12 Beautiful Spots for Winter Camping in Europe

Snow-covered mountains, beautiful white landscapes as far as the eye can see, and exciting ski slopes for beginners to experts - a winter vacation is always a great idea. But how about a vacation of a different kind? Camping with an RV or tent is a wonderful way to travel even in the cold season.

But what exactly should you consider when it comes to winter camping? The travel experts at Travelcircus have donned their skis and set out in search of beautiful spots for winter camping in Europe - let the adventure begin!

Waking up and rolling directly into the snow - that's no problem when winter camping in an RV or tent. You trade shorts for warm thermal clothing, rack up miles on the slopes instead of on the bike path, and instead of jumping into a refreshing pool, you sink into the soft snow.

With campgrounds in the most beautiful winter regions, you can experience the most magical time of year in a very special way. But what exactly should you consider when venturing into the white winter wonderland for camping? We have some tips and tricks ready for you.

It's clear to every driver that it's better to travel with winter tires and always have a hand broom and ice scraper on hand. However, if you're embarking on your first winter camping trip, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Not for the faint of heart If you prefer going extreme and enjoy camping in winter, make sure to dress very warmly. Multiple layers of warming materials like specific synthetic fibers, wool, or down are particularly suitable. When it comes to the tent, insulating mattress, and sleeping bag, you must ensure these are suitable for cold temperatures.

Quickly pack the car, buckle up, and off you go - a vacation with an RV is often a very spontaneous affair. However, especially when winter camping, some preparation is essential.

In addition to the right equipment, selecting the campsite is also important. To make this a bit easier, the travel experts at Travelcircus have searched for 12 beautiful camping spots in Europe where winter camping is especially enjoyable.

In the heart of the Swiss Alps, specifically in the canton of Valais, lies the Relais La Sarvaz campground. In winter, a ski room is available for drying equipment for snow sport enthusiasts. Even though the nearest ski lift is 12 km away, the region also offers great opportunities for fun winter hiking.

For those looking for a small day trip, the charming village of Saillon offers plenty of exploration opportunities. Here, chilly visitors can also warm up in one of the four thermal baths. For a cozy evening, the Relais La Sarvaz campground also features its own restaurant where seasonal dishes can provide a culinary treat.

Another camping gem in Switzerland is the Molignon campground. Located amidst breathtaking mountain scenery and by the La Borgne river, the site in the village of Les Haudères transforms into a true winter wonderland during the cold season.

Winter sports enthusiasts will be particularly happy here, as a 21 km long cross-country skiing track begins right at the camp. For avid downhill skiers and adrenaline junkies, there are three ski areas nearby: Arolla (10 km away), La Forclaz (4 km away), and Evolène (3 km away). The local ice rink also offers a quieter yet equally magical experience.

At the Pradafenz campground, the motto is: Get up and plunge right into the ski adventure. For beginners, the practice lift Pradafenz is right at the campground, while experienced skiers can take the panoramic tram Heidbüel to the Lenzerheide-Arosa ski area.

This wonderful campground is also just 300 m from the center of the village of Churwalden. After an action-packed day, those who prefer a break can first bring their ski equipment to the drying room and then relax at the Portal restaurant on-site.

The gateway to the Dolomites - this is where you will sleep at the Olympia campground. Family-operated since 1954, the site is located in South Tyrol's Toblach.

With the Holiday Pass, which you receive when staying in this region, you can use buses and trains as well as ski buses in South Tyrol for free. This way, you can reach the Sextner Dolomiten ski area in just 20 minutes. Here, the Tre Cime promise absolute slope fun.

Absolute luxury can be found at the 5-star Caravanpark Sexten. The star rating is truly deserved, as this site offers not only numerous pitches but also a soothing wellness oasis. With a swimming pool, Kneipp park, whirlpool, and a total of nine saunas, you can truly unwind here.

The icing on the cake is, of course, the location. Nestled directly in the Dolomites, the countless surrounding mountains provide breathtaking views for winter sports lovers.

The Camping Residence Sägemühle is also very popular among visitors. Nestled in the beautiful nature of the Stilfserjoch National Park with incredible mountain panoramas, this isn't surprising.

From the Vinschgau valley, it's easy and quick to reach both ski areas: Sulden am Ortler and Trafoi. You can spend cozy hours away from the slopes at the campground's café with homemade delicacies, in the pizzeria, or in the à la carte restaurant.

Editor's Tip: For a full dose of local flavor, visit the weekly market every Tuesday in the village center, just 300 m away. Here, you can stock up on regional delicacies to create a South Tyrolean feast in your camper.

The 5-star Natürlich Hell campground places special emphasis on sustainability, building its guest cabins with low-energy construction methods, greening the roof of the restroom facilities, and implementing modern ventilation, heating, and solar systems.

Located directly in the Zillertal, thrilling ski areas are just a stone's throw away. The feel-good atmosphere at the campground is guaranteed year-round, not only with the indoor pool and sauna and fitness areas but also with the modern sanitary facilities.

Located at the foot of Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze Resort offers breathtaking views of the stunning mountain. But you don't have to settle for just the view: In just 10 minutes, you can take the Tyrolean Zugspitzbahn from the 5-star campground to the mountain summit.

Ski enthusiasts will be well taken care of here. But a cozy winter vacation is also possible. In the restaurant with Zugspitze views and the Tyrolean Zirbenstube on the campground, you can enjoy a wonderful evening with your loved ones.

Nestled in the Austrian Alps, hidden among incredibly beautiful mountains, lies the luxury campground Nenzing. A highlight of this popular site is the breathtaking view of the mountains that you can enjoy at all times. Fun snow activities such as hiking and skiing are guaranteed here.

The best part? After a cold outing, you can warm up in the campground's wellness area and relax extensively: float in the pool, enjoy the soothing warmth in the sauna, or treat yourself to a massage - this is how winter camping should be!

Between Garmisch and Mittenwald, amidst ski adventures and city trips - the Alpen-Caravanpark Tennsee has something for everyone. The ever-present backdrop is the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountain ranges.

Ski enthusiasts are excited about a total of 60 kilometers in two ski areas. Meanwhile, culture seekers can explore the charming town of Mittenwald, known for its colorful houses and violin-making history. From here, you can also set off on a relaxing winter hike to, for example, the Laintal Waterfall.

A true crowd favorite in Germany is the campground Münstertal, run by the Ortlieb family. Visitors are enchanted right away by the beautiful Black Forest scenery of forests and meadows that becomes even more magical in winter.

Wellness lovers and those who feel the cold can look forward to the campground's relaxation oasis with a sauna landscape, swimming pool, and massage offerings. Feeling cozy is on the agenda in the restaurant Bure Stube as well. Here, you can enjoy culinary delights and spend cozy evenings with your loved ones.

In the morning, breathe in the cool sea air, do something good for yourself during the day with a relaxing winter hike through the mountain landscape, and reward yourself in the evening with a visit to the cozy wellness area - the 5-star Camping Hopfensee makes all winter camping dreams come true.

But not only nature lovers, but also snow bunnies will find joy here: Besides a ski lift for beginners, there is also a sledding hill and a 60 km cross-country skiing path.

The cold season and snow as far as the eye can see - a winter vacation is not always the first thing that comes to mind when planning a getaway. However, it is precisely during this time that you can experience places and their beautiful nature in a truly magical way.

Whether for skiing, winter hiking, or simply relaxing with breathtaking views - a vacation in the snow is something to be experienced. And as our selection of campgrounds has shown, this works wonderfully with an RV or tent.