Camping des Pins

Camping des Pins is in Ghyvelde, in maritime Flanders, about 3 km from Bray-Dunes beach. It is run by the Dedrie family, who created it in 1981 as a small farm campsite with six pitches before expanding it to 150. Rated 4 stars since 2012, it presents itself as a farm campsite between sea and countryside, next to a small animal park.

The site offers pitches and mobile homes for rent, in three ranges (confort, privilège and premium), with two to four bedrooms, including one model adapted for guests with reduced mobility. The 20 m by 10 m covered, heated pool, extended by a paddling pool, a lazy river and a spa area, is the main facility. Children have playgrounds and an inflatable structure, with an entertainment programme in summer.

Opening period: the campsite announces opening from March 1 to December 1 each year, so a winter closure of about three months, from December to the end of February. The pool opens at the start of the zone B Easter holidays and closes on September 30. Year-round residence and subletting are prohibited on the site. For a stay at the start or end of the season, it is best to call 03 28 26 64 74.

Reception is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 10pm and lends a hairdryer, iron, barbecue, board games and wheelchair on request. Ice creams, cold drinks and souvenirs are on sale. The washrooms include individual hot showers, dish and laundry sinks, a professional washing machine and dryer, and facilities accessible to guests with reduced mobility.

Wi-Fi covers the whole campsite (2 euros a day or 10 euros a week). The rentals offer optional end-of-stay cleaning, bed linen, barbecue hire and a baby kit. Only one pet is accepted per accommodation, and only in the confort range.

The covered pool is heated to 29 degrees and opens onto outdoor terraces with sun loungers; it operates from Easter to September 30. In summer, a bar serves drinks and snacks, with a pizza truck or chip van one evening a week and a galette evening on Fridays.

The campsite has a beach volleyball and badminton court, a table tennis table and a table football, with balls and rackets lent at reception. During the summer holidays it organises two aquagym sessions a week, water polo and team sports tournaments, a pétanque competition on Saturdays at 2pm and a belote competition on Wednesdays.

Children aged 4 to 12 are looked after in summer by activity leaders: treasure hunts, pony rides, crafts and mini Olympics. Karaoke, dance or themed evenings take place in season, and the neighbouring animal park is home to hens, ducks, ponies, goats and a donkey.

In the surrounding area, Bray-Dunes beach is 3 km away, and the website distinguishes outings on the coast from outings in the countryside. Reception has many brochures and a folder of ideas for outings nearby, with advice on finding a restaurant or a doctor. These activities are mostly for summer: the campsite is closed from December to February.