Camping in the Jura:
the complete guide to choosing your holiday
The Jura is one of France’s most unspoilt camping destinations. Situated between Burgundy and the Alps, in the heart of the Jura massif, this natural département offers turquoise lakes, spectacular waterfalls, listed vineyards and deep forests – all less than 3 hours from Paris, Lyon or Geneva. From May to September, families, couples and hikers find it an exceptional playground. This guide will help you choose your campsite in the Jura according to your desires, your profile and the region that suits you best.
The Jura, an ideal destination for camping vacations
At the heart of the Bourgogne Franche-Comté region, the Jura is one of those camping destinations where unspoilt nature, gastronomic terroir and spectacular scenery still coexist far from the hustle and bustle of tourism. Just a few hours from Lyon, Geneva or Paris, this land of lakes, forests and gentle mountains offers a real sense of escape. Here’s what makes it such a sought-after camping destination.
Unspoilt nature between lakes and forests
Jura boasts over 70 natural and man-made lakes, including Lac de Vouglans – France’s third largest reservoir – and Lac de Chalain, renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Forests cover 40% of the area. A rare natural setting, untouched by mass tourism.
An ideal climate for outdoor vacations
With warm, sunny summers tempered by altitude, the Pays Jurassien offers ideal conditions for camping from May to September. Summer thunderstorms are brief, and nights are cool and refreshing. A moderate continental climate that suits families with children and hikers alike.
Jura gastronomy, a little-known asset
Comté AOP, vin jaune, morels, Morteau sausage: the Jura is one of France’s richest gastronomic regions. Local markets, Comté dairies and wine cellars dot the region. This is often a decisive argument for families and couples who want to combine nature vacations with the pleasures of the terroir.
A destination accessible from all over France
Lons-le-Saunier, the department’s main town, can be reached in 2h30 from Paris by TGV, 1h from Lyon and 1h15 from Geneva. By car, the Jura is easily reached via the A39 from Dijon or the A40 from Lyon. This accessibility makes it an ideal destination for both week-long breaks and long weekends.
Where to stay in the Jura?
The 4 must-see destinations
The Jura is an ideal destination for nature vacations. In summer, the lake region – between Vouglans, Chalain and Clairvaux-les-Lacs – is often considered the most beautiful part of the Jura. For easy access, the Pont-de-Poitte and Patornay area is one of the department’s most central locations. Arbois and Château-Chalon are among the Jura’s prettiest towns and villages.
The lakes region: the tourist heart of the Jura
The lake region is one of the department’s main tourist attractions, and one of the most sought-after areas for a camping holiday near a lake in the Jura.
Between Lons-le-Saunier, Clairvaux-les-Lacs and Lac de Vouglans, turquoise lakes, emblematic waterfalls and typical villages are concentrated in a small area.
Lac de Vouglans, the Hérisson waterfall, Saut de la Saisse and Baume-les-Messieurs are all less than thirty minutes away.
The three Jura Vacances nature campsites are located in the heart of the Lake District:
- Camping Les Pêcheurs (3★) – Pont-de-Poitte, 1 km from Vouglans lake
- Camping Le Moulin (4★) – Patornay, 1 km from Vouglans lake
- Domaine de l’Épinette (4★) – Châtillon, near Lac de Chalain and 20 minutes from Lons-le-Saunier
For whom? For families, hikers, cyclists and water sports enthusiasts (swimming on equipped beaches, paddling, kayaking, pedal-boating).
The Haut-Jura: wide open spaces and a mountain atmosphere
Further south, the Haut-Jura region is home to the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and offers a more alpine atmosphere. Fir forests, mid-altitude mountains, panoramic roads and Montbéliarde dairy cows make up a varied, unspoilt landscape.
The territory extends around Saint-Claude and Les Rousses. Forests cover 70% of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, i.e. 178,000 hectares. Jura Vacances campsites are less than an hour’s drive away.
For whom? For hiking (GR5, Hautes-Combes), mountain biking (pistes Rousses), via ferrata (Goulette), canyoning, climbing (5 sites), paragliding (Replan).
La Petite Montagne: wilderness and waterfalls
The Petite Montagne du Jura awaits you in the south-west of the massif, nestled between the Revermont to the west, the Ain to the south and the Haut-Jura to the east – separated from the latter by the spectacular Ain gorges.
The Petite Montagne du Jura offers more than 300 km of hiking trails between waterfalls, caves and family paths. You can also discover it by mountain bike or on horseback, before exploring Gigny Abbey and Lac de Viremont.
For whom? For hikers, families, mountain bikers and horseback riders looking for quiet, peaceful itineraries.
The Jura vineyards: heritage, gastronomy and limestone outcrops
To the north, the Route des Vins du Jura (80 km of rolling hills, D469/D471) passes through singular landscapes: limestone retreats, verdant coastlines.
Sightseeing: Arbois, capital of yellow wine, the Planches retreat (near Arbois, with the Tufs waterfall), the Baume-les-Messieurs retreat, Château-Chalon standing sentinel over the Revermont,Château-Chalon Abbey, Poligny and its Comté cheese mills.
For whom? For lovers of heritage, wine and gastronomy, less than 50 minutes from the Jura Vacances nature campsites.
When is the best time to camp in the Jura?
The best time to camp in the Jura is from May to August, with a tourist peak in July-August around the large lakes. For a quieter time, September still offers pleasant conditions, between 12 and 20°C, with autumn landscapes and the grape harvest as a backdrop. The camping season generally opens at the end of April and closes in mid-September.
May and June: a beautiful season for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet
This is the ideal time to discover the Hérisson waterfalls in all their power. Fed by melting snow and spring rains, they reach their maximum flow between May and June.
Hiking trails, still relatively uncrowded, wind through lush green forests. The first outdoor festivals and sporting events start to liven up the region in mid-May.
July and August: peak season for lakes and families
Summer is the high season for the Jura’s three major lakes. Lac de Chalain, Lac de Vouglans and Lac de Clairvaux become the must-see spots for swimming and water sports – paddling, kayaking, sailing, pedal-boating. Water temperatures reach 22 to 24°C in July at Chalain.
On land, farmers’ markets, village festivals and summer events give rhythm to the evenings and showcase Jura specialities such as Comté, Vin Jaune and Morteau sausage.
September: the off-season for hikers and wine lovers
In September, visitor numbers drop and temperatures remain mild, between 12 and 20°C. This is the ideal season for hikers who prefer peace and quiet. The forests begin to turn ochre and red.
It’s also harvest time in the Jura vineyards. At the beginning of September, the Fête du Biou in Arbois celebrates this tradition with a procession carrying a giant bunch of grapes – a unique event that attracts lovers of local culture.
Is it possible to camp in the Jura in October? Some campsites remain open until the end of October, notably around Lons-le-Saunier, but the offer is reduced. Temperatures fall below 10°C at night. It’s best to contact the establishments directly or opt for unusual accommodation (chalets, cabins) to enjoy the autumn colors.
How do you choose your campsite in the Jura?
Choosing a campsite in the Jura is more than just comparing the number of stars. Location often plays a key role: by a lake, near a river or close to natural sites. Here are the key points to consider, followed by a few pointers based on your holiday profile.
Criteria to check before booking a campsite
- Location: lakeside, riverside, in the heart of nature or close to tourist attractions
- Water access: equipped beach, nautical base or natural bathing area
- Swimming pool: indoor pool, outdoor pool or water park
- Types of accommodation: pitch, camper van, mobile home, chalet or unusual accommodation
- Facilities for children: paddling pool, slides, playground, entertainment or mini-club
- Pets allowed: check conditions according to accommodation
- On-site services: grocery store, snack bar, wifi, launderette, electric recharging point
- PRM accessibility: adapted paths, sanitary facilities and accommodation
Camping Jura near a lake
The 3 Jura Vacances campsites are located in the heart of the lake district, just a few minutes from some of the department’s most beautiful lakes. All three border the River Ain, with a natural beach for swimming.
- Camping Les Pêcheurs (3★) – Pont-de-Poitte, 800 m from Vouglans lake and 5 km from Clairvaux lake
- Camping Le Moulin (4★) – Patornay, 800 m from Vouglans lake and 5 km from Clairvaux lake
- Domaine de l’Épinette (4★) – Châtillon, 5 km from Lac de Chalain, suitable for swimming
Paddle, kayak and sail are just minutes away from Les Pêcheurs and Le Moulin. Lac de Chalain, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and family beaches, is the benchmark lake for holidaymakers at L’Épinette.
Campsite with swimming pool in the Jura
If you’re looking for a campsite with a swimming pool in the Jura, Le Moulin offers the most complete water park – slides, sauna, hammam – in a lively, family atmosphere.
Les Pêcheurs offers a quieter setting, with a heated indoor swimming pool and close proximity to the village of Pont-de-Poitte.
Domaine de l’Epinette, in Châtillon, is located 5 km from Lac de Chalain, in the heart of the Jura lakes region. It boasts a large heated swimming pool, play areas and relaxation areas, all in a peaceful natural setting.
Quiet, natural campsite in the Jura
Domaine de l’Épinette in Châtillon is your campsite. Set in the heart of nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the villages.
This 4-star nature campsite in the Jura welcomes holidaymakers looking for quiet evenings with no entertainment, and walks along the banks of the River Ain, where you can see many animals.
The ambiance: nature by the river, serenity and top-of-the-range comfort, with premium cottage rentals and campsites withprivate sanitary facilities.
A family campsite with activities for children
Camping Le Moulin is ideal for families with active children: water park with slides, kids’ club in July and August, evening entertainment.
Domaine de l’Épinette also offers a mini-club, play areas and family activities such as archery.
Les Pêcheurs is ideal for families looking for peace and quiet, with a covered pool area, unusual accommodation – a caravan and a cabin on stilts – and the village of Pont-de-Poitte within walking distance.
FAQ: your questions about camping in the Jura
Where to camp in the Jura near a lake?
The lake region – between Vouglans, Chalain and Clairvaux-les-Lacs – is the ideal area for camping near a lake in the Jura. Les Pêcheurs and Le Moulin campsites are 800 m from Lac de Vouglans. Domaine de l’Épinette is 5 km from the swimmable Lac de Chalain.
Which campsite in the Jura has a heated swimming pool?
All 3 Jura Vacances campsites have a heated pool area. Le Moulin offers the most complete 28° heated indoor pool, open from late April. Les Pêcheurs offers a communicating indoor and outdoor pool. Domaine de l’Épinette has a large heated outdoor pool with 3 waterslides.
Are Jura campsites open in May and September?
Yes. Camping Le Moulin opens at the end of April. Les Pêcheurs and Domaine de l’Épinette open in mid-May. All three campsites remain open until mid-September. This early opening and late closing means you can enjoy the Jura away from the summer crowds.
What’s the difference between a 3 and 4-star campsite in the Jura?
A 4-star campsite guarantees more comprehensive facilities: larger pitches, superior sanitary facilities, additional services – grocery store, snack bar, entertainment, wellness area. In the Jura Vacances group, Le Moulin and Domaine de l’Épinette are rated 4 stars, Les Pêcheurs 3 stars.
Which Jura campsite is closest to Lac de Vouglans?
Les Pêcheurs in Pont-de-Poitte and Le Moulin in Patornay are the closest campsites to Lac de Vouglans – 800 metres from the port of La Saisse. Both also border the River Ain, with a beach within walking distance of the campsite.
Is my dog allowed on all campsites in the Jura?
Yes. The 3 Jura Vacances campsites accept pets, one per pitch or accommodation. An up-to-date vaccination certificate is required. 1st and 2nd category dogs are not accepted. Some premium accommodations may have specific conditions – please check when booking.
Which Jura campsite to choose for a van or camper holiday?
The 3 Jura Vacances campsites welcome converted motorhomes and vans, with connected pitches available. Camping Le Moulin is ideal for spring breaks – open from the end of April, with heated indoor pool. Les Pêcheurs offers the largest number of bare pitches, in a quiet setting close to the village.
What’s the budget for a week’s camping in the Jura?
July-August high season: pitch from €25 to €45 per night, mobile home from €600 to €1,100 per week, chalet or premium rental from €900 to €1,400 per week. In May, June and September – rates are 30 to 40% lower, for the same level of comfort.
When should I book to be sure of getting my campsite in the Jura?
For July-August, book as early as January-February – 5 to 6 months in advance. Lake-view pitches and mobile homes go first. For May-June and September, 2 to 3 months are sufficient. Saturday arrivals generally offer the best choice of availability on all 3 campsites.
Which Jura campsite to choose for your first stay in the region?
For a first stay, Camping Le Moulin in Patornay is the ideal starting point: complete water park, family entertainment, riverfront and Vouglans lake 800 meters away. For a quieter stay, Les Pêcheurs in Pont-de-Poitte. For a glamping, high-end immersion in nature, Domaine de l’Épinette in Châtillon.