Lakeside camping in the Jura: nature, swimming, and water sports
Want to escape the daily grind and breathe in the fresh air with every step? Welcome to the Jura, the perfect destination for a lakeside camping vacation, where you can enjoy unspoiled nature, swimming, and quality time with your family. Every summer, the Jura’s lakes attract families and couples who come camping in the Jura to enjoy something simple and authentic. Here, there’s no mass tourism or noise. Just nature, the surrounding forests, and the pleasure of spending time by the water in a calm and pleasant setting.
The Lakes of the Jura: An Exceptional Natural Setting
The Jura region is home to some of France’s most beautiful lakes. Turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, dense forests, and natural beaches: a landscape you wouldn’t expect to find so unspoiled and so close by. Three lakes offer the essence of the summer experience: Chalain, Vouglans, and Clairvaux-les-Lacs.
Lake Chalain: Wild and Striking
A designated natural site, with blue-green waters and overhanging cliffs. Lake Chalain is the Jura’s most iconic lake—the one where you return with photos that no one believes were taken in France. Its waters reach 22 to 24 °C in July and August. No buildings along the shores, no distracting noise. Just nature, the lake, and the morning silence.
Lake Vouglans: vast, blue, and bountiful
35 km long, with breathtaking gorges and several marinas. Lake Vouglans is the third-largest artificial lake in France and one of the busiest in the summer. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, electric boats, and canoes—you can rent them all on site, especially at the Port de la Saisse. It’s ideal for those who want to stay active as well as relax.
Lake Clairvaux: Perfect for Families
More intimate, more laid-back. Lake Clairvaux features a well-maintained, supervised beach, shallow waters that warm up quickly, and a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere. Kids can swim there safely while parents finally get a chance to relax. It’s a quiet lake, but it checks all the boxes.
Three campgrounds on the shores of the Jura lakes, all offering the same promise: nature and comfort
Jura Vacances comprises three campsites ideally located in the heart of the lake region. Three locations, three different atmospheres, but one shared spirit: a pristine natural setting, a family-friendly atmosphere, and the most beautiful lakes in the Jura just minutes from your lodging or campsite.
Les Pêcheurs Campground on the shores of Lake Vouglans, 5 km from Clairvaux
Located in Pont-de-Poitte, Les Pêcheurs Campground is 800 meters from the Port de la Saisse, the gateway to Lake Vouglans. Lake Clairvaux and its developed beach are less than 5 km away. A rare location, nestled between two lakes, for those who want everything within biking distance.
On Lake Vouglans, days are filled with swimming in the coves, renting kayaks, canoes, or pedal boats at the Port de la Saisse, and taking electric boat rides along the gorges. Lake Clairvaux, with its lifeguard-patrolled beach and shallow waters, perfectly rounds out the options for families with children.
At the campground, the sites are spacious and shaded, and the accommodations are fully equipped. As for activities, the selection is intentionally limited to maintain a peaceful atmosphere: a multipurpose sports field, pétanque, table tennis, a secure playground, and an outdoor fitness area. In July and August, there are aqua aerobics sessions twice a week in the pool and a weekly music night.
Domaine de l’Épinette Campground near Lake Chalain
In Châtillon, the Domaine de l’Épinette is located 5 km from Lake Chalain, the wildest and most iconic of the Jura lakes. Rated 4 stars, it offers a wooded and unspoiled setting, well-maintained accommodations, and spacious areas where you can relax, unwind, and head to the lake in just a few minutes by car.
Lake Chalain offers swimming in turquoise waters surrounded by limestone cliffs, a natural beach at dawn, windsurfing and pedal boat rentals, and hiking trails that run along the shores. A protected site with no buildings along the shores, it feels as though you have the lake all to yourself.
On site, the Domaine de l’Épinette features a heated water park with a swimming pool, a wading pool, and three water slides, including a spiral slide and a pentagliss. In July and August, the entertainment program includes water aerobics, an introduction to archery, and activities around the water park. A multipurpose sports field and playgrounds round out the offerings for families.
Le Moulin Campground, near Lake Vouglans and Lake Clairvaux, just 5 minutes away
Le Moulin Campground in Patornay offers quick access to the Jura lakes, located 800 meters from the Port de la Saisse on Lake Vouglans and less than 5 km from Lake Clairvaux. A river flows right by the campground, perfect for swimming or fishing.
From the campground, Lake Vouglans is just a short bike ride away—perfect for a day of kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or electric boat rides through the gorges. Lake Clairvaux, with its well-maintained, supervised beach, is ideal for young children. Two lakes, two different atmospheres, both accessible in a single day.
Rated 4 stars, Le Moulin features a water park, a wellness area with free access to a sauna and steam room, a multipurpose sports field, pétanque, volleyball, table tennis, playgrounds with a play castle, and an outdoor fitness area. In July and August, water and sports activities are organized for both children and adults.
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When is the best time to camp by a lake in the Jura?
The season runs from May to September, but not all months are the same. Water temperatures, crowd levels, and availability of accommodations: here’s what you need to know to choose the right time to visit.
When is the best time to swim in the Jura lakes? Summer temperatures and conditions
It’s between July and August that the Jura’s lakes are at their best. Water temperatures rise to 22–24 °C on Lake Chalain and Lake Vouglans, the beaches come alive, and water sports are in full swing. The days are long, the sunshine is abundant, and the natural setting is at its most beautiful. For daily swimming and a vacation that’s 100% lake-focused, July and August remain the ideal time.
Camping by a lake in the Jura in June and September: fewer people, same setting
June and September have their loyal fans, and they’re right. The water is already pleasant, the hiking trails are accessible, water sports are available, and the campgrounds are less crowded. No crowds on the beach, no unnecessary noise in the evening. The setting is the same, but the atmosphere is more relaxed. For couples and families who want to enjoy the lake without dealing with the high season, the shoulder seasons are often the best choice. If the lake water is too cold, choosing a lakeside campground in the Jura with a pool is an excellent idea.
Do you need to book a lakeside campground in the Jura in advance?
Yes, and sooner than you might think. In July and August, lakeside campgrounds in the Jura are fully booked several weeks in advance. The best sites and accommodations go first. To have your choice of lake, campground, and type of accommodation, booking between February and April is highly recommended. To save money on camping in the Jura, it’s best to book during the off-season rather than in the middle of summer.
What can you do by the lake in the Jura?
Camping by a lake in the Jura is about more than just swimming. From the beaches of Lake Vouglans to the water sports on Lake Chalain, hiking trails, bike paths, and renowned fishing spots, there’s no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or with friends, the Jura’s lakes offer plenty of activities just minutes from your campsite. Here are the must-dos to make the most of your stay.
Lakes in the Jura for Family Swimming
From Lake Vouglans to Lake Chalain, the Jura Mountains offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy swimming with the family.
Near Lons-le-Saunier, Lake Vouglans charms visitors with its well-maintained beaches, turquoise waters, and water sports. It is a very popular summer destination for outdoor recreation and nature tourism.
Located between Doucier, Marigny, and Fontenu, Lake Chalain is popular for its supervised beaches and unspoiled setting. Several water sports centers offer equipment rentals.
In Clairvaux-les-Lacs, Lake Clairvaux is particularly well-suited for children, offering a family-friendly beach resort with two lakes side by side, a beach, a campground, and water activities.
Further north, the lakes of Saint-Point, Remoray, and Nantua round out the offerings with pleasant beaches, clean water, and activities for everyone.
Water sports on the lakes of the Jura: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, and canoeing
Lake Vouglans is the Jura region’s main water sports destination. At the Port de la Saisse, just a few minutes from the Les Pêcheurs and Le Moulin campgrounds, you’ll find rentals for kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and electric boats.
Lake Chalain also offers windsurfing board and pedal boat rentals during the season. In the summer, the water can reach up to 25 °C.
Clairvaux Lake is home to two bodies of water. The Grand Lac is the most popular, featuring a Blue Flag-certified sandy beach, a swimming area, and several water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, pedal boating, and sailing.
Hiking and Biking Around the Jura Lakes: The Best Routes
The hike around Lake Chalain is one of the most popular trails in the Jura: about 12 km long, entirely within a protected natural area, with breathtaking views of the lake.
Around Lake Vouglans, hiking trails wind along the steep-walled gorges of the Jura Mountains and offer spectacular views of the reservoir.
By bike, starting from Doucier, a 33-km loop takes you into the heart of the Jura Lakes region. Highlights include Lakes Chalain, Val, and Chambly, as well as the famous Hérisson waterfalls.
Fishing by the Lake in the Jura: What You Need to Know
The Jura region is popular for its lakes (Vouglans, Chalain), which are teeming with carp, pike, and zander.
Lake Chalain is one of the best fishing spots in the Jura. Renowned for its beautiful pike, feisty perch, and—above all—its abundant whitefish, this 232-hectare turquoise gem offers excellent fishing, whether by boat or from the shore.
However, regulations vary: a fishing permit (daily or weekly) is still required and available on the official website cartedepeche.fr.
To offer a variety of fishing techniques, Le Moulin Campground, located in Patornay, provides direct access to the Ain River. This river is classified as a Category 1 public waterway, making it an ideal spot for targeting brown trout with a fly or a spinning rod. This strategic location makes it easy to switch between fishing in the calm waters of the lakes and the fast-moving waters of the river.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakeside Camping in the Jura
Can you swim in all the lakes in the Jura?
Swimming is permitted and enjoyed on the vast majority of the Jura’s lakes. Lake Clairvaux has a supervised beach in July and August. Lake Chalain features a natural beach in a protected area. Lake Vouglans offers several access points to the water, notably at the Port de la Saisse. Water quality is monitored regularly and rated as good to excellent every summer.
Is wild camping allowed along the shores of the Jura lakes?
No. Wild camping is prohibited on the shores of the Jura lakes, most of which are designated or protected natural sites. Camping outside of designated campgrounds is subject to a fine. To enjoy the lakes to the fullest, a designated campground remains the simplest, most comfortable, and only legally permitted option.
Lake Chalain or Lake Vouglans: Which One Should You Choose for Your Camping Trip?
It all depends on what you’re looking for. Lake Chalain is wilder and more intimate, ideal for an unspoiled atmosphere and swimming in a natural setting. Lake Vouglans is larger and livelier, with more water sports and access points. Both are less than 10 minutes away from the Jura Vacances campgrounds.
Do you need any special equipment to camp by a lake in the Jura?
Nights in the Jura can be cool, even in the middle of summer. A suitable sleeping bag and a windbreaker are recommended. For water sports, wetsuits and equipment can be rented directly on site. Other than that, no special equipment is required: Jura Vacances campgrounds provide comfortable accommodations, ranging from bare campsites to fully equipped mobile homes.
The lakes of the Jura are waiting for you. So is your campground.
Lake Chalain, Lake Vouglans, Lake Clairvaux: three exceptional destinations, three campgrounds to enjoy them to the fullest. Whether you’re looking for the tranquility of a shaded campsite, the comfort of a mobile home with a terrace, or a spot right by the water, Jura Vacances has the perfect place for you.
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