First Camp Norsjø in Telemark – camping by the water with wakeboarding

Text and photo: Helena Bergström

Our very last stop in Norway, after a whole month on the road, was First Camp Norsjø in Telemark. We got a nice campsite right by the water, washed clothes, had dinner in the bistro and spent a surprising amount of time watching everyone whizzing by and doing jumps in the wakeboard park outside the camper.

First Camp Norsjø in Telemark

First Camp Norsjø is beautifully situated by Lake Norsjø in Telemark. Here you can camp with a camper, caravan or tent, and there are also a large number of cabins and other accommodation.

The campsite has a relaxed character with a beach, playground, bistro and a small shop. But above all, there is something that makes the place a little extra special – a large wakeboard park.

In collaboration with First Camp, we stayed here with our camper. We got a nice spot near the water, with both electricity and water right at the campsite.

Norsjø Cable Park – wakeboarding outside the camper

Norsjø Cable Park is located right next to the campsite and is one of the more well-known wakeboard parks in Scandinavia. Here, riders are pulled around on the water using a cable system and can tackle various jumps and obstacles.

The track is suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders, but we were content to watch from our comfortable camping chairs. Some made their way around the track calmly while others performed impressive jumps and tricks. It was unexpectedly entertaining to watch, and it felt like we were stuck in the chairs for hours, our eyes glued to the riders…

It was very clear that wakeboarding is popular here. The starting area was always full of enthusiastic riders, and the instructors were constantly engaged in guiding everyone.

Camping site right by the water

Although the wakeboard park is the main attraction, the location by Lake Norsjø is a big part of the campsite's charm. There are swimming opportunities and beautiful surroundings along the water.

We especially appreciated our camping site near the lake. Being able to sit outside the camper and look out over the water always gives that extra holiday feeling.

Things to do at First Camp Norsjø

The wakeboard park is the most unique activity at First Camp Norsjø, but there is also a swimming area, playground and mini golf. For our part, we took it easy.

Practical for washing after many weeks on a roll

We also took the opportunity to do some laundry. When you travel for a long time in a camper van, sometimes it's the most mundane things that feel the most luxurious. For us, this time it was the opportunity to run a couple of washing machines.

Maybe not the most spectacular camping experience – but very much appreciated when you've been on the road for a long time! The laundry room was fresh, the machines were good and everything worked smoothly.

Bistro at First Camp Norsjø

On our very last evening in Norway, we also treated ourselves to something we had been sparing with during the trip – a dinner out. We had almost no food left in the fridge, so it was perfect to eat at the campsite’s bistro.

The torrential rain when we went there, but it was really cozy to sit there under cover and be served by the super nice staff. Peter chose pizza and I chose a chicken wrap with sweet potato fries, and then we each had a beer. A very tasty and pleasant end to our Norway adventure!

Cottages and glamping at Norsjø

First Camp Norsjø also offers many different accommodation options for those who do not come with their own camper, caravan or tent. There are cabins in various sizes, including accommodation suitable for larger families and groups.

Among other things, we spotted a larger house located on a hill, with a nice view of the surroundings.

Glamping tent right on the water

The accommodations that particularly caught our attention, however, were the campsite's two glamping tents. The tents are wonderfully situated right on the water and are both charming and cozy.

If we were to treat ourselves to something extra on any occasion, we would love to spend a night in a glamping tent like this. So cosy!

Patmos Sculpture Park

Just a 10-minute walk from the campsite is the Patmos Sculpture Park. The park is located on a nice and green cape, with lovely views.

It is contemporary art that is displayed, and every year the park is inaugurated with new works. Even though there are not a lot of works of art, it is nice to take a walk here and check them out.

Fruit village in Telemark

First Camp Norsjø is located in an area called Fruktbygda, known for its fruit orchards and favorable climate. The campsite can therefore serve as a good starting point if you want to go on a little food and taste excursion in the surrounding area.

Our experience of First Camp Norsjø

We had a great time at First Camp Norsjø. For us, this was our last stop in Norway after a month of traveling, which meant we found it nice to relax and take advantage of facilities like laundry and bistro.

The most unique thing about the campsite is undoubtedly the cable park and the wakeboarders, and we will hardly forget our hours of continuous entertainment right next to the camper.

The campsite is perhaps best suited for families with children, teenagers or adventurous adults who want to test their skills on the water. But as I said, the campsite is also great for those who want to sit in a sun lounger and watch...

More campsites in Telemark

• First Camp Lunde – by the Telemark Canal
• First Camp Bø – a family campsite

The overnight stay at First Camp Norsjø was done in collaboration with First Camp. As usual, all views and opinions are our own.