Best campsites in Germany

Still haven’t booked yourself a summer trip but yearning to get away? Look no further than Germany’s campsites! Camping has always been a popular holiday choice in the federal republic, and so a fantastic variety of campsites have sprung up to cater to people in tents, caravans and motorhomes. 

Camping info

First time camping in Germany? Here's some important information to bear in mind:

Tent camping in Germany

Camping is a popular pastime in Germany, with many people owning their own tents and camping gear. If you're looking to get your own tent to camp in Germany, you need to make note of the measurements so that you can make sure it will fit in your car or backpack. Each campsite has its own rules on what size tent you can use on certain pitches and whether or not electricity is available. 

Campsites in Germany are generally well-equipped with facilities like toilets, showers, and washing-up areas, and many also have their own on-site shops and restaurants and other leisure facilities like pools and kids' play areas.  

Wild camping in Germany

Wild camping in Germany is not allowed under German law and is strictly forbidden in national parks, nature reserves, protected areas and natural reservoirs. Thankfully though, there are plenty of small and quiet campsites where you can camp as if you were wild camping, simply on private land with the permission of the landowner. 

The same camping prohibitions apply to coastal areas in Germany such as beaches, or sand dunes. While some websites suggest that there are "grey areas" in legislation between federal states, if you break the wild camping laws in Germany, you could land yourself a hefty fine, so it's better to book at a recognised campsite to avoid having a very expensive holiday.

Campsites in Germany (Campingplätze Deutschland)

Campsites in Germany are often members of official organisations such as the Bundesverband der Campingwirtschaft in Deutschland (BVCD) or ACSI, where you can find helpful tips on camping on member sites, read reviews of campsites and even reserve camping places. You can also find campsites on large accommodation websites if you filter by "campsite". 

Caravan sites in Germany

Many caravan sites are also members of official organisations. On caravan club websites you can also find important information relating to facilities, caravan storage and information for motorhomes. 

Caravan sites in Germany can be quite popular during the summertime as tourists from neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands and Switzerland often drive through the country for their holidays. It's therefore a good idea to start looking for a site in advance to make sure there are good options for you.

Best camping sites in Germany

With something to offer for everyone, in every federal state, here is our pick of some of the best campsites Germany has to offer. 

Camping in Baden-Württemberg: Camping Kleinenzhof

Located in the Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg, the Camping Kleinenzhof campsite is the ideal spot for families, with a great range of activities on offer and even a small petting zoo! The campsite’s on-site restaurant offers guests traditional German food, freshly caught trout and the state’s well-known regional speciality: Black Forest Gateau! 

Camping in Bavaria: Campingplatz Demmelhof

Not only is Bavaria one of the best states to camp in thanks to its stunning geographical features such as mountains, lakes and national parks, but it is also home to one of the most popular campsites in the whole of Germany. The award-winning site is situated in an area with plenty of things to do locally, including watersports, a traditional German monastery and even skiing when the weather is cold!

Camping in Hamburg: KNAUS Campingpark

A campsite that’s great for those looking to explore some of Germany’s cities is KNAUS Campingpark Hamburg. The campsite lies just a few kilometres outside Hamburg and is conveniently located next to the A7 motorway for drivers. Public transport connections to the city are just a few minutes' walk from the campsite, making this great for campers who want the countryside within easy reach of the city, or just want to visit Hamburg on a budget. 

Camping in Brandenburg: Campsite Wusterhausen

For keen swimmers, Campsite Wusterhausen in Brandenburg has a lot to offer. Equipped with both a heated indoor swimming pool and a large lake outside, this site is every swimmer’s dream. Thanks to its location directly on the Klempowsee, the site also acts as a great base for those looking to hike and cycle through the local forests.

Camping in Berlin: Campingplatz Gatow

Though German cities are not usually common destinations for campers, Campingplatz Gatow, located around an hour on public transport from central Berlin, offers visitors the best of both rural and urban. Whilst being close enough to Berlin to explore the city, the campsite is located next to a lake with a small forest, giving the area a more rural feel. 

Camping in Lower Saxony: Camping am Waldbad

In Lower Saxony, Camping am Waldbad is the best spot for adventurers to get close to nature! The site offers guests plenty to keep themselves entertained with, including volleyball, table tennis and football facilities and a nearby municipal swimming pool as well. The local area also has many amenities and activities such as castles and monuments. 

Camping in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Wellness Camp Düne 6

Wellness Camp Düne 6 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is a specialised wellness-focused campsite, with a wellness centre, sauna and spa. The site is set in the perfect location next to the Baltic Sea, with specially designated beaches for naturists to enjoy, too!

Camping in North Rhine-Westphalia: Campsite Hof Biggen

Our pick for North Rhine Westphalia is a popular spot for families and children, thanks to the campsite's attention to the needs of little ones. Campsite Hof Biggen offers a range of activities and facilities for children of all ages, including a PlayStation room for teenagers! The site also organises fun activities such as group excursions in the daytime and campfires in the evenings. 

Camping in Bremen: Hansecamping

Situated close to the centre of Bremen, the Hansecamping campsite gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy everything the city has to offer during the day before whiling the evenings away in the great outdoors. Visitors to the city often enjoy spending time in the historic Schnoor district, where the streets resemble scenes from an old Christmas card!

Camping in Hesse: Nibelungen-Camping am Schwimmbad

Nibelungen-Camping am Schwimmbad, located in Hesse, is a popular campsite with retirees and couples, thanks to its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The local landscape provides the perfect place for cycling and walking, and the site is conveniently located next to the local municipal swimming pool too. 

Camping in Rhineland-Palatinate: Campsite Moselhöhe

Campsite Moselhöhe, located in Rhineland-Palatinate, is one of the best spots on this list for campers with dogs. While many campsites permit dogs on leads, Campsite Moselhöhe is an especially friendly site for pets, since it hosts animals of its own! Rabbits and chickens roam on the site, and there are plenty of great trails nearby for you to walk along with your dog!

Camping in Saarland: Camping Siersburg

In Saarland, Camping Siersburg offers an idyllic setting for those looking to relax during the summer. The site offers a number of rental apartments and caravans for those without a tent, while its riverside camping pitches give campers a truly relaxing experience. 

Camping in Saxony: Caravan Camping "Sächsische Schweiz"

In the heart of Germany's Saxon Switzerland region, Caravan Camping "Sächsische Schweiz" takes the crown as one of the best campsites in the country when it comes to hiking. The mountainous region of Saxony surrounding the site provides the perfect location for keen hikers and the site is also a favourite with those en route to Czechia. 

Camping in Saxony-Anhalt: Heide-Camp Schlaitz

Located on the banks of a reservoir in Saxony-Anhalt, Heide-Camp Schlaitz lets you get close to nature, while still being friendly for wheelchair users. Thanks to the fitting of ramps, lighter doors and paved pathways, this campsite is great for wheelchair users seeking a weekend in nature. 

Camping in Schleswig-Holstein: Rosenfelder Strand Ostsee Camping

Rosenfelder Strand Ostsee Camping in Schleswig-Holstein is perfect for those seeking a seaside holiday. With stunning beaches and tasty seafood on offer, this campsite is particularly popular with caravan tourers, en route to Scandinavia. 

Camping in Thuringia: Campsite Stausee Hohenfelden

Located on a lake in a small wood, Campsite Stausee Hohenfelden in Thuringia offers guests great opportunities to partake in watersports, boating and fishing. The lake has a small sandy beach and the site offers lots of activities just for children too. 

Get your tent out and get camping in Germany!

Freshly inspired and ready to go, it’s time to grab your camping gear and pack up your car! While these campsites are just some of the best sites that each federal state has to offer, there are still many other great campsites just waiting for you to discover them! Happy camping!