camping in Dordogne and Languedoc regions

Hi Jo, I have not yet camped in southern France but will be doing so this August. If you want to take a look at campgrounds in the areas you are interested in, I have found this website: http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/ helpful in describing the amenities of each site, general location and when available offering links to a campground's website. It's by no means a comphrehensive listing, but it's been enough for me, and it's free. A previous reply mentioned the Cevennes National Park. That's one of the places I will be staying at (campground is located near the village of Florac). I went ahead and made reservations for the Florac campground simply because I know that's exactly where I want to be and that I'd be there for several days (I'm hiking in the area) and didn't want to arrive and find out that I'd need to move to a different campground after a couple nights. Also, since I'm travelling solo, it's just nice to have it all planned out so I can let my parents know where I will be (less worry for them). I hope the camping works out for you!

The only National Park anywhere close is Cevennes (east of Millau, north of Montpellier). There are several Natural and Regional Parks in the general area, but none really close to what most tourists consider Dordonge and Languedoc. Regardless of where they're located camping spots are going to be private, commercial affairs with cabins, tent areas, and trailer areas - - all jammed together with no wilderness. There are so many of the things I can't imagine that finding a space would be a problem. What kind of options? Most will have showers, toilettes, snack bars, etc, if that's the question.

Camping in Europe in general seems to be more of a social thing than a wilderness thing - I think that's how RS describes it in his France 2012 book and that fits with my impression of camping in Alsace a few weeks ago. If you're used to unspoiled wilderness, isolated campsites as we do it in the Northwest U.S....you might not like camping here. Also be aware there are many places in France where you cannot have a campfire, due to fire danger. If a campfire is a must for you, check with potential campsites. I would personally leave the tent at home, stay in cheap lodging (camping is not that cheap over here either!), rent a car, and go hiking/boating in those regions to get the fresh air fix.

I've never camped in France, but have seen plenty of campgrounds. If you can fit it into your itinerary, stay at the campground in Belcastel in the Aveyron. It's right along the river in the center of town, and one of the most beautiful villages I've ever seen.