Whether in a motorhome or in a tent, camping always promises an exciting adventure. And you don't even have to travel abroad for this, as there are numerous secret places in Germany that invite adventurers to camp by the lake and feel the connection with nature. The idyllic landscapes, clear waters and peaceful atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop to escape from everyday life and recharge your batteries.
In this blog post, we reveal the most beautiful camping spots in Germany. From hidden lakes surrounded by dense forests to expansive lakeside landscapes that invite you to take long walks - these insider tips are ideal for anyone looking for peace and relaxation. We also provide you with useful tips and information to make your camping trip an unforgettable experience.
Table of contents
The best federal states for camping by the lake
Insider tips: Our favorite campsites by the lake
Insider tips: Camping by the lake with children
Insider tips: Camping by the lake with a dog
The right camping equipment for the summer
The best federal states for camping by the lake
Bavaria
Bavaria is a paradise for camping enthusiasts, especially when it comes to camping by the lake. The region offers numerous picturesque lakes, which are often surrounded by impressive mountain panoramas. Here are some of the most beautiful lakes:
Chiemsee: the "Bavarian Sea" offers a variety of water sports and idyllic places to linger.
Eibsee : Located directly below the Zugspitze, the Eibsee impresses with its crystal-clear water and proximity to Germany's highest mountain.
Tegernsee: Surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, Tegernsee offers numerous hiking and cycling trails as well as charming alpine huts.
Walchensee: One of the deepest and largest alpine lakes in Germany, ideal for windsurfers and divers.
Hintersee: A picturesque mountain lake that is particularly popular with photographers and hikers.
Baden-Württemberg
The federal state of Baden-Württemberg not only offers the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb, but also numerous beautiful lakes that are perfect for camping:
Breitenauer See: nestled in a beautiful landscape, ideal for swimming vacations and water sports.
Lake Constance: The third largest lake in Central Europe offers a wide range of leisure activities and breathtaking views.
Hollenbacher See: An idyllic lake, perfect for quiet camping trips and nature watching.
Badsee: A popular excursion destination for families with shallow shores and plenty of space to play.
Schluchsee: The largest lake in the Black Forest, ideal for water sports enthusiasts and hikers.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
The Mecklenburg Lake District is a dream for nature lovers and water enthusiasts. Here are some of the most beautiful lakes for an unforgettable camping vacation:
Müritz National Park: Germany's largest inland lake offers untouched nature and numerous leisure activities.
Leppinsee: A quiet lake, ideal for paddling tours and relaxing.
Ziernsee: Perfect for anglers and nature lovers.
Sternberger Seenland: A paradise for cyclists and hikers, with numerous small and large lakes.
Brandenburg
Brandenburg offers flat land and vast landscapes, ideal for cycling tours and relaxed camping vacations:
Lusatian Lake District: A man-made lake district with numerous recreational opportunities.
Falkensee: Located near Berlin, this lake offers a peaceful oasis close to the city.
Havel: The Havel river offers many idyllic campsites along its course.
Scharmützelsee: One of the largest lakes in Brandenburg, ideal for water sports enthusiasts and swimmers.
Senftenberger See: A popular recreational area with numerous leisure activities.
Insider tips: Our favorite campsites by the lake
Royal Sanssouci Campsite
This campsite is located in the landscape conservation area on Lake Templin, close to Potsdam and Berlin. It offers special sleeping facilities such as wine barrels and modern vacation rooms. An upscale restaurant and bookable massages round off the offer.
Enjoyable vacation at Strandcamping Jabeler See
Located deep in the countryside on Jabeler See in the Schwinzer Heide (Mecklenburg Lake District), this site offers pitches as well as vacation apartments and large vacation homes. SUP, kayaks, pedal boats and motorboats are available for hire and there is a restaurant with a view of the lake to make your stay perfect.
Gut Horn vacation paradise
A family-run campsite at an estate on Lake Waginger See in Bavaria. With a view of the Alps and the warmest bathing lake in Bavaria, this site offers camping facilities, vacation apartments and rooms. Fishing, boat hire, SUP, surfing and sailing school as well as mini-golf and hiking in the Chiemgau Alps are possible here.
St. Leoner See recreation area
Located in Baden, near Heidelberg, this site offers a large bathing lake with sunbathing lawn. Water skiing, surfing, sailing, fishing, diving, mini golf and even Thai massages make for a varied stay. There are also camping houses and cabins for rent.
These places offer a variety of activities and wonderful nature experiences that will make your camping vacation unforgettable. Pack your bags and discover the most beautiful lakeside campsites in Germany!
Insider tips: Camping by the lake with children
Camping by the lake with children can be an unforgettable family adventure. But before you pitch your tents, you should make sure that the campsite is equipped for children. Here are some important tips and recommendations to make the most of your camping vacation.
Important facilities for children
Before you decide on a campsite, check the facilities available for children:
Baby changing rooms: a clean and well-equipped baby changing station is essential.
Playgrounds: A safe playground provides lots of fun and entertainment for the little ones.
Supervised swimming areas: These provide additional safety when swimming.
Pitches for families: Special pitches for families offer more peace and quiet and often better facilities.
Entertainment: Many larger campsites offer special programs and entertainment for children.
Size of the campsite
Small campsites: These are often clearer and quieter, ideal for families with very young children.
Medium-sized campsites: Here, children often find playmates more quickly and there are enough activities without it becoming too confusing.
Large campsites: These often offer children's entertainment and lots of leisure activities, but can also be more confusing.
Our campsite tips
Naturcamping Weiherhof am Titisee: In the Black Forest, near the spa town of Titisee, this site offers a flat terrain, baby changing room, baby bathing room, playground, barbecue area, pony rides and a climbing park nearby.
Affolderner See campsite: Located in Hesse, in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, surrounded by mountains. Creatively designed wooden cabins for families, treetop path, Hemfurth aquapark, summer toboggan run and wild animal park nearby.
Camping ABC am Großensee: Located near Hamburg, this site offers beach volleyball, a children's playground in the outdoor pool and numerous activities in Hamburg such as the Miniaturwunderland, Hagenbeck's zoo and the KLICK children's museum.
Insider tips: Camping by the lake with a dog
Camping by the lake is a great way for dog owners to enjoy nature with their four-legged friend. Here are some tips and recommendations:
Important information
Dogs on the campsite: Check in advance whether dogs are allowed on the campsite.
Dog showers and dog beaches: Many campsites have special facilities for dogs.
Dogsmust be kept on a lead: Dogs must be kept on a lead at most campsites, so don't forget your leash.
Our campsite tips
Campinggarten Wahlwies: On Lake Constance, this campsite offers a dog shower, a fenced-in dog play area and a bathing area for dogs on the natural beach in Uhldingen-Mühlhofen.
Camping & Ferienpark Falkensteinsee: Near Bremen, with pet-friendly accommodation, its own "dog lake", dog showers, open-air meadow and dog supplies for sale. Dog training and a dog-friendly restaurant are also available.
Chiemsee Strandcamping: Directly on the lake with a separate dog beach and dog shower. Other dog beaches are located nearby on Lake Chiemsee.
Exciting events for special lake camping
Chiemsee Championships: A sailing event with seven regattas and around 200 boats throughout the year.
Müritzfest: In Waren, on the second weekend in July, with a traditional parade and fireworks.
Konstanzer Seenachtfest: In August with a festival atmosphere, music, street food and fireworks over the lake.
Hamburg Harbour Birthday: In May, with music, stalls, tugboat ballet and fireworks over the Elbe.
The right camping equipment for the summer
What would a camping adventure be without the right equipment? Here we show you suitable products that will make your camping trip even more enjoyable.
Atago barbecue
The Petromax Atago is a real all-rounder for outdoor cooks. It can be used as a grill, oven, stove and fire bowl. Thanks to its well thought-out design, the Atago is ready for use in just a few seconds and offers a wide range of preparation options, be it grilling, cooking or baking.
HK500
Light is crucial for a pleasant atmosphere when camping. The Petromax HK500 kerosene lamp not only provides atmospheric lighting, but is also extremely robust and reliable. This classic lamp provides bright, warm light and is economical to use. A must for every camping fan who wants to sit outside even after sunset.
Buy Petromax HK500 kerosene lamp
Cool box or cool bag
Especially on hot summer days, it is important to keep food and drinks cool. The Petromax cooler bags and cool boxes are perfect for this. They keep your supplies cool for days - ideal for longer camping stays. The cooler bags and cool boxes are available in different sizes and impress with their high insulation performance and durability.
Buy Petromax cool box and cool bag
Tableware and cooking utensils
Practical and sturdy tableware is essential when camping. Petromax tableware is made of high-quality enamel and is therefore particularly robust and easy to clean. It is heat-resistant and therefore perfect for preparing food directly over the fire or barbecue. The range includes plates, cups and bowls that are not only functional but also visually appealing. The range also includes cookware specially designed for outdoor adventures and camping.
Buy Petromax tableware and cookware
The right place and the right equipment will make your camping summer an unforgettable experience. Petromax products stand for quality, durability and functionality, specially developed for camping and outdoor adventures.
