Camping at Lake Garda - tips and recommendations

Italy has long been synonymous with more than just gelato, sea and the beach. Lake Garda proves that - fresh water and mountains paint a picturesque landscape of summit panorama, mountains and water sports and vacation feelings far away from classic beach vacations at the sea.

Here's what you need to know before planning your perfect camping vacation at Lake Garda!

Lake Garda is sure to satisfy every type of camper. Whether it's exercising on an active vacation hiking, biking, climbing or one of the countless water sports on offer such as swimming, sailing or windsurfing, or following in the footsteps of history and culture in the nearby historic cities of Verona, Sirmione or Bardolino.

The region around Lake Garda is famous for its olive groves and the production of high quality olive oil. There are many places around the lake where you can find the best olives and olive oil. Among others also in Bardolino. Once a year there is even an olive oil fair taking place here. The region is also known for its excellent cuisine and wine. In the many restaurants around the lake you can enjoy the local cuisine to the fullest.

Whether you are alone, with the family, children and dog or with friends, Lake Garda has something to offer for everyone!

Lake Garda has some beautiful sceneries to offer and it also depends on whether you prefer to relax on the beach and are looking for the most beautiful swimming spots around the lake or if exercising is the focus of your vacation and you long for challenging racing bike routes in the mountains.

In the southeast and southwest, the beach of Larzise and Jamaica Beach near Sirmione are among the most beautiful ones of all Lake Garda. While Jamaica Beach captivates with crystal clear turquoise water, characterized by its large flat stone slabs in the water, the beach of Larzise offers the best combination of relaxation and action, for example windsurfing.

The Isola di San Biagio, one of the five islands of Lake Garda is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway for two or a day in peace all by yourself. You can reach the western island by water cab or on foot at low tide. Here you can expect pure nature and dreamlike clear water.

If you feel like hiking, then the Punta Larici, located in the north and probably one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Lake Garda, is recommended. You can start the hike in the village of Pregasina, which you can reach by car. From there you can overcome the hike in about 2 hours, depending on how skilled and conditioned you are. The hike has an altitude difference of about 450 metres and is quite easy to hike, mainly through wooded areas, the last part is a bit more difficult to conquer, but the view is unbeatable, because you can expect the view of the entire Lake Garda.

The north of the lake is also particularly popular for its racing bike routes. From easy tours, which are suitable for all fitness levels, to difficult, for experienced road cyclists everything is offered.

If you feel like partying in the evening, Desenzano is the place to be, because here you will find several nightlife options and nightclubs, such as the Coco Beach Club.

The average water temperature in summer is about 20 to 23°C and the maximum temperature that can be reached in August is 27°C. In the winter months, the water temperature can drop to a minimum of 4°C. However, in spring the temperatures can be as low as 18 to 22°C and even in the fall months the water is still between 17 and 21°C warm. So there are pleasant bathing temperatures almost all year round and for the very brave even the whole year around.

The climate of Lake Garda is sub-Mediterranean. Winters are mild and summers can be very warm. The average temperature in winter is about 4.6°C, whereas in midsummer, in July, the warmest month of the year, the average temperature is just under 29°C. The climate is particularly mild in the south-western part of the lake, where you can enjoy warm bathing temperatures. In the north, on the other hand, the mountainous landscape brings fresh air and wind and therefore cooler water temperatures.

The costs for pitches around Lake Garda vary depending on the booked comfort, booking month and location. The summer months are always the most expensive, which is why a camping trip in the off-season, for example in April/May or September/October, is also worthwhile and the water temperatures are still very pleasant.

At the previously recommended campsites Camping San Francesco and Camping Piantelle, for example, in April the campsites with direct lake location cost about 30€/night for a family of three. Children under 6 can enter for free in some campsites. In high season, however, prices are about twice as much.

So what are you waiting for? Rent your camper now and take advantage of the pitch prices in the low season.

Cheaper pitches around Lake Garda start at about 18€. Here, however, less comfort should be expected. Depending on the season and equipment, deluxe pitches on Lake Garda can cost up to 150€. But this is in any case the exception and deviates from the camping standard.

One of the 5 star campsites on Lake Garda is the Campsite San Francesco, which leaves nothing to be desired. Children's hearts will beat faster when they see the pool area and the spray park where they can let off steam. If your child is 5 years and older, he/she is in the best hands in the mini club with a unique entertainment program for the little ones. While your kids are being entertained, you can of course also choose from a wide range of activities. If you feel active, there are numerous sports to choose from, including soccer, volleyball, tennis or golf, but also more relaxed activities such as water gymnastics or walks are offered. If you feel like going on a bike tour and you don't have your own bikes, you can rent them directly in the bike store of the campsite. There are also various tours offered, whether by bike or on foot, but of course you can also explore the area yourself and enjoy some peace an quiet.

On the campsite you will also find a restaurant, which offers you national but also international dishes, as well as a small market where you can go shopping. The campsite really leaves nothing to be desired. If you do not want to use the many offers of San Francesco, that's perfectly fine, because the most important thing when camping is still the campsite, isn't it? And that is simply unbeatable at San Francesco. You can stand in the first row in Desenzano or Sirmione, only about 80 metres from the lake shore. This location and proximity to nature is simply a dream, isn't it?

Another very popular campsite is the Camping Piantelle. Located in the south-west, this campground is quieter and hillier than the busy south-east side of Lake Garda. The campsite is located directly on the lake with a pebble beach and a jetty. Not far from the campsite you can reach the harbor of Moniga del Garda by foot. From the harbor you can enjoy a boat ride across Lake Garda or enjoy the culinary delights or a cool drink overlooking the beautiful lake in one of the bars and restaurants around the harbor.

Go for beautiful long walks around the lake, take a long walk to the large weekly market of nearby Desenzano. Once a month there is also an antique market waiting for you. If it's too far to walk for you, you can also take a boat from the port of Moniga del Garda to Desenzano. An excursion by boat closer to the peninsula of Sirmione is also a great idea! Although the campsite is a bit quieter than some others, you can still do a lot if you feel like it. But the campsite is also great to relax. In addition to the campsite's own restaurant, there is an entertainment program for the little ones, a super play area and other sports activities for young and old, as well as a pool and sauna. In addition, bicycles can be rented at the site, for children under six years even free of charge!

On the other side of the lake to the west near the town of Lazise is the beautiful campsite Plan Di Clodia. There's a lot offered to camping enthusiasts here as well: Especially with the sanitary facilities guests give highly satisfied reviews . On top you can even book a private bathroom for you and your family.

The leisure, children's and sports program is also hard to beat. Seven pool areas with adrenaline slides and many other surprises await you. Tennis, fitness studio, bicycle rental, trampoline park and many other action-packed experiences are also waiting for you. But also for those who want to spend their vacation in a more relaxed way, Camping Plan Di Clodia is the perfect destination. The pool areas offer not only space for action, but also a wellness and massage area and a sun deck to relax. But if you are on such a beautiful lake, you certainly don't want to just go swimming in the pool. The Plane Di Clodia campsite offers you direct access to the beautiful beach of the same name.

The historic center of Lazise is less than 3 kilometres from the campsite and is definitely worth a trip. Through the small, narrow streets, the wide, white-pink paved promenade Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and the harbor with its small colorful boats and the best fish restaurants you are given 100% Italian flair! Oh and on your way from the campsite to Lazise along the lake, there are even some more beautiful beaches waiting for you.

As you can see, Lake Garda is ideal for your camping vacation. Whether relaxed vacation or adventure, Lake Garda has something to offer for everyone. Whether family vacation, romantic vacation for two or even a completely individual vacation by yourself, Italian flair, best cuisine and beautiful nature - dolce vita is assured. Especially spring and autumn are great for a short vacation at Lake Garda, because you benefit from the cheaper pitch rental prices, but thanks to the mild climate in the area you can still benefit from pleasant

(water) temperatures.