**   CAMPSITES IN THE BALTIC STATES  **

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INTERACTIVE MAP - BALTIC CAMPSITES:

The interactive map (right) gives the outline location of all campsites used by us in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia during our summer 2011 trip; to find the campsite's exact location, copy/paste the GPS co-ordinates into Google/Bing Maps.

Each site links to the chart below which gives details of:

  • campsite name, location, and GPS co-ordinates
  • date of our stay
  • cost per night including any discounts
  • campsite features together with our comments
  • assessment-rating

Campsites are rated on a scale +5 (excellent) through to -5 (dreadful); we have tried to be as objective and consistent as possible, basing our assessment on standards specifically applicable to Eastern Europe, over an amalgamation of the following criteria:

  • attitudes shown, the welcome we received, and standards of hospitality and helpfulness
  • location and setting
  • standard of facilities
  • price and value for money

Prices are quoted in the local currency; current exchange rates (summer 2011) are:

  • Lithuania: 4.02 lits to £1 sterling
  • Latvia:     0.82 lats to £1 sterling
  • Estonia:   now converted to €s

It is important to stress that comments given relate purely to the dates of our stay which in many cases was peak holiday season. Other sources of campsite information and listings are given on the Travel Tips Page.
 

Click on the campsite locations to link to details in chart below 

Awarded  Trip's
Best Campsites
accolade,
rated at +5

 

Highly commended,
awarded +4 rating

NOT recommended:
poor hospitality, poor value, or poor facilities
SITE NAME LOCATION and
GPS COORDINATES		 DATE of STAY COST per NIGHT FEATURES and COMMENTS RATING
+5 excellent
    ~
-5 dreadful

THE JOURNEY OUT  

Camping Bouscarel, Calais, France In Oye Plage village just east of Calais
GPS:
50.987342 2.04232		 3 June €19.60 2-star site open all year round and convenient for Calais/ Dunkerque ferries; space for visitors increasingly restricted by an expanding number of statics; modern, clean facilities but limited; boulangerie and supermarket in nearby Oye Plage village; expensive for basic site +2
Recreatiepark Arnhem, Holland
 		 Western outskirts of Arnhem

GPS:
52.025287 5.857666		 4 June




 		 €30.41 Unwelcoming and unhelpful 'take-it-or-leave-it' attitude from staff; an horrendously soulless and over-crowded holiday camp with every form of distraction, and ever-present traffic noise from nearby motorway; facilities modern and clean; over-expensive and poor value; only available campsite on busy holiday weekend when usual Camping Warnsborn full
               *** BEST AVOIDED ***		 -1

NORTHERN GERMANY
Campingplatz
Schönböcken, Lübeck, Germany		 Steinrader Damm 12, Lübeck-Schönböcken
Close to A1 autobahn, west of Lübeck
GPS:
53.869444 10.630556		 5~6 June €19.50
inc tokens for showers		 Pleasant and helpful welcome with info - city map and bus details; #7 bus outside camp 15 minutes into Old Town; spacious grassy pitches on sloping camping area alongside crowded central caravan space and separate tent area; some tree shade but noise from nearby motorway; facilities modern and clean, bread and beer available from kiosk-shop; supermarket 1km at shopping centre; pleasant, good value site close to autobahn and easy access into Lübeck  +4






<Map>
Ferien-Camp Börgerende, near Rostock On coast near to Bad Doberan west of Rostock
GPS:
54.152564 11.899856		 7 June €25 Surprisingly hospitable welcome; a mammoth holiday-camp with 100s of formally laid-out pitches but little impression of nearby Baltic coastline; facilities ultra-modern and clean, well-stocked shop; a convenient night-halt but inevitably expensive, better value than expected +3





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Sund Camping, Altefähr, Rügen Island On SW coast of Rügen Island, at Altefähr opposite Stralsund
GPS:
54.332466 13.119843		 8 June €22 Hospitable welcome with information on times of ferries to Stralsund; pleasant setting on Rügen Island coast sheltered by trees from prevailing wind, small bays of good size grassy pitches and caravans not allowed to take up space with accompanying car; 5 mins walk down footpath to Stralsund ferry jetty; excellent facilities, bread available from small shop; welcoming, ideally placed and good value site
Campsite web site		 +4




<Map>
Camping-Oase Polchow, Rügen Island On northern part of Rügen Island near to Sagard
GPS:
54.54414 13.524685		 9 June €20.50 Hospitable welcome from lady-owner; delightfully straightforward small site with grassy camping area at edge of Polchow village on shore of Fjord; basic but functional facilities, bread available mornings; welcoming, straightforward and reasonable value site +3




<Map>
Dünencamp Karlshagen, Usedom Island
 		 On northern side of Usedom Island near to Peenmünde
GPS:
54.117778 13.845000		 10~11 June €17
for
Stellplatz		 Whit weekend NOT the time to visit Usedom!! Dünencamp is a vast beach-side holiday resort over-crammed with caravans.
Stellplatz in parking area alongside campsite: long delays at reception; facilities clean and modern, bread available mornings. Main campsite €30 and overcrowded; Stellplattz still expensive and poor value but closest site to Peenemünde 		-1





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NORTHERN POLAND
Camping Marina, Szczecin (25)
 On shore of Lake Dąbie, east of  Szczecin

GPS:
53.395266 14.636622		 12~14 June




 58 zł
inc 10% CCI discount
 		 Helpful and hospitable welcome from English-speaking warden (both on telephone and in person) - city plan and bus/tram details, all well thought-out; large grassy camping area with un-marked pitches, large trees for shade and beautifully tended flower-gardens, set alongside marina on Lake Dąbie; excellent facilities, bar-restaurant on site selling morning bread, full strength wi-fi network covering whole site, camp-fire circle with  chopped fire wood. An excellent campsite in all respects and very good value  Campsite web site +5






<Map>
Camping Relax, Świnoujście (44)
 		 Świnoujście
72-600 , ulica Słowackiego 1
GPS:
53.916915 14.257078		 15 June 54 zł
 		 Friendly welcome from English-speaking staff at reception; large open site set in residential area north of Świnoujście city centre with large trees for shade; city approached by free car ferry across Swina River; facilities basic and restricted with minimal hot water, bar and good little shop for bread on site +2




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Pole-Campingowo Namiotowe 'Dla Ciebie' (Camping 'For You') Just off side lane in Ustronie Morskie village
GPS:
54.207649 15.730255		 16 June 38 zł Small privately owned campsite in Ustronie Morskie village; friendly and helpful welcome form English-speaking owner; small, open camping area with power run from 1 of statics; straightforward facilities with very hot water in showers; very good value +4




<Map>
Camping Leśny,
Łeba  (51)
 In eastern suburbs of Łeba

GPS:
54.762222 17.565833		 17 June





 50zł
inc CCI discount		 Everything you could want from a campsite: helpful and hospitable welcome from German-speaking owners; tree-shaded camping area with ample power supplies, just 10 mins' walk from town centre shops and fishing port; modern and clean facilities with instant hot water, washing/drying machine, water-filling point, free wi-fi internet covering whole campsite
Campsite web site
 		 +5


<Map>
Camping Piaski, Wiślana sandspit  (182)
 In Piaski village at eastern end of Wiślana sandspit close to Russian border

GPS:
54.430714 19.601326		 18~20 June 58 zł
 		 Straightforward little campsite in beautiful setting on Wislana Sandspit at Piaski 4kms from Russian-Kaliningrad border; wonderfully hospitable welcome from English/German-speaking lady owner; settings don't come better than this, looking out across Wislana Lagoon with frogs singing in marshes and air scented by wild roses; facilities basic but functional; slightly expensive but worth it for the setting; shops and bars in village and freshly caught fish at Piaski beach +5



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Camping Frombork, Frombork  (12) East outskirts of Frombork, to Braniewo
GPS:
54.358889 19.695833		 21 June 40 zł Pleasant welcome from English-speaking warden; tree-shaded camping area with adequate power supplies and water-filling points, but slightly uncared for; facilities old-fashioned but functional with ++ hot water; Frombork cathedral with Copernicus association, and road-crossing to Kaliningrad at Braniewo (visa required) +3



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Zajazd (Inn) Jurand Gołdap ul Stadionowo 3, 19-500 Gołdap
GPS:
54.313932 22.330549		 22 June


 66 zł Helpful and obligingly helpful welcome at Inn-restaurant with camping in beautifully turfed garden; power supply nearby and WC-shower in ground-floor room of inn; bar-restaurant, camp-fire circle in garden; free wi-fi network
Campsite web site		 +4


<Map>
Camping/Pension
 U Haliny, Wigry		 In peninsula-village of Wigry near to Suwałki
GPS:
54.069485 23.086224		 23~24 June


 

 60 zł Family-run campsite cum rustic restaurant. Hospitable welcome from lady-owner; delightful open camping area sloping down to Lake Wigry opposite monastery-church (Hejnał relayed from church tower 9-00pm and 8-00am); WC-showers limited and over-stretched; bar-restaurant serving basic meals; expensive for basic site +3




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LITHUANIA
Camping Ventainė, Ventės ragas, Nemunas Delta In Nemunas Delta Regional Park near to Šilutė

GPS:
55.365649 21.21357		 25~27 June 54 lits
inc 10% discount for stay of 2 days or more		 Perfunctory and unhelpful reception from young staff; wonderful setting towards tip of Ventės ragas peninsula overlooking Curonian Lagoon with fantastic sunsets across lagoon, but weather can be bleak with cold wind blowing across lagoon (avoid summer weekends when site overwhelmed by wind-surfers); facilities inadequate and easily overwhelmed, often sandy and dirty; bar-restaurant on site with local fish at reasonable prices; nearest shop 2 kms at lighthouse; wi-fi internet not working +3







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Kempingas Pajūrio, Klaipėda Šlaito gatvė 3, Klaipėda, 4 kms north of city

GPS:
55.766250 21.090333

 28~29 June
and
2~3 July		 60 lits Brand new well-appointed campsite set in beautiful pine woods; very helpful and friendly welcome from English-speaking staff, city map and bus details; tarmac drive with parking bays among pine woods, air redolent with scent of pines; only downside is proximity to railway line with frequently passing heavy freight trains; facilities modern and clean, well-equipped kitchen/wash-ups, washing/drying machines; no wi-fi but PC internet at reception at 5 lits; camp-fire circle; no shops, Iki supermarket 3 kms; welcoming bar 1km by railway station; #4 buses for city 500m down by beach car park, buy tickets on bus 2.40 lits each +4






<Map>
Kempingas Nidos, Nida on Curonian sandspit Car-ferry from Klaipėda, 35 kms south along spit at Nida village by Russian border
GPS:
55.298333 20.982222		 30 June~ 1 July




 100 lits
inc 5% CCI discount

AN  OUT-RAGEOUS PRICE		 An average campsite in good location but HORRENDOUSLY EXPENSIVE PRICES   Pleasant welcome from staff - good-humoured and apologetic for exploitation of camping monopoly by National Park; small pitches and difficult access in pine woods on Neringa Sandspit 2 kms from Nida and 500m from Pardinis Dunes; facilities and kitchen-wash-ups modern and clean, wi-fi at 5 lits; bar-restaurant on site, but nearest shop in Nida along with ATM and TIC with free internet access +1
       






<Map>
City Camping, Kaunas Jonavos gatvė  51A, Kaunas by A1 motorway in northern outskirts of city

GPS:
54.934243 23.917776		 4~5 July





 62 lits Friendly and helpful welcome from English-speaking warden, city map and bus details; city-style campsite in large tarmaced area in outskirts 4kms from city centre, but bleak urban environment mitigated by well thought-out features; overwhelmed by traffic noise from nearby main road; facilities clean and well-appointed in portakabin but limited in scale, wash-up kitchen with + hot water; no shop at site but supermarket and bar-restaurant 300m along main road; free wi-fi but limited range; #13 bus into city but only runs every 1½ hours; reasonable value for city site +3







<Map>
Camping Harmonie, Rūdiškės


 In pine forests 3kms south of Rūdiškės village

GPS:
54.507556 24.889733		 6~8 July









 60 Lithuanian lits One of the finest campsites ever used in terms of personal welcome, wonderful setting and standard of facilities; ex-pat Dutchman Mr Wim Braun welcomes you personally and shows you round; camp is set in landscaped clearing deep in pine forests, the result of years of hard work in clearing the ground and planting with shrubs and carved wooden features - totally idyllic; lovely common room in wooden chalet; facilities limited in scale but first class; washing machine; wi-fi now installed but not working; Mr Braun will drive you to and from Rūdiškės railway station for the train into Vilnius as part of his service to his guests; campsites certainly do not come better than this
               ** JOINT BEST CAMPSITE OF THE TRIP **
                              ** THOROUGHLY RECOMMENDED **		 +5++
               






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Camping Papartis, near Molėtai On shore of Lake Bebrusai, 8 kms east of Molėtai on Route 173
GPS:
55.191306 25.478361		  9 July


 		 50 lits Friendly welcome from German-speaking lady-owner; a simple, straightforward and quiet site approached via short dirt-road driveway, on flat grassy area on shore of Lake Bebrusai with wonderful sunsets across lake; basic but clean WCs with hot water in WHBs and wash-up sink, but only shower open-air and cold water; dangerous and non-functional electrics (L & E reversed!), but power from sockets near fridges +2





<Map>
Palūšė Camping In Aukštaitija NP at Palūšė village, uphill from wooden church

GPS:
55.327778 26.105278		 10~11 July 65 lits Pleasantly friendly welcome from German-speaking warden; former Soviet-era hut-camp, with new and modernised camping area; totally open grassy site with no shade and 6 gravelled pitches with power-supply; wonderful sunsets over nearby wooden church and lake; facilities brand new and very clean, fully equipped modern kitchen-wash-up; not often you can have campsite to yourself in July, but National Park reported to be planning to develop site which may spoil its inherently straight-forward simplicity; operated by Aukštaitija Nat Park and very expensive for basic site +3








<Map>
Camping Zarasai

 Kauno gatvė 67, Zarasai near Lake Zarasas

GPS:
55.718336 26.222347		 12~13 July 50 lits Smilingly friendly welcome from lady-warden; an altogether delightful small and straightforward site, set on levelled, grassy terraces by Lake Zarasai with some trees for shade, close to pleasant town of Zarasai in this unvisited corner of Lithuania far from the 'tourist spots'; in summer worth pitching in small tree-lined enclosure in far corner of lower terrace for shade; facilities modern and clean, well-equipped kitchen-wash-ups and common room; camp-fire circle with carved wooden benches; don't miss path down to lake shore with natural fresh-water spring and wonderful sunsets across lake  

Campsite web site

 +5




<Map>
Sudeikiai Camping Near Lake Alaušas, and village of Sudeiklai, 15 kms NE of Utena

GPS:
55.586056 25.680583		 14 July 70 lits Friendly and helpful welcome from young warden; lakeside holiday-camp with several gravelled pitches, but none with tree shade; facilities modern and adequate, similarly designed to Zarasai but not up to same standard; over-expensive, charging 20 lits more than Zarasai but with less well-maintained facilities +3

     
    
 



<Map>
Gražina Camping, Šiauliai
 Masiuliskiu gatvė 1, 76116 Šiauliai

GPS:
55.971944 23.328056		 15~18 July




 		50 kits Friendly and hospitable welcome from the Jocai family, the very epitome of kindness; a small family-run campsite set in gardens behind the guesthouse in suburbs of Šiauliai; 2 camping areas,  one under heavy shade of trees, other in large open grassy area overlooking family's smallholding and vegetable gardens; facilities clean and modern; washing machine at 5 lits, free wi-fi but limited area around house; mother brings fruit and vegetables from their garden; superb value with homely hospitality.
Don't miss the Hill of Crosses at Šiauliai     Campsite web site		 +5


<Map>
Camping Paežerė, Paplatelė, Lake Plateliai, Žemaitija National Park Village of Paplatelė on eastern shore of Lake Plateliai

GPS:
56.050392 21.882501		 19 July 46 lits Unattended basic camp-area in Žemaitija, National Park employee comes round to collect money; pleasant setting among pine woods on eastern shore of Lake Plateliai, but in summer filled with rowdy holiday-makers who play car radios from dawn to midnight at excessive volume, making any chance of a pleasant stay impossible; utterly intolerable environment with all the noise; no facilities other than 2 earth privies, power and bottled water; for such a basic site, over expensive, but National Park again! -1





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Camping Žemsuoda, Mardosai near Plungė` Near Mardosai village, 5 kms SW of Plungė
GPS:
55.879957 21.002083		 20~21 July

 		50 lits Large inn-style 'tourist village' with bar-restaurant and huts, and campsite tacked on rather as after-thought; positively faultlessly helpful and hospitable welcome from young staff, nothing too much trouble; shadeless and hummocky grassy camping area, small and rather bleak alongside huts; limited WCs and showers but no wash-ups; water-filling hose, free wi-fi in bar +3




<Map>
LATVIA
Camping Vērbeļnieki, Pērkone near Liepāja Pērkone hamlet on Route A11, 10 kms south of Liepāja

GPS:
56.426339 18.01718		 22 July





 		11 lats Perfunctory welcome from English-speaking owner; a Baltic coast holiday campsite attracting many summer visitors; open camping areas with some shade from coastal pines; short walk through pines to silver sand dunes and endless Baltic beach; facilities - very limited WCs and showers, grubby and hopelessly overwhelmed by numbers of visitors, no wash-ups; good value bar-restaurant with free wi-fi; more straightforward, less crowded sites in nearby villages, Camping Ergli and Gaili worth investigating +3







<Map>

Vendzavas Camping, near Kuldīga

14kms south of Ventspils off Rte 108
GPS:
57.177761 21.654739		 23 July


 		 5 lats Small privately run camping on banks of River Venta, 1.5km along dirt road off P108; friendly welcome from English-speaking owner; small hut and tent camping area in grounds of family home, ground soft after rain; power supply from kitchen; facilities old-fashioned but functional with hot water and kitchen for wash-up; resident stork prancing around; good value +3

<Map>
Camping Piejūras, Ventspils Southern outskirts of Ventspils

GPS:
57.383889 21.537222		 24 July





 14.40 lats
inc Latvian Camping association 10% discount		 Pleasantly helpful reception staff - city maps, bus details, weather forecast, supermarket location; large seaside holiday-making site set by pine-fringed Baltic coast, marked out large pitches open sunny or shaded by pines, best avoided summer weekends when crowded; facilities modern, regularly cleaned but overwhelmed when site busy, good kitchen/wash-ups, bar-terrace with free wi-fi; 10 minutes walk to #22 bus into Ventspils; take Hercogs-Jēkabs ferry-boat around harbour to see dockland and oil terminal +4





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Camping Miķeļbāka, Miķeļtornis At Miķeļtornis village off Route P124

GPS:
57.596944 21.965833		 25 July


 10 lats Pleasant and hospitable welcome; small and friendly site in lovely setting among pine woods of North Kurzeme Baltic coastline close to lighthouse and settlement of Miķeļtornis, approached along 2kms of dirt road from P124; open camping area with some tree shade and surrounded by huts; basic facilities with warm water in showers and WHBs; local water brown and peaty but clean - don't be put off; small bar-terrace with free wi-fi +4




<Map>
Camping Purvziedi, Antler Museum, Vaide near Cape Kolka
 At Vaide, 2kms off Route 124 near Cape Kolka

GPS:
57.72666 22.45355
 		 26 July 6 lats A jewel of straightforward site, at Antler Museum, Vaide near Cape Kolka; warmly hospitable and helpful welcome from German-speaking warden; open flat grassy clearing set amid pine woods bordering Baltic coast, 400m path through pines to deserted beaches; basic facilities - earth privies, small sauna, hot shower; camp-fire circles with chopped wood at 1 lat/bundle; excellent value for such a gem of a site in wonderful Baltic setting
Campsite web site		 +5



<Map>
Plaucati Camping, Purciems near Kolka In hamlet of Purciems 12kms south of Cape Kolka
GPS:
57.581084 22.633209		 27~28 July 10 lats A delightful small campsite run by enterprising family and set in landscaped gardens of their house in coastal village of Purciems; hospitable welcome from daughter who runs campsite and shows you round; 3 lovely close-cropped turf pitches with power and shade of pine trees; huts and tent spaces amid the pines; 330m walk thro' pine woods to beach; basic and limited facilities; campfire hearths with chopped wood at 1 lat/bundle +4




<Map>
Pedvāle Open-air Sculpture Museum, Sabile Near to wine village of Sabile

GPS:
57.037461 22.566776		 29~30 July 6 lats A novel experience camped among the chunks of granite AKA modern sculpture 'works of art' at Pedvāle Open-air Sculpture Museum; usually tents only but very helpful response to our request to camp, rigging us a power supply and opening up showers in sauna; WCs and shower in underground sauna rooms with sulphurous spa water; resident storks nesting on chimney of Pedvāle manor house; 10 minute walk down to village of Sabile (most northerly vineyard in Europe) for Wine Festival (last weekend of July) +3







<Map>
Riga City Camping By exhibition centre on Kipsala Island, River Daugava, Riga

GPS:
56.956349 24.079971		 31 July~ 2 Aug



 14.40 lats
inc Latvian Camping association 10% discount		 Helpful and hospitable welcome from English-speaking reception staff, city maps and walking route into old city across Daugava bridge (half hour); semi-permanent city-camp set behind exhibition halls on Kipsala Island well-signed from River Daugava bridge; reasonable facilities but no hot water for wash-ups; washing/drying machines; water filling hose; 3 lats for site-wide wi-fi, free PC internet access at reception; Rimi supermarket close to bridge +4





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Camping Sniedzes, Ogre On south bank of River Daugava opposite Ogre
GPS
56.811680 24.562370		 3 Aug We left 10 lats

(Latvian Camping association)		 No one about evening or morning to greet us or collect money - we left 10 lats in post-box; small and rather neglected site with huts and boat hire, on south bank of Daugava River opposite Ogre; convenient stop along Daugava Valley with lovely sunset over river; reasonable facilities with hot water in showers and kitchen/wash-up +3





<Map>
Camping Siveri, Kaziņči near Krāslava, Latgale 20 kms north of
Krāslava on Route P61, by Lake Silvers
GPS:
56.023336 27.399542		 4~5 Aug 7 lats Delightful welcome from English-speaking lady-owner; jewel of a small, straightforward site in wonderful setting on shore of Lake Siveri with magnificent sunsets across lake; basic facilities limited to 2 earth privies, bottled water and long-lead power supply, no showers of wash-ups; if you accept the basic facilities, the welcome and setting could not be bettered +4


       

<Map>
Camping Jaunsetas, Alūksne On shore of Lake Alūksnes,  Alūksne
GPS:
57.441944 27.053333		 6~8 Aug 10 lats Campsite attached to leisure centre and bar-restaurant on shore of Lake Alūksnes; perfunctory welcome from staff at bar which serves as reception; open, flat camping area with some tree shade; limited but functional facilities, no kitchen/wash-up +3




<Map>
Camping Zagarkalns, Cēsis On river bank close to Cēsis

GPS:
57.302929 25.221029		 9 Aug



 10 lats Riverside campsite in Gauja National Park near to pleasant town of Cēsis ; enthusiastically helpful welcome from American-speaking warden; grassy camping area on sandy banks of River Gauja; limited and basic facilities a long trek from camping area, wash-ups with no hot water; camp-fire hearths scattered around camping area and free and unlimited supply of chopped wood; free wi-fi but limited coverage +2





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Camping Siguldas Pludmale, Sigulda
 		 On bank of River Gauja at Sigulda

GPS:
57.158539 24.837379		 10~13 Aug





 14.40 lats
inc Latvian Camping association 10% discount		 Riverside campsite in Gauja National Park 3 kms from Sigulda; helpful and hospitable welcome; small camping area on banks of River Gauja, tent area down by river, uneven grassy area with power and tarmaced area above this; very midgy in summer; for a commercially-run campsite in National Park which inevitably attracts large numbers, facilities hopeless inadequate - 1 WC, 1 shower & 1 WHB all crammed into small room, totally overwhelmed and therefore very grubby despite being cleaned fairly regularly; small kitchen/wash-up; canoe trips down river plus transport back upstream; free wi-fi but limited range
Poor value with overstretched facilities		 +1
          








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Camping Rakari, Salacgrīva On Baltic coast 5 kms south of Salacgrīva, close to Estonian border
GPS:
57.675190 24.372129		 14 Aug




 13.50 lats
inc Latvian Camping association 10% discount		 Rustic guest-house/conference centre with huts and well-appointed campsite, useful as staging camp on Via Baltica 20 kms south of Estonian border; pleasantly smiling welcome from staff in bar-reception; open well-equipped camping area in large clearing by Baltic coastline pine woods; facilities modern and clean with hot water but no wash-ups; bar-restaurant and free wi-fi covering camping area +4





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ESTONIA
Camping Piibelehe Guesthouse-Camping, Kuressaare, Island of Saaremaa
 		10 kms west of Kuressaare on Baltic island of Saaremaa

GPS:
58.250556 22.510278		 15~16 Aug






 €14 A small, well-appointed and family-run camping, name means Lily of the Valley in Estonian; friendly welcome from English-speaking owner; flat grassy camping area in large garden of family home in suburbs of Kuressaare, town plan provided; excellent standard of facilities, homely, clean and well-equipped - 2 self-contained WC-showers rooms, 2 wash-ups, all with hot water; free wi-fi in garden shelter area; water filling hose
Campsite web site		 +5



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Camping Pidula Puhkeküla, Island of Saaremaa
 		 North corner of Saaremaa near Pidula
GPS:
58.413056 22.127500		 17 Aug €10 Multi-attraction holiday centre and trout farm with grubby, poorly -appointed camp-site as 3rd rate adjunct; greeted by English-speaking attendant at trout farm; beautiful forest-surrounded lake setting for trout farm and holiday centre, 'campsite' is an after-thought on rough grassy area at 1 end; facilities limited to very basic shower and WCs - poor and inadequate; +1




<Map>
Muha-Ranna Guesthouse-Camping, Western Saaremaa On western coast of Saaremaa
GPS:
58.197128 22.05956		 18 Aug


 €13 Pleasant welcome from English-speaking lady-owner; beautiful gardens to rear of rustic farmhouse-guesthouse, close to western Saaremaa coastline with distant sound of surf, but totally fly-ridden; homely shower-WC room in farmhouse but no wash-ups; free wi-fi in common room +3



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Camping Tehumardi, Saaremaa At Tehumardi on Saaremaa

GPS:
58.179722 22.254167		 19~20 Aug

 €14.40
inc CCI discount		 Pleasant welcome from English-speaking receptionist: large grassy camping area set among pine tree for shade; Facilities modern and clean, exceptionally well-appointed kitchen/wash-up; free wi-fi; unduly expensive (normal price €12 + €2 each for showers - discount negotiated) +3


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Kalana Puhkeküla (Guesthouse-Camping), Kalana Harbour, Western Hiiumaa At Kalanana harbour at western tip of Hiiumaa
GPS:
58.921509 22.056679		 21 Aug



 €10 A hut-camping-guesthouse set among pine woods by Kalana Sadam (harbour) at western tip of Hiiumaa on Baltic shoreline; helpful welcome from English-speaking staff at harbour-café; space to camp by huts; facilities modern and clean in wooden huts with hot water in showers and wash-ups; wonderful sunsets across Baltic from nearby beach; good value for a basic site +4




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Vetsi Tall Puhkeküla
(Guesthouse-Camping), Kassari, Southern Hiiumaa		 Near village of Kassari in south Hiiumaa
GPS:
58.789444 22.819167		 22 Aug


 €13 Perfunctory welcome at reception, limited English spoken; unkempt and neglected camping area in orchard behind inn; facilities limited to sordidly stinking earth privies and dysfunctional shower unfit for use; free wi-fi in bar; over-expensive and poor value +1



<Map>
Pirita Harbour Camping , Tallinn By yacht marina at Pirita Harbour, Tallinn

GPS:
59.467222 24.824167		 23~25 Aug




 €19
(€12 for camping + €3 each for showers)		 City-camping in parking area of yacht-marina at Pirita harbour; perfunctory welcome but managed to extract info on city-map and buses; busy and noisy tarmaced camping area; facilities shared with marina, limited and over-stretched, showers in hotel 200m from camping area charged separately and expensive; free wi-fi but limited range; frequent buses along main road into city, supermarket 1km at Pirita; despite limitation, Pirita Harbour infinitely preferable to Tallinn City Camping which is nothing more than grubby yard enclosed by high building behind hotel +2



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Camping Eesti Karavan, Võsu, Lahemaa National Park On shore of Käsmu Bay near Vösu, Lahemaa in National Park
GPS:
59.575883 25.936389		 26~27 Aug


 €15 Pleasant site in central position in Lahemaa in National Park; business-like welcome from English-speaking staff; 1 half of site filled with statics, entirely separate camping area reserved for visitors; large open grassy camping area with trees for shade; short walk through woods to shore of bay; facilities modern and clean, washing machine (€5), free wi-fi covering site; well-stocked mini-market in Vösu village +4




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Laheema Kohvikann Restaurant-Camping, Palmse, Lahemaa National Park
 By Lahemaa NP Visitor Centre in Palmse village

GPS:
59.566245 25.973407		 28~29 Aug






 €10 A charming restaurant-camping at Palmse in Lahemaa National Park; totally hospitable welcome from owners Dieter and Julia Hölscher; camping area with power supply to rear of restaurant edging onto open fields; separate WC-shower for campers but no wash-up; free wi-fi in restaurant; distinctive very reasonably priced restaurant menu with all home-cooked meals; superb hospitality and good-value camping
Campsite web site		 +5



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Saka Cliff Hotel-Camping On Saka cliffs, just north of Route A1

GPS:
59.437778 27.178611		 30 Aug



 €11.50 In grounds of Saka Manor Hotel; pleasant welcome from hotel reception staff; camping area with power supplies on grassy lawns on North Estonian Glint cliff-tops, with steps leading down cliff face to Baltic beach 100 feet below; WC-showers modern, clean and well-appointed, but no wash-ups; free wi-fi in restaurant +3




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Laagna Hotel-Camping, near Narva 5 kms west of Russian border at Narva just off Route A1,

GPS:
59.396111 27.969167		 31 Aug




 €13 Ex-Soviet era hotel and huts with camping area added as afterthought; perfunctory welcome from Russian-speaking hotel staff, little English spoken; rather bleak and unkempt grassy camping area alongside swimming pool building; sparse and functional WC-showers in swimming pool building, outdoor wash-up/laundry sinks with hot water; free wi-fi in hotel reception; expensive for a rather bleak campsite +3






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Toila Spa Hotel-Camping, Toila By Toila Spa Hotel, near Jõhvi

GPS:
59.42616 27.514422		 1~4 Sept


 €10 Campsite attached to Toila Spa Hotel; perfunctory welcome at hotel reception; fenced camping area to rear of hotel on cliff-tops, open, flat grassy, sunny area to shaded area among pine tree by huts; steps down to Baltic beach; excellent and well-appointed facilities, WC-showers modern and clean, fully-equipped kitchen-wash-ups; free wi-fi at hotel reception just about reaching campsite, bar at hotel but expensive; very good value and well-equipped campsite, best along NE Estonian coast +4





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Willipu Guesthouse-Camping, Kalliste, Lake Peipsi On shore of Lake Peipsi, 5 kms south of Kalliste

GPS:
58.644722 27.165833		 5~6 Sept


 

 €10 Beautifully located campsite located on western shore of Lake Peipsi; pleasantly helpful and hospitable welcome from fluently English-speaking lady-owner; large, open grassy camping area on lake-shore looking out eastwards through reed-beds across lake with mallards, herons and wonderful sunrise, lake more like sea with wind-blown waves; facilities limited with 1 WC-shower each and no wash-up; supermarket in Kallaste; be sure to visit Old Believers' villages with OB Restaurant in Kolkja, campsite owner will make phone reservation at OB's Museum for you +4





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Hirvemäe Holiday Centre-Camping,  Värska In village of Värska at southern end of Lake Peipsi

GPS:
57.955833 27.629444		 7~8 Sept




 €10
negotiated in Sept, usually €15 in summer		 Large holiday centre on outskirts of Värska; warden only about early morning in Sept but helpful welcome from kitchen staff; open grassy camping area with power, pleasant lake-side setting surrounded by pine trees; good facilities with hot water in WC-showers but no wash-up; free wi-fi reaching camping area. Fascinating history and culture of Setu people in Setumaa; Setu Farm Museum and Restaurant at Värska and transit of Russian territory without visas at 'Saatse Boot' +3






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Kubija Hotel-Camping, Vöru
 By Lake Kubija, Männiku 43a, 65603 Vöru

GPS:
57.814444 27.007778		 9~11 Sept




 €13 Exceptional welcome from very helpful English-speaking hotel receptionists; pleasant lawned camping area in grounds of Kubija Hotel, screened off by pine trees; facilities - WCs-showers and sauna in hotel but no wash-up; washing/drying machine; free wi-fi in hotel lounge. Vöru has 1 of best TICs ever encountered +5


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Herne Guesthouse-Camping, Tartu
 Herne 59, 51007 Taru

GPS:
58.388757 26.707892		 12~15 Sept




 €10
negotiated in Sept		 Homely, friendly guest-house camping in Supilinn (Soup-town) suburb of Tartu 15 minutes walk from city-centre and University; hospitable welcome from the Jäär family; summer time camp in large garden, autumn on paved area at edge of garden; camping space would be stretched in summer but fine in Sept; dedicated facilities (WC, shower, kitchen/wash-up) for campers all clean, modern and well-appointed; small shop 10 minutes walk, Rimi hypermarket on Tartu ring-road
Campsite web site		 +5


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Vanasauna Guesthouse-Camping, Valma, Lake Vörtsjärv
 On shore of Lake Vörtsjärv, at Valma 10 kms east of Viljandi

GPS:
58.368135 25.964727		 16 Sept






 €10 Guest-house camping in delightful setting on western shore of Lake Vörtsjärv; hospitable welcome from owner who showed us round, suggested lake-side camping spot and found us power at nearby hut; second-to-none camping spot under birches looking out over still waters of Lake Vörtsjärv, with wonderful dawn across lake. Would be busy in summer with huts and lake-side crowded, but in Sept we had it to ourselves to enjoy the peace of such a wonderful setting
 Campsite web site		 +5


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Soomaa National Park Visitor Centre Camping, Tõramaa
 Alongside Soomaa National Park Visitor Centre, Tõramaa

GPS:
58.43101 25.030675		 17~18, 20 Sept





 Camping free of charge Exceptionally helpful and hospitable welcome from staff at NP Visitor Centre, excellent free maps for NP walks; free camping in either flat grassy field but soft after rain or gravelly area next to Centre, wonderful setting looking out across surrounding wetlands and pine~birch forests; facilities limited to earth privies, taps and power supply, free wi-fi
National Park web site		 +5


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Riisa Rantso Guesthouse- Camping,Riisa,   Soomaa National Park  Near hamlet of Riisa in Soomaa National Park
GPS:
58.467242 24.986182		 19 Sept


 €6 Guest-house camping at Riisa in Soomaa NP, 2 kms from start of Riisa classic bogland board-walk; almost closed at end of season, but owner opened  WC-shower in 1 of huts and kitchen/wash-up; lawns by huts too soft to camp in autumn so camping on gravelly area in rather grubby car park +3




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Konse Camping, Pärnu Suurjõe 44a, 80021 Pärnu

GPS:
58.384584 24.526033		 21~22 Sept





 €17

We only paid €13, price quoted on their web site 		Perfunctory and unresponsive welcome; grubby and confined camping area sloping down to river bank in unimpressive industrial area; WC, showers and wash-up facilities adequate; free wi-fi covering site, water-filling hose, 500m to buses along main road into town; an outrageously overpriced 2nd rate campsite which exploits its monopolistic position in Pärnu to charge the most expensive prices encountered in the whole of Baltics
  ** WOODEN SPOON AWARD - WORST CAMPSITE OF TRIP **
Better alternative is White House Guest-house Camping at Uulu 10 kms south of Pärnu		 -1





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THE JOURNEY HOME
Camping Nameji, Bauska, Southern Latvia 2 kms NW of Bauska in Southern Latvia
GPS:
56.41002 24.170394		 23 Sept 10 lats Good staging camp on journey through Latvia; pleasant welcome from English-speaking family; a open wind-swept plateau-top site amid farmland on outskirts of Bauska; flat grassy pitches each with power and water-filling hose; clean and modern WC-showers and wash-up; washing/drying machine; Rimi supermarket in centre of Bauska +4



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Camping Medaus slėnis, Southern Lithuania

 5 kms east of Jurbarkas, Nemunas River  valley, South Lithuania

GPS:
55.091833 22.963347		 24~25 Sept






 50 lits Exceptional campsite kept by Mr Ovidijus Jasinskas, bee keeper hence name of site Honey Valley; thoroughly hospitable welcome from Mr Jasinskas who will offer tasting of his blossom-honeys to buy and take you picking wild mushrooms in woodlands; beautifully turfed flat camping area (open sunny or shade of trees) carved out of surrounding birch~pine forest on side of Nemunas Valley, all created by Mr Jasinskas 5 years ago; facilities modern and clean in thatched house with common room, all built from local natural materials; free wi-fi covering site
              ** JOINT BEST CAMPSITE OF THE TRIP **
                              ** THOROUGHLY RECOMMENDED **		 +5++
               




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Camping/Pension
 U Haliny, Wigry		 In peninsula-village of Wigry near to Suwałki
GPS:
54.069485 23.086224		 26 Sept


 

 60 zł Family-run campsite cum rustic restaurant; open camping area sloping down to Lake Wigry opposite monastery-church (Hejnał relayed from church tower 9-00pm and 8-00am); WC-showers limited and less cared for than in summer; bar-restaurant closed in autumn +3




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Camping Ukiel, Olsztyn, Northern Poland (95) Just off Route 527, 6km west of Olsztyn
GPS:
53.786404 20.396762		 27 Sept   Very friendly and hospitable welcome from German-speaking owner; well signed from Olsztyn, a beautiful setting on sandy, flat heath-land hilltop overlooking Lake Ukiel and surrounded by pine woods; facilities old-fashioned but functional with hot water in showers and wash-ups +4



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Camping Elbląg, Elbląg, Northern Poland  (61)
 		 On banks of River Elbląg, 500m from town centre and canal boat anchorage
GPS:
54.153416 19.394125		 28 Sept





 40zł
inc CCI discount		 Jewel of a small site with very obliging owners; everything you could need, but crowded with German tourists even in Sept; delightfully welcoming hospitality with information on canal boat trips and town map; set on banks of River Elbląg, 500m from old centre and canal boat anchorage, a green oasis with shady trees in industrial area of town; facilities limited in number but modern and clean; washing machine, free wi-fi and fully equipped kitchen; excellent value for such a pleasant site with such a warm welcome

Campsite web site

 +5




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Camping Marina, Ostrów near Sulęcin, Western Poland (50) Just south of Ostrów village near Sulęcin
GPS:
52.410587 15.118561		 29 Sept 63zł Gates locked on arrival but warden responded to phone call to open up; set among woods by small lake 500m along side lane just south of Ostrów village, open camping area divided into pitches each with power; modern facilities with hot water in showers and wash-ups; unduly expensive for a basic site, but close to German border +3




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Campingplatz Waldsee,
Hämelerwald, Germany		 Exit 51 of A2 autobahn; site on eastern edge of  Hämelerwald
GPS:
52.351516 10.126948		 30 Sept



 		 €15 Pleasantly hospitable welcome at family-run campsite on edge of small town of Hämelerwald, just off Exit 51 of A2 autobahn; delightful lakeside setting among pinewoods; a few statics but plenty of space for visitors; facilities modern, clean and heated with plenty of hot water in showers and wash-ups; small bar-café at site; good value at €15/night +4
Camping Warnsborn, Arnhem, Holland

 		 Western outskirts of Arnhem

GPS:
52.007261 5.871377		 1 Oct





 €19.20
inc CCI discount		 Set in pleasant parkland in western outskirts of Arnhem, with trees for shade, but can be crowded with Dutch holiday-makers; very friendly and hospitable welcome from family owners; helpful welcome-pack provided with town plan and details of buses into Arnhem from bus stop just outside camp; modern and clean facilities, bread for sale on order (not Sundays), free wi-fi internet; Airborne Museum at 2 miles away at Oosterbeek
 Campsite web site		 +5
St Louis Camping, Ardres, near Calais, France

 		 In village of Autingues near to Ardres, 8 kms south of Calais
GPS:
50.83832 1.976434		 2~3 Oct



 €21 Always a hospitable welcome from owners Carine et Dominique Sanson; flat grassy pitches and good facilities; good value bar-restaurant; supermarket in Ardres village; a delightful site to end the trip and convenient for Calais or Dunkerque ferries

Campsite web site		 +4

 

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