Camping Guide | Piemont

Piedmont, nestled in northwestern Italy, borders France and Switzerland. The region stretches from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the fertile plains of the Po Valley. The capital, Turin, is centrally located in the region and serves as an ideal starting point for exploration. Various routes are available for arrival by car. From Munich, you can reach Piedmont via the A9 towards Brenner and then via the A4/E70 to Turin. Plan for about 6.5 hours for the approximately 600-kilometer route. Those starting from Frankfurt take the A5 and A2 via Basel and then the A26 to Turin. The journey takes about 8 hours and covers approximately 750 kilometers. Coming from Hamburg, the route leads via the A7 and A5 through Germany and Switzerland. This route, at around 1200 kilometers and a driving time of about 12 hours, is the longest. Be aware of toll fees in Austria and Switzerland. As an alternative to traveling by car, you can also use the train. Turin is well-connected to the European rail network. From Munich, there are direct connections that take about 8-9 hours. From Frankfurt and Hamburg, you should expect transfers, and the travel time is correspondingly longer. For air travelers, Turin (TRN) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) airports are available. From both airports, there are regular bus and train connections to Turin and other cities in Piedmont. The journey from Turin airport to the city center takes about 30 minutes, and from Milan Malpensa about 1.5 hours. Locally, the best way to get around is by car or train. Regional trains connect the larger towns, while a car allows you the flexibility to explore remote regions and campsites. Bicycles are also a great option for exploring the rolling hills and vineyards.

Piedmont can be roughly divided into different sub-regions, each with its own character and charm. The area around Turin, the vibrant capital, offers a mix of urban flair and cultural attractions. Here you will find numerous museums, historical buildings, and of course, the famous Mole Antonelliana. The Langhe, south of Turin, is the heart of Piedmontese viticulture. Here, rolling hills line up, covered with vineyards where the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines thrive. Places like Alba, known for its truffle markets, and Barolo invite you to culinary discoveries and wine tastings. The Langhe is ideal for couples and connoisseurs seeking the peace and beauty of the landscape. Monferrato, east of the Langhe, is also known for its viticulture, but also for its picturesque villages and castles. Casale Monferrato, a historic town on the Po, and Asti, famous for its Spumante, are worthwhile excursion destinations. Monferrato is slightly less touristy than the Langhe and offers an authentic Piedmontese experience. The region around Lake Maggiore, in northern Piedmont, attracts visitors with its unique landscape of mountains and lakes. Stresa, Verbania, and Arona are popular holiday resorts with magnificent villas and gardens. Here, visitors can take boat trips, hike, or simply enjoy the view. Lake Maggiore is particularly popular with families and nature lovers. For active vacationers, the Aosta Valley, which borders Piedmont, is a great option. Here rise the highest mountains in Italy, including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. In summer, numerous hiking trails and mountain bike routes invite exploration, while in winter, the ski areas beckon with perfect slopes. The Aosta Valley is a paradise for athletes and adventurers.

The camping landscape in Piedmont is diverse and offers something for every taste. In total, there are about 200 campsites in the region, many of which are family-run and offer personal service. You will find large resort sites with pools, animation, and extensive leisure facilities, as well as small, nature-oriented campsites located in the middle of vineyards or on the shores of a lake. Agriturismo farms are also particularly popular, offering pitches for motorhomes and tents alongside their agricultural activities. Here you can buy regional products directly from the producer and get to know authentic Piedmontese country life. Price ranges for a pitch vary depending on the season, location, and facilities. In high season (July/August), you should expect prices between 25 and 40 euros per night for a pitch. In the low season (May/June and September/October), prices are often significantly cheaper, ranging between 15 and 25 euros per night. The size of the pitches also varies. On larger campsites, the plots are often parceled out and offer sufficient space for motorhomes, caravans, and tents. Smaller campsites often have natural pitches that offer slightly less comfort but more privacy. In terms of infrastructure, most campsites in Piedmont offer a good standard. Sanitary facilities are generally clean and well-maintained. Many sites have Wi-Fi, although the quality can vary depending on the location. Electricity connections are standard, though the amperage can differ from site to site. Reservations are recommended, especially in high season, as the most popular campsites are often fully booked. For the low season, there are often last-minute offers. Some campsites also offer long-term camping. The campsites in Piedmont are an ideal starting point for exploring the region. Whether you want to discover the vineyards of the Langhe, the lakes in the north, or the mountains in the west, you are sure to find the right campsite for your holiday.

For a relaxed camping trip to Piedmont, you should keep some practical information in mind. Tolls apply on Italian motorways. The amount of the fees depends on the distance driven and the type of vehicle. For the route from the Swiss border to Turin, you should expect about 10-15 euros in tolls. Payment is made at the toll stations either in cash or by credit card. A Telepass toll box can make passage easier. Diesel prices in Italy are slightly higher than in Germany. Expect about 1.70 to 1.90 euros per liter of diesel. Most gas stations have long opening hours, and many are also open on Sundays. For shopping, you will find a large selection of supermarkets in Piedmont, including well-known chains like Lidl, Eurospar, and Conad. Supermarkets are generally open from Monday to Saturday, some also on Sunday mornings. At the weekly markets in the towns and villages, you can buy fresh regional products. Gas supply can be a bit problematic for foreign campers, as German gas cylinders cannot be exchanged in Italy. You will either need an adapter or you can buy an Italian gas cylinder. Adapters are available in camping shops. The disposal of wastewater and chemical toilets is possible at most campsites. There are also some public disposal stations, but they are not always easy to find. Mobile network coverage in Piedmont is good. Roaming is not a problem within the EU. However, in remote areas, network coverage may be slightly worse. Medical care in Piedmont is guaranteed. In the larger cities, there are hospitals and pharmacies. It is advisable to take out travel health insurance. Wild camping is officially prohibited in Piedmont. However, there are some tolerated spots, which are not signposted. Find out in advance where you can legally camp. Tap water in Piedmont is generally drinkable. However, it may contain chlorine, which can affect the taste. If you want to be on the safe side, you can buy mineral water.

Piedmont has many secrets to offer away from the tourist hotspots. An insider tip is to visit in the low season (May/June or September/October). At this time, temperatures are pleasant, prices are lower, and campsites are less crowded. Additionally, you can experience the grape harvest firsthand in September/October. A lesser-known place is the Sacro Monte di Orta, a pilgrimage site on a hill above Lake Orta. From here, you have a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The pilgrimage site is accessible by car or on foot. A culinary secret tip is a visit to one of the weekly markets. Here you can taste and buy regional specialties such as truffles, cheese, sausage, and of course, wine. The markets in Alba (Saturday) and Asti (Wednesday) are particularly recommended. A local festival you shouldn't miss is the Palio di Asti, a historic horse race that takes place every year on the third Sunday in September. The festival is a colorful spectacle with medieval costumes and traditional performances. Culinary-wise, you must try Tajarin, a local pasta specialty served with truffles. Agnolotti al Plin, small filled pasta pockets, are also divine. In the restaurants and trattorias of the region, you can enjoy Piedmontese cuisine in all its diversity. A day trip that is worth it is a visit to the Castello di Fenis in the Aosta Valley. The drive from Turin takes about 1.5 hours. The castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Italy and offers a glimpse into life in the Middle Ages. If you prefer something quieter, you should take a walk through the vineyards of the Langhe. It is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves of the vines turn vibrant colors. A visit to Piedmont is an experience for all the senses. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the landscape, the diversity of the cuisine, and the hospitality of the people.