7 best campsites in Switzerland

When the weather is great, there’s really no better holiday than a camping trip. Thankfully, since Switzerland is blessed with tonnes of natural beauty in the form of lakes, rivers and mountains, the country provides a stunning base for campers, hikers and water sports enthusiasts. There are also plenty of great castles, historical sites and other Swiss cultural hotspots to explore from some of these campsites in Switzerland!

Camping in Switzerland

Since the weather in Switzerland is seasonal, most campsites in the country are not open all year round. Most sites open in the springtime, around late March or April, and stay open until around October or late September, when autumn rolls in.

Rules and regulations

Camping in Switzerland has different rules depending on where you are planning to stay. On different campsites, there are often regulations relating to tent and vehicle size as well as rules about noise levels and bathroom protocols. In order to make sure you have a pleasant camping trip, it is useful to check these rules and regulations in advance, especially as for some sites it is prohibited to camp in large groups, light fires or barbecues, or drink alcohol. 

Wild camping in Switzerland

Wild camping is not prohibited in Switzerland, but the exact laws vary between Swiss cantons, so it can often be easier to avoid legal matters by searching for an official campsite. That being said, keen wild campers that are able to look into local laws can enjoy wild camping in the right spots. All national parks and nature reserves forbid wild camping, but the cantons of Aargau and Obwalden permit temporary camping.

Glamping in Switzerland

Glamping - glamorous camping - is also popular in Switzerland. Though the travel trend has only caught on in recent years, Switzerland is perfectly suited to log cabins and fancy camping pods galore, so there are plenty of great spots to glamp, from the lakeside to the Swiss Alps!

Simply search for your desired criteria online - how many beds, what kind of facilities and where you are keen to visit, and there is sure to be something you love on offer in Switzerland.

Best campsites in Switzerland

If you're keen on camping the traditional way - with a good old tent and pegs - then there are also hundreds of great options for your camping trip in Switzerland. The country is overflowing with natural beauty spots, lakes, mountains and rivers, that have comfortable and well-equipped campsites nearby. 

Now that the summer is upon us, it’s a great time to dust your tent off and get out into nature! Here are some of the top-rated sites that campers in Switzerland absolutely love!

Camping on Lago Maggiore - Campofelice Camping Village

Lago Maggiore, or Lake Maggiore, is one of the most popular spots for camping in Switzerland. Set alongside the beautiful lake, many of the campsites here offer watersports activities, or are situated next to companies that do. Aside from the water, the surrounding hills and mountains make the Lago Maggiore region a stunning backdrop for a hiking or biking holiday, as well as providing visitors with stunning forests and nature spots that really give you a break from city living. 

A great lakeside campsite is Campofelice Camping Village. The site has activities for kids and adults alike such as kayaking, aerobics, climbing and dance classes. One of the best parts is that kids can stay here for free, meaning you have a little extra money to spend on some great food or activities.

Here you can also enjoy plenty of sports and wellness perks, such as the pool and wellness area, floating water park, two playgrounds, tennis courts, a soccer field, mini golf, beach volleyball and even a BMX track.

Camping in the Swiss mountains

The Swiss mountains are known for their wonderful ski resorts, but did you know that there are also many great places to camp within the mountains during the summer? These are a couple of the best campsites in the Swiss mountains!

Camping Pradafenz

In the winter, Camping Pradafenz is a popular spot for skiers heading to the local ski resort. In the summer, the site is a great place for a sunny holiday, high up in the mountains with plenty of bike trails and places to hike. For driving and motorbike enthusiasts, the local mountain passes are some of the most beautiful roads in the country, and the site makes a great base for those wanting to explore the region by car or motorbike.

Camping Jungfrau

With stunning views near the famous Jungfrau mountain, Camping Jungfrau offers visitors the opportunity to relax in the sunshine in the quiet of the Swiss countryside. The site offers spots for tents and caravans, and even has some small houses for guests to stay in if you’re looking for a more luxurious trip.

Camping Jungfrau is a great place for families and kids, and even has free fast internet for those who need to get a little work done outside working hours or just want to watch a film.

Camping on the Swiss lakes

Fancy a dip under the summer sun at a dazzling Swiss lake? These are some of the highest-rated lakeside campsites in Switzerland:

Camping Aaregg

Nestled away alongside the Brienzersee, Camping Aaregg is a great place for families to come together and spend time with one another during the summer. The stunning views of the dazzling blue lake and the green mountains are sure to help you relax, but if you’re looking for something a little more stimulating, Camping Aaregg can offer that too - since the site is lakeside, guests can enjoy the inflatable water park on Lake Brienz, and even pitch up right next to the lake if they wish. 

Camping Lugano Lake

For those fond of lakes, rivers and all things water, Camping Lugano Lake is the place to be! This great campsite in Ticino is set right alongside Lake Lugano and has its very own beach! The site has plenty of sports facilities such as volleyball courts and football pitches and there are some great excursions nearby including paragliding and watersports.

Campsites near Interlaken

Interlaken is one of the most famous holiday regions in Switzerland and is known for its stunning scenery and picturesque hiking spots. In the summer, the weather here can get lovely and warm, and the bright sun reflects along the dazzling blue lake, making the region perfect for some rest and relaxation on your holiday.

Manor Farm 

Another great lakeside campsite in Switzerland is Manor Farm. Located near Interlaken, this spot is known for its natural beauty and rugged landscape - every hiker, biker and climber’s dream! The site is equipped with a restaurant and is family-friendly, with the option to take pets too. The site has its own beach and a large field for playing sports such as football or baseball. There is also a water sports centre nearby. 

Camping Lazy Rancho

If you're looking to take your pets away with you, why not try Camping Lazy Rancho! This campsite offers everything anyone could want for a summer adventure. Set alongside the beautiful lakes and mountains of Interlaken, there’s plenty to see and do within just a short drive or walk. The site has great amenities such as a swimming pool, activities for children and an on-site convenience store.

Get your tent out!

Now that you’re inspired to try camping in Switzerland, it’s time to get your tent (or caravan!) out and enjoy the summer sunshine! Let us know in the comments below if you have more recommendations for great campsites in Switzerland!