Top list - the best campsites in Bohuslän
Staying at a campsite is great, whatever the season. In spring and autumn the whole family can enjoy winterproof cabins, enjoy delicious seafood and be part of West Sweden's countryside, either in walking boots or in a sea kayak. Summertime brings with it crab fishing, seaside swimming and sun-drenched days on smooth rocks. Here is the list of the best* campsites in Bohuslän, including what to see and do in the area nearby.
*The top list is based on ratings (1-5) and Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor. The Certificate of Excellence is given to accommodation, attractions and restaurants that constantly get good reviews from TripAdvisor tourists. Only campsites in the project Camping Bohuslän are included in the list.
Daftö Resort, Strömstad
Grade 4.5 (Certificate of Excellence) - open all year
Family-friendly resort with its own amusement park. That’s a very brief description of Daftö Resort, just south of Strömstad. Every day is an adventure here! Adventure pools, pier sauna, hot tub, spa treatments, adventure golf and seaside swimming are just a few of the things that will keep the whole family busy all day long. The whole campsite has a pirate theme, which becomes very clear when the amusement park Daftöland is open from June-October. The rides will tickle your stomach and put a big grin on your face, but watch out - when the pirate theatre starts up you’d better watch out for the bombs and grenades.
What to see and do near Daftö Resort:
- Strömstad - This coastal town is only 5 kilometres north of Daftö and has beautiful architecture and a long history as a spa centre.
- Koster islands - A boat trip around the Koster Islands is a must when you visit northern Bohuslän. There are fine footpaths and snorkelling in the area.
- Shopping Centre Nordby - Next to the Norwegian border, this is an immensely popular shopping centre.
- The Alaska stone and flower garden - When the gold digger Hilma came to Nord Långö she created a fascinating landscape garden with large arches and bridges built of stones, shells and cement. (Open 25 May-11 August)
Good food near Daftö Resort:
- Daftö Resort has restaurants, a grocery shop and a hamburger bar.
- There is also Backlunds, the Asian Heat Restaurang Strömstad.
- The restaurant at Scandic Laholmen gives priority to local ingredients and follows the season’s supply of fish, shellfish and early vegetables.
More tips on eateries in the area around Strömstad.
Lagunen Camping & Stugor, Strömstad
Grade 3.5 (Certificate of Excellence) - open all year
Welcome to Lagunen Camping & Stugor, just south of Strömstad. Feel the salt sea air, stroll along beautiful mussel beaches and breathe in the fragrance of seaweed and freshly grilled fish, all year round. Choose between modern, comfortable cabins, hostels or classic sites for caravans, motorhomes and tents. There is a wide range of activities including adventure golf, a bicycle park and bicycles for rent. There are many options for getting out to sea: SUP (Stand up Paddling), pedal boats, kayaks or fishing tours with local fishermen.
What to see and do near Lagunen:
- Strömstad Golf Club - Sweden’s most westerly golf course offers some hilly challenges.
- Strömstad - Charming coastal town with all you’d expect in such a lovely location. Stroll around the traditional buildings and many quaint shops.
- Kosterhavet National Park - Sweden's only marine national park has the country’s only coral reef and around 12,000 animal and plant species, half below the water's surface and half on land. Start by visiting naturum Kosterhavet.
Fine dining near Lagunen:
- There is a restaurant, a BBQ hut and a café.
- Try out the food at Backlunds, the Asian Heat Restaurang Strömstad
More tips on eateries in the area around Strömstad.
Anfasteröd Gårdsvik
Rating 5 - open from April - September
The traditional farm of Anfasteröd, just south of Ljungskile, is a good example of a campsite not focused on caravans. Comfortable cabins are standard here, from newly-renovated bathing huts near the water to red 19th-century wooden houses with white gables. Try out a different camping experience in one of the safari tents, complete with a bathroom, kitchen, heating and comfortable beds. You can spend the days savouring the calm countryside around the farm, or go rock climbing, walking or cycling - or get out to sea in a rowing boat, kayak or SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board).
What to see and do near Anfasteröd Gårdsvik:
- Walk the Coastal Path - one of the most beautiful Bohuslän long-distance walks goes right past Anfasteröd.
- Lyckorna Golf Club - Within walking distance from Anfasteröd is Bohuslän’s second oldest golf course, with breathtaking panoramic views and a lot of very tricky holes!
- Orust - Make a day trip to Orust and discover the charming little fishing villages and hidden coves.
More experiences in Ljungskile.
Eating well near Anfasteröd Gårdsvik:
- There is a lovely farm café and restaurant at Anfasteröd.
- The Mussel Bar Lyckorna in Ljungskile is the ideal place for people who love mussels in all their many variations. (Opens on 15 March)
- Villa Sjötorp not only has a well-preserved charm, but they prepare really good food with a focus on locally grown produce. (Opens at Easter)
More dining options in Ljungskile.
Hav & Logi, Skärhamn
Rating 4.5 - Open all year
Tjörn’s smooth granite rocks are always nearby when you stay at Hav & Logi, a stone’s throw from Skärhamn. Choose between accommodation on traditional campsites, hostels or spacious, architect-designed family houses with high standards. Spend the days rediscovering your childhood at the playground, walk down to the sea or enjoy the campsite sauna and relaxation area. When twilight comes, the whole family can gather around one of the barbeques.
What to see and do near Hav & Logi:
- Klädesholmen - Did you know that more than half of the herrings delivered to the Swedish canning industry come from the small island of Klädesholmen, just south of the campsite? The island is popularly known as "sillön” (herring island) and it has an exciting history waiting to be discovered.
- Nordic Watercolour Museum - A guided tour of the museum's colourful paintings in Skärhamn is always a good choice.
- Sculpture in Pilane - This sculpture park is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Stroll around gigantic works of art in a beautiful rocky landscape. Pilane is open from May - September.
- Walk on Dyrön - Jump on board the ferry that sails to Stora Dyrön and wander among the ravines and the free-roaming mouflon sheep.
- Tjörnehuvud in Rönnäng - The viewpoint of Tjörnehuvud offers the most spectacular views on Tjörn.
More experiences in Southern Bohuslän.
Fine dining near Hav & Logi:
- Vatten Kafé & Restaurang, in the same building as the Nordic Watercolour Museum, has a menu based on sustainable delicacies from the sea.
- Try a real herring board ("sillplanka") on Sweden's first floating hotel, Salt & Sill.
More dining options in Södra Bohuslän.
Vindöns Camping & Marina
Rating 4.5 - open from 1 May
The friendly Vindöns Camping & Marina is located on a promontory on the northernmost part of Orust, just where the island meets the mainland. Relax from the everyday stress here and enjoy the lovely countryside and sea. Swim from the shallow, child-friendly, sandy beach or from the bathing pier in the port - or straight off the rocks. Sustainability is a big priority at the campsite, which produces its own electricity and solar-heated water.
What to see and do near Vindön:
- Skaftö - Discover the lovely atmosphere on the archipelago island of Skaftö. Check out some of the old fishing villages where the immensely popular TV series called Saltön was recorded.
- Havets Hus - Make a day trip here and see life under the surface at Havets Hus in Lysekil. It has almost 40 different aquariums, so there is something here for everyone in the family, from the small aquarium where children can touch sea creatures to the large one shaped like a tunnel. (Opens after renovation on 20 June 2019)
More experiences in Södra Bohuslän.
Fine dining near Vindön:
- Slussens Pensionat has good food and often arranges music evenings with popular artists. (Opens at Easter)
- Hafsten Resort is close by and has three restaurants: Corallen, Strandkanten and Poolkanten.
- A trip to Uddevalla will ensure you a wide range of restaurants and cafés.
More dining options in Uddevalla.
Ramsvik Stugby & Camping, Hunnebostrand
Rating 4 - open April – September
What makes Ramsviks Stugby & Camping a paradise for children and adults alike? Mainly its proximity to the sea and the impressive landscape of smooth granite rocks. You’ll find the campsite ten kilometres north of Smögen, at the outer edge of the archipelago. The holiday village is often full of life and activity, but after a short walk up the hill you are alone in the magnificent scenery. At Ramsvik you can fish for crabs from the pier, play volleyball, go to the disco or get out to sea in a speedboat, kayak or a pedal boat.
What to see and do near Ramsvik:
- Ramsvikslandet nature reserve - Better known as the “Kingdom of Rocks” has smooth rocky outcrops in a class of their own. Both nature photographers and Instagrammers marvel at the pure beauty of these wonderfully eroded rocks next to the old fishing village of Fykan.
- Smögen - Probably the most famous town on the west coast, with its pier of almost one thousand metres, is well worth a visit all year round even though the shops, cafés and restaurants are busiest during the summer.
- Hunnebostrand - On the other side of the water from Ramsvik is one of the oldest Bohuslän coastal villages. Don’t miss Stenhuggerimuseet (the stonemasons’ museum) and Hunnebo Gap.
More experiences in Sotenäs.
Fine dining near Ramsvik:
- Ramsvik’s own restaurant has really delicious grilled food.
- From the Restaurang Bella Gästis in Hunnebostrand you can look out over the soft waves in the summer or the furious storms of the autumn. They cook fresh food, supplied from the fishmongers a few steps away.
- Perssons på Kajen, also in Hunnebostrand, has good food next to the harbour walkway. (Open May - September)
- Down at Smögen, ten kilometres south of Ramsvik, there are many outdoor cafés. Try Smögens Hafvsbad , Skärets Krog (opens at Easter) or the Mussel Bar (opens on 1 March).
More dining options in Sotenäs.
Johannesvik Camping & Stugby, Kungshamn
Rating 4 - open April – December
Johannesvik Camping & Stugby lies in a scenic valley just south of Kungshamn. There are many different activities for the whole family, such as adventure golf, boules, a barbecue hut and troubadour evenings. The children's favourite will no doubt be Kamratparken - a large playground with climbing nets, slides, a zipwire, swings and games for the young ones. Another tip is the floating sauna by the beach, or a dip in the jacuzzi and a sauna at Villa Harmoni. The beach at Klevekilen nature reserve has smooth rocks, a sandy stretch, a slide and a pier almost made for crab fishing - a huge pleasure for adults and children.
What to see and do near Johannesvik:
- Kungshamn and Smögen - These classic west coast gems can be reached after a moderate walk. If you’re interested in fishing, take a trip from Smögen on a fishing boat or try out a sea kayak.
- Nordens Ark - About 15 kilometres from Johannesvik you can see some exotic wild animals (including the Siberian tiger and snow leopard) as well as Nordic species (such as the screw horn goat). Nordens Ark is both an animal park and a zoological conservation park, where endangered species are bred.
Fine dining near Johannesvik:
- The campsite's own restaurant, Wägga Lantkök, serves classic Swedish dishes, pizzas, hamburgers and shrimp sandwiches with hand-peeled shrimps from Smögen.
- Skärets Krog is a very popular meeting place by the Smögen pier, where Thomas Sjögren, Chef of the Year, treats you to his delicious creations. There is a piano bar with lots of atmosphere and the original version of the classic shrimp sandwich is served here. (Opens at Easter)
- The Mussel Bar has home-baked bread, home-made aioli and mussels as the main ingredient in all its dishes. (Opens on 1 March)
- Smögens Hafvsbad uses freshly caught fish and seafood in its tasty dishes. Enjoy sea views, the smooth rocks and often a dramatic sky at twilight.
- Just a coffee and cake? Hamnbageriet in Kungshamn has a large assortment of artisan bread, pastries and cakes.
Stocken Camping, Orust
Rating 4 - open April - September
Stocken Camping is the perfect campsite for the whole family to enjoy the archipelago and spend time together in a totally relaxed setting. It is located on the west side of Orust. It is a scenic, calm family campsite with spaces for tents, caravans and motorhomes. They also have mobile homes and traditional cabins with private patios. The whole area is surrounded by a rocky landscape that encourages playful exploration and adventures. The sandy beach and pier is within easy walking distance. For those who wish to explore further, a rented bicycle or kayak is recommended. During the summer there are children’s clubs, a football school and crab fishing competitions.
What to see and do near Stocken:
- Go kayaking - Orust is the fourth largest island in Sweden and is surrounded by beautiful waters full of variation for one-day and several-day kayak tours.
- Stocken - Explore the charming coastal village, which is within walking distance from the campsite. See if you can find the old post office with its painted yellow hatches, which in recent years has become one of the most photographed places in Stocken.
- Orust Golf Club - This seaside course offers really enjoyable golf and beautiful sea views.
- Island hopping - Take a day trip to charming Käringön or Gullholmen.
More experiences in Southern Bohuslän.
Fine dining near Stocken:
- Restaurang Picasso at Nösund Havshotell serves good food from locally produced ingredients.
More dining options in Southern Bohuslän.
Grebbestad Fjord, Grebbestad
Rating 3.5 - Open all year
Grebbestadfjorden , or Grebbestad Camping as it is also called, is located next to one of the main seafood towns on the west coast. A short walk will take you down to the sea or to the areas of smooth coastal rocks. Challenge friends or family to a game of adventure golf or boules, or rent a bike for a day and discover the natural beauty of the area. Once back at the campsite you can relax in the sauna, maybe take a dip in the sea too. There is guest house accommodation with hotel standards as well as classic camping places and cabins.
Photographer: Jerker Norlander
What to see and do near Grebbestadfjorden:
- Grebbestad - Full of charming shops, a cinema and a virtual bowling alley. It also has some of the best kayaking waters on this coast, and there are many companies here to guide you in your adventures.
- Vitlycke museum - Discover its fascinating history and see the world heritage site of rock carvings in Tanum.
- Fjällbacka - Camilla Läckberg has made this lovely place into one of Sweden's most written-about coastal villages.
Fine dining near Grebbestadfjorden:
- The campsite restaurant serves a buffet breakfast every morning during the peak season and on request during the low season too.
- A walk to nearby Grebys Hotel & Restaurang is recommended. Oysters are the stars here, together with beer from the microbrewery.
- Restaurang Telegrafen in Grebbestad also serves top-class meals and drinks.
Hafsten Resort, Uddevalla
Rating 3 - Open all year
Hafsten Resort, just west of Uddevalla, has an almost unbeatable location for those who want to be close to the water and countryside. There are five marked footpaths with different levels of difficulty. Walk out to the promontory and enjoy spectacular views over the islands in the archipelago, or go for an invigorating swim in the sea which you find on both sides of the resort. Combine your dip with the seaside sauna, the wood-fired hot tub or try out the gym and mini-spa with its jacuzzi. There is also a pool area with four pools of different sizes and an 86-metre water slide. Other entertainment includes adventure golf, pedal boats, tennis and a climbing wall. For the real braves there is the longest zipwire in Scandinavia - 900 metres, with a top speed of 100 km/h!
What to see and do near Hafsten:
- Havets Hus - As its name suggests, Lysekil's most famous attraction is dominated by the sea. It has about 40 different aquariums, ranging from the small one where you can touch starfish and hermit crabs to the huge tunnel aquarium, where sharks and rays swim just over your head. (Opens after renovation on 20 June 2019)
- Bohuslän Museum – a thriving centre of culture with a wide range of public programmes. They put on interesting exhibitions as well as theme days and music evenings. Lekrummet (the playroom) is there for playful children and adults, where you can even pilot a steamer with your kids among other things.
- Stellas Lekland - A great indoor playground for everyone who likes playing!
- 2 Fröknar design shop - Charming place with clothes and interior design items.
More experiences in Uddevalla.
Fine dining near Hafsten:
- Hafsten has three restaurants: Corallen (à la carte, open all year round), Strandkanten (pizza, BBQ, music evenings and music quiz) and Poolkanten (summer food). There is also a shop here.
- Take the bridge to Orust and you’ll soon find Slussens Pensionat. As well as good food they also have live music by famous musicians, with the sound of waves slapping under your feet. (Opens at Easter)
- Brygghuset in Fiskebäckskil has been awarded the best Whisky Bar in Sweden many times.
- When you feel you deserve a treat, take a trip into Uddevalla. Choose one of the two cafés recommended in the White Guide - Fredborgs Café and/or Lejas Café.
