Considering camping in Skagen with your family? Check out our tips on what to do and the benefits of staying at a campsite!

Is there anything better than escaping it all for a long weekend? But where should you and your family go – and what should you do? Over the Whitsun holiday, we went on a short camping trip to Skagen. Here, you’ll find our tips on what to do in Skagen, along with our take on the benefits of staying at a campsite.

Sponsored: In collaboration with Dethleffs

We’ve often stayed at campsites! Over the years, we’ve tried many different campsites across Europe – most of the time in a tent, but since having Sebastian, we’ve also enjoyed staying in cabins. So, when Dethleffs contacted us this spring with an offer to borrow their Dethleffs C’go 495 caravan at Råbjerg Mile Camping in Skagen, we immediately said yes. It was too good an opportunity to pass up!

Over the Whitsun holiday, we headed north for a Danish summer adventure. Despite the rain that persisted through most of the weekend, we still managed to experience quite a lot. It’s always wonderful to show Sebastian new places and chat about the things we see and experience together.

Here are some of the activities we enjoyed during our camping trip in Skagen. At the end of the post, you’ll also find our tips for camping activities – including ideas for rainy days!

1. Explore Skagen on foot

One of the things we truly love is exploring the world on foot. There’s something about the rhythm of walking that invites conversation and reflection in a way nothing else quite does. It’s as if everything you see is taken in and digested slowly because there’s time for it. That’s exactly how it feels in Skagen. The town is relatively small, and there are so many charming details to discover when you’re on foot.

It’s always a good idea to bring a small backpack so you can adjust to the weather as needed. In Skagen, we went from basking in glorious sunshine to braving fierce winds in no time. That’s when Peter swapped to his windproof jacket, as the seaside breeze just outside Skagen suddenly picked up strength.

The wind is strong on Skagen’s beach.
The wind is strong on Skagen’s beach.

Skagen boasts the most charming houses – especially when the sun is shining! The yellow and orange hues of the buildings light up like a gentle summer’s day, no matter what time of year you visit.

We always enjoy pointing out unique features to Sebastian when we’re exploring. For example, he quickly noticed Skagen’s iconic yellow houses and their decorated tile roofs with white joints. It’s such a joy to see him notice small, distinctive details that are so different from what he’s grown up with.

Skagen
Skagen Hus
Some of Skagen’s beautiful houses.
Some of Skagen’s beautiful houses.
Skagen Dør
Skagen Dør
Skagen Dør

The doors in Skagen are often beautifully adorned and decorated. It must be such a delight to walk in and out of these every single day…

Gul Cykel I Skagen
Engelsk Græs Ved Skur

2. Enjoy delicious summer food together

It’s like everything tastes just a little better when you’re on holiday – especially when it’s enjoyed outdoors in nature or under the sun. This time, we treated ourselves to a fish buffet at the harbor in Skagen. There we sat, with the fresh sea breeze on our faces, sunshine in our eyes, and feasted on fish and seafood while toasting with a cold beer.

Sebastian isn’t a big fan of fish, but he happily enjoyed fish cakes and fillets. He was also quite curious about the crayfish, shrimp, and mussels that landed on our plates. With his expert little hands, he eagerly dissected them, which sparked some fascinating conversations about everything from brain cells to the wonders of the world and the universe.

Enjoy freshly caught fish at Skagen Harbor.
Enjoy freshly caught fish at Skagen Harbor.

This fish buffet was a one-time treat, though. The rest of our culinary adventures took place back at the campsite. Here, we indulged in tapas, strawberries, and other delights like lemon cake (which we were told is the camping cake) and plenty of other goodies.

And because we weren’t staying in a tent but in the Dethleffs C’go 495 caravan, we had the luxury of stocking the fridge and freezer with ice cubes, soft drinks, cheese, and all those things you’d normally avoid bringing on a tent trip. So, we went all out! In fact, we went so all out that we made rice pudding for Sebastian on Friday evening when we arrived – he absolutely loves rice pudding. This camping trip turned into the ultimate indulgence!

Strawberries and tapas in the background.
Strawberries and tapas in the background.

3. See the church rising from the sand (The Sandy Church)

We just made it. We managed to see the church rising out of the sand before it got swallowed by rain. We almost jogged from the information center (a 5-minute walk away) to show Sebastian “The Sandy Church.” And we just barely made it back to the car before the downpour began.

Shifting sands have covered the church road and cemetery, leaving only the tower visible today. We thought it was a wonderful little story to share with Sebastian. You can step inside the tower, and if you’re up for the stream of people navigating the narrow staircase, you can even climb to the top. We opted to head back outside instead.

The nature surrounding the church is truly stunning – especially in a rainy June, when everything is still so green and dotted with white June flowers everywhere.

The Sandy Church
The Sandy Church
The landscape around The Sandy Church is stunning
The landscape around The Sandy Church is stunning

4. Take the kids to a museum

At 16, my parents introduced me to several of Skagen’s museums. They took me to Skagens Museum, where the stunning paintings by the Skagen artists are displayed. I also visited Drachmann’s House and Ancher’s House, both of which left a lasting impression on me. So, why not introduce Sebastian to these museums too?

This time, we took him to Drachmann’s House. I don’t think he fully understood why we got goosebumps seeing the white garden furniture outside or why the big old hat on the wall made us stop in our tracks. But maybe one day, when he’s singing the Danish Midsommervisen, he’ll suddenly remember having visited the home of the man who wrote that beautiful text we sing every summer. Perhaps, someday, it’ll give him goosebumps too.

Skagen has many fascinating museums, and we’ll definitely visit more of them on future trips to the town. Here are our picks for the most interesting ones:

Skagen Kystmuseum
Skagen Kystmuseum
Kystmuseet I Skagen
Drachmanss Hus   Museum

5. Walk all the way to Grenen

It almost feels like a compulsion to reach the very top when you’re so close – do you know what I mean? Like standing near a goal you can almost touch but just need to take a few more steps to achieve. That’s exactly how I feel every time I visit Skagen. I just have to go to the very top to take it all in.

And I (and maybe you) am certainly not alone in this urge to reach the tip of Skagen. The stream of people heading there is endless. It was almost like a parade of people making their way to Grenen to witness the two seas meet. And I completely understand the appeal. Despite the crowds, there’s something magical about watching the waters collide – as if they’re boiling or bubbling– with the wind whipping relentlessly against your cheeks. So, of course, we walked to Grenen.

Sebastian has been there twice before: once when he was in a stroller and another time when we had to turn back because of a violent thunderstorm. But this time, we made it. We reached the very top!

Denmark is beautiful in summer ... especially here at Grenen, near Drachmann’s grave.
Denmark is beautiful in summer … especially here at Grenen, near Drachmann’s grave.
Sebastian Ved Drachmanns Grav
Hjertesten
Peter Lise and Sebastian at Grenen
Peter Lise and Sebastian at Grenen

6. Get sand between your toes at Råbjerg Mile

Is there anything better than feeling soft, warm sand slip between your toes? Or gazing out over a vast expanse of sand, broken only by dunes, small lakes, and patches of heather? Maybe even running down a sandy slope, leaving crisp footprints in your wake?

If that sounds amazing and your inner child is already cheering (even just a little), then hurry to Råbjerg Mile! Here, you’ll find a true desert right in the heart of Northern Jutland. The shifting dune moves 15 meters each year and contains 3.5 million cubic meters of sand. So, kick off your shoes and let the fun begin!

The sky over Råbjerg Mile hinted at dramatic hours of rain to come.
The sky over Råbjerg Mile hinted at dramatic hours of rain to come.
Peter and Sebastian exploring the area around Råbjerg Mile.
Peter and Sebastian exploring the area around Råbjerg Mile.
The dune landscape is filled with Sea Thrift in June.
The dune landscape is filled with Sea Thrift in June.

The area between Skagen and Råbjerg Mile is a rugged, windswept dune landscape, yet it’s dotted with the most delicate flowers, like the beautiful Sea Thrift. And it was right here, near Råbjerg Mile, that we stayed at the campsite – planted smack in the middle of nature with an enormous sandbox as our neighbor.

But why choose camping?

5 benefits of staying at a campsite

Camping isn’t for everyone – let’s just put that out there. But camping life can surprise even the most hotel-loving individuals. Here are a few reasons why we sometimes choose a campsite over a hotel or other accommodations:

  1. Nature: Some campsites are located in truly breathtaking spots, right in the heart of nature. In some cases, the campsite itself feels like part of the wilderness. This is something we prioritize, both as a couple and especially as a family.
  2. Back to basics: Life on a campsite often means stepping back from the comforts of daily life. For many, there’s a sense of freedom in embracing simplicity – washing dishes by hand, wrapping up in a blanket under a canopy of string lights, with only candles lighting the table.
  3. Togetherness: Campsites often foster social interactions and shared activities. From chatting with others in the communal kitchens to joining morning yoga sessions or kids finding new playmates on the playgrounds or by the pool – there’s a unique sense of community.
  4. Peace and quiet: Camping often offers a tranquility you won’t find in the city. Many campsites have rules like no driving after 10 p.m. or quiet hours starting at 11 p.m. This peaceful atmosphere is something families, in particular, tend to appreciate.
  5. Cozy atmosphere: There’s something incredibly cozy about campsite life. The soft glow of candlelight, blankets wrapped around your shoulders, the quiet chatter of neighbors, and children playing as dusk falls. Or the sound of tent zippers opening and closing as the morning begins – it’s a unique kind of magic.

What can you and your family do at a campsite (even when it rains)?

As a family, we love having a home base where we can relax and set off on excursions. As you’ve read, there are plenty of activities to enjoy as a family when staying at a campsite near Skagen. But what about the evenings – or those days when the rain just keeps pouring?

We were lucky enough to stay in a well-equipped caravan with a fully furnished awning, a heater in the awning, indoor heating, a fridge, freezer, stove, sink, chemical toilet, bunk beds for the kids, and a double bed for the adults. With comfy mattresses, duvets, pillows, and all the kitchenware we needed, we were lacking nothing! But comfort alone doesn’t make for a memorable camping trip. Since our Whitsun holiday brought plenty of rain, we had to get creative.

Here are some ideas for what you and your family can do at a campsite – even if you’re staying cozy – and when it’s raining!

  1. Play games
    Bring your favorite board or card games, make some hot cocoa, and indulge in a classic lemon cake while you play.
  2. Read comics or books
    Dive into Donald Duck comics or any other favorites that aren’t on a screen – take a break from tablets and iPads for some old-school fun.
  3. Play the music game
    Play the intro of a song and let the others guess the artist. It’s simple, fun, and always entertaining.
  4. Enjoy the campsite’s activities
    Make the most of the campsite’s amenities, like mini golf, waterparks, or special events. Try something you haven’t done before! We kicked off our rainy mornings with a trip to the waterpark, enjoying the spa and sauna.
  5. Take walks in the campsite’s outdoor areas
    Rain or shine, the campsite is a great place to explore. Take early morning or evening walks to enjoy the fresh air and surroundings.

Even with rain, camping can be full of fun, relaxation, and special moments!

Sebastian Og Peter Læser Anders And
Sebastian

There’s something magical about the evenings… when the candles are lit, the wine is poured, and all the sounds quietly fade away…

Campingliv
Campingliv
An evening stroll just before sunset at Råbjerg Mile Camping.
An evening stroll just before sunset at Råbjerg Mile Camping.

Would you like to rent the caravan we stayed in at Råbjerg Mile Camping? If so, contact Råbjerg Mile. You can also embark on your own adventure by renting a caravan from Dethleffs – check them all out. And if camping sounds tempting, be sure to follow Dethleffs on Instagram for more inspiration!

  Links

-> Skagen Kunstmuseer
-> Danish Campsites
-> Dethleffs C’go 495 Campingvogn
-> Råbjerg Mile Camping

  Skagen