When summer arrives, many of us automatically think of the beach. But Catalonia is also home to some of the most spectacular freshwater spots in the country: crystal-clear rivers, lakes surrounded by nature, reservoirs and natural pools, perfect for cooling off after a hike.
If you like combining an outdoor holiday with mountain landscapes and swimming in the heart of nature, you’re in luck. Throughout Catalonia, there are campsites located very close to these natural spaces, ideal for disconnecting from your daily routine and discovering unique places without giving up comfort.
In this article, we have selected some of the CampingsCat.com campsites that stand out for having rivers, lakes or natural pools nearby. Whether you’re travelling with family, as a couple or with friends, these destinations are perfect for enjoying a different kind of summer, surrounded by nature and fresh air.
1. Els Gorgs de la Febró (La Febró)
If there is one campsite that combines nature, activities and some of the most beautiful landscapes in inland Catalonia, it is Camping Prades Park. Located in the Prades Mountains, it is the ideal starting point for discovering the famous Els Gorgs de la Febró, a series of natural pools surrounded by forests and rock formations that have become one of the most popular spots in the area.
As well as cooling off in the heart of nature, the surroundings of the campsite offer numerous hiking trails, viewpoints and charming villages. It is the perfect getaway for families and couples looking for peace and quiet and a close connection with nature.
Practical information
📍 Natural area: Els Gorgs de la Febró
🚗 Distance: Camping Prades Park is about a 15-minute drive away
👨👩👧 Ideal for: Families, couples and hikers
💧 Type of natural area: Natural pools
2. Muga River Natural Pools (Albanyà)
The natural pools of the Muga River are one of the most attractive natural areas in the region and a perfect getaway for enjoying water and nature with the family. This setting offers crystal-clear waters, natural pools and ideal spots for cooling off during the summer months, just a short distance from Camping TAIGA Bassegoda Park.
Practical information
📍 Natural area: Muga River natural pools
🚗 Distance: Around 10–15 minutes by car from Bassegoda Park
👨👩👧 Ideal for: Families, nature lovers and summer getaways
💧 Type of natural area: Natural pools, river and swimming areas
🥾 Activities: Swimming, hiking, picnics and exploring the natural surroundings
🌿 Setting: A peaceful area surrounded by forests and the landscapes of Alt Empordà.
3. Gorg de Malatosca (Sant Joan de les Abadesses)
If you’re looking for a getaway that combines nature, charming villages and swimming in crystal-clear waters, Camping Vall de Camprodon is a great choice. Located in the heart of Ripollès, it is an excellent starting point for discovering Gorg de Malatosca, one of the most beautiful natural areas in the region.
As well as cooling off in the heart of nature, you can enjoy hiking trails, visit charming villages such as Camprodon and Sant Joan de les Abadesses, and discover some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Catalan Pyrenees. It is a perfect destination for families and couples looking to disconnect and enjoy a unique natural setting.
Practical information
📍 Natural area: Gorg de Malatosca
🚗 Distance: Around 13 km from Camping Vall de Camprodon
👨👩👧 Ideal for: Families, couples and hiking enthusiasts
💧 Type of natural area: Natural pool and stream
🥾 Activities: Hiking, swimming in natural areas and exploring the surroundings
🌿 Setting: A natural landscape surrounded by forests, very close to Sant Joan de les Abadesses and Camprodon.
4. Baells Reservoir (Cercs)
Berga Resort is an ideal destination for discovering the landscapes of Berguedà and enjoying a getaway surrounded by nature. Just a few minutes from the campsite is Baells Reservoir, located in Cercs, one of the most emblematic reservoirs in Catalonia. It is perfect for cooling off in designated swimming areas, practising water sports or simply relaxing while taking in the surrounding mountains.
In addition to enjoying the water, you can take part in activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and cycling around the reservoir. Berguedà offers a privileged setting with mountain landscapes, spectacular viewpoints and iconic places such as Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park and the Pedraforca massif, making any stay a complete experience surrounded by nature.
Practical information
📍 Natural area: Baells Reservoir
🚗 Distance: Around 10 minutes by car from Berga Resort
👨👩👧 Ideal for: Families, couples and water sports enthusiasts
💧 Type of natural area: Reservoir with designated swimming areas
🛶 Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and cycling
🌿 Setting: A mountain landscape surrounded by forests and spectacular views of Berguedà.
5. La Fontcalda (Gandesa) and Toll del Vidre (Arnes)
If there is one campsite that allows you to discover some of the most spectacular natural spots in the Terres de l’Ebre, it is Camping Els Ports. Located at the foot of Els Ports Natural Park, it is the ideal starting point for visiting La Fontcalda and Toll del Vidre, two must-see natural areas in the region.
At La Fontcalda, thermal waters spring up beside the Canaletes River, forming natural pools surrounded by impressive rock walls. Meanwhile, Toll del Vidre, on the Algars River, stands out for its crystal-clear waters, a small waterfall and an ideal setting for cooling off in nature. At both locations, you can swim, relax in a unique environment, enjoy short hiking trails and take in some of the most spectacular landscapes of Els Ports Natural Park.
The surroundings of the campsite also offer numerous hiking trails, cycling routes along the Via Verda de la Terra Alta and the chance to discover charming villages such as Horta de Sant Joan and Arnes. It is an ideal getaway for families, couples, hikers and nature lovers looking to combine adventure, relaxation and unforgettable landscapes.
Practical information
📍 Natural areas: La Fontcalda and Toll del Vidre
🚗 Distance: La Fontcalda is around 20–25 minutes away and Toll del Vidre around 20 minutes from Camping Els Ports.
👨👩👧 Ideal for: Families, couples, hikers and cyclists
💧 Type of natural area: Natural pools, thermal waters and natural swimming pools
6. Lake of Puigcerdà (Puigcerdà)
If you’re looking for a place where you can combine nature, tranquillity and mountain landscapes, Camping Pirineus is an ideal option. Located in Guils de Cerdanya, it is very close to Lake of Puigcerdà, one of the most emblematic spots in Cerdanya, perfect for walking, relaxing and enjoying a natural setting surrounded by vegetation.
As well as exploring the lake, the surrounding area offers hiking and cycling routes, charming villages to discover and spectacular views of the Pyrenees. It is an ideal getaway for families, couples and nature lovers.
Practical information
📍 Natural area: Lake of Puigcerdà
📍 Municipality: Puigcerdà (Cerdanya)
🚗 Distance: Around 10 minutes by car from Camping Pirineus
👨👩👧 Ideal for: Families, couples and hikers
💧 Type of natural area: Lake
🥾 Things to do: Walking, hiking, cycling, picnicking and birdwatching.
7. Sant Ponç Reservoir (Clariana de Cardener)
If what you’re looking for is to disconnect surrounded by nature, Camping El Solsonès is a great option. Located just a few minutes from Solsona, it offers an ideal setting for discovering some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region, including Sant Ponç Reservoir, a perfect place for walking, enjoying outdoor activities and spending a day surrounded by nature.
In addition to the reservoir, the Solsonès region has numerous hiking trails, forests and viewpoints that allow you to discover one of the quietest areas of inland Catalonia. It is an ideal destination for both families and couples looking for a getaway away from the crowds.
Practical information
📍 Natural area: Sant Ponç Reservoir
🚗 Distance: Around 20 minutes by car from Camping El Solsonès
👨👩👧 Ideal for: Families, couples and nature lovers
💧 Type of natural area: Reservoir
🥾 Activities: Hiking, kayaking, fishing and birdwatching.
8. Ebro River (Ebro Delta)
If you’re looking for a different kind of getaway, Camping Eucaliptus and Camping Delta Natura La Tancada are a privileged gateway to the Ebro Delta Natural Park, a unique area where nature, landscapes and outdoor activities come together in an exceptional setting.
A short distance from the campsites, you’ll find the Ebro River, one of the great symbols of the Delta, where you can discover this region from a different perspective. Exploring the river is an ideal experience for enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings through activities such as kayaking and boat trips, while taking in the river landscapes and the great diversity of birds that inhabit this ecosystem.
You can also explore natural areas such as La Tancada Lagoon, go hiking or cycling through the rice fields and discover the most iconic landscapes of the Ebro Delta. A perfect destination for families, couples and nature lovers looking to disconnect in a unique setting
Practical information
📍 Natural area: Ebro River and La Tancada Lagoon (Ebro Delta)
🚗 Distance: Around 20–25 minutes by car from Camping Eucaliptus and Camping Delta Natura
👨👩👧 Ideal for: Families, couples and nature lovers
💧 Type of natural area: River and natural lagoon
🛶 Activities: Kayaking, boat trips, cycling routes, walks, birdwatching and nature photography.
Discover a different way to experience summer
Catalonia is much more than beaches. The region is home to a wide variety of natural areas where you can enjoy summer in a different way: natural pools surrounded by forests, mountain rivers, lakes, reservoirs and unique landscapes spread throughout the country.
These CampingsCat.com campsites are the perfect starting point for discovering a more natural side of Catalonia, with places that are ideal for hiking, enjoying outdoor activities and disconnecting while surrounded by spectacular landscapes.
Pack your backpack and discover new natural spots for your next getaway!
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