Camping Guide | Odenwald

The Odenwald stretches across parts of Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria. Geographically, it lies between the Rhine, the Main, and the Bergstraße. The region is known for its gentle hills, dense forests, and picturesque valleys. Traveling by car is straightforward via various motorways. From the north, the Odenwald is best reached via the A5 (Frankfurt-Heidelberg) or the A7 (Kassel-Würzburg). Coming from the south, the A6 (Heilbronn-Nuremberg) is a good option. Those arriving from the east can use the A3 (Nuremberg-Frankfurt). The motorways are well-developed and lead close to the larger towns in the Odenwald. Within the region itself, the federal roads B45, B47, and B27 are important for reaching individual villages. No toll is charged on German motorways, but the Austrian vignette on the A8 (Munich-Salzburg) must be noted if arriving from a southern direction. For travelers by train, various stations in the larger cities around the Odenwald are available, such as Darmstadt, Heidelberg, or Mannheim. From there, regional trains and buses take you to the smaller towns. Deutsche Bahn offers regular connections from all parts of Germany. The nearest airports are Frankfurt am Main (FRA) and Mannheim (MHG). Frankfurt is an international airport with numerous connections worldwide. From there, you can reach the Odenwald by rental car or train in about an hour. Mannheim mainly offers regional connections and is a good alternative for travelers from the southern German region. Within the Odenwald, it is best to get around by car or bicycle. The road network is well-developed, and there are numerous cycle paths leading through the region. For hikers, it is recommended to use the well-signposted hiking trails. Bus connections are available, but not as frequent as in urban areas. A rental car is ideal for exploring the more remote places and sights. From Frankfurt, you can reach the southern Odenwald in about 1.5 hours via the A5; from Würzburg, it takes about 2 hours via the A3 and B45.

The Odenwald can be roughly divided into different sub-regions, each with its own character and charm. Each of these zones offers different opportunities for camping vacationers, from relaxed stays in nature to active exploration tours. The Bergstraße-Odenwald Geo-Nature Park stretches along the Bergstraße and is known for its vineyards and picturesque villages. Here you will find numerous campsites that are ideal for families and couples looking for a combination of nature and culture. Towns like Heppenheim, Weinheim, and Bensheim invite you to visit and offer historical town centers as well as a variety of gastronomic options. Active vacationers can explore the region on numerous hiking and cycling trails. The Neckar-Odenwald District, located in the east of the Odenwald, is characterized by its dense forests and gentle hills. Here you will mainly find smaller, nature-oriented campsites that are ideal for peace seekers and nature lovers. Mosbach, the district town, impresses with its historical old town and numerous half-timbered houses. In this region, there are many opportunities for hiking, cycling, and canoeing on the Neckar. The Neckar-Odenwald District is particularly popular with campers seeking the peace and seclusion of nature. The Odenwald District, located in the heart of the Odenwald, is known for its numerous castles and palaces. The region offers a mix of cultural sights and scenic beauty. Erbach, the district town, is known for its palace and historical town center. Campsites in this region are often slightly larger and offer good infrastructure, including offers for families with children. The Odenwald District is a popular destination for camping vacationers who want to enjoy both nature and cultural sights. The region around the Katzenbuckel, the highest elevation in the Odenwald, is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. Here you will find some campsites that provide an ideal starting point for hikes and mountain bike tours. The Katzenbuckel itself offers a magnificent view over the Odenwald and is a popular excursion destination. This region is particularly suitable for active campers looking for a challenge and wanting to experience nature up close. The Gersprenz region, in the northern part of the Odenwald, is known for its gentle hills and wide fields. Here you will mainly find smaller campsites and motorhome pitches that are ideal for a relaxed camping holiday. Reinheim and Groß-Bieberau are charming towns with good infrastructure and are ideal as starting points. The Gersprenz region is particularly popular with campers seeking peace and relaxation while enjoying nature.

The camping landscape in the Odenwald is diverse and offers something for every taste. In total, there are about 50 campsites in the region, differing in size, facilities, and location. From large resort sites with pools and animation to small, nature-oriented sites, everything is represented. Agritourism/farm camping and pitches for motorhomes are also available. The large resort sites, often awarded 4 or 5 stars, offer a comprehensive infrastructure with swimming pools, restaurants, shopping facilities, and animation programs for children. These sites are particularly popular with families who value comfort and entertainment. Prices for a pitch in high season range between €35 and €50 per night. In the low season, prices are often significantly lower, sometimes reduced by up to 50%. Small, nature-oriented campsites, on the other hand, are characterized by their quiet location and proximity to nature. They are often located on the edge of forests or by small lakes. These sites are ideal for campers seeking peace and wanting to enjoy nature. The facilities are usually simpler but still sufficient. Prices for a pitch in high season range between €20 and €30 per night. Many of these sites also offer the possibility of wild camping, but this is only allowed with the permission of the respective landowner. Agritourism/farm camping is another popular option in the Odenwald. Here you can camp directly on a farm and experience country life up close. Often there is the opportunity to buy regional products directly from the farm. This type of camping is particularly popular with families with children looking for contact with animals and nature. Prices for a pitch are usually between €25 and €35 per night. Pitches for motorhomes are also available in the Odenwald. These sites are specifically tailored to the needs of motorhome drivers and often offer good infrastructure with power connections, water supply, and disposal stations. Prices for a pitch are usually between €15 and €25 per night. The size of the pitches varies depending on the campsite. Generally, pitches on large resort sites are slightly larger than on smaller, nature-oriented sites. Most pitches offer both sunny and shaded areas. Sanitary facilities are usually clean and well-maintained. Wi-Fi is available at most campsites, though quality can vary. The power supply is usually sufficient, with most sites offering 6 to 16 amps. It is recommended to book campsites in the Odenwald early, especially in high season. While last-minute opportunities do arise, the selection is often limited.

For a carefree camping holiday in the Odenwald, some practical information is helpful. Here is an overview of important aspects such as tolls, petrol stations, shopping, gas supply, disposal, mobile communications, medical care, rules, and drinking water. Tolls are not charged on German motorways. Tolls only apply if arriving via Austria (vignette). Petrol stations are widely available in the Odenwald. Diesel prices are comparable to the national average but can vary depending on the time of day and provider. Opening hours are usually from 6 am to 10 pm, with some stations open 24 hours. Shopping facilities are available in all larger towns in the Odenwald. Supermarkets such as Lidl, Rewe, Aldi, and Edeka are present and offer a wide range of food and camping supplies. Opening hours are usually from 8 am to 8 pm, with some supermarkets open until 10 pm. Most supermarkets are closed on Sundays, but some towns have bakeries or petrol stations that offer a small selection of groceries. Gas supply in the Odenwald is generally unproblematic. German gas cylinders can be exchanged at most DIY stores and camping specialty shops. However, it is advisable to check in advance whether the respective provider has the desired cylinder size in stock. Adapters are usually not necessary. Disposal stations for camping toilets and wastewater are available at many campsites. In addition, there are public disposal stations at rest areas and truck stops. Use is usually subject to a fee. Mobile network coverage is mostly good in the Odenwald, but there may be restrictions in remote areas. Roaming is not a problem within the EU, but travelers from non-EU countries should check their provider's roaming charges. Medical care is guaranteed in the Odenwald. There are doctors and pharmacies in all larger towns. Hospitals are located in Erbach, Michelstadt, and Weinheim. It is advisable to take out travel health insurance to be covered in an emergency. When camping in the Odenwald, some rules must be observed. Wild camping is fundamentally prohibited and can be punished with high fines. Special protection regulations apply in nature reserves. There are no environmental zones in the Odenwald. Tap water in the Odenwald is generally of good quality and can be drunk without hesitation. Nevertheless, it is recommended, especially for longer stays, to boil the water or use bottled water.

Away from the well-known tourist paths, the Odenwald holds numerous secrets and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Here are some insider tips to make your camping holiday in the Odenwald an unforgettable experience. The low season (April/May and September/October) is ideal for a relaxed camping holiday in the Odenwald. The campsites are less crowded, prices are lower, and nature shows its most beautiful side. Especially in spring, when the fruit trees are in bloom, or in autumn, when the leaves turn colorful, the Odenwald is a true paradise. A lesser-known place is the Felsenmeer (Sea of Rocks) near Reichenbach. This impressive collection of rocks is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The Felsenmeer is located about 3 km south of Reichenbach and can be reached via the B47. A visit is particularly worthwhile in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun bathes the rocks in a warm light. Another highlight is the weekly market in Michelstadt, which takes place every Saturday morning on the market square. Here, regional vendors offer their products, from fresh fruit and vegetables to sausages, cheese, and handmade goods. The weekly market is an ideal place to try local specialties and get to know the flair of the Odenwald. A culinary tip is the Odenwald apple wine, also known as Äppler. This is traditionally made from regional apples and is a refreshing drink that goes particularly well with hearty dishes. Many inns in the Odenwald offer their own apple wine. A particularly recommended restaurant is the Gasthof Zum Ochsen in Beerfelden, known for its traditional Odenwald cuisine. A worthwhile day trip is a visit to Heidelberg Castle, which is about a 45-minute drive from the Odenwald. The castle is one of Germany's most famous landmarks and offers an impressive insight into the region's history. The drive from Erbach takes about 1 hour via the B45. Admission costs about €9 per person.