Corsica, with its turquoise waters and majestic mountains , is a dream destination for millions of families every year. However, organizing such a trip can quickly become a logistical headache , especially when it comes to finding accommodation that balances children’s desire for adventure with parents’ need for rest, all without breaking the holiday budget .
The need is clear: you’re looking for safety, cleanliness, and activities for children , but you refuse to be crammed into impersonal and noisy clubs . You want authentic Corsica, the real deal.
This guide promises to provide you with a detailed analysis of the best outdoor accommodation options for 2026, based on the rigorous selection process of the Corsica Camping network . This network comprises independent establishments that share a strict quality charter, ranging from 2-star beachfront campsites to 4-star campsites with water parks .
We’ve sifted through the offers, checked the facilities, and analyzed recent customer feedback to guide you toward the perfect choice . Keep in mind that choosing the right “base camp” will radically transform your island experience. Get ready to discover how to book smart with Early Booking offers and find the spot that will make your children’s eyes light up.
Comparison Chart: Which campsite is right for your family?
For busy parents who want an immediate overview before delving into the details, this table summarizes the key strengths of each selected school. Note that all these schools guarantee a high standard of quality , but each has a very different personality.
|
Camping |
Region |
Stars |
Major Asset Family |
Type of Experience |
|
The Olive Trees |
South Corsica (Porto) |
4★ |
River & Landscape UNESCO |
Nature & Grandiose |
|
U Stabiacciu |
South Corsica (Porto-Vecchio) |
3★ |
Teen-Friendly & Community Atmosphere |
Festive & Strategic |
|
Santa Lucia |
South Corsica (Porto-Vecchio) |
3★ |
Ecolabel & Calm |
Ecotourism & Relaxation |
|
Merendella |
Haute-Corse (Moriani) |
4★ |
Water Park & Slides |
Club & Direct Beach |
|
The Checkerboard |
South Corsica (Pianottoli) |
3★ |
Wild Coves |
Authenticity & Nature |
|
Olva |
South Corsica (Sartène) |
3★ |
Farm & Maquis |
Rustic & Family-Friendly |
|
Paradella |
Haute-Corse (Calenzana) |
3★ |
Near Calvi & GR20 |
Hiking & Beach |
|
U Casone |
Haute-Corse (Ghisonaccia) |
3★ |
Space & 2 Swimming Pools |
Friendly & Spacious |
|
Olzo |
Haute-Corse (St Florent) |
3★ |
Cleanliness & Agriates |
Calm & Strategic |
|
To Stella |
Haute-Corse (Cap Corse) |
2★ |
Immediate access to the sea |
Robinson & Liberty |
This comparison highlights the diversity of island offerings. It’s important to note that the choice shouldn’t be based solely on the number of stars, but rather on the type of holiday you’re looking for: active or relaxing.
Non-negotiable criteria for choosing your campsite in 2026
Before settling on a region, it’s important to understand that the success of your stay depends on objective criteria related to your family’s situation. A couple with a 6-month-old baby doesn’t have the same needs as a family with three teenagers.
Water safety and swimming pools
With its water slides, indoor pool (a rarity on the island!), and water features, it ensures safe fun. However , for toddlers who need peace and quiet, pools like the one at Camping Olzo in Saint-Florent or Santa Lucia offer more tranquil environments, away from the hustle and bustle of larger resorts.
Shade and thermal comfort
It’s often forgotten when booking in winter, but the Corsican sun is intense. Shade is an absolute luxury in July and August. Historic campsites like Le Damier or Les Oliviers benefit from mature vegetation (centuries-old olive trees, cork oaks) which guarantees natural coolness.
Moreover, most of the recent mobile homes offered by these establishments, particularly at U Stabiacciu , are now equipped with air conditioning, a point to check systematically if you are travelling with vulnerable people.
The location in relation to the beaches
“Close to the sea” can mean 10 meters or 3 kilometers. Furthermore , the type of beach matters. For young children, the fine sand and gentle slope of the eastern coast (towards U Casone or Merendella ) are reassuring. Conversely , the beaches on the western coast near Porto ( Les Oliviers ) can be pebbly or have a shallow waterway.
That being said, some campsites like A Stella offer the ultimate luxury: pitching your tent or renting your bungalow literally on the beach, a unique sensory experience where the sound of the waves lulls you to sleep.
Regional focus: Where to settle in Southern Corsica?
South Corsica is often the most sought-after region for its picture-perfect beaches and spectacular cliffs . The fact is, it gets very crowded, hence the importance of choosing campsites that offer a haven of peace.
Porto-Vecchio: The epicenter of seaside glamour
If you’re aiming for the legendary beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, strategy is key. Staying at Camping U Stabiacciu is a brilliant tactical choice. Located on the southern edge of town, it allows you to avoid much of the urban traffic on your way to the beaches. This campsite has evolved to appeal to families with teenagers thanks to its lively atmosphere, themed evenings, and friendly swimming pool .
However, if you’re looking to escape the crowds while remaining close to Porto-Vecchio , Camping Santa Lucia is a hidden gem. Located in Sainte-Lucie-de-Porto-Vecchio, it’s nestled in a cork oak forest. It’s an Ecolabel certified campsite , perfect for environmentally conscious families.
Imagine that the nearby Pinarello beach is probably the most suitable for children in the whole region thanks to its shaded pine forest and shallow water for dozens of meters.
Bonifacio and the Wild Far South
Further south, towards Pianottoli, the landscape changes. It’s wild maquis, granite, and wind. Camping Le Damier embodies this spirit. Far from the “bling-bling,” it’s an authentic establishment that charms visitors with its proximity to the Bruzzi coves, unspoiled wonders.
It’s worth noting that the campsite restaurant is a local favorite for its pizzas, which makes life much easier for parents in the evenings. It’s also the perfect base for visiting Bonifacio (15-20 minutes away) early in the morning before the tourist buses arrive.
The magnificent West: Porto and Sartène
Let’s head back up the west coast. In Sartène, “the most Corsican of Corsican towns,” Camping Olva offers a peaceful, rural experience. Despite the sea being a 10-minute drive away (Propriano), the verdant setting and the presence of animals make it a paradise for young children. It’s a return to basics, to tranquility.
Further up, in the UNESCO- listed Gulf of Porto , Camping Les Oliviers is in a league of its own. And rightly so, as the site is breathtaking, clinging to the mountainside with views of the rocky peaks. Its secret weapon? The river that borders the campsite. For example, it offers a refreshing alternative to the sea during heatwaves, allowing for freshwater swims that are very popular with families.
Regional Focus: Upper Corsica, a paradise for active families
Often greener and a little less crowded, Upper Corsica offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, from the long beach of the Costa Verde to the mountains of Balagne.
The Costa Verde and the Eastern Plain: The Kingdom of Children
This is where you’ll find vast stretches of sand. Camping Merendella in Moriani Plage positions itself as the leader in family entertainment in this area. With its comprehensive water park and direct access to the sea, it’s the perfect choice for peace of mind: once you’ve parked your car, you don’t need to go anywhere else. The kids’ clubs are very active, allowing parents to relax a little.
A little further south, in Ghisonaccia , Camping U Casone offers a more spacious alternative. Its two swimming pools allow for a separation between swimmers and children’s play areas, ensuring everyone’s safety. It’s a friendly campsite with large pitches, ideal for those bringing their own equipment.
Balagne and the North: Between Sea and Mountain
The Balagne region is magnificent, but access to Calvi can be difficult in summer. Camping Paradella is located in Calenzana. (10 minutes from Calvi), is a perfect logistical solution. Furthermore, being slightly inland from the coast, it offers cooler nights and absolute tranquility. It’s the ideal base camp for alternating between the beach at Calvi and hikes in the Bonifato forest .
In Saint-Florent, gateway to the Agriates Desert, Camping Olzo is renowned for its impeccable cleanliness and boutique campsite atmosphere . It sometimes feels like being in a private garden. It’s the ideal starting point for taking the ferry to Lotu and Saleccia beaches .
Finally, for true sea lovers, Camping A Stella in Cap Corse (Marine de Farinole) is legendary. It’s one of the few places where you can sleep lulled by the sound of the waves, without having to cross any roads. Rustic, certainly, but the experience is priceless.
Strategic highlighting: Why use the network?
Choosing a campsite that’s part of the Corsica Camping network means ensuring an extra layer of security. The fact is, in a market where private offers (like Airbnb) can lead to surprises (cancellations, substandard accommodations), these professional campsites offer guarantees.
The “Stages” Circuit for adventurers
Imagine that this network offers a unique formula: “stages” . Instead of staying 15 days in the same place and spending hours in the car to visit the other end of the island, you can build an itinerary.
For example, imagine spending four nights at the Paradella to explore the Balagne region, then three nights at Les Oliviers in Porto, and finishing with a relaxing week at the Santa Lucia in Porto-Vecchio. You book everything through a single booking platform, drastically simplifying the process.
Promotional Offers
The holiday budget is the crux of the matter.
By booking your accommodation through platforms like “Promo Camping Corse” or directly through the websites of partner campsites, you can often access promo codes on accommodation bookings.
Early Booking offers (booking before February/March) allow you to save up to 20% on mobile home rentals, which are the first to be booked.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Your most common questions
To complete this guide, here are the answers to the questions that internet users most often ask on search engines regarding camping in Corsica.
1. When is the best time to book a campsite in Corsica?
That said, the answer is simple: as early as possible. For July and August, the best pitches (sea view) and air-conditioned mobile homes at popular campsites like Merendella or Les Oliviers are often booked as early as January. However, for June and September, you can sometimes find availability until April/May.
2. Can you go wild camping in Corsica?
No, it’s strictly forbidden and heavily regulated, especially in protected natural areas and along the coast. Despite the appealing nature of the idea, the fines are hefty. It’s much better to choose “nature” campsites like A Stella or Olva, which offer that feeling of freedom legally and comfortably.
3. Do campsites accept holiday vouchers (ANCV)?
Yes, the vast majority of the campsites mentioned (Santa Lucia, U Stabiacciu, Le Damier, etc.) accept ANCV holiday vouchers . Therefore, remember to mention this when making your reservation to facilitate the processing of the balance upon your arrival.
4. Should you rent a car if you arrive by plane?
Absolutely. It’s worth noting that public transport in Corsica is very limited for beach-hopping. If you ‘re staying at Paradella or Olzo , a car is essential for reaching the beaches or doing your shopping. Only Merendella, with its direct beach access and on-site amenities, might allow for a more sedentary stay, but you’d miss out on the island’s beauty .
5. Are the campsites suitable for babies?
Yes, especially those equipped with family-friendly restrooms and paddling pools, like Santa Lucia or Merendella. However, be mindful of the heat. Opt for air-conditioned accommodations (mobile homes) rather than a tent with an infant in the middle of summer , and choose campsites with plenty of shade, such as Le Damier.
6. Which region should I choose for my first stay?
If you want to see “everything” (mountains and beach), the Porto-Vecchio region (Santa Lucia, U Stabiacciu) is a good compromise, but very crowded. For a more relaxed and less stressful stay, the Eastern Plain (U Casone, Merendella) or the Balagne region (Paradella) are often more restful for a first-time experience.
Choosing your campsite in Corsica is a bit like choosing the setting for your family memories for the next ten years. The fact is, each campsite in the Corsica Camping network has its own unique character. Whether you’re drawn to the thrilling water slide at Merendella , the ecological serenity of Santa Lucia , or the breathtaking views at Les Oliviers , quality is guaranteed.
Don’t leave your holiday plans to chance. Places in these quality establishments fill up quickly, especially during peak travel weeks.
- Book now to secure your air-conditioned mobile home or sea view pitch.
- Take advantage of Early Booking offers : By booking now, you unlock not only the best accommodation rates, but also the best prices for your boat tickets.
Corsica awaits you, wild, beautiful and welcoming. It’s up to you to set the scene!
