Norway Camping with Kids: The Best Family-Friendly Campsites for Your Campervan Trip

The day your kids were born, your life changed. Mostly for the better, but…hey, we’ve all dealt with meltdowns at the candy rack by the cashiers, right? With even a basic grocery run often being extremely challenging, how can you even think about something like traveling?! Well, buckle up, ‘coz your family holiday to Norway is just one article read away. Let’s tell you some insider secrets about camping with kids in Norway and why this might actually be the getaway that gives you a break!

Why a Campervan is the Best Way to Camp in Norway with Kids

There are many reasons why a campervan rental is the best way to camp in Norway with kids:

It’s a Unique and Fun Experience

After the holidays, your child is most likely to give a speech in school about what they’ve been up to. Many will say they went camping in a tent, most will say they’ve stayed in hotels or guesthouses, but few will say that they’ve cruised around a country in a camper!

It’s Super Convenient

Not only do you get to travel with all your creature comforts close by, but it takes care of most of those crucial kiddo concerns. Dirty diaper just as you arrive at Reynisfjara Beach? Well, no more maneuvering a baby in the backseat of a car with a diaper bag.

Have a moody teenager who’s “seen all the waterfalls they could possibly see!” Great, go and sleep it off in the camper in the parking lot while mom and dad admire panoramic views from behind Seljalandsfoss’s veil of water.

It’s Super Affordable

Have you ever been on a family holiday before? Children as young as 10 are being charged adult prices these days! And then there’s all the expenses that just continue to snowball into a maxed-out credit card: accommodation, transport, activities, attractions, food, souvenirs, etc.

A campervan brings some relief in the sense that it takes care of both your transport and accommodation, and camping spots are also very affordable.

It Gives You Space

It may not be the touring RV of The Rolling Stones, but it certainly gives you more space to work with than driving around in a 4-seater standard car. Since a camper also allows you to go camping, the kids will have ample space to run around (unlike those bursts of energy in hotel hallways that leave you screaming “No running!”

Pick the right family-friendly campsite, and you’ll also get additional amenities and facilities like playgrounds, minigolf, etc.

How to Choose the Right Campsite in Norway for Your Family

It can be difficult to decide on campsites when you’re thousands of miles away. And with AI doing the rounds, who knows what state that campsite might actually be in. But don’t worry, with some insider insights, you’ll be just fine.

Understanding Norway’s Campsite Star Rating System

Norway’s campsites use a star rating system that ranges from 1 to 5 stars. In typical 5-star fashion, 1 is as low as you can go before pitching camp in a field, and 5 is resort-level.

The important thing to remember is that these stars are indicative of the amenities and facilities you’ll find at the campsite, not the current quality or state of the amenities and facilities. For this, we highly recommend you check out some of the campsite’s latest Google reviews.

Unless you want to “rough” it a bit, we highly recommend that you begin your search with a no-lower-than-3-stars standard. 3 stars mean there are no/or very few accessibility issues (in other words, the campsite is wheelchair-friendly and takes other forms of disabilities into account as well).

At a 3-star campsite, you’ll also find at least some outdoor play equipment for the kids and a small kiosk where they can get snacks. From the 4-star mark, you’re entering resort territory, with 5 stars being the campsite equivalent of a luxury hotel.

The Best Time of the Year to Camp in Norway with Children

The best time of year to camp in Norway with your children will really depend on a variety of factors, such as your weather preferences, what you’d like to see and do here, and your budget.

That being said, most will tell you that our summer season (June to August) is prime camping time with kids here in Norway. Weather conditions are at their best with temperature highs around the 20 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit) mark, and there’s plenty of daylight hours for a jam-packed trip itinerary and outdoor play.

If you’d still like to have most of the summer perks, but without dealing with those peak season prices, we recommend visiting during one of the shoulder months (May and September).

Family-Friendly Campsites in Southern Norway

The following are some of the best campsites to go camping with kids in Southern Norway:

Moysand Family Camping (Grimstad)

Star Rating: 5 Stars

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

Well, the name gives it away, doesn’t it? Moysand Family Camping is a campsite where you’re surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, where you can rest assured that all your basic needs will be met, and where the fun truly never ends. Here, the kids won’t just have plenty of space to play, but the campsite actually has programs to keep them entertained all day long!

Hornnes Camping (Setesdal)

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Communal Lounge

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Playground

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

• 
  

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Hornnes Camping should be your go-to. Here, you can go bike riding, fishing, go boat riding, or just relax on the beach – everything on site! And let’s not even get started on what lies just a few kilometers outside the campsite! We’re talking Go-karting, river-rafting, and more!

Flateland Camping (River Otra)

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Playground

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

Flateland Camping is located in a beautiful setting, so if it’s peace and quiet you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. You can even have experiences such as swimming in the lake or going waterskiing. Please just keep in mind that the campsite is only open between May and September every year.

Sorlandet Feriesenter (Risor)

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Playground

• WiFi

Sitting on the shores of the Sandnesfjord, Sorlandet Feriesenter is yet another “next-level” campground when it comes to beautiful surroundings and family activities. We’re talking heated pools, a beach, mini golf, volleyball, boat rides, and much, much more!

Family-Friendly Campsites in the Fjord Regions of Norway

The following are some of the best campsites to go camping with kids in the fjord regions of Norway:

Mikkelparken Ferietun (Hardangerfjord)

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Playground

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

Mikkelparken Ferietun is probably the closest you’re going to get to affordably staying in what’s the camping equivalent of Disneyland in Norway. It’s a magical campsite where you’ll have everything you need and more, and with all the on-site facilities and fun, you’ll be lucky to run into your children at all during this holiday.

Byrkjelo Camping (Nordfjord)

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Communal Lounge

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Playground

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

You’ll be forgiven for thinking that you’ve just walked onto the set of an epic movie when you see the jaw-dropping scenery at Byrkjelo Camping. Lounge around the heated pool and admire the views, or take a leisurely stroll along the river – whichever you choose, this is the site where you get close to nature again.

Kviltorp Camping (Molde)

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Communal Lounge

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

If spectacular fjord views are your thing, Kviltorp Camping is the place for you. This is a back-to-basics kind of family-friendly site where the kids can run around outside from dusk till dawn, and they can go fishing, bike riding, or grab a few snacks at the kiosk.

Brusand Camping (Jæren)

Star Rating: 4

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Playground

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

Brusand Camping is where you and the family can live out your ultimate beach bum dreams. Swim, lounge in the sun, or go fishing – this is the safe and family-friendly beach holiday you’ve been waiting for!

Family-Friendly Campsites in Eastern Norway

The following are some of the best campsites to go camping with kids in Eastern Norway:

Fagernes Camping (Valdres)

Star Rating: 4

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Playground

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

Fagernes Camping is yet another campsite that will probably have you reminding yourself that you actually still have kids after a few days.

This site gives kids ample safe space to run around and enjoy the outdoors; there are numerous beaches to visit, various outdoor activities to participate in, such as boat riding, and don’t forget the giant trampoline in the middle of the water!

Bo Camping & Bo Sommerland (Telemark)

Star Rating: 3

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Communal Lounge

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Playground

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

Bo Camping & Bo Sommerland is one of those unique campsites that are super close to town, yet somehow feel a million miles out in tranquil nature. The focus of the campsite is really just to make you comfortable and give you all the basics you could need, because entertainment is quite literally a 5-minute walk away.

We’re talking about the Hoyt & Lavt Bo Climbing Park and Bo Sommarland (the largest water park in Scandinavia!).

Odden Camping (Setesdal)

Star Rating: 5

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Playground

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

Odden Camping has a bit of a summer camp vibe with its lush green backdrop and fun-in-the-sun activities along the shore of the River Otra. Here you can go hiking, rent canoes, have a swim, you name it. You won’t be hearing that famous “I’m boooored!” while camping here.

Kirkeng Camping (Inde Ostfold)

Star Rating: 4

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Communal Lounge

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Playground

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

Here at Kirkeng Camping, you can literally camp along the water’s edge. The campsite’s main focus is to make your stay there as comfortable as possible within its beautiful natural surroundings, but with the assumption that you’ll essentially be participating in activities and viewing attractions outside of its borders (and there are many!).

You can go on forest walks, go on a bike ride, visit Fredriksten Fortress, and much, much more.

Family-Friendly Campsites in Northern Norway

The following are some of the best campsites to go camping with kids in Northern Norway:

Topcamp Mosjoen (Helgeland)

Star Rating: 4

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Playground

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

Topcamp Mosjoen is yet another campground that will ensure you’ve got everything you need, and keeps the children entertained with things such as a playground, obstacle course, inflatable bouncing cushion, small zipline, and much more.

In this regard, the campsite mainly offers parents some peace and quiet while the kids keep themselves busy. The adult’s adventures mainly lie outside of the campsite’s borders, with attractions like the Helgeland Stairs and Sjogata’s historic wooden houses just a short distance away.

Tromso Lodge and Camping (Tromsdalen)

Star Rating: 3

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

Although you can expect much of the same at Tromso Lodge and Camping (jaw-dropping nature, all your basic creature comforts, and activities to keep you entertained all throughout your stay), this campsite gets a special mention.

If you know anything about Tromso and its Arctic location, you’ll know that this is a go-to if you’d like to see the Northern Lights dance overhead (up to 8 months of the year!).

So, while most of our recommended campsites work best as destinations throughout our warmer months, this campground is exceptionally special during the colder and darker months of the year.

Arctic FjordCamp (Burfjord)

Star Rating: No official rating

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity

• Showers & Toilets

• Cooking Facilities

• Laundry Facilities

• Kiosk/Convenience Shop

• Campervan Dumping Site

• WiFi

As the name suggests, Arctic FjordCamp offers Fjord views that will leave you speechless. In fact, you quite literally can start your morning each day by opening your camper door overlooking the water like your own private fjord villa on wheels!

But that’s not where the breathtaking views end: you’ve got a backdrop of majestic mountains behind you. This campsite truly is any nature lover's dream as you can often spot dolphins and orcas in the water, see eagles flying overhead, or meet up with a rabbit on your way to the service station.

Essential Packing Tips for a Family Campervan Trip in Norway

If this will be your first time visiting Norway or just the first time you’ll be visiting with kids, the following tips and advice can be helpful:

• The best way to be prepared for the weather is to dress in layers. So, t-shirts, long-sleeves, jerseys, jackets, etc., are the order of the day, so you can always take something off and put something on depending on the situation.

• Keep a close eye on the Norwegian weather forecast and the Norwegian road conditions – that way you won’t get any nasty surprises along the way, or in the middle of an outing.

• Remember that raincoats in Norway are not just for rainfall; they will keep you nice and dry when visiting our waterfalls with their mist and spray.

• It’s always a good idea to keep some non-perishables and snacks such as energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit on a campervan road trip. Not only can these really be a lifesaver in emergency situations such as a vehicle breakdown, but it also helps when you forgot to stock up in the last town or when that hangriness hits.

• Download a bunch of audiobooks and research some fun road trip games to keep the family entertained for those long stretches of travel. These things don’t take up any space and also make for a few precious family moments and barrels of laughs!

Ready to Explore Norway with Kids? Rent a Campervan Today!

Are you ready to take on that campervan road trip with the kids through Norway? Do you still have a few questions? Perhaps you’re feeling unsure of your trip itinerary, when the best time for your visit would be, or what type of campervan rental will best suit your family’s needs and requirements.

Whatever it is, the team here at Motorhome Norway is here to help. Our goal is for you to rent a campervan in Norway with complete peace of mind, armed with all the knowledge and gear you’ll need, and hit the road with your kids, knowing that you’ll be making memories that’ll last a lifetime!