Autumn camping at Lake Balaton?

Some people love it and some may find it unusual to go camping in the off-season, but it’s a shame to resist the beautiful weather and the special atmosphere of Lake Balaton in autumn. September is here, with fresh mornings, calm beaches, colourful leaves, silence and smooth water. At this time the weather is pleasantly summery, but the prices are even more pleasant.

 

In the off-season you can get a full-value holiday at a very good price, right on the shore of Lake Balaton.

 

Camping in September is a second and final chance to recharge and really relax before the long cold months. Pack your camping gear and soak up the autumn season!

Here are some practical tips to make your September camping at Lake Balaton even more comfortable. You can manage an autumn getaway with minimal packing, but if you’re looking for a longer stay, a few handy items can turn your camping place into a mini home away from home. We’ve rounded up what to bring and what you can safely leave at home for a few days on an island of tranquillity.

At Aranypart Camping & Apartments you can choose from a variety of accommodation. Comfortable, heated and air-conditioned apartments, spacious caravan pitches and tent places await you.

It is also worth exploring the facilities of the campsite and holiday resort, as well as the offerings of the local catering services and the mini market, since these greatly influence what you need to pack in your suitcase. Don’t bring half the household, we take care of most things!

 

Got a free weekend? Camp in a tent or come with a caravan!

 

Aranypart Camping & Apartments will be open until 5 October 2025, so there’s still some time left to take a dip at Lake Balaton.

 

 

Our tent places and caravan pitches of various sizes offer the same camping freedom as in summer. The only difference is that everything is a little slower and more peaceful at this time. Packing your gear is no big deal once you have a bit of routine, but autumn is also the perfect training ground for beginners. Your summer outfit, complemented with a few warmer clothes, will do just fine. You might even feel like going for a swim during the day. In the campsite and holiday resort you can relax in comfort, as you only need a few basic items, everything else is available on site.

 

These are the two most common mistakes to avoid when packing:

Mistake 1: You bring too much stuff.

A trunk full to the brim and too much equipment can create chaos in no time. But if you have a simple system in place, everything will be at your fingertips. To do this, it can be handy not to pack in bulk but to use transparent plastic boxes of different sizes. One for your warmer clothes, one for your beach stuff, one for your toiletries, one for your kitchen utensils. Fancy a hot shower? No need to search around for your towel, slippers and shower gel. Just grab the right box. If you are coming with a baby, you don’t need to bring a baby bath of your own, as there is one available in the shower area.

Clothes tricks: Bring only a minimal amount of clothing! The campsite and holiday resort also have token operated washing and drying machines. If you don’t let the laundry pile up, everything stays tidy, especially when travelling with others. On a multi-day trip for four to six people, you can leave a lot of clothes at home. Two changes of clothes per person are enough. While you enjoy a light cappuccino by the shore, the washing will be done.

Cooking at the campsite: You can bring your portable induction hob, beloved air fryer, kettle or coffee maker, but there’s no need to pack the entire kitchen. There are fire pits for cooking in a cauldron or roasting, a communal kitchen where you can use your frying pan, and even rentable fridge compartments available for your use. And if you’ve neglected cooking for the duration of your trip, here are some great restaurants to treat yourself.

 

Mistake 2: Not bringing the most essential items.

For autumn camping, a warmer sleeping bag, a padded blanket and some warmer clothes are essential to make evenings comfortable.

 

Comfort in a tent on early autumn evenings

Before imagining freezing nights, take a look at the weather forecast. In September, you can usually expect nighttime lows of around 14-15 °C, which is a few degrees warmer inside your tent. This falls perfectly within the ideal sleeping temperature range of 16-18 °C. If you put on a warmer sweater for the night, chances are the only thing you’ll experience is that you’ll sleep deeper in the fresh air and wake up feeling more rested. A comfortable mat or self-inflating mattress, along with your favourite small pillow, should definitely travel with you.

Electricity is available in the tent places and caravan pitches and is included in the price. Make sure to bring an extension cord if you want to use it. If you are coming by caravan and want maximum comfort, you can choose our Comfort pitches, which come with electricity, water and sewage connections.

 

 

Autumn camping essentials

• Sleeping: sleeping bag, blanket, pillow, mattress/polyfoam
• Clothing: basic wardrobe, plus a sweater, hiking shoes, socks, windbreaker for the boat, raincoat, swimsuit
• Kitchen: cutlery, mug, plate, pot, frying pan, kettle. There is a stove in the communal kitchen, but it’s a good idea to bring dish soap and a kitchen towel!
• Bathing: towel, slippers, soap, shower gel, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairdryer, toilet paper, personal care products
• Camping gear: extension cord, headlamp, phone charger, camping chair, table, backpack for hiking, tent with mosquito net
• Health: first aid kit, medications, insect repellent, band-aids, sunscreen
• Mood: picnic blanket, board games, cards, book, ball, LED string lights, hammock

 

Non-biting midges (Chironomidae) at Lake Balaton – useful information for our guests

This summer at Lake Balaton has seen one of the largest non-biting midge swarms of the past decades, particularly noticeable along the southern shore near Siófok. According to experts at the Balaton Limnological Research Institute, the mild winter, the warm summer, and the nutrients accumulated in the lake – primarily the high algae levels – have all contributed to the non-biting midges appearing in such large numbers this year.

 

It is important to emphasise, however, that non-biting midges are completely harmless – they do not bite and pose no health risk. At most, their sheer numbers can be bothersome. We know this can sometimes make a peaceful stay more difficult, so we would like to offer a few practical tips to make your evenings at Lake Balaton more enjoyable

 

• It’s a good idea to use warm, subdued lighting on terraces, as insects are most attracted to glaring white light.
• A small fan can also help, as air movement makes it difficult for them to settle.
• If you can, schedule your outdoor activities during the day, when mosquitoes are not active, so you can enjoy the lake experience undisturbed.

 

 

We do our utmost to ensure the comfort of our guests, and we trust that the magic of Lake Balaton will remain unforgettable in this summer’s special situation.

 

Apartments in the camping and holiday resort – home comforts, waterfront tranquillity

An apartment on the Aranypart is your best base in autumn. It has an equipped kitchen, bathroom, heating, air conditioning, fridge – everything you need. You just throw in your favourite coffee and a good book or companion. We provide the rest: linen, towels, hairdryer, cutlery, plates, cooking utensils. If you’re travelling with a baby, you can also request a free baby-kit at reception, including a cot, high chair and baby bath.

Think of it as having the comfort and facilities of a hotel. That is, until you step out the door, because that’s when the real extra comes. Private terrace, quiet beach, special afternoon lights, golden sunsets, Lake Balaton.

 

Our Beach House apartments are located directly on the beach. Enjoy the sunset from your private terrace!

 

 

Book now, find the best low season rates on our website!

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Aranypart Camping & Apartments’ programme tips for autumn recharging

 

• Dog owners love the autumn season – don’t stay home with your furry friend! There are fewer tourists at this time, which creates a calm environment that dogs enjoy. Plus, your four-legged companion won’t suffer from the summer heat, making it perfect for long autumn hikes. All our accommodation types are pet-friendly, and dogs are welcome in the apartments too!

 

• Autumn hikes and exploring the cycling paths along Lake Balaton – You don’t necessarily need to bring your own bike, as you can rent one directly at the campsite and holiday village. Download the BalatonBike365 app and ride freely.

 

• Active relaxation, activities and boat trips – Siófok remains a versatile holiday destination even in autumn. We know it’s hard to leave the comfort of the campsite and holiday resort, as everything you need is available on site, whether you’re looking for peaceful relaxation or some physical activity. Bring your ball, because there’s a volleyball court! There’s also mini golf, foosball and mega chess to show off your skills. If you do decide to head out, start with the Siófok Harbour! In September, you can choose from scheduled boats, sightseeing and themed cruises. You won’t be bored on the beach either, there’s plenty to see nearby and as the crowds have already left, you won’t be queuing for hours. The Bella Zoo Park welcomes you to a very beautiful natural setting with a wide variety of animals and experiences. And for an adrenaline rush, visit the Zamárdi Adventure Park.

 

• Beach experiences and water sports in September – Don’t leave your swimsuit at home; it still feels like summer on the public beach! In September, it’s not uncommon to see temperatures in the mid-30s, perfect for a beach holiday. A refreshing splash in Lake Balaton will get your blood pumping and the sun’s rays will warm you right up. The campsite and holiday resort has an adventure pool for relaxation. It is also a perfect time for water sports. You can bring your own SUP and surfboard!

 

• Autumn flavours and aromas – Sit by the shore or on the terrace of your apartment with a glass of Balaton wine and take a deep breath; the scent of autumn is already in the air. The harvest festivities begin and the markets are bursting with ripe fruit. It’s no surprise if you’re craving a gastronomic experience. We offer delicious treats right on site, so you don’t even need to step outside the accommodation area. Our dining venues take care of your cravings. High-quality ingredients and the flavours of Lake Balaton await you in our restaurant and buffets. At the beachfront bar, it’s the perfect place for a toast!

 

• Campfire and cauldron cooking: One of the best parts of autumn camping is when the campfire is lit after sunset, you pull out your favourite cosy sweater, and the heavenly aroma of a cauldron-cooked dinner fills the air. It’s so idyllic that we’re not surprised if there’s even a guitar somewhere. You can buy firewood at reception and rent a cauldron, just bring your favourite wooden spoon. Tip: You can buy all the essential ingredients at the local grocery store.

 

In autumn the beach is not empty, it’s yours. That’s the difference.

Here is why you will love autumn camping. The answer is in the colours, the lights, the mood. And you can choose where you sleep: in an apartment, a tent or a caravan. It doesn’t really matter, because the point is the same – you have space to relax, you have time to slow down.

 

Book now, find the best low season rates on our website!

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