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Camping in South Tyrol - tips and recommendations for a trip through Italy's northernmost province

Lovely alpine pastures and rugged high mountains, idyllic mountain villages and stately castles, rustic farms and modern wineries – South Tyrol, a land of contrasts? No! The northernmost province of Italy proves that everything blends harmoniously in this unique landscape, that the three-thousand-metre peaks are naturally enthroned next to the wide valleys and that the climate changes naturally from Alpine to Mediterranean.

South Tyrol, Italy’s northernmost province, is politically part of the Trentino-South Tyrol region, which consists of the two autonomous provinces of Bolzano (South Tyrol) and Trento (Trentino). The correct name of the popular vacation region of South Tyrol is therefore: Autonomous Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol. In total, the country is divided into 14 regions and is home to eight cities. Below we present the province’s popular vacation regions in the order from the Austrian border in the east to the Swiss border in the west.

  • Valle Aurina
  • Dolomites
  • Valle Isarco and Wipptal
  • Capital Bolzano and surroundings
  • Merano and environs
  • Schnalstal Valley
  • Vinschgau Valley

If it’s your first trip to Italy with a camper, be sure to take a look at the most important traffic rules and all the information about the toll system.

Camping in the Ahrntal vacation region

Camping in South Tyrol Ahrntal
Glamping in Sand in Taufers: Active vacations, relaxation and wellness are possible at Såndgøld Alpine Glamping. © camping.info

The Tauferer Ahrntal, the northernmost side valley in South Tyrol, is considered a clean air region. Thanks to the high alpine location between 1,000 and 3,500 meters above sea level, more than 80 three-thousand-metre peaks and little car traffic, there is hardly any ozone, hardly any pollen and the pollutant content is far below the legally prescribed limits.

Camping at the Maurlechnhof, Luttach

With a wonderful view of the Ahrntal valley, surrounded by hiking trails and mountain bike trails and in winter just a ski run and toboggan run away – you can camp here at the Maurlechnhof in Lettach. The campsite offers 16 pitches with supply and disposal, modern sanitary facilities, a cozy café, wellness, campfire and barbecue area. There is also a playground and a petting zoo for children. Four-legged family members are also welcome. We have put together a guide to traveling with dogs in Italy for you in this article.

Såndgøld Alpine Glamping, Sand in Taufers

Breathtaking nature paired with luxurious camping: welcome to Såndgøld Alpine Glamping! The pitches around the natural pond are available in five categories and sizes, and electricity, fresh water and waste water are included on every pitch. The sanitary facilities are also in the “luxury” category: in the modern Greenhouse, the central meeting point, each bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet can be locked separately, and if you want even more privacy, there are also rentable bathrooms. Pets are also welcome here.

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Sights near the campsites – a top 3 selection
Taufers Castle
Mühlwald mountain valley
Reinbach waterfalls

Camping in the Dolomites

Camping in South Tyrol Dolomites
Camping at Lake Toblach – an eco-campsite with a special flair. © camping.info

The Dolomites mountain range is one of the main attractions for campers in South Tyrol, especially for mountaineers and hikers in the mild summer and ski fans in the snowy winter. The most famous mountains include the Catinaccio group, the Marmolada (also known as the “Queen of the Dolomites”) and the Piz Boè in the Sella group. At least as popular as a hiking destination is the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high Alpine pasture.

Camping Catinaccio Rosengarten

At an altitude of 1,320 meters, just 200 meters on foot from the center of Pozza di Fassa and a panorama that will put a smile on your face every morning: The Catinaccio Rosengarten campsite has been a family-run site for three generations and offers everything a camper’s heart desires. Modern and at the same time furnished in the typical local mountain style, this campsite combines tradition with hospitality and the wishes of campers today. Pets are also allowed, except in the rented apartments and caravans, and there is also a separate dog shower.

Camping Toblacher See

Pure nature experience! Embedded in the two South Tyrolean nature parks Three Peaks and Fanes-Sennes-Braies, the campsite operators have opted for the structure of an eco-campsite in order to make their contribution to this landscape worthy of protection. The site is laid out in terraces, so you have an incomparable view of Lake Toblach and the surrounding Dolomite peaks from (almost) every pitch. Modern sanitary facilities, dog showers and the option of renting a private bathroom also contribute to your well-being.

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Sights near the campsites – a top 3 selection
Fly-Line Catinaccio
Three Peaks Nature Park
Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park

Camping in the Eisack and Wipp Valley region

Camping in South Tyrol Eisack and Wipp Valley
The Lärchwiese nature campsite has space for more than 90 motorhomes and caravans. © camping.info

Picturesque villages and hiking trails, eye-catching castles, the small Fugger town of Sterzing in the heart of the Wipptal valley, summer retreats in the high mountains and a skiing paradise in winter: The Eisack and Wipptal Valley region has a lot in store for campers – and you almost always have the Alps in view.

Naturcamping Lärchwiese, Vals

At the campsite between Sterzing and Brixen in the Gitschberg area, you will find pitches for vans, motorhomes, caravans and tents. The two-and-a-half hectare site with a small stream and pond offers space for more than 90 motorhomes and caravans, all of which are equipped with electricity, fresh water, waste water connection and TV access, and a large number of the pitches also have a gas connection. There is also a playground and an indoor playroom for children. Dogs are allowed and should be kept on a lead on the site.

Camping site Löwenhof, Vahrn

The campsite at the adjacent Hotel Löwenhof with 65 pitches and five rental accommodations is surrounded by the picturesque mountain scenery of South Tyrol. As a camping guest, you can use the restaurant, pizzeria and wellness area, and there is also an outdoor pool and a playground for younger guests. If you would like to bring your pet, please ask the campsite in advance.

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Sights close to the campsites – a top 3 selection
Artists’ town of Klausen
Towns of Sterzing and Brixen
Rosskopf hiking and skiing area

Camping around the provincial capital of Bolzano

Camping in South Tyrol Bolzano
The Steiner Camping Park is located close to the cities of Bolzano and Merano and directly on an extensive cycling and hiking network. © camping.info

The southernmost region of the country ensures variety: the Alpine city of Bolzano with its diverse mix of languages, architectural styles, culture and cuisine is surrounded by varied nature with Alpine mountains, sub-Mediterranean landscape, rivers and castles as well as vineyards. By the way, did you know that there are also beautiful, romantic medieval villages in Italy?

Camping St. Josef on Lake Kaltern, Kaltern

On the shores of Lake Kaltern, southwest of Bolzano, the campsite is located between dense reeds and tall cypresses, close to the lakeshore, with a private beach, the Mendel Mountains behind it and a tent meadow especially for cyclists. The South Tyrolean Wine Road leads to the campsite, as do numerous cycling and hiking trails. You’ll be standing on well-kept outdoor grounds and can sample the culinary delights of this special region both in front of your motorhome and in the campsite’s own bistro and nearby restaurants. Dogs are also allowed on vacation here.

Steiner Camping Park, Laives

The family-run camping park is located close to the cities of Bolzano and Merano, as well as in the immediate vicinity of the diverse hiking and cycling network and mountain bike trails, nestled in the southern countryside. The site offers pitches as well as cozy rental bungalows and sleeping barrels. The parceled-out pitches for motorhomes and caravans of various sizes are equipped with electricity, and the site also has a modern sanitary building, an outdoor pool, a small indoor swimming pool, a pizzeria and a restaurant. If you are traveling with pets, please ask in advance.

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Sights near the campsites – a top 3 selection
Capital city of Bolzano
Ritten earth pyramids
Hiking destination Stoanerne Mandln

Camping in Merano and Environs

Camping in South Tyrol Merano and Environs
From the quietly situated Camping Tisens you can look out over the Alpine-Mediterranean landscape. © camping.info

The Merano region around the spa town with its varied landscapes is characterized by palm trees, vines, olive trees and cypresses thanks to the mild climate. As (almost) everywhere in South Tyrol, you can look out over the high mountains. The city of Merano is also worth a visit with its music, theater, exhibitions, racecourse – and Tyrolean customs combined with the Italian way of life.

Camping Tisens, Tisens/Lana

Relaxation and active vacation in an Alpine-Mediterranean landscape! The quietly located Tisens campsite offers everything you need: pools and swimming pool with a large sunbathing lawn, a large garden area, bar, restaurant and store, shady pitches and modern sanitary facilities – all with a panoramic view of the South Tyrolean mountains. Dogs are allowed and have their own dog shower.

Camping Völlan, Völlan/Lana

The unspoilt Völlan campsite is ideal for small to medium-sized campervans and motorhomes, which can be accommodated on comfort pitches of up to 90 square meters. The extensive infrastructure of the campsite also offers children’s play facilities, table tennis, a covered table football table and a mini-market with “everything you need for life”. The campsite is pet-friendly.

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Sights near the campsites – a top 3 selection
Mountains of the Texel Group
Gaulschlucht Lana
Parcines waterfall

Camping in the Schnalstal Valley region

Camping in South Tyrol Schnalstal Valley
Directly at the foot of the Schnalstal Glacier and surrounded by 125 three-thousand-meter peaks: Welcome to the Schnals Caravan Park. © camping.info

Where Meraner Land and Vinschgau join hands, the Schnalstal Valley branches off to the north and extends to the glaciers at the end of the valley, where Ötzi, the Iceman, walked thousands of years ago. The region is known for its villages with interesting names such as Kurzras, Unser Frau and Vernagt. At the end of the Schnalstal Valley is the ski area on the Schnalstal Glacier, to which you can take the glacier lifts.

Caravan Park Schnals

Camping in the Schnalstal Valley is rare, but the Schnals caravan park at the foot of the glacier is an ideal starting point for exploring the mountains and surrounding villages and is also one of the highest camper pitches in Europe. In winter, you are very close to the slopes on the glacier. The center of the mountain village of Kurzras is just a few minutes’ walk away. All pitches have electricity and are accessible 24 hours a day thanks to a barrier system. The main building of the pitch has barrier-free access, and there is also a separate bathroom with shower and WC in the sanitary area for guests with disabilities. Dogs are welcome and may stay overnight free of charge.

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Sights close to the pitch – a top 3 selection
Mountain villages of Kurzras, Unser Frau and Vernagt
Vernagt reservoir with high ropes course
Iceman Ötzi Peak viewing platform on the Val Senales Glacier

Camping in the Venosta Valley region

Camping in South Tyrol Venosta Valley
Camping Mals: terraced and the best starting point for an active vacation in South Tyrol. © camping.info

The region stretches for almost 80 kilometers from the Meraner Land to the Reschen Pass, with a varied landscape at its finest: orchards, apple orchards and apricot trees are juxtaposed with glaciers and rugged mountain peaks – or: they are united in the beautiful Vinschgau Valley.

Camping Mals

In a quiet location near Mals, the main town of the same name in the upper Vinschgau Valley, you will find almost 75 pitches on several terraces with a unique panoramic view of the glaciers of the Ortler group and the picturesque town of Glurns. For active holidaymakers, there are numerous offers in the surrounding area, such as cycling and hiking trails, a large leisure center with swimming pools, indoor tennis courts, bowling alleys and a wellness area. Whether you are traveling by tent, caravan or motorhome: You can leave your four-wheeler behind for excursions in the surrounding area, as you can reach numerous excursion destinations by bus and train from the nearby train station, or by bike. Dogs are welcome.

Camping by the lake

The campsite, which is open all year round – as is usual in South Tyrol due to the winter sports conditions – is located between Lake Haidensee and Lake Reschen with an unobstructed view of the mountain backdrop of Ortler, Königsspitze & Co. Bakers, stores and everything for daily needs are just a few minutes’ walk from the village. In front of the campsite there is also a separate parking space for an additional 15 motorhomes for a 24-hour stay. Pets are allowed, please ask about restrictions in advance.

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Sights near the campsites – a top 3 selection
Marienberg Benedictine Abbey
Stelvio National Park
South Tyrol’s smallest town Glorenza/Glurns

Listen to our route tip for Italy now:

Cover picture: © camping.info

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Katja Scholz

Freie Journalistin, freie Lektorin und freiheitsliebende Camperin. Als ausgebildete Technikjournalistin und Langzeitreisende kennt Katja Theorie und Praxis und erklärt unseren Leser:innen leicht verständlich die Welt der Technik im Wohnmobil und rund um den Wohnwagen. Mindestens genauso gerne aber schreibt sie über Produkte und Zubehör für das Camperleben und unterschiedliche Reiseziele – in ihrem Herzensland Norwegen sowie in Schweden, Finnland und Südfrankreich kennt sie sich dabei besonders gut aus.

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