First Camp Torekov

The pitches are set among leafy trees, which feels much nicer than the usual open field with vehicles lined up. First Camp Torekov is a lovely campsite by the sea on Sweden's west coast. Dog owners have trails, a dog beach, and dog showers, and dogs are allowed on the beach from September 15. Torekov harbor is about a 15-minute walk away. The bathrooms and showers were clean and nice. In September, a large pitch with electricity cost 300kr.

The staff were always pleasant, and the playgrounds are fine for little kids. The location is hard to beat, right beside the beach and a short walk from picturesque Torekov, with the campground attractively laid out beneath tall trees. But the facilities are dated, and the upkeep seems questionable. For what it costs, I expected more.

The setting is beautiful, but the beach had a huge heap of cleared seaweed left to rot. With the wind coming mostly from the sea, the smell carried over the campsite. The campground itself is a large, open area in the forest, so there's very little privacy. The sanitary block was clean but dated. Showers are included, and the family room with two showers was good. The power isn't 16 amp, and you need a regular plug rather than CEE. Bread costs little, but it's very basic supermarket half-baked stuff. You could get your own at the supermarket and bake it in the kitchen provided, with the same result for less hassle and money. Try to pick a pitch far from the rubbish and recycling containers. Their metal doors make a lot of noise whenever someone opens or shuts them, and people seem to bring rubbish out early. Wi-Fi is supposedly available, but it didn't work and there was no reception anywhere. When I told the staff, they said it was bad and needed replacing. So, yeah, two stars?

We got there at 18:15 in August, but reception was shut even though it was meant to stay open until 20:00. A quick phone call didn't sort it out, and there was no way to open the gate. What a disappointment. I'd never seen anything like that in Sweden.