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Fans of Italy and Switzerland have long been familiar with Lake Maggiore. It is also becoming an increasingly popular destination for campers. Find out what there is to do and which campsites on Lake Maggiore we can recommend.
Camping Lago Maggiore right on the water, dog and child-friendly: these campsites in Lago Maggiore make it possible.Lake Maggiore, whose shores are marked by Switzerland and Italy, is a great holiday destination for those who long for relaxation and nature, as the high mountains, long shore and inviting waters of the lake have plenty to offer. Whether sports or culture, relaxation or action, there really is something for everyone here!
Camping on Lake Maggiore in Italy: Our Top 5 Campsites at Lake Maggiore directly on the waterfront
(Of course, there are also campsites on the Swiss side of the lake. But since these tend to be somewhat more expensive than the campsites on the Italian side, we focused on the latter).
Camping Lago Azzurro
If you find yourself in the southernmost part of the lake, near Castelletto sopra Ticino, you will find yourself in the shady, green pitches at the campsite Lago Azzurro. Here you can sleep right by the water, really let off steam with a game of tennis or football, or stock up your camper's kitchen in the campsite's own supermarket - or save yourself the shopping and pay a visit to the restaurant. In the doggy park, four-legged companions will also be happy, and the entertainment programme for children of different ages during the high season ensures that even younger campers won't get bored. By the way, the town of Arona is very close to the campsite and is a great place for a day trip.
Camping Village Conca d'Oro
The Camping Village Conca d'Oro, between Lago Maggiore and Lago di Mergozzo, is the ideal base for those who are drawn to the mountains. Here, too, you can look forward to shady pitches near the water as well as a restaurant, a café and the site's wine shop. For young guests, there is a playground and a weekly entertainment programme with activities to raise awareness of nature and the environment. From the campsite, you can reach a number of tranquil excursion destinations in a short time, such as Lake Locce or the Pizzo Pernice ridge. At the campsite's Info Point you can find out more about what there's to do in the area.
Campsite Riviera
Close to the border between Italy and Switzerland, not far from Connobio, you can stay at the campsite Riviera. With a view of the lake, protected by the shade provided by the numerous trees on the campsite, surrounded by Mediterranean plants such as camellias and azaleas, it's a great place to have breakfast or catch your breath before the next activity. Near the campsite, you can rent pedal boats and sailing boats, among other things.
Camping Tranquilla
Do you want to be away from the hustle and bustle right by the water, and don't mind a campsite a little higher up on a mountain? Then the campsite Tranquilla in Baveno, a small community between Lake Maggiore and the mountains, might be something for you. As the name Tranquilla promises, you can enjoy your holiday and the view of the lake from above. And just in case your campsite guests feel like cooling off right in front of the campsite entrance, the operators have also taken care of this - two pools, one with a water height of 30-60 centimetres is also suitable for children, provide a remedy. Apart from that, you will also find a playground and a bar at the campsite.
Lago Camp
Campsites have not only set up along the southern and western shores, you can also spend your holiday on the eastern shore - perhaps at the family-run campsite Lago Camp. Here, you won't have to go far to get to the beach and the water of Lake Maggiore, and the canoe and SUP hire directly at the site is particularly practical. Children don't miss out either thanks to the two playgrounds, a playroom and the animation programme. Especially cool: From 08-22 May, you don't have to pay anything for (your own) children up to the age of 12. The campsite is also very dog-friendly and offers you (or your dog) a dog shower with hairdryer and a dog beach. From 09-23 October, your dog is also allowed to come along free of charge. For your activities, the campsite will provide you with tips for the lake and its surroundings.
Architecture lovers and botanists can expect some highlights around Lake Maggiore. At the top of the list of Lake Maggiore villas is Villa Taranto in Verbania. Although it can unfortunately only be viewed from the outside, you should still put it on your list because of its extensive botanical gardens if you are enthusiastic about plants and relaxing days in the green. There is even an artificial valley with a stone bridge inside the complex! The Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella is also a popular destination in the area. That's no surprise as both the outdoor gardens and the elaborately designed interior halls of the palazzo are really worth seeing. During your visit, you should definitely pay a visit to the man-made grottos.
Hiking on Lake Maggiore
Especially in the north, Lake Maggiore is surrounded by high mountains. A good reason to pack your hiking boots in the camper and venture out on one of the many hiking routes around the lakeshore! You will be rewarded for your efforts with a mountain panorama and a view of the lake from above. Where there are hiking trails, there are (usually) also biking trails and mountain bike routes. Here, you are spoilt for choice with a wide variety of cycle paths that take you either around the lake or partly into the surrounding mountain landscapes.
Water Sports
Camping holidays at the lake: It's only natural to want to put your feet in the water or do a few long laps in the cool water. Fortunately, Lake Maggiore not only looks pretty, its water is also ideal for a wide variety of sporting activities. Besides swimming & the admittedly less sporty sunbathing on the beach, people are passionate about sailing, canoeing or kayaking on Lake Maggiore all year round. In contrast to the lake, the nearby Ossola valleys are characterised by wild torrents, perfect for an adventurous rafting tour.
The waters of Lake Maggiore are dotted with several islands. So if you get bored with the mainland, pay a visit to Isola Bella to see the palazzo and terraced gardens, or marvel at the incredible variety of plants on Isola Madre and maybe even meet a white peacock. Further north, off the Swiss part of the lake, the island of San Pancrazio awaits your visit.
Dinner in one of the villages around the lake
You don't want to miss out on a restaurant or two while camping? You don't have to, because in the small villages and communities around the lake you can enjoy Italian cuisine and a fabulous view over the lake. In Cannobio, medieval alleyways and many different restaurants and bars await you, while a stroll along the beach in Stresa gives you the chance to admire the town's old Art Nouveau hotels, and in Locarno, thanks to the pretty old town and the Cestello Visconteo, you get more than just good food.
Whether with the whole family, with your best friends or travelling solo, you will certainly not get bored between mountains, lakes and villages where you can get a taste of the Italian dolce vita. We hope that one or two of these tips will help you plan your holiday and look forward to welcoming you at one of our locations. Adventures ahead & have a good trip!
