Pickleball

After padel, pickleball is also on the rise in Europe. The number of courts is still small, with many clubs using existing sports halls, but the growth is there. Earlier this week, Andre Agassi, multiple tennis glandslam champion, announced that he will compete in the mixed-double at the upcoming US Open in Florida along with 18-year-old pickleball icon Anna Leigh Waters. Agassi, who along with other former tennis champions Andy Roddick, John McEnroe and his wife Steffi Graf are promoting the sport in the US will be seen on the courts of the USOP National Pickleball Centre in Naples from 26 April - 3 May 2025.

Pickleball is a fast-paced paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s usually played on a badminton-sized court with a low net, using a plastic ball with holes and solid paddles. Points are scored only by the serving side and games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2. Players must serve underhand and the serve must land in the opponent’s diagonal court. A key rule is the two-bounce rule : the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys (hitting without a bounce) are allowed. Players must stay out of the non-volley zone (the "kitchen") when volleying. The emphasis is on placement, strategy, and quick reflexes.

In the past 4-5 years, we saw many European campgrounds open padel courts. Which campground will be the first to open a pickleball court?

Pickleball is gaining popularity in Sweden and there are many different pickleball competitions. Here you'll find an overview of these competitions. This site from the Swedish Pickleball Association is also a great starting point if you consider becoming a pickleball player.

Landöns Camping in Landön is one of the first (perhaps even THE first) campgrounds in Europe to have built pickleball courts on its grounds.They also offer beach volleyball, basketball, ping pong and shuffleboard. During the summer, they sometimes arrange activities, competitions and other fun events for both young and old – perfect for those who want to socialize and meet new friends during their camping vacation.

Paris

The 2nd Skechers Pickleball Paris Open will take place from 23 to 25 May 2025, at the Center Sportif Jules Ladoumègue, in Paris (75019). For more info

The closest campground is Camping Paris Est - Marvilla Parks

Le Grau-du-Roi

The Open Poseidon Tournament will be held from 9-11 May 2025 at the Raquette Club Port Camargue in Le Grau-du-Roi. The Raquette Club has 8 pickleball courts (2 are lit) and is one of the largest clubs in the country. For more info

Camping Abri De Camargue is within walking/biking distance (500m)

Lyon

Tennis club TCO (Chemin de Montlouis, 69600 OULLINS) has 2 pickleball courts and several tennis courts. TCO is a 7min drive from Camping des Barolles

Loix - Île de Ré

Tennis et Squash de Loix is located next to Flower Camping Les Ilates in Loix. The complex offers tennis (gravel), padel, pickleball and squash courts. Play a game and have a drink on the porch of your mobile home at Camping Les Ilates

The Limburg Open Pickleball will be held on 27 + 28 September 2025. It will be organised for the 6th time by LTV Melick's pickleball department and be played at Pickleball Roerdalen's home venue: Sporthal de Wieë, Heerbaan 28 in Posterholt (near Roermond in the Netherlands). The sports hall has 6 official pickleball campsites. For more info

The closest campground is Camping Hoeve Linnerveld

Hollandscheveld

Camping Kagerzoom is a 10min bike ride from Hollandscheveldse Tennis Club. The club has 2 pickleball courts which opened in 2022. More into tennis? They have 4 gravel courts as well. The Summio Villapark offers lovely farm-style villas, some of which equipped with a jacuzzi.

Den Haag

With 4 lit pickleball courts Sportcentrum Mariahoeve is the go-to place in the The Hague area for pickleball enthousiasts. From Mariahoeve it is a 14min bike-ride to Camping Duinhorst in Wassenaar.

The second European Pickleball Team Championship will be held from Friday 19th September to Sunday 21st September 2025 at the Foro Italico Sports Complex in Rome. The Foro has 20 courts on a hard acrylic surface. Teams from several EPF member countries will be competing for the title of 2025 Champions of Europe . On Thursday 18th September 2025 an Open Tournament will he held giving all competitive pickleballers an opportunity of being part of this event at this fabulous historic location. For more info

The closest campground is Roma Camping In Town

Venice

Green Garden Village Venezia, which organizes the San Marco Cup (Sep. 20/21 2025) is located near Mestre. If you're staying at the hu Venezia Camping in Town in Marghera and up for a game of pickleball then it's good to know the club is only a 5km ride by bike.

Follonica

Parco Giochi Eden Park in Follonica has 2 courts. Check out their Facebook page (see link) for their summer (July) tournament. Nearby Vallicella Glamping Resort offers great safari and air-dreamer tents.

Barcelona

The Barcelona Pickleball Open 2025 will be held July 18, 19 & 20th at the Pavelló de la Mar Bella. For more info

During Barcelona’s First Ever Pickleball Tournament (located on Barcelona’s stunning beachfront) you'll be able to participate in pro and amateur mixed tournaments, pickleball exhibitions, beginner-friendly clinics and DJ's & Food Trucks to get into a swag mood.

La Masía Cal Geperut are a unique glamping get-away option

Padel Tennis Club La Barrosa in Chiclana de la Frontera (Cádiz) has several great pickleball courts and offers pickeball courses. Book a pickeball course at La Barrosa and book a stay at the Taiga Conil campground (15km) in Conil de la Frontera to create your own pickleball vacation.

The 3rd Vienna Pickleball Open will be held on Sunday May 25 2025 at the Vienna Sporthotel ( Baumgasse 83, A-1030 Wien)

The venue has a tennis-hardcourt top floor. For more info

The Micampa Wien Donau campground is a short 20min (6km) bike-ride.

The PbE English Nationals will be held from Oct 30th-Nov 2nd 2025 at the Bolton Arena (University of Bolton, Greater Manchester). For more info

Rivington Brewing Co in Chorley is 27min by bike from the Bolton Arena. Just a stones throw from the tap room, their campground is a perfect place to take in the stunning views of Rivington. It accepts caravans, campervans & RV's.