The hype
Families adore the slide and playground, while couples are surprised by how romantic the high-end river cabins are.
Jølstraholmen Camping Og Hytter
$140-430/ night
Book this if You want the freedom of camping but the comfort of a heated floor—or you're a family who needs a water slide to survive the summer.
Why People Love It
- The natural river pool and water slide are legendary with kids
- River Suites offer legitimate luxury with floor-to-ceiling water views
- On-site grocery store and gas station make self-catering incredibly easy
Quick Take: A high-functioning hybrid between a roadside campsite and a boutique nature hotel, where the river noise mostly drowns out the highway.
Reviewed by @marlenejaas: I stayed in this river suite and honestly, the view blew me away. Waking up to the water rushing right past the glass wall was pure magic. It’s cozy, private, and totally worth the trip for a digital detox.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'camping' roots show in the cheaper units—expect hard mattresses and basic interiors unless you upgrade.
- You are driving the E39 and need a high-quality pit stop
- You have energetic kids who need to burn off steam
- You want to fish for trout directly from your cabin porch
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.6
- Housekeeping: Self-cleaning is common unless paid for; guests generally report cabins are handed over clean.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sanitary facilities (shared) are frequently praised as 'top-notch' and 'cleanest in Norway'. Private cabin bathrooms are modern and well-maintained.
- Maintenance: Grounds are impeccable; older cabins show some wear but are functional.
- Linens & towels: Rental linens are standard industrial white—clean but basic. Bring your own for comfort.
- Odors & scents: Fresh river air dominates; no reports of mustiness in renovated cabins.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rushing river water (constant, loud but pleasant)
- E39 highway traffic (intermittent)
Before you book
Good to know
- Reception is located inside the YX gas station/shop complex.
- The water slide uses river water—it is refreshing (read: cold).
- You can rent electric bikes and boats directly on site.
What to pack
- Bed linens and towels (to save the rental fee)
- Eye mask (Norwegian summer nights are bright)
- Swimsuit (for the slide or the wood-fired sauna)
Room Genie
Best picks
- River Suite 1 or 2 (detached, luxury, hammock, best views)
- Deluxe Riverside cabins (modern, folding glass doors opening to the water)
- The Lodge (great for larger groups/families)
Rooms to avoid
- Comfort Mini cabins (very small, bunk beds)
- Cabins closest to the gas station/road (noise issues)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a cabin as close to the riverbank as possible, specifically away from the E39 road noise. If a Deluxe Riverside unit is available, that is our preference.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a restaurant on site?
Yes, 'Restaurant Kraftverket' serves local food and is powered by the site's own hydro plant, but check hours as they vary by season (often weekend-only in shoulder seasons).
Do I have to pay for the water slide?
No, the water slide and natural pool are free for staying guests.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed in most cabins (except some suites) for an additional fee. You must request this in advance.
Is there a grocery store nearby?
Yes, there is a large grocery store (Spar/Coop) located directly on the premises, making self-catering extremely convenient.
How far is the ski center?
Jølster Skisenter is practically next door, just a few minutes' drive (approx. 800m) from the cabins.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, free WiFi is available throughout the property, though signal strength can vary in the furthest cabins.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book the private riverside sauna at sunset for the best experience.
- ✨
The 'interactive playground' has electronic games that wear kids out faster than regular swings.
- ✨
If the on-site restaurant is closed, the gas station actually has decent hot food (burgers/hot dogs) which is a local staple.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'natural pool' is literally a section of the river—it's fresh mountain water.
💡You are sleeping on a hydroelectric power source; the site generates its own green energy.
💡The location is a known trout fishing hotspot; you can often see fish jumping from your balcony.
💡It's a popular stop for motorcyclists riding the E39, so engines can rev in the morning.
💡The 'River Suites' have a separate bath house building for the toilet/shower in some configurations—check if you mind walking outside to pee.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Jølstraholmen Camping Og Hytter is located and what's nearby.