Lake Garda has been on my travel radar for ages, and visiting this summer felt like a dream come true. It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular spot for families and couples alike. The sheer variety of campsites available is astounding, catering to every possible preference, from lively water parks to more serene retreats. We decided to focus our visit on the Lombardy region, and it did not disappoint, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, activities, and a touch of luxury. It’s truly Italy’s largest lake, and exploring its shores offered endless discoveries.
Finding the Perfect Lakeside Campsite
When planning our trip, the biggest decision was choosing the right campsite. The sheer number of options around Lake Garda can be overwhelming. We found that many of the campsites are geared towards families, with extensive entertainment programs and facilities designed to keep children of all ages engaged. Whether you’re looking for a site with thrilling water slides, a dedicated space for teenagers, or simply a peaceful spot to pitch a tent, there’s something here for everyone. Some sites are quite large and offer a resort-like feel, while others are smaller and more intimate.
We explored options across various parts of the lake, from the popular eastern bank to the quieter western shores. The source we consulted highlighted places like Peschiera, Lazise, Desenzano, and Garda itself, giving a good overview of what each area offers. We were looking for campsites that consistently received high marks on review platforms, and the ones we discovered didn’t disappoint, featuring everything from 5-star resorts with water parks to more laid-back, smaller-scale options.
Top Picks for Camping Adventures
Camping Bella Italia
Camping Bella Italia in Peschiera del Garda truly lives up to its name, offering a water paradise that delighted our whole family. This 5-star glamping site is a standout choice for a family getaway, featuring a fantastic water park with numerous slides and children’s pools. The constant entertainment program ensured there was never a dull moment, and the variety of restaurants meant we always had delicious Italian food at our fingertips.
Accommodations range from luxury lodge tents and hotel suites to more traditional bungalows, mobile homes, and camping pitches. We also appreciated having a private pebble beach nearby. The town of Peschiera itself is charming, with shops just a short distance away, making it easy to stock up on essentials.
Camping Village Weekend
Describing Camping Village Weekend in San Felice del Benaco as a showpiece for Lake Garda is no exaggeration. This glamping destination is exceptionally beautiful and offers diverse lodging options. It’s recognized by the ANWB, which speaks to its quality. The swimming paradise here is spectacular, complete with a separate paddling pool and slides that kept Lily and Ethan entertained for hours. My husband Michael even found time to relax in the whirlpool.
Beyond the water fun, there’s an engaging entertainment program for the kids. The nearest beach is only about 400 meters away, perfect for a leisurely stroll. We also learned about exciting excursion possibilities, like attending an opera in Verona or enjoying a wine tasting – although we opted for a more relaxed pace this time.
Camping Piantelle
Located on the southwestern shore in Moniga del Garda, Camping Piantelle is another gem. It’s an ideal family site with a lovely pool, a solid entertainment schedule, and free Wi-Fi. We chose a mobile home, which was comfortable and well-equipped. The on-site restaurant served some of the most authentic local specialties, including incredible handmade pizza and regional wines.
A unique feature here is Tom, the resident dog, who apparently gives a warm welcome to all visiting canine companions. It’s these little touches that make a campsite feel truly special and welcoming.
Camp Fornella
Camp Fornella, also situated in San Felice del Benaco, is a family-run business where hospitality and relaxation are clearly the top priorities. It’s a great base for visiting Gardaland, which we considered for a day trip. The children’s entertainment program here is varied, and they even have bathrooms specifically designed for younger guests, which is a thoughtful touch when traveling with little ones.
Enjoying a gelato from the campsite or planning an outing to a local attraction makes for a perfect Italian holiday. The attention to detail for families is evident throughout the park.
Camping Piani di Clodia
On the southeastern side of the lake, Camping Piani di Clodia stands out as a large and luxurious destination. It’s incredibly well-equipped, boasting a spectacular swimming pool with multiple slides that had the kids in their element. Evenings often featured disco nights, adding to the lively atmosphere.
For those who enjoy staying active, there are options for table tennis, a fitness room, and an adult-focused entertainment program. The campsite is meticulously maintained and secured, with illuminated paths ensuring safety day and night, making it a top choice for families and teenagers alike.
Butterfly Camp
If you’re seeking a bit more tranquility without sacrificing amenities, Butterfly Camp, located near Peschiera, is an excellent choice. It’s just a five-minute walk to the pebble beach of Pioppi. The campsite features a beautiful swimming pool, a safe children’s pool with a slide, and ample space to relax. While it emphasizes peace, there’s still a good entertainment program for children and Wi-Fi available so no one gets bored.
Campeggio del Garda
Campeggio del Garda in Peschiera is wonderfully situated directly on the lake. Since 2015, it has seen significant upgrades, including new swimming pools and a sun terrace. Waking up to views of Lake Garda and having easy access to water sports was a highlight. The on-site restaurant offers delicious Italian meals, and the dedicated entertainment team does a fantastic job of keeping the children happy while the adults unwind. The evening entertainment, known as Late Night shows, brought everyone together.
Camping Baia Verde
Camping Baia Verde, in Manerba del Garda on the western bank, offers a luxurious glamping experience. We looked at their mobile homes with verandas, which promised a really comfortable stay. The site is well-equipped with shops and restaurants, meaning you hardly need to leave the premises for conveniences. The surrounding area also offers plenty to explore, making it a great launchpad for local adventures.
Campsite Du Parc
A ten-minute walk from the charming town of Lazise leads you to Campsite Du Parc. This site boasts its own private beach on Lake Garda and features heated swimming pools with slides and a separate children’s pool. The grounds are incredibly green and beautifully decorated, creating a serene atmosphere. With a full range of amenities including a restaurant, snack bar, and entertainment team, it’s a complete package. Nearby, Aquapark Canevaworld and Gardaland offer thrilling day trips.
Camp Lido
Camp Lido is a medium-sized family campsite on the southeastern side of Lake Garda, distinguished by its impressive water park. It includes slides, waterfalls, and various water games, making it a safe and fun environment for children. The entertainment program caters to both adults and kids, with evening activities and sports on offer. Dogs are welcome here, which was a plus for some families we met. We considered a mobile home, but opted for a spacious camping pitch with some shade.
Eden Campsite
For those who appreciate stunning views, Eden Campsite is a must-see. This terraced site offers breathtaking panoramas of Lake Garda. We stayed in a mobile home, but they also offer tents. The terraced pitches are carved into the hillsides, and other sections offer level ground and spacious spots. It’s a beautifully situated campsite that doesn’t feel overly large. It has a private beach, a pool with three water slides, and a children’s pool. The animation team during summer months kept Lily and Ethan entertained, and the playground was a hit. For adults, there are fitness facilities, a golf course, and other sports fields. The on-site restaurant, bar, and grocery store add to the convenience.
Campsite La Rocca
Campsite La Rocca is another beautiful site right on Lake Garda, known for its green, terraced landscape dotted with olive trees. We were looking at their luxury mobile homes and safari tents. Beyond the accommodations, the site offers significant camping space for tents and RVs. It’s a great option for couples or families, and pets are partially allowed. The campsite has a supermarket, Wi-Fi (for a fee), an outdoor pool with a children’s pool and jacuzzi, and two restaurants.
The little ones had plenty to do with the entertainment program, baby club, and playground. It offers a lovely balance of activities and relaxation within a picturesque setting.
Campsite Belvedere
In the charming village of Lazise, Campsite Belvedere provides a more tranquil, small-scale camping experience suitable for all ages. The pools here come with three slides, and in 2017, they added new private bathrooms and toilet facilities, enhancing comfort. Guests can choose from mobile homes, bungalows, or pitches. What we found particularly helpful is that the reception staff speak Dutch, Italian, and English, which simplifies communication. The village of Lazise itself is worth exploring, with its historic ring wall, castle, and a pleasant boulevard along the lake.
Campsite San Francesco
Camping San Francesco, located in Desenzano del Garda on the south side of the lake, is nestled within a pine forest and borders a private beach. It’s a place where you can truly recharge. This campsite is well-integrated into the local tourism scene, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops nearby. It features two swimming pools of varying depths, accessible for disabled visitors, and a pleasant sun terrace. Accommodation options include mobile homes, luxury lodge tents, and pitches.
Campsite San Giorgio Vacanze
For those prioritizing a quiet and small-scale experience, Camping San Giorgio Vacanze in Manerba del Garda is an exceptional find. It’s genuinely one of the smallest campsites on the lake, with a capacity of only around 400 guests. Despite its intimate size, it offers wonderful family-friendly facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace, and a playground. It’s located right on the lakefront.
The mini-market and the restaurant/pizzeria are open daily during the summer. Even with its limited size, it offers amenities like billiards, computer games, mini-golf, and boules. The nearby pebble beach, restaurants, and shops provide everything you might need.
Lake Garda Travel Tips
Can I bring my dog
Yes, many campsites around Lake Garda are pet-friendly. It’s always best to confirm directly with your chosen campsite before booking to ensure they can accommodate your pet.
While we didn’t bring our dog, I noticed many families with their furry friends, and they seemed very welcomed.
Which side of Lake Garda is best
The ‘best’ side really depends on your preferences. The northern part is more mountainous and often considered quieter, while the southern and southeastern shores tend to be more tourist-heavy with larger campsites and more amenities. Wherever you choose, the scenery is beautiful.
We found the southeastern part to be quite lively, offering a great mix of activities and access to popular attractions.
What is the best route
The route to Lake Garda depends on your starting point and preference for scenic drives. You can go through Switzerland or Austria. Both routes can have busy tunnels (Gotthard, Fern Pass, Brenner Pass) during peak season, so prepare for potential delays.
We chose the Austrian route for our journey in 2026, and it was straightforward, though toll costs are a factor to consider.
What is there for children
Lake Garda is incredibly family-friendly. Children can quickly make friends, often with families from similar backgrounds. There’s a huge range of activities: water sports, mountain biking, exploring charming towns, enjoying gelato, and visiting major attractions like Gardaland theme park. Day trips to Verona or even Venice are possible.
Lily and Ethan spent most of their time at the campsite pools and playgrounds, but the idea of a boat trip was also very appealing.
What is the climate like
Lake Garda enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Spring arrives early, and the weather is generally pleasant from May through September. The lake itself moderates the temperature, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
We visited in late May and experienced perfect weather, warm enough for swimming but not overwhelmingly hot.
How much is the toll
Toll costs can add up. Via Switzerland, you’ll need an annual vignette. Via Austria, you usually need two 10-day vignettes. Italian highways also have tolls. Expect to pay between €50-€60 for a round trip, depending on your route and how much you use the Italian autostradas.
Do I need a swimming cap
The requirement for swimming caps in pools has become less strict at many campsites on Lake Garda. It’s always a good idea to check the specific campsite’s booking page for the most current rules.
Thankfully, our chosen site did not require them, which made getting in and out of the water much easier for the kids.
What is the largest campsite
Camping Bella Italia near Peschiera is often cited as the largest and most popular campsite on Lake Garda. It’s a huge 5-star resort with an extensive water park, a packed entertainment schedule, and multiple dining options, making it a top choice for families seeking a full-service experience.
This area truly offers a memorable holiday experience, filled with beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation for everyone.