Camping Guide | Schwarzwald

The Black Forest extends across the southwest of Germany, more precisely in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg. It borders the Upper Rhine Plain to the west and Switzerland to the south. The region includes several districts, including Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Ortenaukreis, Rastatt, and Freudenstadt. The highest elevation is the Feldberg at 1,493 meters. Arriving by car is straightforward via various motorways. Coming from the north, the A5 is ideal, leading directly into the region from Frankfurt am Main. Those arriving from the direction of Munich take the A8 to Stuttgart and then change to the A81 towards Singen. The A81 also leads directly from Stuttgart into the southern Black Forest. Note that toll fees apply on some motorway sections in Germany for trucks over 7.5 tons. For rail travelers, the Black Forest is also easily accessible. Intercity and regional trains run regularly from major cities such as Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich, and Zurich to Freiburg, Offenburg, Donaueschingen, and Titisee-Neustadt. From these stations, you can reach smaller towns and campsites via regional buses. Deutsche Bahn offers special discount tickets for early bookers. The nearest international airport is Stuttgart Airport (STR). From there, you can take the S-Bahn (line S2 or S3) to Stuttgart main station and from there take trains into the Black Forest. Alternatively, there are bus connections from Stuttgart to Freiburg and other cities in the Black Forest. Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland is also an option, especially for travelers to the southern Black Forest. From Zurich, there are direct train connections to Schaffhausen and from there further into the Black Forest. Within the Black Forest, the bus network is well-developed. With the Konus guest card, which many campsites and hotels offer, you can use buses and trains throughout the region for free. This is particularly practical for hikers and day-trippers. For shorter distances, bicycles are a good option, which you can rent in many places. Some campsites also have bicycle rentals. The roads in the Black Forest are often winding and sometimes steep, so a good level of fitness is required if you are traveling by bike. From Munich, you can reach the Black Forest in about 4 hours via the A8. Those starting from Frankfurt take the A5 and are on-site in around 2.5 hours. From Hamburg, the driving time by car is about 7.5 hours via the A7. By train, the journey from Hamburg takes a bit longer, about 8 to 9 hours, with transfers in Hanover and Mannheim.

The Black Forest can be roughly divided into three sub-regions: the Northern Black Forest, the Central Black Forest, and the Southern Black Forest. Each of these regions has its own character and offers different attractions for campers. The Northern Black Forest is known for its dense forests, rolling hills, and picturesque spa towns. Here lies Baden-Baden, an elegant city with thermal baths and a famous casino. The city is ideal for those interested in culture and those seeking relaxation. Further south is Freudenstadt, home to the largest marketplace in Germany. In the vicinity of Freudenstadt, there are numerous hiking trails and mountain bike routes. The Northern Black Forest is particularly suitable for families and nature lovers seeking peace and relaxation. Campsites in this region are often close to nature and offer good infrastructure for families with children. The Central Black Forest is characterized by its traditional Black Forest houses, cuckoo clocks, and idyllic villages. Here lies Triberg, famous for its waterfalls and the world's largest cuckoo clock. In the vicinity of Triberg, there are numerous hiking trails leading to the most beautiful viewpoints. The Central Black Forest is ideal for campers who want to experience traditional Black Forest culture. The campsites in this region are often smaller and more family-oriented. The Southern Black Forest is the highest and most mountainous region of the Black Forest. Here lies the Feldberg, the highest mountain in the Black Forest. In the vicinity of the Feldberg, there are numerous hiking trails and ski slopes. Lake Titisee is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and swimmers. The Southern Black Forest is particularly suitable for active campers who enjoy hiking, skiing, or water sports. The campsites in this region are often larger and offer a wide range of leisure activities. Freiburg, the largest city in the Black Forest, lies on the edge of the Southern Black Forest. The city is known for its historic old town, the Freiburg Minster, and its lively university atmosphere. Freiburg is an ideal starting point for excursions into the Black Forest and offers good connections to the public transport network. The High Black Forest (Hochschwarzwald), a part of the Southern Black Forest, is particularly popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Here you will find challenging trails and breathtaking views. In winter, the High Black Forest transforms into a snow-sure ski area. Campsites in the High Black Forest are often geared towards active vacationers and offer special deals for hikers and mountain bikers. For families with children, a camping holiday at Lake Titisee or Lake Schluchsee is recommended. There are numerous leisure activities here such as boat trips, swimming, and mini-golf. Europa-Park in Rust is also easily accessible from many campsites in the Black Forest. Those seeking peace and relaxation will find numerous nature-oriented campsites with wellness offers in the Northern Black Forest. Here you can unwind and enjoy the Black Forest air. Couples looking for a romantic camping holiday will find idyllic campsites with traditional Black Forest houses in the Central Black Forest.

The camping landscape in the Black Forest is diverse and offers something for every taste. There are an estimated 300 campsites in the region, ranging from large resort sites with pools and entertainment to small, nature-oriented sites and pitches for motorhomes. Large resort campsites are mainly found near tourist centers such as Lake Titisee, Lake Schluchsee, and Feldberg. These sites often offer a comprehensive infrastructure with swimming pools, restaurants, supermarkets, and entertainment programs for children. Prices for a pitch in high season range between €30 and €50 per night for two people including electricity. In the low season, prices are often significantly lower, sometimes under €20. Small, nature-oriented campsites can be found mainly in the Northern and Central Black Forest. These sites are often in quieter locations and offer an idyllic atmosphere. The infrastructure here is usually simpler but still sufficient. Prices for a pitch in high season range between €20 and €35 per night for two people including electricity. Many of these sites also offer agritourism/farm camping, where you can buy regional products directly from the farm. Pitches for motorhomes are available in many towns in the Black Forest. These sites are often more simply equipped and offer only the most necessary infrastructure such as electricity connections and disposal facilities. Prices for a pitch range between €10 and €25 per night. Many towns and municipalities also offer free pitches for motorhomes, which, however, may often only be used for one night. The size of typical pitches varies depending on the campsite. On larger sites, the pitches are often parceled and offer a size of 80 to 120 square meters. On smaller sites, the pitches are often not parceled and offer more freedom in choosing a spot. Many pitches offer shade from trees, but there are also sunny spots for sun worshippers. The sanitary standard at campsites in the Black Forest is generally good. Most sites have modern sanitary facilities with showers, toilets, and washbasins. On larger sites, there are often also family bathrooms and barrier-free sanitary facilities. Wi-Fi quality varies depending on the campsite. On some sites, Wi-Fi is available for free, while on others, you have to pay for it. The power supply is usually secured with 6 to 16 amps. It is recommended to reserve campsites in the Black Forest early, especially in high season (July and August) and on public holidays. Many sites are fully booked months in advance. Last-minute chances are often found on smaller sites or outside the high season. Some campsites also offer online booking systems where you can check availability and book directly. A special highlight in the Black Forest is winter camping. Many campsites are also open in winter and offer special deals for skiers and winter hikers. The campsites are then often heated and offer good connections to the ski areas.

For a carefree camping holiday in the Black Forest, it is helpful to know some practical information. Toll fees in Germany only apply to trucks over 7.5 tons. Cars and motorhomes are not subject to tolls. However, fees may be charged on certain private roads or parking lots. Gas stations are widely available throughout the Black Forest. Diesel prices in Germany are generally slightly lower than in other European countries. Gas station opening hours are usually from early morning until late evening, with some stations open 24 hours. Supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, Edeka, and Rewe are present in most towns in the Black Forest. Opening hours are generally Monday to Saturday from 7 or 8 am to 8 or 10 pm. On Sundays, supermarkets are usually closed, with the exception of a few supermarkets in tourist centers. Gas supply can be a bit problematic in the Black Forest, as German gas cylinders cannot be exchanged everywhere. It is recommended to either use an adapter or bring a German gas cylinder with sufficient filling. Some campsites also offer the possibility to refill gas cylinders. Disposal stations for motorhomes are available at many campsites and in some towns and municipalities. Fees for disposal vary, but they are often included in the pitch price. Mobile network coverage in the Black Forest is good in most areas. However, there are some remote areas where reception may be limited. The roaming situation for foreign mobile customers is usually unproblematic, as Germany belongs to the European Union. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check your own mobile provider's roaming fees before traveling. Medical care in the Black Forest is good. There are doctors and pharmacies in most towns and municipalities. Hospitals are located in larger cities such as Freiburg, Offenburg, and Villingen-Schwenningen. The emergency number in Germany is 112. Wild camping is generally prohibited in the Black Forest. However, there are a few exceptions, for example on private property with the owner's permission. In nature reserves and national parks, camping outside designated campsites is strictly forbidden. In some municipalities, there are special regulations for parking motorhomes that should be observed. Tap water in the Black Forest is generally of good quality and can be drunk without hesitation. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check current information from local waterworks before traveling.

Off the beaten tourist path, the Black Forest holds some secret tips that can make your camping holiday a special experience. The low season (May/June and September/October) offers numerous advantages. The campsites are less crowded, prices are cheaper, and nature shows its most beautiful side. In spring, the meadows and forests bloom; in autumn, the leaves glow in the most beautiful colors. Additionally, the weather in the low season is often more pleasant than in midsummer. A less known place is the Menzenschwand Valley in the Southern Black Forest. The valley is known for its untouched nature, the Menzenschwand waterfalls, and numerous hiking trails. The valley is accessible via the B317 from Titisee-Neustadt towards Feldberg. After about 10 kilometers, a small road branches off to Menzenschwand. Another highlight is the weekly market in Freiburg, which takes place every Saturday on the Münsterplatz. Here you can buy regional products such as cheese, sausage, bread, and vegetables directly from the producer. Direct sales at wineries and farm shops are also widespread in the Black Forest. Many farms offer their products such as eggs, milk, honey, and jam directly from the farm. A local festival you shouldn't miss is the Zelt-Musik-Festival (ZMF) in Freiburg, which takes place every year in July. International artists from the fields of jazz, rock, and pop perform here. The Black Forest Music Festival, which takes place every summer at various locations in the Black Forest, is also a cultural highlight. Culinary-wise, you should definitely try the Black Forest cherry cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte), which originated in the Black Forest. Also, Schäufele, a hearty dish made from pork, and Bibeleskäs, a curd dish with herbs, are typical Black Forest specialties. Locals like to visit the inns in small villages where traditional Black Forest cuisine is served. An insider tip is the Gasthaus Kybfelsen in Freiburg, known for its excellent cuisine and panoramic views. A worthwhile day trip is a visit to Europa-Park in Rust, Germany's largest theme park. The driving time from Freiburg is about 30 minutes, from Titisee-Neustadt about 1 hour. Entrance prices are between €50 and €60 per person. For nature lovers, a trip to the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen, the largest waterfall in Europe, is recommended. The driving time from Freiburg is about 1.5 hours, and entrance prices are around €5 per person.