Camping Guide | Bayern

Bavaria, Germany's largest state by area, stretches from the Bavarian Forest in the east to the Alps in the south. Traveling by motorhome or caravan is incredibly easy, as Bavaria has an excellently developed motorway network. Coming from the north, it is best to reach Bavaria via the A7 or A9. From the west, the A3 leads directly into the region, while the A94 and A8 offer optimal connections from the east. Those arriving from the south use the A8 or A95. There are currently no toll fees on German motorways for passenger cars (as of 2024). However, the A9 is subject to tolls for trucks in certain sections. For rail travelers, Deutsche Bahn offers numerous connections to Bavaria. Munich Central Station is a central hub with direct connections to many German and European cities. From there, you can easily reach individual campsites and holiday resorts by regional trains. The Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) supplements the offer with regional routes. Note that train prices vary depending on the season and time of booking. Booking early can be worthwhile. Munich Airport (MUC) is Germany's second-largest airport and offers international connections. From the airport, you can reach Munich city center by S-Bahn (S1 and S8) in about 45 minutes. Alternatively, rental cars or buses are available to get to your camping destination. Getting around within Bavaria is easy by car, bicycle, or public transport. Many campsites are well-connected to the regional bus network. In the Bavarian Alps, it is recommended to use mountain railways to reach the peaks comfortably. For cyclists, there is a well-developed network of cycle paths leading through picturesque landscapes. Ferries operate on the larger lakes such as Lake Constance (Bodensee) and Lake Chiemsee. Specific arrival examples: From Munich: Many destinations in Bavaria are reachable in 1-2 hours, e.g., Lake Ammersee via the A96 or Lake Tegernsee via the A8. From Frankfurt: The drive to Würzburg takes about 2 hours via the A3. You can reach Nuremberg in approx. 2.5 hours. From Hamburg: Expect a driving time of 6-8 hours, depending on the destination. The A7 is the main artery heading south. From Vienna: Via the A8 and A94, you reach Passau in about 3 hours. Regensburg can be reached in approx. 4 hours. From Zurich: The drive to Lake Constance takes approx. 3 hours via the A96. You can reach Munich in about 4 hours. In Bavaria itself, camping away from designated campsites is generally not permitted. Therefore, inform yourself in advance about the applicable regulations and book your pitch in good time, especially during the high season. Many campsites offer online reservations.

Bavaria can be roughly divided into the following sub-regions, each with its own character and charm: Upper Bavaria (Oberbayern): This region is characterized by the Bavarian Alps, picturesque lakes, and traditional cities like Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Nature lovers, hikers, and winter sports enthusiasts feel particularly at home here. Popular spots include Lake Tegernsee, Lake Chiemsee, and the Berchtesgadener Land. Upper Bavaria is ideal for families wanting an active camping holiday. The campsites around the lakes offer numerous activities for children and teenagers. Lower Bavaria (Niederbayern): In eastern Bavaria, the Bavarian Forest extends, a wooded region with numerous hiking trails and mountain bike tracks. Passau, the city of three rivers, is a cultural highlight. Lower Bavaria is a paradise for those seeking peace and nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. The range of campsites extends from simple nature sites to comfortable facilities with pools and saunas. Swabia (Schwaben): This region in southwestern Bavaria is known for its Baroque churches, medieval towns, and proximity to the Alps. Augsburg, the Fugger city, is a must for culture lovers. Families feel at home in Legoland Germany. The campsites in Swabia are often family-friendly and provide a good starting point for excursions in the area. Franconia (Franken): In northern Bavaria, the Franconian vineyards, picturesque villages, and historic cities like Nuremberg and Würzburg stretch out. Franconia is a paradise for gourmets who appreciate regional cuisine and Franconian wine. The campsites in Franconia are often smaller and more family-run than in other regions of Bavaria. Here you can experience Franconian hospitality firsthand. Upper Palatinate (Oberpfalz): This region in eastern Bavaria is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and historic castles. Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is a cultural highlight. The Upper Palatinate is ideal for nature lovers and history buffs who want to travel off the beaten path. The campsites in the Upper Palatinate are often affordable and offer a good base for hiking and cycling tours. Within these regions, there are of course many other interesting places and areas to discover. Bavarian diversity is almost infinite. Whether you want to spend a relaxed camping holiday by the lake, plan a challenging hike in the Alps, or experience Bavarian culture and history – you are guaranteed to find the right offer in Bavaria.

The camping landscape in Bavaria is as diverse as the state itself. There are an estimated 500+ campsites, which vary greatly in size, facilities, and location. From luxurious resort sites with pools and entertainment to small, nature-oriented sites at the edge of the forest, there is something for every taste and budget. Many campsites in Bavaria are family-run and value a personal atmosphere. Large resort sites are mainly found in tourist hotspots like Lake Constance, Lake Chiemsee, and the Bavarian Alps. These sites often offer extensive infrastructure with swimming pools, restaurants, supermarkets, and animation programs for children. Small, nature-oriented sites are more likely to be found in the rural regions of Bavaria, such as the Bavarian Forest, the Upper Palatinate, or Franconia. These sites are often characterized by their peace and seclusion. Agriturismo/Farm camping is also popular in Bavaria. Many farms offer pitches for motorhomes and caravans. Here you can experience country life firsthand and buy regional products directly from the producer. Motorhome stopovers (Stellplätze) are widespread in Bavaria. Many municipalities offer special motorhome pitches, which are often equipped with electricity and water connections. Prices for a pitch vary depending on the season, location, and facilities of the campsite. In the high season (July/August), you should expect prices between 25 and 40 euros per night for a pitch for two people. In the low season (May/June and September/October), prices are often significantly cheaper. Then you can expect prices between 15 and 25 euros per night. Typical pitches in Bavaria are between 80 and 120 square meters. Many sites offer both shaded and sunny pitches. The infrastructure on the campsites is generally good. Sanitary facilities are usually clean and well-maintained. Many sites offer free Wi-Fi. The power supply is usually sufficient (6-16 amps). Especially in the high season, a reservation for the pitch is recommended, as the most popular campsites are often fully booked. Last-minute chances exist mainly in the low season or at less well-known campsites. Some sites also offer online reservations, which makes planning easier. Inform yourself in advance about the cancellation conditions of the respective campsite.

For a carefree camping holiday in Bavaria, it is important to know some practical information. Here is an overview of the most important aspects: Toll fees: There are currently no toll fees for cars and motorhomes under 7.5 tons on German motorways (as of 2024). However, the A9 is subject to tolls for trucks in sections. Inform yourself in advance about any changes to toll regulations. Gas stations: The network of gas stations in Bavaria is well-developed. Diesel prices in Germany are generally slightly higher than in some other European countries. Opening hours vary, but many gas stations are open around the clock or offer 24-hour self-service. Shopping: In Bavaria, there are a variety of supermarkets, including well-known chains like Lidl, Aldi, Edeka, and Rewe. Supermarket opening hours are usually Monday to Saturday from 7 or 8 am to 8 or 10 pm. Most supermarkets are closed on Sundays, with the exception of a few in tourist areas or at train stations and airports. Gas supply: German gas cylinders can be easily exchanged in Bavaria. Adapters are usually not required. Disposal: Many campsites offer disposal stations for chemical toilets and greywater. There are also disposal facilities at some motorway service areas and motorhome stopovers. The costs for disposal are usually included in the pitch price or charged separately. Mobile network: Network coverage in Bavaria is generally good, but there may be limitations in remote regions, especially in the mountains. Roaming charges do not apply within the EU. Inform yourself in advance about your mobile provider's roaming regulations. Medical care: Medical care in Bavaria is very good. There are doctors and pharmacies in almost every town and municipality. In an emergency, dial the emergency number 112. The nearest hospital is usually easily accessible. Rules: Camping away from designated campsites (wild camping) is fundamentally prohibited in Bavaria and can be punished with high fines. In some cities and municipalities, there are environmental zones that only vehicles with a green environmental badge may enter. Inform yourself in advance about the applicable regulations. Drinking water: Tap water in Bavaria is generally of very good quality and can be drunk without hesitation. There are drinking water fountains in many public places. Please note that the information in this section is general in nature and may change over time. Therefore, inform yourself in advance about the currently applicable regulations and conditions.

Off the beaten path, there are still many secret tips to discover in Bavaria that can make your camping holiday an unforgettable experience. Here are some insider tips: Low season advantages: The months of May/June and September/October are ideal for a camping holiday in Bavaria. The weather is often still pleasantly warm, the campsites are less crowded, and prices are cheaper. Furthermore, nature is particularly beautiful during these months. Less well-known places and beaches: Instead of the crowded beaches of Lake Chiemsee, you should visit Lake Simssee, which is only a few kilometers away. Here you will find quiet swimming spots and a relaxed atmosphere. Lake Staffelsee, south of Munich, is also a secret tip for nature lovers. It can be reached via the A95, Murnau exit. Local markets and direct sales: At the weekly markets in Bavaria, you can buy regional products directly from the producer. In many places, there are also farm shops where you can purchase fresh milk, eggs, cheese, and other specialties. A visit to the Viktualienmarkt in Munich is a must for foodies. Local festivals and events: Bavaria is known for its numerous festivals and events. Oktoberfest in Munich is the most famous, but smaller festivals like the Gäubodenfest in Straubing (August) or the Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg (December) are also worth a visit. Culinary tips: Be sure to try Bavarian classics like Weißwurst (white sausage), Brezen (pretzels), Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), and Leberkäse. Franconian cuisine also has a lot to offer, including Schäufele, Blaue Zipfel, and Franconian wine. In the beer gardens, you can enjoy Bavarian beer and hearty snacks. A visit to the Augustiner-Keller in Munich is a must for beer lovers. Locals' restaurants/bars: Avoid the touristy restaurants in the city center and instead look for places visited by locals. These are often found slightly outside the center or in smaller towns. Simply ask the locals for their favorite restaurants. Day trips that are worth it: A day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (driving time from Munich approx. 2 hours) is a must for fairytale fans. A visit to the city of Salzburg (driving time from Munich approx. 1.5 hours) is also worthwhile. For nature lovers, a hike through the Partnach Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (driving time from Munich approx. 1.5 hours) is recommended. Travel costs vary depending on the mode of transport and distance.