The best available Campgrounds to stay near Lapland

April 29, 2023 Esmeralda Fenner

The northern most part of Finland, Lapland, is the magical arctic region full of contrasts. In fact, contrasts are a key factor in the allure of Lapland where 24-hour sunlight in the summer replaces the dark winter days filled with Northern Lights. Every season in Finnish Lapland is uniquely different from each other. The inhabitants of the region say that Lapland actually has 8 seasons instead of 4. In the wintertime, Lapland is as close as reality gets to those who dream of a winter wonderland. Spring brings along light that follows the long season of ‘kaamos’ (arctic night in Finnish). During the spring time, the snow covered hills and fells offer exciting experiences for all winter outdoors enthusiasts from skiiers to snowshoe walkers. Summer in Lapland is a season like no other – there are endless white nights and peaceful arctic nature as far as the eye can see. Summer’s glow is followed by the majestic season of fall when Lapland gets its truly iconic ‘ruska’ colors. This is the best season to go for a hike in one of Lapland’s many national parks. It is meditation and mindfullness all wrapped in one in one of the world’s most unique and breath-taking sceneries. And don’t forget the best and purest air and water this planet has to offer. After you have recharged in nature, Lapland also offers other interesting places to visit. Meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, try one (or two!) of Lapland’s great restaurants, visit a reindeer or a husky farm, venture out to a quirky festival or go look for gold. Finnish Lapland is all this and more.
Restaurants in Lapland

1. Sallatunturin Tuvat

Hangasjarventie 1, Salla 98900 Finland
Excellent
66%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 144 reviews

Sallatunturin Tuvat

Sallatunturin Tuvat is located in Eastern Lapland, in the middle of nowhere. We have 64 comfy cottages, an excellent restaurant specialised in local food and a legendary bar called Papana Pupi. Our own company Arctic Cirle Safaris organises snowmobile safaris tailored to your needs.

A magical winter wonderland in the middle of nowhere!

Reviewed By Loves_to_plan_travel

I visited Salla with my husband and children (aged 8 and 5) in February half term with Crystal Ski. We had the most amazing stay in the middle of nowhere. The snow was amazing and unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before (in the alps). The main purpose of our holiday was to introduce our children to skiing and Salla was the perfect place to do this with quiet ski runs, on some days we felt like we had the ski runs to ourselves. We loved the keep warm huts that were dotted around either by the ski area or at the lakes when hunting for the Northern Lights. We would highly recommend packing sausages and marshmallows to enjoy whilst you warm up. Our accommodation was basic but very clean and had a sauna and fire place which was lovely to warm up at the end of a really cold day. The kitchen was well equipped, it only had a microwave and 2 ring hob but that was adequate for us. The chalet was well located and only a 5-10 minute walk to the slopes and there is a lake 5 minutes over the road where we went to try and spot the Northern Lights. We rented a ski locker at the slopes to save us carrying our skis and poles especially as the children got tired after a days skiing, so I would recommend this if you are travelling with small people. I think it cost around 25 euros for the week. The ski rental shop were really efficient and helpful and some of the equipment we rented was brand new. If you are travelling with Crystal Ski the coach stops at a supermarket in Kuusamo, we got given about 45 minutes to get all the shopping we would need for a week. The rep called it ‘Supermarket Sweep’ and it did feel a little hurried but manageable , just make sure you have made a comprehensive list in advance. There is a very small shop in the hotel in resort with things like milk, bread, basic toiletries, sweets, some drinks and cupboard items but it would be best to get everything you need at the supermarket. There are a few restaurants in resort but the only one we used was the Keloravintola at the bottom of the slope- the food was delicious (especially the doughnuts), we found the prices ok and similar to UK prices. The restaurant was clean, the staff were friendly and it overlooked the nursery slope which would be handy if you fancied warming up with a hot drink if other members of your party are having skiing lessons. On the other side of the hill at the bottom of the blue runs there is a small bar/hut where you can get drinks and doughnuts, and warm up by the fire, we used this a few times and it was also lovely! One of the days we went to Salla Wilderness Park to do a Reindeer Safari. Our excursion lasted around 3 hours and this included learning to drive a reindeer sleigh, feeding the reindeer and a sausage, bun and hot drink in a fire hut. The men who ran our trip were very friendly and gave us lots of information about the reindeer and encouraged everyone to ask lots of questions. It was a really unforgettable experience. Apparently Salla is rare as it’s the only place in Lapland where you take control of the reindeer yourself, we covered 5km which again is apparently rare as most places in Lapland you only do 1km. It really was a relaxing and magical experience. We paid to use the spa/swimming pool at the hotel which was brilliant with a jacuzzi, sauna, spa pool with jets and a pool for lengths. The pools looks out onto the snowy trees. Crystal customers get a discount but make sure you take your own towels as they were quite expensive to hire. Our Crystal rep was a lovely lady called Eithne, she was very friendly and helpful and gave us tips for where to go to try and spot the Northern Lights (the lakes nearby) and where to borrow a sledge from (there are sledges outside the Papana Pupi bar that you can borrow). She also sorted out our lift passes and gave us all the information we needed for the excursions that we had booked through Crystal. It was all very easy and stress free. All in all I would say that Salla is a perfect place to visit especially if you are skiing for the first time with your children as the slopes are so quiet and there were no queues for the lifts. It really was the perfect quiet escape and as you can probably tell from how much I’ve written about it, we loved it very much and it will always hold a special place in our hearts!

2. Krt Cabins

Torikuja 10 a, Levi 99130 Finland
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 59 reviews

Krt Cabins

These wooden cabins are situated in Levi Ski Resort, 1 km from the Koillisrinne ski slope and 2,5 km from the Levi-centre. Each features 1-2 bedrooms, a private sauna, as well as a lounge with a flat-screen TV and fireplace. All cabins at Krt Cabins have a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with shower and an extra toilet. Some include a balcony and terrace. 2 Bedroom cabins have free Wifi.Free private parking is found right outside the cottages, as are cross-country ski trails. The prices include the bed linen and final cleaning on the departure day. Local buses stop by Krt and connect to central Levi. Ski lessons, snowmobile safaris and fishing trips can be arranged there. A variety of restaurants, bars and after-ski options are also available.

Magical Xmas Memories ?

Reviewed By Brownleys24

We visited as a family of 5 for my sons birthday prior to Xmas and had the most amazing time. This was our second visit to Lapland but first time stay in the cabins which was absolutely perfect! The cabins had everything we needed fridge/cooker etc… but they are rustic not modern and I thought it went we the theme of the place, the starter pack of food was brilliant until a supermarket visit! Our favourite feature was the log burner which we had on a couple of nights and we did some night walks around! Steady 30mins walk into centre of Levi and a taxi back was 10€!! Should I visit for a 3rd time I would definitely return to these cabins!!!

3. Ounasloma Luxury Cabins

Ounastie 1, Enontekiö 99400 Finland
Excellent
76%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 62 reviews

Ounasloma Luxury Cabins

Accommodation in Enontekio, Lapland, Finland. Ounasloma is a family company, which has 13 luxury cottages close to the centre of Enontekio, on an ideal, naturelike peaceful place between River Narpistojoki and Lake Ounasjarvi. Smaller cottage has beds for five and bigger cottage for eight persons. All cottages have sauna and fully equipped kitchen. For our guests we have a beach with a mountain view by the Lake Ounasjarvi, 4 rowing boats, 18 bicycles, 30 kick sledges and outdoor maps free of charge.

Good but some improvements

Reviewed By s_chev45

Cabins are really well equipped, well located, in the peaceful environment. Beds could be a little bit better but they are ok. However snow mobiles are getting old and a strong smell of oil is present as soon as they are started. Would be very great to renew them!

4. Tankavaara Gold Village

Tankavaarantie 31, Tankavaara 99695 Finland
Excellent
48%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 92 reviews

Tankavaara Gold Village

Lovely place with some flaws

Reviewed By lauramtorino

The place is lovely, in a reconstructed gold village with a gold museum, in the National park of Tankavaara. The rooms, apart from wooden cottages in the wood, are in two ugly buildings that indeed disagree with the general idea. My room was small and very basic, beds very uncomfortable, kind of soft sofas with a very thin mattress; the bathroom new and comfortable. Breakfast is quite poor. Lunch and dinner are average. The nicest one was the fire dinner in a small hut with Sami music and a very nice girl of the staff. The activities are well organized. I did snowshoeing in the park with the same nice girl and reindeer sledding by night (no aurora unluckily). The staff is kind and helpful. Wi-Fi works very well also in rooms.

5. Nuorgam Holiday Village

Nuorgamintie 4401 A, Nuorgam 99990 Finland
Excellent
80%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 112 reviews

Nuorgam Holiday Village

Pieni mutta pohjoisin - Tenon lohilaaksossa Nuorgamin Lomakeskuksessa olet koko ajan huipulla. Jo sijaintimme Suomen ja EU:n katolla takaavat sen. Lisäksi teemme lomastasi ihan oikean loman perheyrityksen yli 40 vuoden kokemuksella. Näiden vuosien aikana lomakylämme on kasvanut ja haluammekin jatkuvasti kehittää paikkaa asiakkaiden viihtyvyyden takaamiseksi. Nuorgamin Lomakeskuksessa tarjoamme teille mahdollisuuden olla lomalla rauhassa ja kuin kotona. Täällä on tekemistä niille, jotka haluavat olla aktiivisia - toisaalta aika soljuu eteenpäin niilläkin, jotka haluavat vain rentoutua ja katsella veden virtaavan Tenossa tai seurata revontulten värinäytelmää.

Best Trip Ever!!

Reviewed By Mai0Mai8

I cannot rate the Holiday Village in Nuorgam highly enough!! It was beyond amazing!!! My husband and I stayed in a superior cabin for our honeymoon and the accommodation was fantastic! We were able to see Northern Lights out our bedroom window!! The staff at this facility is unparalleled- the guides were very knowledgeable, the food was amazing, and everyone was super kind! We cannot wait to plan a trip back!! I would recommend staying here to anyone!!

6. Holiday Village Inari

Inarintie 26, Inari 99870 Finland
Excellent
31%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
7%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 121 reviews

Holiday Village Inari

Ideally situated close to the centre of Inari village yet right on the shores of the lake is Holiday Village Inari. There are in all 27 cabins which are available year-round. 17 shower cabins, 3 small sauna cabins, 2 sauna cottages, 5 lakeview cabins and 5 aurora huts.

Really bad location

Reviewed By Ruja64

We booked two nights in the cheapest cabin (72 Euros per night). I'm not born in luxury, so we took this cabin. When we arrived, we got the key from the hotel 500 meters away. We had to pick it up, after that it was really hard to go into the cabin, because the lock was so old... Then we saw our bed, table and bathroom. There was a letter "Our cabin prepared 'Tipi'. Warmly welcome. But...the bed was not even made. Everything looked really uncomfortable and cheap. Then, the wireless is not working. As we asked at the reception, she said that not all the cabins have wireless. So we walked through the area, but we couldn't find our wireless...many cabins were not booked, so I think it's no problem to give us one woth wireless. I took a shower and I was happy to get wet...it's such a bad shower, there's only a bit water coming out. I'm happy that we didn't use the kitchen, because it doesn't look like usefull. Breakfast was also in the hotel, so we had to take the car or walking by feet for 500 meters. The breakfast was not good...a lot of fast food (fruits, vegetables,...) and it didn't look nice...not appetizing. We cancled our second night and were happy about leaving this place...I recommend you to search another hotel to stay in Inari.

7. Ivalo River Camping

Kerttuojantie 1, Ivalo 99800 Finland
Excellent
32%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
9%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 68 reviews

Ivalo River Camping

Ivalo River Camping offers cosy accommodation and a wide range of services by the Ivalojoki River, half-way between Ivalo Airport and the municipality centre, and with easy access to and from E75. Only 6,5 kilometres to Ivalo airport. Heated cottages with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, free parking and free WiFi. Café and restaurant in the same with the reception. Open all year around also for camper vans!

Great budget accommodation in Ivalo

Reviewed By soulprojector

I have stayed at Ivalo River Camping several times over the years and it suits my needs perfectly. If you do not require a five star hotel experience, this is a great budget option in Ivalo. The new owners and staff are super friendly. The facilities are simple and that works for someone who only needs a warm place to sleep. The toilet and shower facilities are in a separate building with a kitchen and this is typical of a camping facility in Finland. There is also a restaurant on site.

8. Saariselka Inn

Saariselantie 10, Saariselka 99830 Finland
Excellent
39%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 181 reviews

Saariselka Inn

Santa's Lapland at Saariselka Inn

Reviewed By Tigeralfiewoo

So a long post, but hopefully helpful. We flew from Newcastle to Ivalo on sat 18th dec- Santa's Lapland 3 nights (Santa's Magic) staying at the Saariselka Inn. 2 adults and an 8 year old. I won't say too much about the airports as it's an ever changing picture but for us there were no issues at either end for departure. We flew with Titan Airways. We had xmas songs and singing on the flight, a Christmas quiz. The pilot frequently updated us on Santa's test runs which we unfortunately couldn't see as he was often in front of the plane. Upon landing, the Santa's Lapland team and elves were on hand for both help and entertainment. It was snowing! On arrival in resort, the elves were at the Saariselka sign welcoming the coach in. Suit collection at Lapland Safari was quick and easy (whole coach done within 20 mins). Drop off at the inn and the reps had already checked us in and we were taken straight to our rooms. We had room type A which is essentially a small double with a single bed put in. It's tight. But cosy. Pack light clothes wise. Other than underwear and baselayers no other clothing touches your skin. You don't need multiples of everything for each day. Save the space for wine and remember there's not much space in the room for multiple cases. The room has a drying cupboard next to the front door and a shower. Tea and coffee facilities mean just that. Means to make one as in kettle and paper cups. Bring tea/coffee. We also brought our camping mugs from home (doubling up as wine mugs for the box we brought with us). Room has a fridge, TV (one English channel) and a small hairdryer. As everyone says it is basic but it is very clean and very warm. And so nice to not have to traipse through a hotel or up and down stairs everytime you need to pop in. 30 mins after arrival we met in the Panimo pub for an illegal briefing with Jingle Jenny and Ho Ho Han. We were raring to go but it was worth the 30 mins for some top tips. We were told Tunturi would be take away only. Again I won't say much about this as plenty of posts currently about it and it's a changing situation. We used the pub a couple of times a day. Cost around 18 euros for 2 pints and an apple juice. Coffee was 2 euros (we had a duty free rum in a insulated bottle to add to coffee for a hot toddy). No food other than doughnuts and crisps. The hot chocs there are immense. Board games for the kids to play. Open fire. Friendly staff. Kids allowed in until 10pm. We hit the tobagganing run after that on afternoon 1. Loads of sledges at the bottom-don't buy one, it will only be pinched if left unattended. We didn't make it to the mountain top this week but some great slopes are available higher up off the main one to try without going too high. The church just near it is beautiful and also worth a look. A flashing hat or bright hat is helpful if you're not all coming down together to help find your child. If you're tobagganing remember it's active. Don't wear so much you can't move or bend. A walk back up, takeaway Tunturi tea (bought a pint in Panimo and ate it in there) and a leisurely loop walk around town afterwards more or less completed our night out. Just walking, snowballing and seeing who can find the deepest section of snow is fun. We returned to the room, filled our tin cups with a wine and finished the night sledging down the steep snow piles outside the room. A little hint to limit snowsuit rage in a tiny room. Take the boots and suits off outside the room, hang in the drying cupboard before getting in, cramped, hot and grumpy. Day 2 was our free day. We headed to breakfast at Annie's (didn't get to try their evening meals as not open sun/mon). Breakfast is a random potatoe, cut hot dogs and meatballs combo. Also usual salad, cold meats, cheese, cereal, porridge, toast, biscuits. Tea is loose leaf or herbal bags. If you prefer your English breaky tea faff less then bring a tea bag with you. We hadn't planned on booking excursions but we were getting 30 euro pp per day compensation for the tunturi food situation. As we'd already 'spent' it we decided to reallocate it to a trip. We booked the 10km (2-3 hour) husky excursion with Husky and Co. The trip left at 12. 30 so we hit the tobogganing slopes until it was time to leave. The excursion was expensive but my God it was brilliant. As soon as the huskys first pull the sledge you're hooked. There's nothing quite like it. You get about an hour actually on the sledge. Half way point gives drivers the opportunity to switch over. We both (adults) had a go. We saw wild reindeer. It's exhilarating and beautiful. The dogs are amazing. And a little cold. Wrap up warm. Especially around your face. On return you have a hot drink, a small sweet treat, wr had some time with the 3month old puppies where you can ask questions about how it all works, before returning to Saariselka. That night we did the aurora walk (behind Tunturi Hotel). We saw the Northern lights which was one of many trip highlights. Download the Aurora app and look out for clear skies. There are small firepits near the Aurora hut so take marshmellows and matches. You can get wood from the door next to the toilets. You can also light a fire in the hut. Worth taking drinks and snacks if you're planning on staying up there a while. And increase the iso on the pro setting on your phone camera if you're struggling to pick them up. Truly, truly an amazing experience. So much so that we went the next night too. Day 3 - Search for Santa day. We had a 9.10am pick up. We were there for 10. I was worried it would be a day of queuing and waiting around but it really wasn't. It was so well planned and organised. Make use of all the short activities on offer. There is no need to do the big 5 as soon as possible, there is no need to rush. Lunch was spag bol (very tasty), plenty of opportunity for biscuits, pancakes and Berry juice. It was a great day. We used to open fires to toast our own marshmellows. The letter to santa switch is topped the day off for me. My child on the other hand wasn't that fussed. Oh and I'd give the ice bar a miss. Poor cold coffee and hot choc. Get the pic and leave is my advice. The husky ride was fab. Obviously not in the same depth we had on the paid excursion the day before but still really good and particularly for younger kids, more than enough. The kids skiddow was a hit and had a couple of goes on that. The ice hockey was fun. The ice fishing is less likely to reep reward but my son is a bit of a geek and was really interested in the whole process. Search for santa magical sleigh ride was brilliant. Don't tell them that's what it is, just say it's a snow mobile ride. For more surprise. The reps all day are on hand for help, advice and warm up activities. We couldn't face another Tunturi takeaway so used the burger bar opp the pub which is delicious. Lots of recommendations for the restaurant in the supermarket too, the pizzas looked amazing. We did some gift shopping and successfully hit the Aurora trail again. At the back of the supermarket is a badly laid out but large gift section which is a few euros cheaper than the shops. Last morning we got up very early to hit the tobaggan for the last time before returning for breaky and our 10.20am departure. We were the very first ones down there at 8.15am. We had it all to ourselves for the first couple of runs. Ps. Ivalo Airport is tiny. Be prepared to sit on the coach whilst the queue goes down enough to let the next coach in. Be prepared to queue for upto an hour inside. Be prepared to pay 30 euros for 2 sandwich, a doughnut and 2 waters. To be honest I've had this experience at UK airports except your atood queuing throughout, so whilst it is less than ideal, it's airports. Take snacks, drinks and charged devices for the kids. Hints summary: Hand warmers (don't need loads), snoods, flashing hat or head torch, marshmellows, wine/duty free/tin cups, hip flask, own tea and coffee, don't over pack, relax don't rush, battery booster, learn your iso settings and the Aurora app. All in all, what a trip! Once in a lifetime. We loved every minute, of which Santa was just one part, and we are just sad we were only there 3 nights.

9. Santa's Chalets Rakka , Kilpisjarvi

Urpiaisenkuja 4, Kilpisjarvi 99490 Finland
Excellent
53%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Santa's Chalets Rakka , Kilpisjarvi

Perfect and brilliant staff

Reviewed By DarraghLDuane

Amazing location with great views, chalets very modern and all mod cons, staff so welcoming, friendly and helpful, beautiful walking paths adjacent, very well/stocked supermarket a 3 minute walk away. 10/10

10. Yurt District

Lautavaaranpolku 1, Rovaniemi 97280 Finland
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 9 reviews

Yurt District

The Yurt District is a welcoming, unique place to stay in the nature of Finnish Lapland next to the Ounasjoki-river. Our Yurt District is private and local and we take good care of our visitors and treat everyone like a family member. Here you can focus on good things and enjoy life as its purest.

One of a kind ! Unique

Reviewed By 705fredericl

When kindness and benevolence meet nature and authenticity it gives that, District hotel. Even though I have traveled a lot in places as luxurious as they are simple, I had never felt such relief. the place facing the lake is just breathtaking, the hoteliers of unparalleled kindness. It was a dream to visit Lapland, it has become sublime and real thanks in large part to this establishment.

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