Pitches Under the Pines: What to Expect When You Bring Your Own Tent or Caravan
Bringing your own tent, caravan or campervan should feel simple from the moment you arrive. That is exactly what Pitches Under the Pines are designed to offer at Camping & Spa L’Océan in Lacanau: a natural setting, practical facilities, and access to the services that turn a camping stay into a real holiday. If you are wondering what the experience is actually like on site, this guide walks you through the essentials before you book.
Set between the ocean and the forest, the campsite welcomes guests who want the freedom of outdoor living without giving up comfort. Whether you travel light with a tent, arrive with a caravan, or stop over in a campervan, you can expect a stay shaped by shade, fresh air, family-friendly services and the relaxed rhythm of the pine trees.
In this article, you will discover the atmosphere on the pitches, the facilities available, what is included in your stay, and a few practical tips to help you prepare.
Why choose pitches under the pines?
For many campers, the appeal of a pitch holiday comes down to three things: space, simplicity and connection with nature. At Camping & Spa L’Océan, the pitch experience is built around that idea.
The campsite is set in a natural pine-tree environment close to the beaches of Lacanau Océan. The scent of pine trees, the sound of the waves and the overall outdoor atmosphere create the kind of setting many travellers look for when they choose traditional camping over standard accommodation.
The pitches are:
- Shaded or semi-shaded
- Clearly separated
- Located in either Family areas or Young campers' areas
- Suitable for tents, caravans and campervans
There are 180 pitches in total, giving guests a dedicated camping area within a friendly natural setting.
A good fit for different camping styles
One of the strengths of this type of stay is flexibility. You can adapt your holiday to your equipment and your travel style:
- Tent campers can enjoy a classic outdoor break close to nature.
- Caravan travellers can settle in for longer stays with practical on-pitch access.
- Campervan and motorhome guests benefit from dedicated service facilities.
If you are comparing options, it can also be useful to explore the campsite's other accommodation choices, including mobile homes, depending on the level of comfort you want.
What facilities are available on the pitches?
A successful pitch stay depends on more than just the plot itself. Comfort comes from the details, and Camping & Spa L’Océan includes several practical features for guests bringing their own equipment.
Electricity access
All pitches have access to 16A electric sockets using European standards.
You should plan to bring:
- A European adaptor
- An electric extension cable of at least 25 metres
For motorhome and caravan guests, the pitches are described as semi-stabilised, which helps support this type of installation.
Parking on your pitch
You can park your car on your campsite pitch, with 1 vehicle per pitch only.
This makes unloading and daily organisation easier, especially for families carrying camping gear, food, bikes or beach equipment.
Sanitary facilities
The campsite has 2 fully equipped toilet blocks in high season and 1 sanitary block from April to November outside that period.
Facilities include:
- Baby baths
- Children's toilets
- Cabins for guests with reduced mobility
In July and August, the toilets are cleaned non-stop from 7 am to 11 pm. In low season, cleaning takes place several times a day.
That level of maintenance matters. For campers, clean and functional sanitary blocks often define the quality of the overall stay.
Campervan service area
There is a reception area and sani-station for campervans, as well as a service station for emptying and/or refilling water.
For touring travellers, that is an important convenience. It makes stopovers and longer stays much easier to manage without leaving the campsite.
What is included when you book a pitch?
One of the main advantages of booking a pitch here is that your stay gives you access to much more than a simple camping plot.
Access to the campsite's facilities and activities
Pitch stays include access to:
- Aqualiday, the heated aquatic area
- The campsite's facilities and infrastructures
- Children's clubs
- Teenagers' clubs
- Entertainment and activities
- The fitness room
- A parking place
Some services and activities depend on the period and opening times, which is common in holiday villages with seasonal programming.
The Aqualiday aquatic area
The campsite features a 1,500 m² covered and heated Aqualiday water park. It is designed as a large heated area for swimming and fun, whatever the weather, in a tropical atmosphere.
For the 2026 high season, the aquatic area dates are 27/06 to 30/08/2026.
This is a major advantage for guests staying on pitches. It adds a resort-style dimension to a traditional camping holiday, especially for families looking for more than a place to sleep.
Services on site
Camping & Spa L’Océan also offers an on-site environment that goes beyond basic camping, with:
- A spa area
- A restaurant
- A mini-market
This balance between nature and convenience is often what makes a pitch holiday easier for both short breaks and longer summer stays.
The atmosphere: family-friendly, sociable and close to nature
Choosing Pitches Under the Pines is not only about facilities. It is also about atmosphere.
Camping & Spa L’Océan presents itself as a place where guests can slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy time together. That positioning comes through clearly in the pitch experience: shaded plots, outdoor living, proximity to the ocean and access to shared leisure spaces.
Customer feedback reflects that identity. Guests particularly appreciate:
- The natural setting
- The campsite's proximity to the ocean
- The aquatic area
- The variety of facilities
- The quality of the family entertainment
- The availability and friendliness of the teams
- The site's overall cleanliness
The average rating is 8.5/10, and the campsite is primarily recognised as a family-friendly, welcoming and well-rounded destination.
Some guests also point to areas for improvement, including:
- The proximity of some accommodation or camping areas
- A few ageing facilities
- Comfort during very busy periods
That kind of balance is helpful when setting expectations: this is a lively holiday campsite with strong family appeal, rather than an isolated wilderness site.
Practical information before you arrive
A smooth camping holiday starts with a few simple checks before departure. Here are the main practical points to keep in mind.
Essentials to pack
Before you arrive on your pitch, make sure you have:
- Your European adaptor
- A 25-metre minimum extension cable
- Your usual camping setup for tent, caravan or campervan use
- Beach and outdoor essentials for a stay close to Lacanau Océan
Optional extras
You can also rent useful extras on site:
- Safe rental: €3 a day or €20 a week
- Mini fridge rental: €3.50 a day
- Refrigerated box rental in July and August only: €3.50 per day
Tourist tax and visitor information
- Tourist tax: 0,86cts/nuit/pers + 18 ans, payable on arrival
- Visitor fee: 4 € par personne de + de 10 ans
Pets
Pets are welcome on the pitches, with a supplement of 4€ per day. Category 1 and 2 dogs are not accepted.
For guests considering a mobile home instead, dogs under 10 kg are accepted in the mobile homes.
Bike stop option for touring travellers
If you are travelling by bike and looking for a short stopover, the campsite also offers Bike Stop / Étape vélo pricing for one-night stays.
These rates apply for a one-night stay with:
- Arrival after 17:00
- Departure before 10:00
Bike Stop discounts for 2026
- –30% from 03/04 to 26/06/2026 and from 31/08 to 31/10/2026
- –50% from 27/06 to 30/08/2026
This can be especially useful for cyclists following the coast and wanting a comfortable overnight stop with access to the campsite's facilities.
A more responsible camping holiday
Camping in a protected natural setting also raises an important question: how is that environment cared for? Camping & Spa L’Océan is developing a practical sustainability approach built around environmental action, team wellbeing and local solidarity.
Waste reduction and recovery
The campsite encourages waste sorting and works on waste recovery. Its bio-waste is collected separately and then recovered through agricultural methanisation.
Between 31 July and 4 November 2025, 1 tonne of bio-waste was collected. This process produces biogas and digestate, which is used as an agricultural fertiliser.
The campsite is also gradually reducing its paper printing by favouring digital communication and materials where possible.
Caring for teams
Each new employee benefits from an integration programme with CHAPTR to help them discover the site, its operations and its values in the best conditions.
The campsite also supports team cohesion and sport, including participation in local events such as the Semi-marathon de Lacanau.
Local solidarity
The campsite supports associations and initiatives that matter to it, including the Boobs Tour, which is committed to breast cancer awareness and action.
It also cares for stray cats around the campsite through a dedicated shelter where they can find cover and food.
Tips to make the most of your pitch stay
If you want to enjoy Pitches Under the Pines in the best conditions, these simple tips can help.
1. Choose the camping style that suits your group
Families may appreciate the Family areas, while younger travellers may prefer the atmosphere of the Young campers' areas.
2. Prepare your electrical setup in advance
Do not leave your adaptor and long extension cable to chance. Having the right equipment will make installation much easier on arrival.
3. Take advantage of included leisure facilities
A pitch booking here is more than a place to sleep. Make time for Aqualiday, family entertainment, clubs and the fitness room.
4. Plan around the season
The atmosphere, available sanitary blocks and activity levels can vary between high season and low season.
- High season reception dates: 28/06 to 31/08
- Low season reception dates: 04/04 to 26/06 and 31/08 to 01/11
5. Consider related accommodation options
If you love the campsite setting but want a different level of comfort, it may be worth comparing pitches with mobile homes such as:
- LAGUNE — air-conditioned Confort mobile home, 6/7, 3, 32 m²
- LITTORAL — 4/5, 2, 26 m²
That can help you choose the format that best matches your holiday style.
Quick overview: what to expect on a pitch
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Setting | Natural pine-tree environment close to Lacanau Océan |
| Pitch type | Shaded or semi-shaded, clearly separated |
| Camping options | Tents, caravans, campervans |
| Number of pitches | 180 |
| Electricity | 16A European standard sockets |
| Parking | 1 vehicle per pitch |
| Sanitary facilities | 1 block from April to November, 2 blocks in high season |
| Family facilities | Baby baths, children's toilets, reduced mobility cabins |
| Campervan services | Sani-station and water emptying/refill point |
| Included access | Aqualiday, campsite facilities, entertainment, children's clubs, parking |
| Optional extras | Safe rental, mini fridge, refrigerated box in July and August |
| Pets | Welcome on pitches, supplement applies |
Conclusion: a classic camping stay with real holiday extras
Pitches Under the Pines offer a practical and enjoyable way to experience Camping & Spa L’Océan in Lacanau. You get the essentials that matter for a successful outdoor holiday — shade, space, electricity access, sanitary facilities and campervan services — while also benefiting from a much broader holiday environment with Aqualiday, family activities, entertainment and on-site services.
For campers who want to stay close to nature without giving up convenience, this balance is a real strength. It suits families, couples, touring travellers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a welcoming base between the ocean and the forest.
If you are planning your next stay in Lacanau, now is a good time to explore the camping pitches, compare them with the campsite's mobile home rentals, and choose the option that fits your holiday style best.