Campsites by the water in the Drôme
Your holiday by a lake or river
The Drôme, Roanne, Gervanne, Roubion, Eygues and Ouvèze rivers all contribute to making water an integral part of the Drôme landscape. The département also has several lakes and bodies of water where you can swim, enjoy a picnic or take part in water sports.
Choosing a campsite on the banks of the Drôme, beside another river or near a lake means making swimming a central part of your holiday. Pebble beaches, natural swimming spots, canoeing or days spent beside the water: everyone can find an atmosphere and pace to suit them.
River or lake: where should you swim in the Drôme?
River swimming is all about being close to nature. Riverbanks, pebble beaches and flowing water offer a very different experience from a swimming pool. The Drôme River is particularly emblematic: it flows for 130 kilometres from the Haut-Diois before joining the Rhône, passing through the Claps de Luc, the Diois, Crest and the Ramières Nature Reserve.
Staying at a riverside campsite in the Drôme makes it easy to enjoy these natural surroundings and, depending on its location, reach swimming spots and activities on the water.
Lakes and other bodies of water offer a different way to enjoy swimming. Some have developed beaches and offer a range of leisure activities. At Lake Champos, in Saint-Donat-sur-l'Herbasse, for example, swimming is supervised during the summer season, and pedal boats, canoeing and paddleboarding are among the activities available.
River or lake? It all depends on what you are looking for: the natural character of rivers on the one hand, or developed beaches and leisure activities at some lakes on the other.
Campsites for everyone who loves swimming
Riverside campsites and campsites near a lake make it easy to put water at the heart of your holiday. A swim after a walk, a day on the river or a few hours beside a lake can easily become part of your daily plans.
And you don't necessarily have to choose between natural swimming and a pool. Some campsites by the water in the Drôme also have a swimming pool. This is a practical way to enjoy different types of swimming during your holiday, particularly when travelling with children.
Where to stay in the Drôme for a swimming holiday?
The Drôme Valley: holidays along the river
The Drôme River flows through the département for 130 kilometres before joining the Rhône. Throughout the valley, the river is a defining feature of the landscape and provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Canoeing and kayaking are among the ways to explore part of the river between Die and Crest, with different routes available depending on water levels.
Choosing a campsite on the banks of the Drôme means combining swimming, canoeing, walking and discovering the villages of the valley.
The Diois: river and mountain landscapes
As you head towards Die and the Haut-Diois, the scenery becomes increasingly mountainous. The Drôme River notably passes through the area around the Claps de Luc, an impressive rocky formation at Luc-en-Diois.
The Diois is particularly suited to holidaymakers who enjoy alternating outdoor activities and hiking with time beside the water. The river remains one of the defining features of the landscape and accompanies much of your exploration of the area.
Drôme Provençale: enjoy the water under the southern sun
Further south, rivers and bodies of water provide places to cool off between outings in Drôme Provençale.
Lake Pignedoré, in Pierrelatte, has areas for families to enjoy, including a cycle path, walking route, skatepark and children's play areas.
Depending on where you stay, rivers, lakes and campsite swimming pools make it possible to enjoy a variety of activities throughout your holiday.
Northern Drôme: lakes and family leisure activities
In the north of the département, several bodies of water complement the opportunities for river swimming.
Lake Champos, in Saint-Donat-sur-l'Herbasse, is particularly well suited to family days out. It has a developed beach and supervised swimming during the summer season. Canoeing, paddleboarding, pedal boats, play areas and water slides are also among the activities available.
Lake Vernets, in Saint-Uze, is also among the lakes and bodies of water listed by La Drôme Tourisme for enjoying the water in northern Drôme.
When should you visit the Drôme for swimming?
In June, longer days make it possible to combine outdoor activities, sightseeing and the first swims when conditions are suitable. Visitor numbers are also generally lower than at the height of summer.
In July and August, water naturally becomes an important part of the holiday. Rivers, lakes, water-sports centres and swimming pools provide plenty of options, while water-sports operators offer outings and equipment hire during the season.
In September, the atmosphere becomes quieter and temperatures often remain pleasant for outdoor activities. Depending on the conditions and location, swimming can still be combined with hiking and sightseeing.
What services should you look for at a campsite near the water?
Before booking a riverside campsite in the Drôme or a campsite near a lake in the Drôme, a few criteria can make a real difference.
Direct access to the river, when available, makes it easy to reach the water without taking the car. It is also worth checking whether activities such as canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding are available on site or nearby.
Shade is another factor worth considering for a summer holiday: tree-lined pitches, covered terraces and shaded areas can make everyday life at the campsite more comfortable.
An on-site snack bar, restaurant or grocery shop can also make your stay easier.
Finally, if you are travelling with young children, check the conditions for accessing the water and whether swimming is supervised. Not all natural swimming sites are supervised, and conditions can change.
FAQ: camping and swimming in the Drôme
Can you swim in rivers in the Drôme?
Yes. Several rivers and natural sites in the Drôme are popular for swimming. Access conditions, water levels and regulations can, however, change. Before swimming, it is advisable to check local information and follow the instructions displayed on site.
Where can I find a campsite by the water in the Drôme?
The Drôme Valley and the Diois are particularly good areas in which to look for a campsite on the banks of the Drôme or close to the river. Other parts of the département offer campsites near lakes and bodies of water, particularly northern Drôme and Drôme Provençale.
Which area is best with children?
It depends on the type of holiday you are looking for. Families who prefer developed facilities can choose certain lakes and leisure centres. Lake Champos, for example, offers supervised swimming during the season, a developed beach and several water activities. For a riverside holiday, check swimming conditions and whether the site is supervised before visiting with young children.
Find your campsite by the water in the Drôme
River, lake or swimming pool: the Drôme offers many ways to enjoy the water during your holiday. Staying at a campsite on the banks of the Drôme, beside another river or near a lake allows you to combine swimming, outdoor activities and discovering the region.
Discover our selection of campsites by the water in the Drôme and choose your holiday according to your preferences: river, lake, swimming pool, canoeing or a family break.
