Hi Jim,
I have never done any camping in Sweden, but I have been living there for several years, hence I might be able to advice you on something more specific.
In general, swedes hire or own summer cabins by the lakes and rivers. There are caravan sites as well. Strictly speaking, tent camping is somewhat a juvenile activity up there. However, I can tell you that the swedish summer is between june and july.
The northern area is infested by mosquitos in that period, so you may want to stay in the mid-southern part. The Mälaren area, which extends between Stockholm and Uppsala, is very nice. Its climate is affected by the gulf stream, so you can get up to 30 celsius on summer time, but you'd still get a mild 15 celsius in the shadow, very easily. The western side, in the Göteborg province, is probably warmer, but the landscape is somewhat flatter, unless you move towards Norway.
Regarding entertainment, well, you can't miss to visit both Skansen and Astrid Lindgren's village, they are both in Stockholm.
If you are interested, I can help you finding some camping websites since I do read and speak swedish.
All the best
Antonio
As OH is Norwegian we have been many times to Sweden in both tent and caravan. There are lots ot sites all over the country, you should be able to get a site book by searching the net or contacting Swedish tourist board. Children are very well catered for in Scandinavia so most larger sites will have children's play areas etc. I would not have said that tents are not used much in Sweden, but agree that caravans are more popular. Also agree that you need to look out for the midgies, especially near lakes and forests. The further north you go the shorter the summer, but you will be fine going anytime from early June to late September, Swedish school holidays are mid June to mid August. The south is better served for tourist attractions, get a "Rough Guide " or similar from your library or search the net for more info. Sweden is not particularly expensive these days and there is an excellent selection of foodstuffs in the supermarkets, so not really any need to take a lot of stuff with you. Meat can be more expensive than here, also bread we found, but it is very variable, larger shops being cheaper .
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Excellent idea Jennifer! I always forget that the tourist offices in Sweden are just great! Their name is "turistbyrå", you can find them nearly in any place: http://www.turistbyra.se/ (then click on the english flag).
I've forgot to mention that if you like the woods then you might consider the Dalarna area, around Mora.
best wishes
/Antonio
Also Borlange is worth a visit, a bit further up north, decent camping just outside here and an unusual shopping centre called Kuppolen which is like a big dome, also a bit further north is Falun which if I remember as Sir Anthony says is the start of the Dalarna area which is the home of the Swedish painted horse's and depending on the time of year you can watch the fishermen going onto the lakes on sledges and drilling holes in the ice on the lakes and dropping their rod and line down through the hole and catching fish!
Have a great time but watch out for the speed cops, they got me whilst I was there!!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Anyone been camping in Sweden?
