Camping in the Dolomites: the complete camper guide with practical tips

The Dolomites are, without a doubt, one of our favourite destinations to explore by camper. Waking up to razor-sharp peaks, endless fresh air and the distant sound of cowbells. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than that. And we’re clearly not the only ones who think so, because this corner of northern Italy has been quietly winning over more and more travellers in recent years. Whether you’re pitching a tent, parking up the camper or towing a caravan, there are a few rules and guidelines you’ll want to know before you go. In this guide, we share everything you need for a smooth camping trip in the Dolomites.

With a camper in the Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites form a mountain range of more than 140,000 hectares in northern Italy, spread across regions such as South Tyrol, Trentino and Veneto. The stunning views, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and cozy mountain huts make it a popular year-round destination. There’s a reason the Dolomites have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2009 and are one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

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One of the best ways to explore the Dolomites is by camper. You have maximum freedom and can easily drive from one stunning spot to the next. Most campsites are located right in the heart of nature, with the Dolomites’ iconic rock formations as your backdrop which only adds to the experience. The roads are generally in good condition, though some mountain passes can be narrow, steep and winding. Travelling with a larger camper or caravan? It’s worth checking your route in advance to avoid any surprises along the way.

Your own camper or rental: which suits you best?

You can explore the Dolomites with your own camper or rent one. Nowadays there are more and more platforms where you can go to rent a fully equipped motorhome for several weeks. Ideal if you don’t have your own motorhome, but still want to go on a road trip.

• Goboony.com: On this platform, individuals rent out their motorhomes, allowing travelers to book unique and affordable RVs for road trips in Europe.
• Roadsurfer.com: when we traveled around the Dolomites we saw an awful lot of Roadsurfer vans! You can rent (and even buy) fully equipped camper vans there to take an Italy road trip.

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Toll roads and vignettes

If, like us, you travel from Belgium or the Netherlands, you will first pass countries such as Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Keep in mind that, depending on your route, some of these countries require a vignette or toll. So it can be interesting to plan your itinerary in advance and calculate what your costs will be.

You will also find toll roads in Italy, where you can pay in cash or with your bank card. You can set your navigation system to avoid toll roads. Just keep in mind that sometimes you will be diverted along very steep mountain roads which can be challenging with a camper or caravan.

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Wild camping in the Dolomites: what is allowed and what is not

Wild camping in the Dolomites, and in Italy in general, is officially prohibited. Especially in high season (June to September) they are very strict about this. Fortunately, in the Dolomites you can find many beautiful campsites in the middle of nature. We always used the app Park4Night to look for legal camping spots. In this app you can also see where you can camp for free or where it is tolerated.

CAUTION! Sometimes staying overnight in your camper is allowed but camping is not. If you are on ramps, with your awning open or anything else that indicates camping then you may still be fined.

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There are hefty fines between €100 and €500 on wild camping in the Dolomites. Because the Dolomites consist of several national parks and nature reserves, they are extra strict on this. The effective amount depends on factors such as location, period of the year and municipality. Therefore, respect these rules, both for the preservation of nature and for the welfare of the animals. Many pastures are also private property in the Dolomites. On Park4Night, some farms do open their land to campers.

Campsites in the Dolomites

So where can you camp with your camper in the Dolomites in Italy? There are lots of campsites, parking lots and pitches where you can legally stay overnight. These are the various options:

• Free camping in the Dolomites: Free camping sites in the Dolomites are scarce, but they are definitely there! Often these are parking lots where you don’t have to pay between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or where you can camp for free for 24 hours. You are then allowed to spend the night there in your camper or motorhome, but no camping.
• Paid parking (€5 – €25): Want to start early on a popular hike such as at Seiser Alm or Lago di Braies, then you can also just pay parking for a night. Keep in mind that most parking lots are only valid for 12 hours so you need to renew this in time. Often this is cheaper than camping and in this way you can be one of the first on very popular places in the Dolomites. Again, this is about staying overnight in your camper, not camping.
• Farmstays (€0 – €40): Another, fun way to camp in the Dolomites is to spend a night at a “farmstay”. These can be farms but also locals, hotels or B&Bs that offer a place for the night. Sometimes this is simple in nature, at others you may use their facilities such as electricity or showers. Here you are allowed to pitch with your camping chairs and awning open.
• Campsites (€30 – €80): In the Dolomites in Italy you will find insanely beautiful campsites! From simple campsites to luxury resorts with a real wellness complex in the middle of nature. Campsites are often more expensive than the above options, but you have more facilities such as toilets, showers and electricity.

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We ourselves went for a variation between the above options. Campgrounds can be pricey in high season, and some you have to book several weeks in advance if you want to be sure of a spot. But you get a lot in return: campgrounds allow you to charge your camper, refill your water, do your laundry and use bathroom facilities.

Our favorite campsites in the Dolomites

We didn’t get to test them all out, but some campsites we found to be some of the best we’ve ever been to. These were our favorite campsites in the Dolomites:

• Caravan Park Sexten: At this 5-star campground, you really don’t want to leave. You’ll find spacious pitches, two great restaurants and a real wellness complex with mountain views. This is a great base for Tre Cime and Lago di Braies.
• Camping Alleghe: Centrally located in the Dolomites. A campground that feels very spacious in the middle of nature with modern facilities.
• Camping Löwenhof: This campground also has an outdoor pool and is within walking distance of the town of Brixen. From here you can explore Val di Funes, Seiser Alm and Geisler Alm.

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Helpful tips for traveling in the Dolomites with a camper

Whether you are a seasoned camper or this is your very first camping trip ever, here are some helpful tips for your trip to the Dolomites with a camper:

• Bring a watering can or funnel: Everywhere in the Dolomites you’ll find taps and fountains but you can’t always connect your garden hose to these. If you want to fill up your water but you are not always at a campsite, it is interesting to bring a watering can or funnel so you can fill up your water tank.
• Leave no trash behind: Wherever you spend the night, leave everything as you found it. Take all your trash with you and dump your dirty water only in designated areas (you can find those in the Park4Night app, too). Take only memories, leave only footprints.
• Respect nature: Stick to designated roads and don’t drive across meadows or natural areas. Keep noise to a minimum and make sure you only answer nature’s call in the right places such as a campsite toilet block or designated sanitary facility, not behind the nearest tree.
• Respect for one another: Always show respect for your fellow campers and for local people. Always park so that others have a chance to park next to you and never park on or in front of someone’s property.
• Head out early: The Dolomites are beautiful and attract a lot of visitors every year. Especially in the summer months, it can get very crowded, so we recommend you head out early (or just late in the day). That way you will be ahead of the crowds and can enjoy nature in peace.

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What to bring for a road trip in the Dolomites

Proper preparation will make your camper road trip through the Dolomites a lot more enjoyable. If you are traveling to the Dolomites with a camper, motorhome or caravan, there are some essential supplies you can’t miss:

• Power cable, extension cord and European plug
• Water hose + watering can or funnel
• Drive-up blocks for sloping ground
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Extra garbage bags
• Toilet chemicals (biodegradable)
• First aid kit
• Powerbank
• Install the Park4Night app

If you rent a motorhome for your road trip in the Dolomites, then these necessities are often already included in your motorhome.

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Important documents in camper rental

If you are renting a camper in the Dolomites, it is also important that you always have the proper documents with you:

• A valid driver’s license: this goes without saying but be sure to check that your license is still valid. For some countries you need an international driver’s license.
• Passport: make sure you have your ID card or passport with you so you can identify yourself.
• Rental agreement: when renting a camper, it is important to have your rental agreement with you at all times. Print this out or save it somewhere on your phone so you can access it quickly when needed.
• Insurance: most camper rental companies offer basic insurance but it may be interesting to look for comprehensive travel insurance.

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Dolomite camper itinerary: ultimate road trip

Many travelers start or end their Dolomite road trip in Venice or Bolzano, both cities with international airports and good connections to the mountain region. For an ideal road trip through the Dolomites it is best to count on 7 to 10 days, so you can quietly enjoy the nature, villages and mountain passes without rushing.

These are some higlights not to be missed in the Dolomites:

• Tre Cime di Lavaredo: the iconic three peaks in the Dolomites.
• Lago di Braies: one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Dolomites on which you can sail in a wooden boat.
• Geisler Alm & Val di Funes: here you will find one of the most popular hikes called Adolf Munkel trail.
• Seiser Alm: also known as Alpe di Siusi, the largest alpine pasture in Europe.
• Passo Giau: an impressive mountain pass with the typical, steep mountain walls.

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Best time to visit the Dolomites with a camper

The Dolomites in Italy is a destination you can visit all year round. If you want to take a road trip with an camper, however, the best months are May to June and September to October. During the high season (July and August) it gets incredibly busy so campsites and parking lots fill up quickly and you may find yourself in traffic jams for a long time. In the winter months, many mountain passes are closed and the Dolomites turn into a giant ski resort.

Still have questions about traveling by camper in the Dolomites, Italy? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information for your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us contact or feel free to email info@snoezelsontheroad.com