Camping Dune du Pilat – All You Need to Know + Best Camping Sites

Everything You Need to Know About Camping in Dune du Pilat

Discovering this marvelous French landmark on a camping trip is definitely the best way to do it! The whole Arcachon Bay is highly developed for camping, with plenty of areas designed for the purpose.

In this first section, we’ll answer all the questions you might have about bivouacking or camping in Dune du Pilat. To see the best campsites in the area, scroll down to the second part below.
 

 

Can I camp on the Dune du Pilat?

No, you can’t.

The Dune du Pilat is designated as one of France’s ‘Grands Sites’, meaning it’s a protected area. So, it’s forbidden to camp or bivouac on the dune, but also all along the coastline and you can’t camp freely.

It’s actually against the Dune du Pilat regulations to wild camp or rough camp.

Read more: The Complete Camp Packing List

Are there campgrounds on the site?

No there isn’t any campground directly on the sand dune. As said earlier, it’s a highly protected site for its unique fauna and flora.

Hopefully, there are several campsites outside the site, some being right behind it within a short walking distance. Scroll down to the following section to see the list of the best sites for camping near the Dune du Pilat.
 

Can I get caught if I wild camp in Dune du Pilat?

Absolutely. The Dune du Pilat is a highly protected site, and it’s a very popular destination. There are frequent patrols on the area and surrounding roads. Risk is lower in the off-season, but it’s very high if you’re going in summer.

You can still choose to spend the night in your vehicle in a free or paid parking lot with motorhome spaces as long as you don’t take out your camping gear or deploy an awning.
 

What do I risk if I get caught?

If you’re caught wild camping, you’ll have to pay a fine of 135€.

If you’re not in your vehicle during the police check, then your vehicle could be seized and impounded. This also means that you’ll have to pay additional impound fees to reclaim it, adding to the overall cost. Seriously, it’s not worth it!
 

Where can I park my RV near the Dune du Pilat?

At Dune du Pilat, there are several camping areas within easy reach. All you have to do is choose the one that suits you and has an available spot. Some may require a fee, while others are free of charge:

• Dune du Pilat main parking lot: Right at the site’s entrance, there’s a large parking lot with many RV spaces. The price depends on the parking duration (10 to 14€) but parking from 2 am to 5 am is forbidden.
• Boulevard Mestrézat – 15 min drive from the dune: Located in the town of Arcachon, this park is equipped with a refueling and emptying station. Parking is free but limited to a maximum of 24 hours and is prohibited at night.
• Aire des 3 Coccinelles – 15 min drive from the dune: This place is equipped with drainage, electricity, laundry facilities, free wifi, and a grocery store. The price is 15€/day during the low season and 18€/day in July and August.
• Lac de Cazaux – 20 min drive from the dune: It’s a well-equipped campsite with water, electricity, and waste disposal. It provides direct access to a cycle path leading to the beaches and the dune. The price is 13€/day during the low season and 15€/day during the peak season.
• 33380 – Biganos – 25 min drive from the dune: This is a private parking area with water, electricity, and wifi for 5€/day. Parking spaces are limited, so you must contact the owner in advance to book your spot.

These are short-stay options if you need to park for a few hours. For multi-day camping options, scroll down to discover the best campsites in the region.
 

What is the Park4night app and how to use it?

Park4night is a free app for finding a camp spot around you. lists over 215,000 locations across France and Europe. To find the right space for you, you have a number of filters available like types of place, rating, height limits, services, and more.

Downloading the app is a good idea if you have an internet connection during your stay, as it can always come in handy in a pinch.
 

 

The Best Campsites in Dune du Pilat

Camping in the Dune du Pilat region is extremely popular, and its uses vary from basic tent camping to luxurious glamping.

Some campsites are designed to simply accommodate tents or campers, like those mentioned above. Others can be much more developed resorts where you can rent a mobile home, bungalow, or chalet and enjoy a whole host of services.

Below is a selection of the closest and best campsites around the Dune du Pilat. I’ve also made a map so you can locate them easily. 
 

1. Camping Les Flots Bleus

This 3-star campground, which served as the set for the famous French movie “Camping”, is located right at the foot of the dune. In fact, you can easily reach the dune by crossing directly from the campground!

Whether you prefer a simple tent, a camper van, a mobile home, a chalet, or even a whole house, the choice is yours! You’ll have a wide range of services at your disposal, including a store, restaurant, laundry facilities, playgrounds, entertainment, and many more additional services available for rent.

2. Pyla Camping

Le Pyla Camping is a 4-star campsite offering a wide choice of accommodations, including spaces for RVs, caravans, tents, mobile homes, and luxurious lodges.

Situated just a short walk from the Dune du Pilat, you can enjoy an array of amenities and activities. With direct beach access, a heated swimming pool, shops, a bowling alley, a cinema, and even a nightclub, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

3. Camping Panorama du Pyla

This 3-star campsite is ideally located just a few minutes drive from Dune du Pilat and Petit Nice Beach. You can choose between camping spots or cottages in a charming setting surrounded by typical Landes pines.

The amenities include two swimming pools, a sunny terrace, kids’ play areas and clubs, an on-site restaurant, a snack bar, and a variety of activities for both the young and old alike.

4. Domaine de la Forge

Set in the heart of nature, this green village offers camping car sites, mobile homes, chalets, and lodges in a picturesque setting. You can even come on foot or by bike, and with no luggage: they’ll provide you with everything you need for camping!

As for infrastructure, it’s worthy of a 4-star: restaurant, laundromat, grocery store, swimming pool, games… To get to the Dune du Pilat, simply rent a bike directly at the campsite and use the cycle paths!

Tips for Camping Dune du Pilat

Here are a few good tips to make your camping experience in the Dune du Pilat and its region a success:

1. Book in advance: As soon as the weather warms up, typically around May, tourists start pouring into the entire Arcachon Basin. It’s an extremely popular destination, so don’t waste any time organizing your trip, camping or not.
2. Pack some warm clothes: Nights can be chilly on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, so don’t forget to pack a fleece. And make sure to bring along a pair of sneakers – the sand can get pretty hot under the sun.
3. Leave the RV at the campsite: There are plenty of budget-friendly buses crisscrossing the area (1€ one way) and you can easily rent a bike almost anywhere. It’s a lot more fun than driving around an RV all the time!
4. Respect and protect the environment: It’s a protected area and highly vulnerable, especially to fire. So, please make sure not to leave any trash behind and avoid taking away natural elements like sand, stones, or plants.

5 Best Things to Do at Dune du Pilat in Camper

Opting for camping at Dune du Pilat offers a unique way to explore the area. Not only does this accommodation choice provide a bit more flexibility in your budget and activities, but it also brings you closer to nature.

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss on your camping trip to the Dune du Pilat!
 

1. Climb the Dune du Pilat at sunset or sunrise

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The greatest advantage of camping is the freedom it gives you. Make the most of it and experience the Dune du Pilat all to yourself!

Park close to the dune, in the site’s main parking lot, or in your campsite, and cross the dune at sunset or sunrise. This way, you’ll avoid the crowds of tourists and the scorching sun, and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet, with perfect lighting for capturing unforgettable photos.
 

2. Hike from the Dune du Pilat to the Banc d’Arguin

 
If you find yourself in the region during July and August, you should definitely join one of the guided walks departing from the Dune du Pilat to the Banc d’Arguin.

This special experience allows you to learn more about the geological marvel that is the dune, delving into its rich flora and fauna. The adventure continues as you cross the sea by boat to explore the Banc d’Arguin.
 

3. Try paragliding or horse riding

 
The Arcachon basin offers a wide range of sporting activities. But the most popular are paragliding, surfing and horse riding!

It’s the ideal place for a first paragliding experience, as the panorama from the sky is breathtaking. Several clubs provide paragliding tours to make your adventure memorable.

There are also a number of signposted equestrian routes on the Bassin d’Arcachon, perfect for horseback riding. Numerous equestrian centers offering lessons, rides, and horseback excursions await you.
 

4. Visit Arcachon

You can’t miss visiting Arcachon, the area’s main town! It’s an absolutely lovely little seaside town with numerous beaches, but also some very good restaurants where you can sample fresh local produce such as oysters. It’s also a great spot for some shopping if that’s on your agenda.

Also, many boat tours leave from Arcachon, so if you want to take a trip to Cap Ferret or Ile aux Oiseaux, Arcachon is the place to be!
 

5. Explore the beaches

The Bay of Arcachon is bursting with gorgeous beaches, each more beautiful than the last. So if you’re traveling by RV, now’s your chance to visit them all!

You’ll find all kinds of beaches, from those dedicated to surfers to quieter ones perfect for families and those well-equipped for spending the whole day at the beach. You shouldn’t have too much trouble parking close to the beaches.

Plage de la Corniche at the base of the dune and Plage Pereire are among the best. But I’ve made a complete guide listing the best beaches on the Arcachon Bay, so check it out!
 

Bonus: Go on a day trip to Bordeaux

 
Dune du Pilat is located only 1.10 hours drive from one of France’s greatest cities… Bordeaux!

The wine capital is a very charming town with lots to see, many monuments, and a lively atmosphere. In short, it offers a completely different experience compared to the rest of the Bassin d’Arcachon!

I suggest leaving your motorhome parked and opting for a train ride from Gare d’Arcachon to Gare Bordeaux Saint-Jean. The train journey only takes an hour, so it’s perfectly convenient to discover Bordeaux in a day!
 

 

I hope you have a nice trip to the Dune du Pilat, and that you’ll find a nice spot to relax for a while and enjoy the bay.

If you have any questions left after reading this guide, ask me in the comments below! 🙂