated showers and a cozy family room guarantee comfort.
Birders, take note: Visitors to the area can observe local buzzards and red kites performing aerial displays above. You can reach the historic Staffordshire Way and similar legendary footpaths in just a few steps to enjoy outdoor adventures and historical experiences. You’ll receive a warm monthly welcome and experience breathtaking sunsets across the Cheshire plains.
Biddulph Castle Camping, Staffordshire, UK
This privately operated camping location is preferred for nature seekers who enjoy tranquility because it is only a brief walk from the stunning Biddulph Castle ruins. The combination of grass pitches, hardstanding areas, hot showers, and pet-friendly policies lets campers relax while enjoying sweeping rural views.
With a cap of five caravans and ten tents active at once, this site provides exceptional peace that stands out in British camping destinations. Explorers who love hiking benefit from direct routes to premier trails and nearby National Trust sites.
Castle Mountains National Monument, California, USA
Wild camping becomes a dramatic experience similar to staying in a castle at this location. The volcanic formations of Castle Mountains stand above sweeping grasslands as ancient battlements within the isolated Mojave Desert. Backcountry camping is legal and recommended, but since there are no developed facilities, it should be attempted only by experienced backpackers who enjoy desert adventures.
The spring and fall seasons produce fantastic wildflower displays alongside exceptional opportunities for stargazing. Pack ample water supplies and bring a dependable four-wheel-drive vehicle while cultivating strong self-sufficiency skills. Your campsite will be located in a territory inhabited by mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya – Mbogo Campsite
Mbogo Campsite has earned the nickname “campers castle on a hill” because it stands above lush marshes offering panoramic savanna views. The campsite provides complete privacy and private access to firewood and toilets while you relax into soulful sunsets. Wildlife encounters happen every day (like elephants showing up for breakfast).
The campsite requires an armed ranger to ensure overnight safety. It’s sustainability and adventure rolled into one. Natural luxury reaches new heights at USD 60 per night before ranger fees.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya – Hippo Hide Campsite
The Hippo Hide Campsite at Ol Pejeta Conservancy is perfect if the sound of hippos grunting through the night makes you feel excited instead of scared. You can set up your tent beside the Ewaso Nyiro River and then follow a walkway to observe groups of hippos and sometimes see sneaky crocodiles.
Wildlife photographers find their dream location here, alongside a paradise for bird watchers. Ol Pejeta mandates reservations for all campsites and assigns armed rangers to ensure eco-friendly guests remain safe while enjoying an immersive experience.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya – Murera Donga Campsite
Imagine sleeping in an acacia glade while a marshland full of wildlife surrounds your tent. The Murera Donga campsite offers consistent sightings of wildlife throughout the year, including waterbucks, elephants, and colorful birdlife.
Explorers find a serene foundation in open grasslands, while photographers discover a picturesque setting for late afternoon images. The site offers a wild setting with essential conveniences and unforgettable morning awakenings to African bush noises.
Château de Chambord, France
Château de Chambord sometimes allows public access to its opulent parklands for special camping and glamping occasions. Guests attending these elite nights experience a high-end festival atmosphere at the estate with gourmet food offerings, musical performances, and yoga sessions that overlook the château.
Event tickets tend to sell quickly; thus, monitor listings regularly. When traditional camping starts to feel too routine, glamping with royal luxury should become your next top destination.
Château de Marouatte, France
Music festivals and historical reenactments at Marouatte transport campers straight into the Middle Ages, while medieval themes dominate the atmosphere.
Dine by candlelight against a backdrop of authentic stone walls and enjoy a historic environment. The annual events calendar changes yearly, so you should check early and make your reservations soon during peak times.
Castell Coch, Wales
Wales excels in creating “storybook camping” experiences through fantasy-themed festivals and educational weekends at Castell Coch, where fairytale turrets provide accommodation on selected weekends.
A dense woodland surrounds the site, offering convenient walking trails, while after-dark campfires create enchanting scenes from children’s stories. This experience combines outdoor recreation with historical exploration.
Burg Satzvey, Germany
Burg Satzvey in Germany becomes a popular destination during medieval festivals when it attracts campers and history enthusiasts from across Europe. People who love medieval history stay overnight in the castle grounds and wake up to the sounds of sword clashes alongside the cooking aromas from roasting meats.
The camping facilities operate well during events, but available pitches become scarce swiftly, so reservations are advised for those wishing to camp beneath these legendary walls.
Château de Chabenet, France
During its annual festivals, Chabenet’s castle park transforms into an entertainment center for cultural enthusiasts and camping visitors.
Guests can look forward to daytime craft fairs and nighttime torchlit parades while enjoying camping access under the sophisticated touch of French refinement. Contact the estate directly for potential “quiet” camping opportunities during off-season periods.
Castillo de Almodóvar del Río, Spain
Spain’s Castillo de Almodóvar del Río becomes a stage for historical drama through its epic reenactment weekends. Event participants can camp within the castle’s courtyards during these occasions.
Experience an authentic Game of Thrones moment when you wake up to the sound of armored knights around you. Attendees experience these exceptional events at rare intervals while gaining an unparalleled adventure of the century.
Duncarron Medieval Village, Scotland
Duncarron Medieval Village in Scotland allows visitors to camp inside its authentic medieval fortification during select special festivals. You will inhabit the same space as blacksmiths and jesters alongside other time travelers while learning authentic trades and crafts from history experts.
The remarkable sense of camaraderie creates instant community bonds that lead to making many new friends and acquiring basic broadsword skills.
Château de la Roche, France
Summer in France? Imagine camping by the river while the brooding presence of Château de la Roche towers above you. These grounds are not accessible all year round, but summer festivals bring lively music and vibrant colors to the space during the season.
The pitches near the river provide refreshing breezes while offering convenient access to watersports, including swimming and canoeing, and exceptional photography opportunities.
Burg Stettenfels, Germany
The historical atmosphere of Burg Stettenfels thrives with medieval markets and outdoor music performances while allowing campers to join in.
The castle stands on a hilltop with panoramic views and becomes a secluded sanctuary for a few adventurers once the crowd disperses. Dress up in costume to experience the full immersive effect!
Carreg Cennen Castle, Wales
Ask nicely and book ahead! With permission and prior booking, you may wild camp alongside the dramatic ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle on the adjacent farmland. When you see dawn mists swirling around your tent, you’ll understand why many people claim this castle is the most atmospheric in Wales.
Although facilities remain basic, visitors get fantastic, epic views that fully compensate. Listen to sheep making noises below while you enjoy the sunrise emerging from behind the Gothic ruins. Does it get any more romantic?
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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