In this blog post, we reveal the most beautiful camping spots in Germany. From hidden lakes surrounded by dense forests to expansive shorelines inviting long walks.
Table of contents
The best states for camping by the lake
Insider Tips: Our Favorite Lakeside Campsites
Insider tips: Camping by the lake with children
Insider tips: Camping by the lake with your dog
The right camping equipment for summer
The best 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 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 spots to relax.
- Eibsee: Located directly below the Zugspitze, Eibsee impresses with its crystal-clear water and proximity to Germany’s highest mountain.
- Tegernsee: Surrounded by gentle 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, especially popular with photographers and hikers.
Baden-Württemberg
The state of Baden-Württemberg offers not only the Black Forest and the Swabian Jura but also numerous beautiful lakes that are perfect for camping:
- Breitenauer See: Nestled in a beautiful landscape, ideal for beach holidays and water sports.
- Bodensee: The third largest lake in Central Europe offers a variety of leisure activities and breathtaking views.
- Hollenbacher See: An idyllic lake, perfect for peaceful camping trips and nature watching.
- Badsee: A popular 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-Western Pomerania
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 holiday:
- Müritz Nationalpark: 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 wide landscapes, ideal for bike tours and relaxed camping holidays:
- Lausitzer Seenland: An artificially created lake district with numerous leisure opportunities.
- Falkensee: Located near Berlin, this lake offers a peaceful oasis close to the big city.
- Havel: The Havel River offers many idyllic campsites along its course.
- Scharmützelsee: One of Brandenburg’s largest lakes, ideal for water sports enthusiasts and swimmers.
- Senftenberger See: A popular recreational area with numerous leisure activities.
Insider Tips: Our Favorite Lakeside Campsites
Royal Campsite Sanssouci
This campsite is located in the protected landscape area at Lake Templin, near Potsdam and Berlin. It offers special sleeping options like wine barrels and modern holiday rooms. An upscale restaurant and bookable massages complete the offer.
Gourmet Holiday Beach Camping Jabeler See
Deep in nature at Lake Jabel in the Schwinzer Heide (Mecklenburg Lake District), this site offers pitches as well as holiday apartments and large holiday homes. The rental of SUPs, kayaks, pedal boats, and motorboats, as well as a restaurant with lake views, make the stay perfect.
Holiday Paradise Gut Horn
A family-run campsite at a manor by Lake Waging in Bavaria. With views of the Alps and the warmest bathing lake in Bavaria, this site offers camping pitches, holiday apartments, and rooms. Fishing, boat rental, SUP, surfing and sailing school, as well as mini-golf and hiking in the Chiemgau Alps are all possible here.
Recreation area St. Leoner See
Located in Baden, near Heidelberg, this site offers a large bathing lake with a sunbathing lawn. Water skiing, surfing, sailing, fishing, diving, mini golf, and even Thai massages make the stay varied. 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 holiday unforgettable. Pack your things and discover the most beautiful lakeside campsites in Germany!
Insider tips: Camping by the lake with children
Camping by the lake with children can become an unforgettable family adventure. But before you pitch your tents, make sure the campsite is also child-friendly. Here are some important tips and recommendations to make the most of your camping holiday.
Important facilities for children
Before you decide on a campsite, check the available facilities for children:
- Changing rooms: A clean and well-equipped changing station is essential.
- Playgrounds: A safe playground offers lots of fun and entertainment for the little ones.
- Supervised swimming areas: These provide extra safety when swimming.
- Family pitch areas: Special pitches for families provide more peace and often better facilities.
- Entertainment: Many larger campsites offer special programs and entertainment for children.
Size of the campsite
- Small campsites: These are often more manageable 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 overwhelming.
- Large campsites: These often offer kids’ entertainment and many leisure activities but can also be less manageable.
Our campsite tips
- Naturcamping Weiherhof at Titisee: In the Black Forest, near the spa town of Titisee, this site offers flat terrain, a changing room, baby bathing room, playground, barbecue area, pony rides, and a climbing park nearby.
- Campingplatz Affolderner See: In Hesse, located in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, surrounded by mountains. Creatively designed wooden huts for families, treetop path, Aquapark Hemfurth, summer toboggan run, and wildlife park nearby.
- Camping ABC at Großensee: Located near Hamburg, this site offers beach volleyball, a playground in the outdoor pool, and numerous activities in Hamburg like Miniatur Wunderland, Hagenbeck’s Zoo, and the KLICK Children’s Museum.
Insider tips: Camping by the lake with your dog
For dog owners, camping by the lake offers a great way to enjoy nature together with their four-legged friend. Here are some tips and recommendations:
Important information
- Dogs at the campsite: Check in advance whether dogs are allowed on the site.
- Dog showers and dog beaches: Many campsites have special facilities for dogs.
- Leash requirement: Most campsites require dogs to be on a leash, so don’t forget the leash.
Our campsite tips
- Camping Garden Wahlwies: On Lake Constance, this site offers a dog shower, a fenced dog play area, and a swimming spot for dogs at the natural beach in Uhldingen-Mühlhofen.
- Camping & Holiday Park Falkensteinsee: Near Bremen, with pet-friendly accommodations, its own “dog lake,” dog showers, off-leash meadow, and dog supplies for sale. Dog training and a dog-friendly restaurant are also available.
- Chiemsee Beach Camping: Right by the lake with a separate dog beach and dog shower. More dog beaches are nearby at Chiemsee.
Exciting events for special lake camping
- Chiemsee Championships: A sailing event with seven regattas and around 200 boats spread throughout the year.
- Müritz Festival: In Waren, on the second weekend of July, with a traditional parade and fireworks.
- Konstanz Lake Night Festival: In August with festival atmosphere, music, street food, and fireworks over the lake.
- Hamburg Harbor Birthday: In May, with music, stalls, tugboat ballet, and fireworks over the Elbe.
The right camping equipment for summer
What would a camping adventure be without the right gear? Here we show you suitable products that make your camping trip even more enjoyable.
Atago Grill
The Petromax Atago is a true all-rounder for outdoor cooks. It can be used as a grill, oven, stove, and Fire Bowl. Thanks to its thoughtful design, the Atago is ready to use in seconds and offers a variety of cooking options, whether grilling, cooking, or baking.
HK500
Light is crucial for a pleasant atmosphere when camping. The Petromax HK500 kerosene lantern not only provides atmospheric lighting but is also extremely robust and reliable. This classic lamp emits bright, warm light while being economical in consumption. A must-have for every camping fan who wants to sit outside even after sunset.
Buy Petromax HK500 Kerosene Lantern
Cool Box or Cooler Bag
Especially on hot summer days, it is important to keep food and drinks cool. Petromax cooler bags and cool boxes are perfect for this. They keep your supplies cool for days – ideal for longer camping trips. The cooler bags and cool boxes come in various sizes and impress with their high insulation performance and durability.
Buy Petromax Cool Box and Cooler Bag
Tableware and Cooking Utensils
Practical and sturdy tableware is essential for camping. Petromax tableware is made of high-quality enamel, making it especially robust and easy to clean. It is heat-resistant and therefore perfect for preparing food directly over the fire or grill. The range includes plates, cups, and bowls that are not only functional but also visually appealing. The range also includes cooking utensils specially designed for outdoor adventures and camping.
Buy Petromax Tableware and Cooking Utensils
The right place and the right gear make your camping summer an unforgettable experience. Petromax products stand for quality, durability, and functionality, specially designed for camping and outdoor adventures.
Do you love sleeping outdoors? Then check out our other posts and discover the most beautiful campsites and outdoor experiences in Germany and beyond:
The Best Campsites in Croatia for Families with Children
The Best Campsites in Italy for Families with Children
Camping as Natural Medicine: Why Outdoor Life Does Us So Much Good
