The 6 best campsites in Småland
Småland has a great deal to offer, regardless of whether you prefer nature or cultural experiences. Here, you can experience beautiful stretches of the coast as well as deep enchanted forests. The area is also known for arts and crafts, not least in the form of all the glass artists who live here. Families with children can also enjoy both wild animals and a rich tradition of fairy tales. If you are traveling with a motorhome or caravan and want to explore what Småland has to offer, staying at one of the many excellent campsites is highly recommended.
1. First Camp Gränna – Vättern
Gränna
First Camp Gränna – Vättern is beautifully located on the shore of Vättern, in the picturesque town of Gränna, known for its “polkagrisar” (a unique type of candy cane). Here, you can relax in a lovely environment together with the whole family, while the children can have fun while, for example, joining a children’s club or playing adventure golf.
Information about First Camp Gränna – Vättern
| Address | Hamnvägen 49, 563 31 Gränna |
| Telephone | +46 390 107 06 |
| granna@firstcamp.se | |
| Website | First Camp Gränna – Vättern |
| Opening hours | Year round |
| Prices per vehicle & person | From SEK 220 |
| Toilet/Shower | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Emptying gray water and chemical toilet | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Foodservice | Yes |
| Dogs allowed? | Yes |
| Reservation | Possible |
| Wifi | No |
| Specialties | Adventure golf and children’s club |
First Camp Gränna – Vättern is a four-star campsite with just over 400 campsites and a nice cottage village. The campsite is equipped with modern service buildings, where you will find fresh shower rooms as well as a kitchen and laundry room. There is also a lot to occupy oneself with inside the campsite area. There is a nice swimming lagoon with a long shallow sandy beach, which is suitable for the whole family. Additional activities include adventure golf, bicycle rental, playground and golf club.
From the campsite, you can walk into the charming town of Gränna, where you can stroll among old wooden houses, buy “polkagrisar” or see how they are made. Also, don’t miss visiting the Grenna museum, which, among other things, features the son of Gränna, André, and his dramatic polar expedition in 1897.
Excursion tips:
From Gränna you can take a boat trip to the beautiful island of Visingsö in Lake Vättern. Visingsö is a scenic island where you can enjoy the peace and the beautiful nature. You can discover the island by bicycle or through a tour with the classic “Remmalagen”, a form of horse and cart where you sit with your backs to each other. You can also visit Visingsborg’s castle ruins or get to know cute alpacas at Visingsö alpaca.
Good to know
The story of the “polkagrisar” began when Amalia Eriksson, who was born in 1824, became single and needed to find a way to provide for her little daughter. Making “polkagrisar” is a craft, and if you want, you can book yourself into a workshop to try it yourself.
2. Vimmerby Camping
Vimmerby
Vimmerby camping is a nice family campsite located right next to the idyllic bathing lake Nossen, less than ten minute’s drive from the popular visitor destination Astrid Lindgren’s World.
Information about Vimmerby Camping
| Address | Nosshult 108, 598 93 Vimmerby |
| info@vimmerbycamping.se | |
| Telephone | +46 492 314 10 |
| Website | Vimmerby Camping |
| Opening hours | 15 April – 30 September |
| Prices per vehicle & person | From SEK 295 |
| Toilet/Shower | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Emptying gray water and chemical toilet | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Foodservice | Yes |
| Dogs allowed? | Yes |
| Reservation | Possible |
| Wifi | No |
| Specialties | Canoes and ice cream parlor |
At Vimmerby Camping, you can choose between a camping site with electricity and a camping site that is equipped with both electricity and water. Some of the plots are located in a lakeside location right next to Lake Nossen, while others are a little further from the lake. For those who wish, there is also the option of staying in a holiday apartment, cottage, or hostel. In the camping area, you will find a small shop, three newly renovated service houses, a laundry room with washing machines and dryers, as well as two service kitchens with stoves, ovens, and refrigerators. For the smaller children, there is also a playroom with a TV.
The beach at Vimmerby Camping is sometimes called Småland’s Riviera because of its excellence and popularity. Here, you can enjoy calm days on grass or sand, and you can also choose to swim from a jetty. For those who need it, there is also a wheelchair ramp down into the water. If you want to go a little further out on the lake, you can experience a day aboard a canoe, pedal boat, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard), or rowing boat. Additional activities include table tennis, miniature golf, and boules. Alternatively, why not enjoy a sea sauna or join some of the activities that are arranged at different times, such as morning jogging or sunset yoga?
Excursion tips:
When you stay at Vimmerby Camping, it is a matter of course to visit Astrid Lindgren’s World, which is right nearby. This is a destination for the whole family, where you can meet all the lovely characters in Astrid Lindgren’s children’s books, such as Pippi Longstocking and Emil in Lönneberga.
Good to know
In the summer, a shuttle bus runs twice a day between, among other places, Vimmerby Camping and Astrid Lindgren’s World.
3. Västervik Resort
Västervik
Västervik Resort is a large and fantastic campsite, with restaurants, entertainment, and lots of activities for both children and adults. The campsite is beautifully located, surrounded by water, rocks, and charming bridges.
Information about Västervik Resort
| Address | Västervik Resort AB, 593 53 Västervik |
| vastervikresort@vastervik.se | |
| Telephone | +46 490 25 80 00 |
| Website | Västervik Resort |
| Opening hours | Year round |
| Prices per vehicle & person | From SEK 350 |
| Toilet/Shower | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Emptying gray water and chemical toilet | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Foodservice | Yes |
| Dogs allowed? | Yes |
| Reservation | Possible |
| Wifi | No |
| Specialties | Aqualand and entertainment with artists |
Västervik Resort is a very large five-star campsite that offers all the activities you could wish for, while you are always close to the sea and nature. You can choose whether you want a simple plot without service on the plot, or if you want your place to have electricity and/or water and sewage. No matter which location you choose, you will always have access to nice service houses and a range of activities.
Västervik Resort is a mecca for everyone who enjoys being in the water. Here, you can choose between swimming in the sea, enjoying the aqualand, and spa bathing. The aqualand offers slides, waves, hot springs, and a children’s pool, in which the little ones can get to know the campsite’s mascot Lysse. The campsite also offers plenty of other activities, such as an adventure park, padel courts, adventure golf, kayak rental, bouncy castles, and an extensive activity program for children and adults. As if this wasn’t enough, you can enjoy entertaining shows during summer.
Excursion tips:
From Västervik Resort, you only have five miles to Astrid Lindgren’s World, which takes you to the Swedish fairytale treasure with Pippi Longstocking, Emil in Lönneberga and everyone else. If you want to make slightly longer day trips, you can, for example, visit the popular zoo Kolmården or go to the historic town of Visby on Gotland.
Good to know
Västervik Resort is divided into seven different areas, and to find which area suits you, it is best to look at the campsite’s area map in advance. Some areas are close to activities and restaurants, while others offer a little more peace and privacy.
4. Gökaskratts Camping
Hovmantorp
Gökaskratts Camping is located right next to a nice swimming area, in the middle of the creative Glasriket, with lots of active artists and craftsmen. Here, you can relax with the family, while also having the opportunity to make excursions to experience art and culture.
Information about Gökaskratts Camping
| Address | Bruksallén 7, 365 42 Hovmantorp |
| info@gokaskrattscamping.se | |
| Telephone | +46 478 772 720 |
| Website | Gökaskratts Camping |
| Opening hours | Year round |
| Prices per vehicle & person | From SEK 200 |
| Toilet/Shower | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Emptying gray water and chemical toilet | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Foodservice | Yes |
| Dogs allowed? | Yes |
| Reservation | Possible |
| Wifi | Yes |
| Specialties | Mini golf and sailing dinghy |
At Gökaskratts Camping, there are 110 large lakeside campsites for motorhomes or caravans, both with and without electricity. The area also has a reception, including a service center and a restaurant. The campsite is open all year round, although there is limited service during the winter.
The campsite is nicely located right next to lake Rottnen and offers a long, shallow sandy beach that is perfect for families with children. You can also experience the lake by renting a canoe, kayak, or sailing dinghy, or perhaps by buying a fishing license and trying your luck at fishing. The campsite also has a tennis court. Also, don’t miss the chance to experience Småland’s Kingdom of Crystal (“Glasriket”), where you can experience art, crafts, and glassblowing.
Excursion tips:
Near Gökaskratts Camping is Kosta, where you can see exhibitions, shop for glass and try glass blowing yourself. There are also many small cabins in the area where you can see the glassblowers in action, and buy nice souvenirs and gifts. If you are interested in handicrafts, you can also visit the hand-paper mill in Lessebo.
Good to know
During the winter, the reception has limited opening hours, but you can reach the campsite by phone
5. Evedals Camping
Växjö
Evedals Camping is a scenic campsite that is located peacefully by Lake Helgasjön, but you are also close to the city of Växjö and several interesting historical sights. At this campsite, the whole family will thrive, as it, for example, offers a nice little swimming area.
Information about Evedals Camping
| Address | LJ Brandts väg, 352 63 Växjö |
| info@evedalscamping.com | |
| Telephone | +46 470 630 34 |
| Website | Evedals Camping |
| Opening hours | Year round |
| Prices per vehicle & person | From SEK 295 |
| Toilet/Shower | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Emptying gray water and chemical toilet | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Foodservice | Yes |
| Dogs allowed? | Yes |
| Reservation | Possible |
| Wifi | No |
| Specialties | Adventure golf and padel |
Evedals Camping is located in the heart of Småland, just 6 kilometers from central Växjö. The campsite can accommodate motorhomes and caravans, while it also offers hostels and cabins. There is also a small shop, two restaurants, and a café with an ice cream bar. There is also a service building with four departments; one for ladies, one for men, and two unisex sections. There is also a toilet and shower that is accessible to people with disabilities as well as two family rooms. In addition, you will find a laundry room, a kitchen with a TV room, and a small section dedicated to the smaller children.
The campsite has a lovely location by Lake Helgasjön, which means that you can enjoy the sun and go swimming, if only the weather turns out to be on your side. If you want to get more active, you will find an excellent adventure golf course, a padel court with four courts and “football billiards”, which is a form of billiards played with footballs, without queues, on a giant table. You can also rent a rowing boat or canoe, or perhaps relax in the relaxation area, where you will find both a sauna and a jacuzzi.
Excursion tips:
Evedals Camping is not far away from the city of Växjö, where you can visit the Emigrants’ House and Småland’s museum. You may also want to take the opportunity to check out Växjö Cathedral, which offers beautiful glass art inside. Not far from Växjö, you can also take the opportunity to visit the fairytale castle Teleborg Castle, where you can enjoy lunch. If you’re interested in history, you shouldn’t miss visiting Kronoberg’s castle ruins, which, among other things, tell about the dramatic events during Dackefejden in the 16th century.
Good to know
Evedals Camping is so close to Växjö that it only takes 20 minutes to cycle. Kronoberg’s castle ruins are also close, as they’re only ten minutes away by bike.
6. High Chaparrals camping
Kulltorp
High Chaparral’s camping offers space for over 600 caravans, motorhomes, and tents. At the campsite, you can swim or play adventure golf, and right next door you will find the popular theme park High Chaparral, which offers shows in the true Wild West spirit.
Information om High Chaparrals camping
| Address | 330 31 Kulltorp |
| info@highchaparral.se | |
| Telephone | +46 370 827 44 |
| Website | Chaparrals Camping |
| Opening hours | 17 May – 3 September |
| Prices per vehicle & person | From SEK 390 |
| Toilet/Shower | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Emptying gray water and chemical toilet | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Foodservice | Yes |
| Dogs allowed? | Yes |
| Reservation | Possible |
| Wifi | No |
| Specialties | The theme park offers cowboy shows |
High Chaparral’s camping is one of Sweden’s largest campsites, and offers the opportunity to camp by the river Storån and an artificial lake with one of Sweden’s cleanest bathing waters. The campsite has service houses with toilets, showers, kitchens, sinks, and laundry, and one of the service houses is accessible to people with disabilities. On-site, there is also a small shop and restaurants that stay open even when the theme park is closed.
Many who go to High Chaparral’s camping do so to visit the Wild West-themed park, where you can experience tons of different shows and adventures, and meet characters like Billy the Kid and Lucky Luke. When the park is closed, you can take the opportunity to relax at the campsite.
Excursion tips:
For those who want slightly different and adventurous experiences, there are some exciting things to experience in the immediate area. For example, try Europe’s longest zipline track “Sweden Zipline” in Klavreström, or visit the Kyrkö Mosse car cemetery outside Ryd.
Good to know
If you want to visit the High Chaparral theme park, tickets must be booked in advance.
Your ride to adventure. Rent it.