Camping Guide | Dolomiten

The Dolomites stretch across the regions of Trentino-South Tyrol and Veneto in northern Italy. They belong to the Southern Limestone Alps and impress with their striking rock formations and diverse landscape. The region is characterized by high mountains, deep valleys, picturesque lakes, and charming villages. Various routes are available for your arrival by car. From the north, the best way to reach the Dolomites is via the Brenner Motorway A22. This is a toll road; the fees depend on the distance driven. A vignette is required for Austria before you reach the A22. Alternatively, you can arrive via rural roads, which, however, takes significantly more time. From the west, the A4 leads to Verona, from where you can reach the Dolomites via the A22 or rural roads. From the east, you reach the region via the A23 and then via rural roads. If you wish to arrive by train, the stations of Bolzano, Brixen, or Trento are good starting points. From there, buses run regularly to take you to the various locations in the Dolomites. The train connections are well-developed, but the onward journey by bus can be somewhat time-consuming. The nearest airports are Bolzano (BZO) and Innsbruck (INN). From both airports, there are bus connections to the larger towns in the Dolomites. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport to be more flexible. Specific driving times: From Munich: approx. 4 hours via A8 and A22 From Frankfurt: approx. 8 hours via A5 and A8 From Hamburg: approx. 11 hours via A7 and A22 From Vienna: approx. 6 hours via A2 and A22 From Zurich: approx. 5 hours via A1 and A22 On-site, it is best to get around by car or bus. Many hiking trails are well-signposted and easily accessible. In some areas, there are also cable cars that quickly take you to higher elevations. For cyclists, there is a well-developed network of cycle paths, although some routes are very demanding. Bus connections are more frequent and better timed in the summer months than in winter. It is best to check the timetables in advance and plan enough time for transfers. Please note that some mountain roads may be closed during the winter months. Inform yourself about the current traffic situation before your trip.

The Dolomites can be roughly divided into different sub-regions, each with its own character and charm. Each of these zones offers you different possibilities for your camping holiday. South Tyrolean Dolomites: This region is known for its striking rock formations such as the Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks) and the Rosengarten. Here you will find numerous hiking trails, via ferratas, and mountain bike routes. Places like Cortina d'Ampezzo and Ortisei are popular starting points for exploration tours. Families feel particularly at home here, as there are many child-friendly hiking trails and attractions. Athletes also get their money's worth, as the region is a paradise for climbers and mountain bikers. The campsites in this region are often a bit more expensive but offer high quality and good infrastructure. Trentino Dolomites: This region is slightly less touristy than the South Tyrolean Dolomites and offers a quieter atmosphere. Here you will find idyllic lakes like Lago di Molveno and Lago di Tovel. The region is ideal for hikers and nature lovers. Places like Madonna di Campiglio and San Martino di Castrozza are popular holiday resorts. Couples and those seeking peace will find the perfect environment here to relax and enjoy nature. The campsites here are often a bit cheaper than in South Tyrol but still offer a good standard. Belluno Dolomites: This region is known for its high mountains and deep valleys. Here you will find the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, which is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Places like Belluno and Agordo are popular starting points for exploration tours. The region is ideal for experienced hikers and mountaineers. Adventurers and nature lovers will fully enjoy themselves here. The campsites here are often a bit simpler and closer to nature, but offer an authentic camping experience. Val di Fassa: The Val di Fassa is a valley in the South Tyrolean Dolomites known for its numerous campsites and its proximity to the most important hiking trails and ski areas. Places like Canazei and Campitello di Fassa are popular holiday resorts. The region is ideal for families and active travelers. Here you will find numerous activities for children and adults. The campsites here are often well-equipped and offer a variety of amenities. Val Gardena: Val Gardena is another valley in the South Tyrolean Dolomites, known for its traditional wood carvings and its proximity to the ski slopes. Places like Ortisei and Selva di Val Gardena are popular holiday resorts. The region is ideal for skiers and snowboarders. In summer, you can enjoy wonderful hiking and mountain biking here. The campsites here are often a bit more luxurious and offer high comfort.

The camping landscape in the Dolomites is diverse and offers something for every taste and budget. In total, there are an estimated 150 campsites in the region, many of which are family-run and exude personal charm. The sites range from simple pitches for tents and motorhomes to luxurious resort sites with pools, restaurants, and animation programs. Many campsites in the Dolomites are located in the heart of nature, surrounded by mountains, forests, or lakes. You can choose between pitches in the shade of trees or sunny spots with panoramic views. The size of the plots varies but is usually between 80 and 120 square meters. Most sites are equipped with electricity connections, some also with water and wastewater connections. The sanitary standard at the campsites is generally high. You will find clean toilets, showers, and sinks. Often there are also washing machines, dryers, and dishwashing sinks. Wi-Fi is available at many sites, but the quality can vary. A special feature in the Dolomites is Agriturismo or farm camping. Here you can camp on a farm and experience country life up close. You can buy fresh products from the farm, help with animal feeding, or take part in hikes with the farmer. Prices for a pitch in the Dolomites vary depending on the season, location, and equipment of the site. In the high season (July and August), you should expect prices between 30 and 50 euros per night for two people. In the low season (May, June, September), prices are often significantly lower, sometimes under 20 euros per night. For a simple pitch without electricity, you usually pay less than for a comfort pitch with all amenities. It is recommended to reserve your pitch early in the high season, as the most popular sites are often fully booked. Last-minute chances are more likely in the low season or at less well-known campsites. The campsites in the Dolomites are often well-geared towards the needs of families with children. There are playgrounds, children's animation, and special sanitary facilities for children. Dogs are also welcome at many sites, although you should inform yourself in advance about the respective regulations. Many campsites also offer rental accommodation such as mobile homes, bungalows, or apartments. This is a good alternative if you do not want to arrive with your own tent or motorhome.

For a relaxed camping holiday in the Dolomites, you should consider some practical information. Here you will find important notes on toll fees, gas stations, shopping, gas supply, disposal, mobile networks, medical care, rules, and drinking water. Toll fees: The Brenner Motorway A22 is a toll road. The fees depend on the distance driven and the vehicle type. For a car, you should expect about 10 euros per 100 kilometers. Payment is made at the toll stations either in cash or by credit card. A vignette is required for Austria before you reach the A22. Gas stations: The gas station network in the Dolomites is well-developed. Diesel prices are similar to those in Germany but can vary depending on location and operator. Opening hours are usually from 7 am to 7 pm, some gas stations are also open 24 hours. Shopping: In the larger towns in the Dolomites, you will find supermarkets such as Lidl, Eurospar, and Conad. Opening hours are usually from 8 am to 8 pm, some supermarkets are also open on Sundays. In smaller towns, there are often only small grocery stores that have a limited selection. Gas supply: German gas cylinders cannot simply be exchanged in the Dolomites. You either need an adapter or you buy an Italian gas cylinder. Adapters are available in camping shops or hardware stores. Disposal: Many campsites have disposal stations for wastewater and chemical toilets. There are also disposal facilities at some rest areas along the motorway. Wild disposal is prohibited and can be punished with high fines. Mobile network: Network coverage in the Dolomites is generally good, although there may be restrictions in remote areas. Within the EU, no roaming charges apply, so you can use your SIM card without any problems. Medical care: In the larger towns, there are hospitals and pharmacies. Medical care is good, but you should take out travel health insurance to be covered in an emergency. Rules: Wild camping is fundamentally prohibited in the Dolomites and is strictly penalized. There are environmental zones in some cities; check in advance if your vehicle is affected. The usual camping regulations apply at the campsites, such as quiet hours from 10 pm. Drinking water: Tap water in the Dolomites is generally of good quality and can be drunk without hesitation. However, it may be chlorinated in some areas, which can affect the taste. If you want to be on the safe side, you can buy mineral water.

Away from the well-known tourist paths, there are still many secret tips and insider knowledge in the Dolomites that can make your camping holiday a special experience. Here are some tips that you won't find in every travel guide: Low season advantages: The months of May, June, and September are ideal for a camping holiday in the Dolomites. The weather is often pleasant, prices are lower, and the campsites are less crowded. Additionally, you have the opportunity to enjoy nature in peace without being disturbed by crowds of tourists. Less well-known places and lakes: Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is beautiful but often overcrowded. A good alternative is Lago di Landro, which is only a few kilometers away and offers a similar backdrop. Lago di Misurina is also worth a visit, especially at sunset. Local markets and direct sales: In many towns in the Dolomites, there are weekly markets where you can buy fresh products from the region. Direct sales at farms and wineries are also popular. Here you can taste and buy local specialties such as speck, cheese, and wine. Local festivals and events: In summer, numerous festivals and events take place in the Dolomites. Particularly well-known is the Almabtrieb festival in autumn, where the cows are driven from the alpine pastures into the valley. The Speckfest in Val di Funes (Villnöss) is also worth a visit. Culinary tips: In the Dolomites, you should definitely try the local specialties. These include Schlutzkrapfen (filled pasta pockets), dumplings in various variations, Tirtlan (fried dough discs), and Strauben (spiral-shaped funnel cakes). In the restaurants and bars of the locals, you will often find the best dishes at fair prices. Day trips: From the Dolomites, you can take many interesting day trips. Visit, for example, Venice (approx. 2.5 hours driving time), Verona (approx. 2 hours driving time), or Lake Garda (approx. 1.5 hours driving time). A trip to Bolzano or Trento is also worthwhile. Secret hiking tip: Instead of hiking to the much-visited Geisleralm, try the Adolf Munkel Trail. This leads you along the foot of the Geisler Peaks and offers breathtaking views without the crowds. The path is accessible via the SP29 from Chiusa (Klausen). Parking is available in Ranui.