Do you know the campsite in Colmar? I find that we don't necessarily think about campsites when we plan to visit a town, even though they often offer great value for money! Here's my review of camping de l'Ill in Colmar.
Summary
- My review of the Ill Campground
- A getaway along the Ill River, just a stone's throw from Colmar
- Accommodations at Citykamp in Colmar: mobile homes, cabins, and canvas tents
- Services and Recreation at the Ill Campground
- Location and Directions from Colmar
- Key Facts About the Ill Campground
- FAQ — Your Questions About the Ill Campground in Colmar
The essentials at a glance
- 📍 Location: Horbourg-Wihr, on the banks of the Ill River, just 2 km from downtown Colmar.
- ⏳ Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 nights, as a stopover during a trip to Colmar.
- 👥 Audience: Families and couples—those sensitive to noise should choose a cabin rather than a tent site.
- 💶 Price: € (bare campsite) to €€€ (cabins and fully equipped accommodations); rates vary by season.
My review of the Ill Campground
I liked
- Location in a green area by the water
- Various accommodations
- Proximity to downtown
- Electric bike rental
- Quality-price ratio
- Open almost all year round
I liked a little less
- Noise from the nearby highway (even if you can’t see it!)
A getaway along the Ill River, just a stone’s throw from Colmar
Like the Strasbourg campsite discovered some time ago, the Ill campsite in Colmar is a CityKamp campsite, part of the Huttopia group. I went there in spring, taking advantage of the spring market in Colmar at the same time!
The Ill campsite in Colmar is located, as its name indicates, on the banks of the Ill, one of the rivers passing near Colmar and crossing the Alsace plain. A pleasant location, especially since the campsite is right on the water, which gives it a very pleasant natural setting! A part of the campsite is closed for this reason for a part of the year because of the risk of flooding, but from May on you can pitch your tent on the banks of the Ill.
💬 Local tip: If you want to camp right by the river, wait until early May. The campsites closest to the water remain closed for part of the year due to the risk of flooding.
The only downside is the proximity to the highway—you can’t see it at all, but unfortunately you can hear the traffic noise. If you’re sensitive to noise, I don’t think this is the ideal spot for you—unless you stay in the cabins, which are set slightly back from the highway and where you hear much less of that noise! As someone who’s sensitive to my surroundings, I slept very well there, but I would have had a hard time sleeping in a tent.
💬 Local tip: If you’re sensitive to noise, choose a cabin instead of a tent site. They’re set back a bit, so you can hear the highway much less there.
The Ill Campground is open from late March or early April through early January, depending on the year. This means you can enjoy a stay in the charming Alsatian town of Colmar for most of the year, including during Colmar’s famous Christmas market.
Accommodations at Citykamp in Colmar: mobile homes, cabins, and canvas tents
Camping sites, mobile homes, and fully furnished accommodations
It is possible to book pitches to come with your camper, your caravan, your van or your tent, but also to sleep in the accommodations of the campsite: mobile homes, Montana chalets and Toile & Bois tents are waiting for you. These are large tents of 20m2 for 4 people, installed on a wooden terrace and equipped with beds and kitchenette. Not bad for camping with a little more comfort!
A Closer Look at Chalet Montana – My Review After Staying There for One Night
As at the Strasbourg campground, I slept in a Montana chalet, a nice 35m2 wooden chalet with a terrace. Having come in the spring this time, I was even able to take more advantage of the outdoor terrace to rest in the sun and have breakfast, which is very nice. I did not light the wood stove, but I can assure you, having tested it in Strasbourg, that it is quite pleasant if the outside temperatures are cool.
The Montana cottages are comfortable and well-equipped, with the added charm of wood. It’s simple but well laid out and pretty! The fully equipped kitchen, for example, is a real spacious kitchen where you can easily prepare good meals and the bathroom is also a very good size. In addition, bed linen and towels are provided.
As far as sleeping is concerned, the chalets can accommodate 6 people but I think that it can be a little bit too much, except if you really only go to the chalet to sleep. There is a bedroom with a double bed, a bedroom with bunk beds and the last bed is the sofa bed in the living room. With 4 people, it must be comfortable on the other hand.
I also liked the fact that the chalets were spaced far enough apart so as not to get in each other’s way, and that there were no cars: you park your car in the campsite in a reserved space near the chalets, but then no more cars come to spoil this little spot of greenery! It is very pleasant.
Services and Recreation at the Ill Campground
Restaurant, restrooms, and organic grocery store
The Ill Campground has a restaurant with a terrace. When I was there, it was still closed (off-season), so I wasn’t able to try it, but it is indeed open at certain times of the year. It’s best to check its opening hours directly before your arrival, especially outside of peak season. There are also two restroom facilities, which are sufficient given the campground’s relatively small size.
Also on the blog
The campsite has a small grocery store where you can buy breakfast and other necessities. These are of high quality, with an emphasis on organic and local products!
Swimming pool, playground, and electric bikes
The campsite has a swimming pool, which I did not test because it was too early in the season but it is heated and of a good size. From the beginning of May to the end of September, it must be very pleasant to enjoy it! For children, a playground is available… And a ping pong table for the older kids!
It is possible to rent electric bikes from the campsite, which is a great way to visit the area. You will be able to go to the city center of Colmar in less than 10 minutes, but also to make nice bike rides in the surroundings: to visit Eguisheim, to ride the Alsace Wine Route or to visit Neuf-Brisach and to make a nice loop in the Alsace plain. There is a choice!
💬 Local tip: Consider renting an e-bike right at the campground. The bike path leads to downtown Colmar in less than 10 minutes and also lets you explore Eguisheim or the Wine Route without having to take the car.
Location and Directions from Colmar
The camping de l’Ill is located in the commune of Horbourg-Wihr, but only a few meters after passing the sign for Colmar. We are only 2 kilometers from the center of Colmar, which allows us to reach it in 15 minutes by bus, 30 minutes on foot or in less than 10 minutes by bike via a cycle track: it’s very practical! You can also easily visit some of the most beautiful villages of the Alsace Wine Route. The location is quite ideal for a stay in Colmar!
Key Facts About the Ill Campground
- A waterfront location, just 2 km from downtown Colmar, accessible on foot, by bike, or by bus.
- A variety of accommodations: campsites, mobile homes, fully equipped tents, and comfortable Montana chalets.
- Good value for the money, with noise from the nearby highway being the main drawback (especially if you’re camping in a tent).
- Swimming pool, organic/local grocery store, and electric bike rentals on site so you can explore the Wine Route.
To make the most of your trip, check out my comprehensive guide to visiting Colmar!
Practical information
More info
More information on the website of Camping de l’Ill.
Access
By car
The address is as follows: Allée du Camping, 68180 Horbourg-Wihr
By public transport
You can calculate your route on Fluo Grand Est.
By bike
It takes less than 10 minutes from downtown Colmar via the bike path that runs along the Ill River.
FAQ — Your Questions About the Ill Campground in Colmar
Where is the Ill Campground located in relation to downtown Colmar?
The Ill Campground is located in Horbourg-Wihr, just 2 km from downtown Colmar—less than 10 minutes by bike, 15 minutes by bus, or 30 minutes on foot.
Is the Ill Campground open year-round?
No, the campground is open from late March or early April through early January, depending on the year, with a winter closure lasting a few weeks.
Can we camp right on the banks of the Ill River?
Yes, but only starting in early May: the campsites closest to the river remain closed for part of the year due to the risk of flooding.
What types of accommodations does the Ill Campground offer?
In addition to open sites for tents, trailers, or RVs, the campground offers mobile homes, fully equipped “Toile & Bois” tents, and wooden Montana cabins.
How do you get to the Ill campground without a car?
You can reach the campground by bus (about 15 minutes), by bike along a bike path (less than 10 minutes), or on foot (about 30 minutes) from downtown Colmar.