Switzerland is known for its stunning mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and breathtaking landscapes, and there is no better way of experiencing it than by camping in Switzerland.
Camping in Switzerland is also a much more affordable way of seeing everything this incredible country has to offer, as it is a rather expensive place when it comes to accommodation.
Luckily, Switzerland is well equipped for campers with over 500 campsites to choose from, but not all of them were made equal.
Join me as I run through all the best campsites in Switzerland so that you can plan an awesome camping trip to this magical country.
Table of Contents
Best Campsites in Switzerland
TCS Camping Sempach
TCS Camping Sempach is a campsite on the shores of Lake Sempach in the heart of Switzerland and is not far from the delightful medieval city of Lucerne. Sure, it may be a place you have never heard of, but this lake is stunning and not far from quite a few top-notch attractions.
The comfortable campsite has beautiful views across the lake and into the mountains. It is open all year round and you can either bring your own tent/campervan or rent a tent, caravan, or mobile home.
The campsite also features modern sanitary facilities with hot showers, clean toilets, and laundry facilities. There is also a restaurant, a bar where you can relax and enjoy a drink, and a small shop selling basic necessities, plus delicious fresh bread and pastries in the morning.
The quiet location also has a private beach and offers lots of activities such as stand-up paddling, swimming, fishing, boating, and cycling.
There is a playground for children and a mini-golf course for all ages too plus hiking trails in the surrounding area.
Camping Arolla
Camping Arolla is a hidden gem located in the Val d’Hérens region of Switzerland. This campsite is ideal for nature lovers, as it sits in a valley in the heart of the Alps and is surrounded by stunning alpine landscapes. Arolla is one of my favorite places at the end of one of the lesser-known valleys in the Southern Swiss Alps. If you have never been, put it on your list!
The campsite is open from June to October and offers various accommodations, including chalets, tents, and caravans. You can also rent spacious pitches for your own tent/campervan if you are DIY camping.
The facilities on site are excellent with a restaurant, bar, and a shop that has all the basics you will need. You will also have access to hot showers, clean toilets, and you can do laundry there too.
The area is stunning to explore via the many hiking and mountain biking trails. Be sure to hike around the Glacier de la Gouille as the views are stunning. Exploring the charming alpine villages of Evolène and Les Haudères is also a must.
TCS Camping Genève-Vésenaz
TCS Camping Genève-Vésenaz sits just a 10-minute drive outside of the city of Geneva and on the stunning shores of Lake Geneva giving you beautiful views across the lake during your stay.
The campsite is open all year round and offers various rental accommodation options such as tents, caravans, and mobile homes plus you can get a pitch for your own tent/camper too.
The campsite has all the facilities you would expect including hot showers, bathrooms, laundry, a restaurant, bar, WiFi and a shop.
There is also a swimming pool in the form of a lakeside lido, a beach for swimming in the lake, you can rent boats, go fishing, play ping-pong, and there is a playground for kids.
There are some great hiking trails in the area and it is a wonderful campsite to explore the city of Geneva from too.
Whitepod, Monthey
Whitepod is not one of your usual campsites, in fact, it is more of an epic Swiss glamping establishment than anything else. I first went that about a decade ago for an anniversary and it was quite the experience.
Located in Monthey, perched on a mountainside looking across the Rhone Valley and across Lake Geneva, the views from this spot are outstandingly special.
You can not pitch a tent here, the accommodation comes in the form of luxury pods each with its own wood-burning stove, features a king-size bed, private bathroom, and a private terrace with stunning views.
You can stay at this glamping spot all year round and there are loads of activities in the area like hiking, mountain bikin, skiing, and more. The onsite restaurant serves up delicious local organic cuisine and the onsite spa will have you relaxing into oblivion.
If you are looking for some luxury camping in Switzerland, this is one of the best campsites to book.
Camping Jungfrau
Camping Jungfrau sits in the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley, also known as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls” (Although if I am honest with you, I have only ever seen 5 or so). You will be surrounded by epic mountain views and have easy access to all the wonders of the Jungfrau region.
This campsite only offers pitches which range from basic tent pitches to van parking spaces, all the way up to pitches for motorhomes. All the pitches come with electricity, WiFi, and wastewater connections plus access to hot showers, bathrooms, a community kitchen, and a common room.
It is the perfect campsite to explore the region from with numerous hiking and mountain biking trails plus lots of charming car-free alpine villages that are just a cable car ride away. Be sure to check out Jungfraujoch and hike around the valley to see all the wonderful waterfalls, such as Staubbach Falls & Trummelbach Falls. Also head up to the Schilthorn, which is just up the road, and head over to Grindelwald which has even more epic scenery and activities!
TCS Camping Bönigen Brienzersee
TCS Camping Bönigen Brienzersee sits on the shores of Lake Brienz just a short walk from the lovely town of Interlaken, which is the gateway to the beautiful Jungfrau region of Switzerland.
The views from the campsite are hard to beat as they stretch across Lake Brienz and into the surrounding mountains.
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At the campsite, you can spend time on the beach, swim in the lake, play tennis, use the swimming pool, and enjoy mini-golf, sauna, fitness center, rent boats, windsurf, and lots more.
Open throughout the whole year, it is the perfect base to go hiking, skiing, paragliding, whitewater rating, mountain biking, and lots more. Interlaken is known for its adventure sports after all.
The campsite offers a large range of accommodation options, including spacious pitches for tents and caravans, as well as fully equipped pods, bivouacs, and bungalows.
The facilities are also excellent with an onsite restaurant, shop, hot showers, laundry, and more. You also walk into Interlaken for dinner, shopping, and the fun nightlife on offer.
Campingplatz Gerbe
Campingplatz Gerbe also known as Erlebnisbauernhof & Camping Gerbe is one of the more unique campsites in Switzerland as it is on a working farm. It is also just below Mount Rigi and not too far from other mountains near Lucerne, as well as Zug and Lucerne itself. So, you are in the perfect spot for a great week away.
You will have the chance to experience Swiss farm life up close and help feed the animals, milk the cows, and collect eggs from the chickens. There is also a petting zoo on site, which is a great way for children to interact with farm animals.
The campsite offers spacious pitches for tents and caravans, as well as fully equipped mobile homes and cabins for rent.
The facilities at Erlebnisbauernhof & Camping Gerbe are excellent, with WiFi, modern bathrooms, and cooking areas. There is also a small shop on site that sells basic groceries, as well as a restaurant that serves delicious Swiss cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
There is plenty to do in the surrounding area such as hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. The region is known for its rolling hills and beautiful scenery, and there are many trails and paths that offer stunning views of the countryside.
You should also enjoy some cultural and historical attractions in the area, including the Emmental Cheese Museum.
Camping Mühleye Visp
Camping Mühleye Visp is in the town of Visp, at the head of the valley that leads to both Zermatt and Saas Fee. The campsite is situated in a quiet and peaceful valley, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and with the proximity of so many stunning resorts nearby, you can ask for much more.
It offers a range of pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, as well as full accommodation for rent. The facilities are great too with an onsite swimming pool plus a restaurant and small grocery shop as well as all the modern sanitary facilities you would expect.
The campsite also runs fun activities such as yoga lessons plus clubs and groups. Sitting in the center of town you also have easy access to the restaurants and nightlife of Visp.
The Valais region is known for its stunning natural beauty and there are many opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. The campsite is also located close to the Rhone River, which is a popular spot for fishing and whitewater rafting.
TSC Camping St. Moritz
TSC Camping St. Moritz is a popular campsite located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, just a short distance from the famous ski resort town of St. Moritz. This campsite is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, with snow-capped peaks and beautiful alpine lakes all around.
The campsite offers a range of pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, as well as fully equipped bungalows and mobile homes for rent. The bungalows and mobile homes are modern and well-maintained, with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
One of the main draws of this campsite is its location, which is ideal for skiing and other winter sports. The campsite is located just a short distance from the ski slopes of St. Moritz, and there are many other ski resorts in the surrounding area. In addition to skiing, there are many other outdoor activities to enjoy, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding.
During the summer months, TSC Camping St. Moritz is excellent for hiking and mountain biking. The surrounding mountains offer a range of trails for all levels of hikers and bikers, with stunning views at every turn.
Camping Fischers Fritz Zurich
Camping Fischers Fritz is a cozy campsite located just a few kilometers outside the vibrant city of Zurich and is on the shores of Lake Zurich too. This family-run campsite is situated in a quiet and peaceful area, surrounded by lush greenery, and has magical views across the lake.
One of the main draws of this campsite is its location, which is ideal for exploring the city of Zurich and the surrounding area.
Spend your days mixed up between the Old Town of Zurich, hiking in the surrounding forests and hills, and swimming or boating in the lake.
There is also the excellent Fischers Fritz bar and restaurant right on the lake which is a must for sunset drinks each evening and dinners/lunches. They are actually one of the best places to get fish and chips in Switzerland. Of course, it is not what any Aussie like me expects, but it is some of the best I have found in the country. The scene is also stunning!
Best Time To Go Camping in Switzerland
The best time to go camping in Switzerland is from May to October with June and September being the best months to be pitching a tent there.
June and September have the wonderful combination of excellent weather and fewer crowds as it is before the busiest months of July and August when all of Europe is on school holidays.
May and October are also lovely times to go camping in Switzerland but the weather is much less predictable.
Keep in mind that the summer months are also the busiest, so it’s essential to book your campsite in advance, especially if you plan to camp in July & August.
Essential Tips For Camping in Switzerland
- Be sure to pack warm clothes, even if you’re camping in the summer. The temperatures can drop quickly, especially at night and at higher altitudes
- Insect repellent is a must as there can be lots of mosquitoes during the summer
- Hiking shoes/boots and a rain jacket are a must, plus anything else you need for outdoor activities – swimming costumes, goggles, and sun cream should also be on your list
- Take a good quality tent and sleeping bag in case the weather changes, particularly important when camping in the Swiss Alps
- Follow the rules and be respectful of the environment, leave no trash behind, and stick to the campsite rules too as the Swiss take rules seriously and you will be called up on it if you break them
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Switzerland a great destination for camping?
Yes, Switzerland is a great destination for camping, how could it not be? Between the stunning mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests, it is literally a camper’s paradise. Plus with such camping infrastructure, it makes seeing the country through a tent door very easy and safe.
Is it expensive to go camping in Switzerland?
Switzerland is an expensive country generally and if you compare the cost of camping in other countries to camping in Switzerland, it will seem expensive.
However, camping in Switzerland is a lot more affordable than paying for accommodation, so you will get to see this amazing country on a much smaller budget by camping.
Is wild camping allowed in Switzerland?
There is no law against wild camping in Switzerland but the rules around it are determined by each canton. Therefore, wild camping is only permitted in designated areas and usually, this is above the tree line at high altitudes.
If you want to go wild camping, Aargau and Obwalden cantons are your best as they do allow some wild camping, but be sure to follow the rules.
