Mountain Camping Near Carcassonne, Aude

With its hilltop ramparts, 12th-century castle, and warren of cobbled lanes, Carcassonne is the quintessential mediaeval city. But don’t write off this UNESCO site as a day-trip destination—the historic town also makes a strategic base for exploring the Aude department. With the Mediterranean coast, the Pyrenees Mountains, and the Canal du Midi in easy reach, there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. Park your campervan or caravan at the foot of the City of Carcassonne, or check into a family-friendly campground in surrounding towns such as La Commanderie, Villemoustaussou, and Arnauteille.

Top-rated campgrounds

With its hilltop ramparts, 12th-century castle, and warren of cobbled lanes, Carcassonne is the quintessential mediaeval city. But don’t write off this UNESCO site as a day-trip destination—the historic town also makes a strategic base for exploring the Aude department. With the Mediterranean coast, the Pyrenees Mountains, and the Canal du Midi in easy reach, there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. Park your campervan or caravan at the foot of the City of Carcassonne, or check into a family-friendly campground in surrounding towns such as La Commanderie, Villemoustaussou, and Arnauteille.

Top-rated campgrounds

1. BelRepayre Airstream Glamping

46km from Carcassonne · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · Manses, Occitanie

Located a few kilometres from Mirepoix, with an stunning view of the Pyrenees, BelRepayre Airstream Glamping offers you a unique experience. If you are travelling through the Ariège in a camper van or enjoying a nature holiday with your tent or caravan, settle down on one of our 8 pitches of 100m², all delimited, equipped with an electric connection and a water point, and situated in a quiet, natural environment with trees to benefit from the shade in summer. BelRepayre Airstream Glamping is the ideal retreat for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle, immerse themselves in the tranquillity of this environment, visit the surrounding countryside and forest, watch the stars or simply enjoy the relaxing silence.

2. Camping Le Bois de Pins

62km from Carcassonne · 1 unit · Motorhome · Salses Le Château, Occitanie

Located in Salses-le-Château in Languedoc-Roussillon, on a hill surrounded by pine trees and cicadas, the Bois de Pins campsite welcomes you in a pretty wooded setting for a relaxing family holiday. It is the ideal starting point for discovering the Eastern Pyrenees and in particular the wine route and the Cathar castles, Spain. You will enjoy its beautiful outdoor swimming pool and the paddling pool open all season. For fans of swimming in the sea, the beach of Barcarès, Torreilles, Canet en Roussillon is only 15-20 km away. You share good times thanks to the various leisure infrastructures: pétanque court, table tennis, table football, children's play areas and inflatable structure. Nature lovers can hike on the many trails that surround them. In terms of services, from June to the beginning of September, you will find a grocery store with a bread store, as well as a snack bar with takeaway meals. Wifi is available free of charge at the reception, snack bar and swimming pool.

3. Country Camping

75km from Carcassonne · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Lieu Dit Ardos, Occitanie

Country Camping is surrounded by the sunflower fields of the Haute-Garonne region. There are only 30 pitches, 20 of them dotted among fruit trees, ideal for providing extra shade and for those who fancy picking ripe peaches. There’s a swimming pool and small playground, plus a shaded barbecue area with a wood-fired pizza oven. It’s an easy cycle to the old military village of Saint-Ybars, or drive south into the mountains – the Pyrénées Ariégeoises natural park offers endless outdoor pursuits

4. Camping Goudal

53km from Carcassonne · 1 unit · Glamping · 34330 La Salvetat Sur Agout, Occitanie

A lush, homely campsite in the Languedoc hills with a natural swimming lake and an informal restaurant

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Mountain campsites near Carcassonne guide

Where to go

Cathar Country

Carcassonne is the headline act of Cathar Country, where history buffs will be in their element. Follow in the footsteps of the Cathars with a road trip around the Languedoc-Roussillon region or a hike along part of the 155-mile long Cathar Trail (GR367), stopping to explore hilltop castles, Romanesque abbeys, and mediaeval villages.

Pyrenees Mountains

South of Carcassonne, the vast peaks and wildflower-filled valleys of the Pyrenees Mountains have everything you need for a back-to-nature camping holiday. Drive your motorhome up into the mountains, rent a cozy chalet in the hills, or camp by the lakeside, and spend your days hiking, mountain biking, or skiing.

Aude Coast

Less than an hour’s drive east of Carcassonne, the views change from rolling countryside to sandy shores and ocean views. Narbonne is the gateway to Aube’s Mediterranean coast, and there’s beachside camping and a water park at Narbonne Plage. Just to the south, the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Natural Regional Park has pristine beaches, bird-filled lagoons, and vineyards.

When to go

Carcassonne is a favorite for day-trippers and tour groups, and the mediaeval city can get overcrowded through July and August. If you don’t mind the crowds, the Bastille Day (14 July) fireworks display still ranks among France’s most impressive. For a more relaxed experience, opt for a spring or fall visit, when the weather is ideal for exploring. Camping season runs from April through October, and prices are often lowest at the start and end.