Booking a campsite in Corsica: when should you book?

When should you book your campsite in Corsica? For a stay in July or August, the wisest approach is to book as soon as your holiday dates are set, ideally several months ahead, especially if you have your heart set on a particular type of accommodation or a large family unit. For May, June, September or October, up until we close in mid-October, you have far more flexibility. Here is how we would advise you, month by month and accommodation by accommodation, if you rang us at reception.

Here at U Casone, in Ghisonaccia on the east coast of Haute-Corse, we often hear the same question on the phone, in autumn and in the depths of winter alike: “Is it too early to book?” Or, later in the spring, the opposite: “Is it too late?” The answer depends mainly on three things: the month of your stay, the type of accommodation you would like, and how you plan to cross the sea.

Our campsite, whose name means “the big house” in Corsican, is open from 1 May to mid-October. Between those two dates, the atmosphere changes completely: the flower-filled calm of May, the joyful buzz of July and August, then the golden gentleness of September. Booking at the right time simply means matching your calendar to that rhythm.

The golden rule: your dates first, your booking second

The best time to book is the moment you know when you are going. It sounds obvious, yet many families wait “until things are clearer” even though their leave is already approved. Once your dates are known, there is little reason to hold back: that is when you have the widest choice of accommodation, pitches and length of stay.

On the other hand, booking without firm dates often means having to change your stay later. Take the time to line up everyone’s holidays, the school calendar and your ferry crossing or flight, then book the lot in one go. It is this trio of dates, crossing and accommodation that makes for a relaxed departure.

Booking a campsite in Corsica: when to book depending on the month of your stay

Each part of the season has its own character. Here is how we see it from reception, beneath the pines.

July and August: planning ahead means having the choice

In summer, the east coast is in full swing. Children dash between the pool and the playground, pétanque tournaments spring up at sunset and the evening entertainment echoes beneath the pines. It is also when everyone wants to go away at the same time, which makes the last weeks of July and the first fortnight of August especially popular.

For these dates, booking early is not a race: it is simply the best way to have a choice. You can pick the accommodation that suits you and the length of stay that works for you, then set off with peace of mind. The longer you wait, the narrower the options become, particularly for the largest units.

June and September: the perfect compromise

These are the two months closest to our hearts. In June, the water becomes pleasant and the days are long; in September, the sea has kept all the warmth of summer and the campsite rediscovers its calm. For these periods, you have much more leeway. A few weeks’ notice is generally enough, although booking earlier is still reassuring if you have your heart set on a particular type of accommodation.

Good to know: the restaurant-pizzeria is open from mid-June to mid-September, every evening. If you dream of takeaway pizzas enjoyed on your terrace, aim for that window. The bar, meanwhile, is open all season and serves breakfast every morning.

May and October: the freedom of the last minute

At the start and end of the season, Corsica belongs to travellers who love tranquillity. The sun is already generous (the east coast enjoys around 2,800 hours of sunshine a year), the paths smell of everlasting flowers and rockrose, and you can often book just a few days before you leave. It is the ideal season for those who travel on a whim, when the forecast looks fine.

When to book depending on your accommodation

The ideal moment also depends on what you are looking for. Some types of accommodation are fewer in number than others, and those are the ones worth booking early in summer.

Pitches: tents, vans, caravans and motorhomes

Our pitches of around 100 m² welcome tents, vans, caravans and motorhomes, in the shade of the pines. Outside July and August, they offer plenty of flexibility. In high summer, if you are travelling with a large motorhome or would like to be near friends, it is best to let us know early: we will do our best to take it into account.

At the Résidence: chalets, mini-villas and apartments

The Résidence, our 2-star tourist residence, offers chalets for 4 people, mini-villas and apartments for 4 or 6 people, along with its own small pool. The 6-person apartments are perfect for larger families: in summer, they are the ones to go for first.

Ferries and flights: the other half of the calendar

Booking a campsite in Corsica also means booking the way to get there. For a summer stay, a ferry crossing with your car, caravan or motorhome deserves as much forward planning as your accommodation, particularly for weekend departures. The same goes for flights to Bastia in high season.

From the port or airport of Bastia, allow around 1 hour 30 minutes by road to our campsite; from the port of Porto-Vecchio, around 1 hour. To choose your arrival port, our How to get here page will help you see things clearly.

• Step 1: set your holiday dates and check the school holidays.
• Step 2: look at the crossings or flights available around those dates.
• Step 3: choose your accommodation at U Casone and book it.
• Step 4: confirm your crossing straight away, making sure your arrival time matches your arrival day at the campsite.

How to book with us, in practice

There are three ways to book your stay at U Casone, and they all lead to the same warm welcome:

• Online, at any time, through our booking system: you can see availability and choose your accommodation in a few clicks.
• By phone, on +33 (0)4 95 56 20 71, if you would rather talk it through and ask your questions.
• By email, at info@ucasone.net, for a special request or a slightly out-of-the-ordinary stay.

For payment, we accept cash, bank cards, cheques and bank transfers, as well as ANCV and ANCV Connect holiday vouchers (chèques-vacances), for up to 30% of the total cost of your stay. Prices for each period are on our Rates page, and our FAQ answers most practical questions.

The little questions we are often asked

“Is there still room this summer?”

That depends on the dates and the accommodation. The simplest thing is to check availability online, or to give us a call: we will tell you honestly what is still possible, and suggest alternatives if your first choice is full, for instance shifting your stay by a few days or trying another type of accommodation.

“Should I book bed linen in advance?”

In our accommodation, blankets and pillows are provided. Sheets are available to hire (€12 for a single bed, €15 for a double bed), as is a towel kit at €12. The most convenient option is to add them when you book, so they are ready and waiting when you arrive.

“And can I book a kayak?”

Kayaks for the canal are hired on site, by the half-day (€15 solo, €23 for a two-seater). The canal leads all the way to the sea: a lovely way to reach the beach, 700 metres from the campsite, gliding between the reeds. Visit our kayak rental page to find out more.

“I’m only going at the last minute. Do I stand a chance?”

Yes, often, especially in May, June, September and October. In high summer it is more hit and miss, but a cancellation sometimes frees up accommodation. Never hesitate to get in touch: a lovely surprise may be waiting for you.

Our final word

In the end, it is never “too early” to book a stay you are dreaming of, and rarely “too late” if you are happy to enjoy Corsica outside the busiest weeks. The key is to match your calendar to the season that suits you: lively summer for families who love a bit of buzz, June and September for gentleness, May and October for complete tranquillity.

Whatever you choose, we will be here to welcome you to Ghisonaccia, amid the scent of the pines and the song of the cicadas, just a stone’s throw from a sparkling sea. The big house is waiting for you.

You might also enjoy: When to go camping in Corsica? U Casone’s guide to the seasons · How to get to Corsica by ferry from Marseille, Nice or Toulon · How much does a family week in Corsica cost?.