Switzerland, camping paradise
Switzerland offers 350+ campsites in exceptional settings:
- Lakeside (Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano, Constance)
- Mountain (alpine valleys, refuges)
- Riverside
- Vineyards and countryside
Types of campsites
Classic camping
- Pitch for tent, caravan or motorhome
- Sanitary, showers, electricity
- 1–5 star categories: variable quality and services
- Present in all cantons, particularly in Valais, Ticino, Graubünden
Glamping
- Luxury outdoor lodging: safari tents, yurts, cabins
- CHF 80–300/night
- Spots like Camping Manor Farm (Interlaken), Camping Eienwäldli (Engelberg)
TCS campsites
22 TCS campsites of Swiss Touring Club:
- Consistent quality
- Preferential rates for TCS members
- Practical online bookings
Motorhome stopovers (Stellplatz)
- Short stays (1–3 nights)
- Water, drainage, possible electricity
- CHF 15–35/night
- Camperstop, Park4Night markers
Indicative prices (2026)
Classic camping
- Tent/caravan pitch: CHF 25–50/night (2 people)
- Motorhome pitch: CHF 35–65/night
- Mobile home rental: CHF 80–180/night
- Glamping: CHF 80–300/night
- High season (July-August): +20–40%
- Family (2 adults + 2 kids): CHF 50–100/night
Common surcharges
- Electricity: CHF 3–6/night
- Shower: usually included, sometimes paid
- WiFi: CHF 0–8/day
- Pets: CHF 3–8/night
- Tourist tax: CHF 1–4/person/night
Wild camping
Regulation
- Banned in protected areas (national parks, nature reserves)
- Tolerated on private land with owner's consent
- One-night bivouac: tolerated above forest line (mountaineering, hiking), not in forest
- Sanctions: fine CHF 50–500
Responsible bivouac practice
- Arrive late, leave early
- Leave no trace: no fire, pack out all waste
- Distance from trails and water points
- Prefer rocky terrain vs meadows
- Discretion: subtle tent, no noise
Useful apps
- Park4Night: official motorhome areas
- iOverlander: van/bivouac spots
- SwitzerlandMobility: trails and strategic points
Motorhome or van rental
Rental companies
- McRent Switzerland: leader, 8 stations, CHF 100–200/day
- Indie Campers: flexibility, modern app
- VanLife Switzerland, RoadSurfer: kitted-out vans
- Private via Yescapa, GoBoony, Camptoo: 20–40% cheaper
Categories
- Compact van (Berlingo, Trafic): 2 people, CHF 80–130/day
- Equipped van (California, Marco Polo): 2–4 people, CHF 120–200/day
- Coach-built motorhome: 4–6 people, CHF 150–250/day
- Premium integrated motorhome: 4–6 people, CHF 200–350/day
Rental tips
- Book early: 6–9 months for high season
- Licence: B permit enough for <3.5 tonnes
- Swiss vignette usually included
- Deposit: CHF 1,000–2,500
- Insurance: RC + casco + passenger included
Top campsites by region
Lake Geneva and Valais
- TCS Lausanne-Vidy: lakeside, metro nearby
- Camping Bouveret: Lake Geneva, beach
- Camping Verbier: alpine, winter ski
- Camping Saas-Almagell: high altitude
Lucerne and central Switzerland
- Camping Vitznau: Rigi view, lake
- TCS Sempach: family, beach
- Camping Eienwäldli (Engelberg): mountain, glamping
Graubünden and Engadin
- Camping Cavresc Pra Mont: Engadin, hiking
- TCS Davos: ski/hiking
- Camping Plauns (Pontresina): 5 stars, glacier view
Ticino
- Camping Campofelice: 5 stars, Lake Maggiore beach
- TCS Lugano-Muzzano: city and lake view
- Camping Tamaro Pini & Rosa: Lake Maggiore, palm trees
Eastern Switzerland and Constance
- Camping Buchhorn (Arbon): Lake Constance, beach
- Camping Au-Schachen: 10 min from St. Gallen
Jura and Three-Lakes
- Camping Avenches Plage: Lake Morat
- Camping Vue des Alpes: Neuchâtel Jura
Seasons and weather
Swiss camping by season
- May-June: best period, fewer crowds, often mild weather
- July-August: high season, book ahead, high prices
- September-October: excellent period, colourful landscapes
- Winter (Nov-March): limited, only ski (winter sites = rare)
Weather tips
- Alpine storms: frequent in summer, wait before mountain bivouac
- Altitude variability: 1,000m = 6°C less
- Wind: well-anchored tent, refuges if storm
Tips
- TCS member, Caravaning Switzerland: campsite discounts, advice, insurance
- Camping.ch app: search and book 1,200 campsites
- Park4Night app: essential for van/motorhome
- Book early for lakeside and Ticino (July-August)
- Bring essentials: food, warm clothing, lights
- Respect nature: no fire outside provided spots
- Vary: combine tents, lodges and different sites on long trips
