Tent camping is not a compromise: It’s a way of life
There are summer memories that stay with you for a lifetime. When you think back on them, you can almost smell the air and feel the gentle breeze on your skin. Tent camping by Lake Balaton is full of moments like these:
Standing barefoot in the dewy grass in the morning. Brewing coffee in a moka pot in front of your tent. Suddenly running into the cool waters of Lake Balaton on a hot day. Talking late into the night by the campfire.
And perhaps one of the most beautiful moments of all: watching the sunset by the shore, taking in the colours, the light and the stunning lakeside panorama, with the Tihany Peninsula in the background.
A tent camping holiday at Mirabella Camping is not about making compromises. Here, alongside the closeness of nature, you are surrounded by comfort: modern infrastructure, well-maintained washrooms, a laundry, a communal kitchen, excellent dining options, sports facilities, massages and bicycle rental. Everything you need for a truly relaxing getaway is right here.
Your tent is your own personal base, where you can create exactly the level of comfort you need. Modern camping gear can help you achieve this: a stylish tent, a soft mattress, an insulated sleeping mat, a comfortable camping chair and many other little essentials.
In our blog, we show you how experienced campers do it: what type of tent is worth choosing, which pieces of equipment can make your holiday truly comfortable, and what to look out for if you are trying tent camping for the first time.
Your first tent camping adventure? A family camping trip? A weekend by Lake Balaton with friends? Mirabella Camping awaits you, right by the lakeshore!
What tent places are available at Mirabella Camping?
You can choose between a standard tent place (for up to 4 people) or a large tent place (for up to 6 people), and arrive with your family, friends or even your dog. A 10 A electrical connection is included in the price, free Wi-Fi is available, and Lake Balaton is truly just a few steps away. If you want to be sure of your spot, book in advance on our website, as tent places fill up quickly during the high season!
If you would like a fixed place, you can also book a pitch for your tent or caravan. Our beach pitches offer a truly unique experience, as they come with uninterrupted views of the lake.
Ultimate tent guide
1. Pop-up tent: The king of spontaneity
It’s perfect for those who still have no plans for the weekend on Friday afternoon, but only need a single thought to jump in the car and head for the shores of Lake Balaton! They enjoy cycling and hiking, and are always up for a concert, festival or anything that promises a great experience. Those who arrive with a pop-up tent are true adventurers.
Who is it for?
- Cyclists travelling through
- First-time tent campers
- Those travelling with minimal equipment
Key features
- Easy to set up in just a few minutes
- Takes up little space
- Easy to transport
- Ideal for quick overnight stays
- Usually has a lower headroom
2. Tunnel tent: A favourite among families at Lake Balaton
For a classic family summer by Lake Balaton, this type of tent is a great choice. Orange juice in a camping chair in the morning, a day at the beach in the afternoon, and a hearty dinner cooked outdoors in the evening. You haven’t even finished unpacking, and the kids are already making friends on the neighbouring pitch, while the parents can finally truly relax.
Who is it for?
- Families with children and groups of friends
- Those staying for several days or longer
- Those who enjoy comfortable camping
Features
- Includes a spacious vestibule
- Separate sleeping compartments
- More stable structure
- Shade-providing entrances
- Comfortable for longer tent camping trips
3. Dome tent: The timeless classic
Some people look forward to these few days all year long. A beach towel over your shoulder, sunset by the shore, a toast under the moonlight in the evening, pure Lake Balaton bliss. For them, a dome tent can be the perfect temporary home.
Who is it best suited for?
- Couples and small groups
- Young holidaymakers
- Those who like to head to the shores of Lake Balaton for a weekend, even several times during the season
- Those who appreciate practical solutions
Key features
- Easy to set up
- Good value for money
- Fits in small spaces
- Ideal for beginners
- May offer limited storage space for longer tent camping trips
4. Ridge tent: An icon of summers past
For many, this was their first true “Lake Balaton tent”. The classic ridge tent has a shape resembling the letter A. You see them less often nowadays, as other modern types of tents are more comfortable and easier to set up. However, some people remain attached to their tried-and-tested old tent, filled with so many memories. This one is for nostalgic travellers. You might even find yours in the attic.
Tip: Bring your family’s old tent to Lake Balaton and take a photo, then place it next to a picture from a childhood holiday. The same tent, the same shore, with a few decades in between.
Who is it for?
- Those who love a classic atmosphere
- Balaton holidaymakers looking to relive fond memories
- Young people and first-time tent campers
Features
- Classic summer atmosphere
- Less comfort compared to modern tents
- This type is no longer widely available
Mini tent glossary
We’ll show you the most important terms that will come in handy when choosing a tent.
- Vestibule: The covered area of a tent where you can keep shoes, a cool box, chairs or cooking equipment.
- Blackout sleeping compartment: A darkened sleeping area that heats up more slowly in the morning, allowing you to sleep for longer.
- Hydrostatic head rating: Indicates a tent’s water resistance in millimetres. A rating of 1000–3000 mm is already suitable for summer camping by Lake Balaton.
- Groundsheet: Protects the bottom of the tent from moisture and damage, while also making tent camping more comfortable.
- Gazebo: A tent that is not used as accommodation, such as a sun shelter or outdoor shelter. Many guests like to bring a gazebo, and you can set one up at the campsite. A gazebo can be placed on your camping pitch for an additional daily fee, which you can add under additional services when making your booking.
What you should know about camping gear
There is plenty of cool camping gear out there, so it’s completely understandable if you are tempted by a few special items. A good camping chair is a must for tent camping, a practical self-inflating mattress can make all the difference, and since your tent is your home away from home, why not add some colourful, stylish blankets, string lights or even a canopy hammock? However, there are some things that can happily stay at home.
What you shouldn’t leave at home: An extension lead, a pocket knife, cups and cookware that you can use in the communal kitchen.
When putting together your camping gear, it is worth considering what activities you have planned for your days by Lake Balaton. The Szántód ferry is nearby, so you can hop on a ferry to Tihany whenever you like, and the lavender fields will soon be in bloom. It is also well worth visiting the Kőröshegy Tulip and Lavender Park, located just 15 minutes from Mirabella Camping. The Zamárdi Adventure Park offers the perfect escape for adrenaline seekers. For hiking and sports activities, make sure you bring suitable clothing and accessories, but you can also rent a bike on site, for example. Check the list below, as you don’t need to carry everything with you.
What camping gear should you bring, and what can you find at the campsite?
- The laundry makes longer holidays easier, so you only need to pack a few clothes. The token-operated washing machines and dryers quickly return your clothes fresh and clean.
- Bicycle rental is available at reception, so you don’t have to worry about transporting your own bike.
- Cauldrons are also available for rent, perfect for preparing a hearty dinner over the campfire in the evening.
- Firewood is available to purchase on site.
- Electrical hook-up is included in the price, so if you want to use it, remember to bring an extension lead!
- With the shores of Lake Balaton so close, don’t forget your beach essentials, but you won’t necessarily need a beach trolley to carry them. Our private beachfront area and beach are just a few steps away. Everything is close at hand.
- Food? You can bring your favourite cookware and camping tableware, but you don’t even have to cook if you don’t want to. The campsite has excellent dining options waiting for you.
- You don’t necessarily need to bring food with you either, as there is also a convenience store on site.
- Pack your favourite ball and enjoy the sports facilities at Mirabella Camping, including beach volleyball, streetball, a sandy sports court and table tennis.
- Want to get out on the water? Bring your own SUP board or surfboard, or rent one at Mirabella Camping. During the high season, you can even sign up for a surf course right here on the shores of Lake Balaton.
- Bring everything you need for basic comfort: a self-inflating mattress, sleeping bag or blanket, your favourite pillow, toiletries, insect repellent, a torch and camping lights.
- Mirabella Camping is pet-friendly. If you’re bringing your dog, remember to bring its vaccination certificate, lead, muzzle and a few toys, as well as a food and water bowl and perhaps its own bed.
Washrooms, communal kitchen and campfire areas at the campsite
If you arrive with a tent, Mirabella has everything you need for a comfortable holiday. Modern, well-maintained washrooms, a communal kitchen and designated campfire areas are available, and you can also find a children’s bathroom and VIP bathroom at the campsite.
An evening barbecue, a simple dinner or a leisurely breakfast can easily become one of the best moments of your holiday.
Book your place by Lake Balaton!
Whether you’re a tent camping enthusiast, prefer to spend your summer in a caravan, or a comfortable mobile home is more your style, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Mirabella Camping. Book your place directly on our website and secure memories to last a lifetime. Planning a long weekend or a few spontaneous days off, when you can swap grey everyday life for the atmosphere of Lake Balaton? Booking only takes a few minutes. You can pay for your accommodation by credit card or with your debit card.