Camping in the Dolomites: Best Campsites and Tips

Ready to connect with nature in one of Europe’s most iconic landscapes? This is everything you need to know about camping in the Dolomites!

The Dolomites are a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unbelievable places to visit in Europe. The iconic mountain range can be a dream destination for honeymooners, avid skiers, and international travelers.

From celebrated hotels to fairy tale chalets, the types of accommodation in the Dolomites can be on the fabulous end of the spectrum. However, the Dolomites are first and foremost a place of nature, so it’s only natural to wonder “Can you camp in the Dolomites?”

The answer is yes, certainly! Camping in the Dolomites can be for everyone and is unquestionably the most beautiful and unrefined way to experience the Dolomites.

Whether you’re opting for an easier way to enjoy the best hikes in the Dolomites or simply seeking to explore the Dolomites on a budget, you’ll find a campsite in the region to suit your needs. There is a good number of campgrounds in the Dolomites, all spread throughout the region and near a variety of main attractions.

When it comes to choosing where to camp in the Dolomites, we’ll show you the best ways to search for campgrounds in advance and provide a list of the best-rated campsites. From tent pitches and wild camping to recreational vehicles and camper vans, find out how you can make camping in the Dolomites a marvelous reality.

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Essentials for Camping in the Dolomites

🧳 If you’re flying to the Dolomites, you can select from a range of airports including Venice, Innsbruck and Munich.

🐻 Consider and be aware of the risks if you’re planning on wild camping in the Dolomites.

🚐 Bus travel is the cheapest way to get to the Dolomites without a car from a nearby major city or town.

🚘 You do not need an AWD/4WD capable car to drive around the Dolomites and can rent a cheaper compact vehicle instead. The roads are all paved and well maintained.

💻 During peak season, make reservations for campsites in the Dolomites online and ahead of time to ensure availability.

Camping in the Dolomites FAQs

When Is the Best Time for Dolomites Camping?

Naturally, you’ll want to plan a camping trip for a time when the weather will be nice. In general, you should aim for a camping trip between May – October for the best weather, especially if you are tent or car camping.

The nice thing about camping in the Dolomites is that you’ll never have to worry about scorching temperatures and baking inside your tent.

For the most part, summer weather is comfortable, breezy and perfect for being outdoors.

Unfortunately, you cannot always count for sun 100% of the time when visiting the Dolomites. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer time.

You should not expect to experience constant clear weather at any point during your camping trip. This means being prepared for the worst is the best defence. The months of July and August are the most dry but there’s still a possibility for a flash rainfall.

It’s critical to bring a good waterproof tent when camping in the Dolomites. These months also mean packed campgrounds and higher tariff pricing.

If you are well prepared with the correct gear and don’t mind a couple of days of drizzle, camping in May, June or September is best.

Campsites will often have discounted prices of up to 20-30% for these months compared to high season. With less crowds and just as enjoyable weather, camping in the Dolomites during this time is ideal.

Can You Wild Camp in the Dolomites?

Wild camping is defined as pitching a tent outside of a designated campground and in the “wild” instead. Legally and technically speaking, wild camping or free camping in the Dolomites is not allowed.

At your own risk and with the respect to the unspoken deal among other campers, it is still done in the Dolomites. Although it’s an option, it’s very important to remember that it is prohibited.

Below are things you should keep top of mind if you’re considering wild camping in the Dolomites.

• Safety: Bears, wolves and other animals are not incredibly uncommon to see in the Dolomites. Be on the lookout for signs of wildlife before pitching your tent.
• Discretion: Do not set up your tent until it’s dark and make sure you’re packed up by the time the sun comes up in the morning.
• Breaking the law: If caught, be aware of potential consequences. Always choose a wild camp spot away from areas where tourists gather and established campgrounds.
• Emergencies: Wild camping is often accepted in emergency situations where a designated campsite cannot be reached before dusk.
• Private property: Be mindful of where you choose to pitch a tent. It may not always be clear if it is private property or not. If private, the repercussions may be even worse than staying on government land.
• Fires: Refrain from making any fires as this is also illegal and will easily give your spot away to any law enforcement.
• Supplies: An experienced hiker and backpacker will know to be prepared with extra supplies such as water, dry food and shelter.

What Types of Campsites Are in the Dolomites?

As massive as the Dolomites region is, the selection of campsites can be slightly underwhelming. This is primarily due to campgrounds catering to many different types of camping at one location.

One of the most popular types of campsites in the Dolomites are full service and glamping campgrounds. Although car or tent camping is possible at a majority of the glamping sites, it’s not too usual to find a campground just for tents and backpackers.

Glampsites will often offer wooden tiny homes, yurts or even motorhomes for rent. This is perfect for travellers who do not have their own camping gear but still want to stay outdoors.

The standard of most European campsites is pretty consistent, particularly with Italian campsites. Camping establishments will include hot showers, free wifi, swimming pool, restaurants and even washing machines!

To say that camping is the most minimalist option, isn’t always correct. Most of the best campsites in the Dolomites will provide the same level of comfort as staying in a hotel.

If you are camping in the Dolomites with your own recreational vehicle (RV) or camper van, you’ll be able to find a handful of sites designated for your type of vehicle. These sites will have critical amenities for traveling by camper van such as electricity hookup, water refilling and dump stations.

Is Camping in the Dolomites Cheap?

When comparing camping prices to other types of accommodation in the Dolomites, then yes, camping is relatively inexpensive.

However, you’re still paying a premium for being in the Dolomites which means a standard campsite will cost more than it would in a lesser known mountain region.

It’s also helpful to understand how pricing works when it comes to European campsites. Tariffs will be listed in à la carte format, meaning there is usually no packaged or set price. For example, you’ll be charged anywhere from €10 – €20 per adult, plus another cost per tent.

On top of this, there could be a charge per vehicle. You’ll need to add up all the components of your stay in order to figure out your nightly price.

A nightly tariff for two adults, one car and one tent can range anywhere from €30 – €60 per night, mostly depending on the comfort level and location of the campground.

Where to Search for Campsites in the Dolomites Online?

To find the best campground suited for your type of camping trip, you’ll want to do some research beforehand. There are a few resources dedicated to finding campsites in Europe which we’ve included below.

Popular accommodation search engines such as Booking.com and Airbnb will have listings as well, but mostly for glamping stays.

• https://www.campingdirect.com/en/camping-alps-dolomites-lakes-area
• https://www.campingsuedtirol.com/en/camping.html
• https://www.camping-altoadige.it/en/camping-dolomites-italy.htm
• https://www.camping.info/
• https://stellplatz.info/

For the type of travellers who like to go straight to the source, searching Google Maps by area is one of the quickest ways to find a campsite. For finding reviews, locations and quick recaps on campgrounds, there really isn’t a more convenient way!

Map of the Best Campsites in the Dolomites

Recommended Campsites in the Dolomites

Camping Sass Dlacia

Location: 25 km west of Cortina d’Ampezzo and 8 km east of La Villa in Alta Badia
Highlights: Exquisite views and within walking distance to Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park.

Stellplatz zum Gletscherhans

Location: Val di Funes
Highlights: Beautiful views, family owned and one of the few established camper van areas in Val di Funes!

Camping Ansitz Wildberg

Location: Near Bruneck
Highlights: Farm animals (perfect for kids), clean and newly renovated facilities. 30 minute drive to Pragser Wildsee (Lago di Braies).

Camping Calfosch Almi

Location: Alta Badia
Highlights: Accepts all types of campers, grass lawn pitches and close proximity to hiking trails.

Camping Rocchetta

Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo
Highlights: Beautiful surroundings of meadows and mountain peaks. Trees for natural shade!

Camping Seiser Alm

Location: Seiser Alm
Highlights: Green acres for tent pitches, UNESCO Site views and mini A-frame huts.

Camping Catinaccio Rosengarten

Location: Vigo di Fassa
Highlights: Ready to rent furnished caravans and close location to town.

Camping Miravalle Val di Fassa

Location: Campitello di Fassa
Highlights: Brand new facilities, possibility or reserving private bathrooms and closely located to the center of town. Pet friendly too!

Camping Gamp

Location: Chiusa / Klausen
Highlights: Petting zoo for kids and a pool!

Camping Steiner

Location: 10 km south of Bolzano
Highlights: A fantastic pool great for families and pleasantly decorated spaces. Conveniently located near Bolzano and public transportation.

CAMPING AL PLAN

Location: Alta Badia
Highlights: Superior mountain views and competitive pricing.

camping olympia

Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo
Highlights: Riverfront location with green scenery and trees for shade. Close to bustling Cortina d’Ampezzo!

Camping Vidor

Location: Val di Fassa
Highlights: Packed with amenities and wonderful for families. Includes an onsite supermarket and water park.

Caravan Park Sexten

Location: Near Tre Cime (three peaks) and 12 km south of San Candido
Highlights: Pristine forest location near a creek with the comfort offerings of a hotel.

How to Visit the Dolomites

First, you’ll want to cover how you plan on getting to the Dolomites. Depending on your method of travelling, there are a number of ways to reach the Dolomites for your camping trip. Getting there can be accomplished in three major ways – by plane, car and bus or train.

By Plane

If you are departing an international location, a flight to the direct Dolomites area is not possible. Still, there are a few airport options in proximity to the region.

Flights into Venice tend to be the most frequent and efficient option, particularly if you’re headed to Cortina d’Ampezzo in the eastern Dolomites.

Other nearby airports worth considering are Innsbruck (Austria) and Munich (Germany) which are more convenient if you plan on staying in South Tyrol.

Flying to the Dolomites may mean you are travelling with your own gear for tent camping. If not, there are many sport and outdoor shops in the major towns of the Dolomites which provide rental equipment.

Additionally, campsites in the Dolomites offer “full service” packages meaning all of the camping equipment is included in your stay.

It’s recommended you inquire about these items before you arrive to ensure they’re reserved, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. An alternative to renting camping gear is to find campsites which offer “ready to use” motorhomes, caravans and small huts.

By Driving

As the most popular way of transport for people camping in the Dolomites, it’s by far the easiest. Major motorways are found along both the western and eastern side of the Dolomites.

The A22 on the west is a superior connection from Austria’s border to Northern Italy and is well maintained throughout its entirety. Following Google Maps for directions is foolproof.

The only thing you’ll need to be mindful of are tolls. Italy will have toll booths which accept credit cards and are very easy to use.

Do You Need a Car in the Dolomites?

If you are camping in the Dolomites, you do not need a car once you reach your campsite destination. Pitching a tent without a car is definitely achievable at most campgrounds in the Dolomites.

The only time you will want to consider using a car is to explore sites that are far from where you are staying. If you do not plan on traveling far from your campsite for hikes or other activities, a camping trip in the Dolomites without a car is feasible.

Train and Bus

Taking public transportation to the Dolomites is likely most appealing for backpackers, hikers or even students. Europe is well connected which makes getting to the Dolomites region by train almost completely doable.

The end leg of the destination to the heart of the Dolomites will be completed by bus.

For example, the OBB train operator from Austria will drop you off at Waidbruck – Lajen / Ponte Gardena – Laion which is on the west side of the mountain range and 14 km (9 mi) from the town of Ortisei.

On the eastern side of the Dolomites, the DB train operator coming from Germany will take you as close to Dobbiaco which is 22 km (14 mi) from Cortina d’Ampezzo. For both of these journeys, getting to the end destination is accomplished by a bus ride. 

Buses run frequently and efficiently to the towns of the Dolomites as it’s a popular way of transportation for both commuters and visitors.

More Dolomites Travel Posts:

• A Dolomites Winter Itinerary Without Skiing
• Driving in the Dolomites: Routes and Tips
• Best Places to Stay in the Dolomites

Travel Resources for Camping in the Dolomites

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator