VACAF campsites: the list of approved campsites with water parks in 2026

What is VACAF assistance and how do you benefit from it?

VACAF (Vacances CAF) is a holiday assistance scheme offered by the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales. It allows lower-income families to go on holiday at approved accommodations — campsites, holiday villages or rentals — with coverage that can reach up to 70% of the cost of the stay.

To benefit from VACAF assistance for a camping stay, several conditions must be met:

• Be a CAF beneficiary with a family quotient below the cap set by your local CAF office.
• Have at least one dependent child under 18 years old.
• Book at a VACAF-approved campsite that has an agreement with the CAF.
• Stay for a minimum length of time (generally 4 consecutive nights).

The amount of coverage varies depending on your family quotient, the composition of your family and the length of stay. VACAF vouchers are generally sent directly by your local CAF office between March and June for the summer season. You can also check your eligibility on the vacaf.org website.

VACAF campsites with a water park: our selection by region

France has hundreds of VACAF-approved campsites offering a quality aquatic area. Here are the main destinations where you can find a VACAF campsite with a heated pool, slides and entertainment for the whole family.

VACAF campsite in Vendée

Vendée is the flagship destination for a VACAF campsite stay with a water park. Between Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, Saint-Jean-de-Monts and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the Vendée coast offers an exceptional choice of approved campsites with a heated indoor pool, splash pool and play area for children.

Among the most sought-after VACAF campsites in Vendée are establishments with full aquatic areas: heated indoor pool for rainy days, water slides, a lazy river and a safe splash pool for toddlers. Most also offer a kids’ club with entertainment, a multi-sports ground and fully comfortable mobile homes.

Seaside campsites in Longeville-sur-Mer, Sables-d’Olonne or Challans are also very popular with families using VACAF vouchers, thanks to their direct beach access combined with an on-site water park. Vendée remains ideal for a family holiday combining sports activities on the Atlantic coastline and lounging by the pool.

VACAF campsite in Brittany

Brittany appeals to families with VACAF campsites offering an unspoiled natural setting and quality aquatic facilities. From Finistère to Morbihan via Côtes-d’Armor, Breton VACAF-approved campsites often have a heated indoor pool — essential on the Atlantic coast — as well as entertainment and a kids’ club.

The campsites of Carnac, the Quiberon peninsula or Fouesnant are particularly appreciated for their seaside pitches and their aquatic areas suited to families. There you’ll find slides, water play features, children’s play areas and often a multi-sports ground or a mini-golf course.

VACAF campsite in Normandy

VACAF campsites in Normandy allow you to enjoy a low-cost family holiday, with access to iconic beaches and a heated indoor aquatic area. Approved campsites in Calvados, Manche and Eure offer accommodation in mobile homes or chalets with a heated indoor pool and entertainment for children.

Normandy is an ideal destination for a short VACAF stay outside peak season, when campsites in the south are fully booked. Rates are often more affordable there, which maximises the VACAF assistance received. Enjoy a holiday village right in the heart of the Norman countryside, with wifi access, an on-site grocery shop and a guide to local activities for the whole family.

VACAF campsite in the south of France

The south of France naturally concentrates a large number of VACAF-approved campsites with a water park. In Occitanie, on the Mediterranean coast, campsites in Hérault, Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales offer exceptional aquatic areas: heated outdoor pools, giant slides, lazy rivers and spa facilities.

In Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, from Var to Bouches-du-Rhône, VACAF campsites let you enjoy the sunshine of the Midi on a controlled budget. There, families find campsites with a heated pool, splash pool, poolside bar and daily entertainment for children.

The south remains the top summer destination for families benefiting from VACAF assistance, thanks to the combination of guaranteed sunshine, water parks and sea access.

VACAF campsite by the sea and on the Atlantic coast

VACAF campsites by the sea on the Atlantic coast offer an ideal setting for a family holiday. From Charente-Maritime to Gironde via Landes, there are many approved campsites with direct beach access and an aquatic area.

Families can enjoy a stay in a mobile home or chalet just steps from the ocean, while also benefiting from a heated indoor pool for less sunny days. Campsites on the Atlantic coastline also offer a variety of sports activities: surfing, cycling, hiking, as well as kids’ clubs and evening entertainment.

VACAF campsite in the mountains

For a holiday surrounded by greenery, VACAF campsites in the mountains — in the Alps, the Pyrenees or in Auvergne — offer a scenic change of setting with a heated pool and outdoor activities. Campsites in Haute-Savoie, Ardèche or Lot offer pleasant aquatic areas with mountain views, children’s play areas and accessible family hikes.

VACAF-approved mountain campsites are an excellent choice for families who want to alternate between swimming in the campsite’s aquatic area and exploring the surrounding nature. Some estates offer a genuine holiday village with a spa, bar, grocery shop and free wifi — all the comfort for a green getaway without giving up on services.

How do you book a VACAF campsite with a water park?

Booking a camping stay with VACAF vouchers follows a simple process:

1. Check your eligibility on your CAF account or on vacaf.org. Your family quotient determines the amount of assistance.
2. Choose a VACAF-approved campsite with a water park. All the campsites listed on this page accept VACAF vouchers.
3. Contact the campsite to check availability and mention that you wish to use your VACAF vouchers.
4. Book your accommodation — mobile home, chalet or pitch — by providing your CAF beneficiary number.
5. The assistance is paid directly to the campsite by the CAF. You only pay the remaining amount.

It’s advisable to book as soon as you receive your VACAF vouchers (between March and June), as the most sought-after campsites with a water park quickly become fully booked for peak season.

What type of accommodation should you choose at a VACAF campsite?

VACAF-approved campsites offer several types of accommodation suited to families:

• Mobile homes: the most popular accommodation at VACAF campsites. Mobile homes offer 2 to 3 bedrooms, a fitted kitchen and a terrace. Ideal for a family with children wanting maximum comfort.
• Chalets: more spacious than mobile homes, chalets suit large families. They are often made of wood with a cosy atmosphere.
• Pitches: for campers with a tent, caravan or motorhome. The most economical option, with full access to the campsite’s facilities (pool, entertainment, play areas).

Renting mobile homes and chalets accounts for the majority of VACAF camping bookings, as it offers the best balance between comfort and budget for a family holiday.

The water facilities at VACAF campsites

A VACAF campsite with a water park generally offers a range of facilities designed for the enjoyment of the whole family:

• Heated indoor pool: essential for enjoying a swim even in cool weather. The best indoor pools have a heating system that keeps the water at 28-30°C.
• Water slide: big slides and multi-lane slides are the favourite attractions for children and teenagers.
• Splash pool: a safe, shallow area with water play features, specially designed for toddlers.
• Lazy river: a river with a current to drift along, enjoyed by all ages.
• Spa area: jacuzzi, bubble baths and massage jets for parents wanting to relax.
• Children’s play area: near the aquatic area, often complemented by a multi-sports ground and a kids’ club with entertainment.

Beyond the aquatic area, most campsites have a bar, a grocery shop, free wifi and an interactive map of the estate to help you find your way around. Some labels such as Flower Campings stand out for the quality of their aquatic facilities and family-friendly welcome. Enjoy these facilities for a holiday combining relaxation and activities for everyone, right in the heart of an open-air village.

Frequently asked questions about VACAF campsites with water parks

Frequently asked questions