Västerås Mälarcamping – camping on the shores of Lake Mälaren

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: October 2026 | Västerås Mälarcamping, which is now called First Camp Västerås–Mälaren, is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Mälaren. We visited the campsite several times during our first years with a motorhome, around 2010–2013. Here we had relaxing camping weekends with beach walks, good food and sometimes nice meetings with camping neighbors.

Västerås Mälar camping by the water

What we especially appreciated about Västerås Mälarcamping was its proximity to the water. The campsite has large, open areas, but a walk down to the shore of Lake Mälaren provided a bit more variety and nice views of the lake.

Our visit was early in the season, when it could still be quite chilly. So we didn't get to swim, but we enjoyed walking along the beach and then curling up in the warmth of the camper with a book or a TV series. A camping weekend doesn't need to include much more than that.

Staying at First Camp Västerås–Mälaren

Today, First Camp Västerås–Mälaren offers campsites for motorhomes, caravans and tents, as well as cabins for those who come without their own camping accommodation. There are sites both with and without electricity. The electric sites have grass as a surface and come in different sizes, so choose a site that suits your equipment when booking.

The area has two service buildings with toilets, showers, cooking facilities, washing machines and dryers. There is also a latrine emptying facility for both loose and fixed tanks, as well as a sauna and relaxation area.

The campsite is open year-round. However, the service shop and First Camp Bistro have opening hours that vary with the season, so check what is open during your visit.

Swimming, activities and excursions

In the summer, the beach is one of the campsite's great assets. There is also adventure golf and boules, as well as the opportunity to rent a bike, canoe or kayak. For those traveling with a dog, there is both a dog bath and a dog shower.

If you want to combine camping with an excursion, the center of Västerås is within cycling distance. During the summer months, the Elbe ferry can also be an alternative from the campsite's pier. Check the current timetable before planning your trip.

In Västerås we especially enjoy walking along the Svartån River, discovering the old quarters and strolling by Lake Mälaren. You can find more tips in our guide to the city.

READ MORE: Things to do in Västerås – our tips for experiences and attractions

A chilly but cozy Easter weekend

One of our visits was during Easter 2012. After a cold night at Härjarö camping It was nice to arrive in Västerås and see the sun peeking out. We found a spot in the large open camping area and set up an Easter lunch in the camper with, among other things, herring, pickled salmon, eggs and meatballs.

After a walk down to the beach, it was a quiet afternoon in the camper. In the evening, we brought out the grill for the first barbecue dinner of the year and then had a visit from our camping neighbors Anna and Anders. They had the same camper model as us, an Adria Coral 660, so there were plenty of practical solutions and travel experiences to talk about. A really nice evening with lots of laughter!

Camping or motorhome parking in Västerås?

Which option is best depends on what you want to do during your visit. Mälarcampingen offers camping life with a beach, activities and a service house. If you primarily want to walk into central Västerås, the campsite in the guest harbor is an alternative with a more central location.

We have visited both places. In recent years, it has primarily become the guest port, where we like to stop both to discover Västerås and when we are passing through.

READ MORE: Parking space in Västerås guest harbor – nice by the water and close to town

READ MORE: Campsites and pitches in Västmanland