CAMPING
For the Swiss, “camping” is thought of in different terms than “camping” in the United States. Swiss “camping” might be more appropriately be described as “glamping.” With free Wi-Fi, hot showers, grocery stores, and more at nearly every single campsite in Switzerland, it can be difficult to truly unplug at these sort of venues. That being said, the campsites listed here will still provide ample opportunity to connect with nature and experience the Swiss outdoors. The sites listed below are the closest to true outdoor camping that can be found in Switzerland through an official “campsite.” If you are looking for a more rugged wilderness adventure, check out our Wild Camping page.
Aareschlucht
Haslita Valley
Located in the vicinity of Bern, Switzerland’s capital, Aareschlucht features fantastic views of the mountains and is situated very close to the banks of the Aare river. The campsite is also fairly close to the famous Aare Gorge, one of Europe’s most beautiful canyon platform hikes.
To get there, take the train from Vevey to Meiringen (approx. 3.5 hours), then take the bus from Meiringen to Aareslucht Ost bus stop. Once there, cross the river and walk south along Dorfstrasse road until you reach the campsite (map).
Campsite features hot showers, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and group cooking facilities. Campfires are not permitted.
Campsites start at €28.00, with prices varying per campsite and with respect to season.
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Eiger-nordwand
Grindelwald
This campground at the foot of the famous Eiger north face offers beautiful views of the outstanding mountainous scenery, and is just a 10 minute walk from the village center. The train station "Grund-Kleine Scheidegg-Jungfraujoch" and the gondola "Grindelwald-Männlichen" are only a 5-minute walk from the grounds
To get there, take the train from Vevey to Grindelwald Grund (approx. 3.5 hours). From Grindelwald Grund, walk 11 min. west along Kirchbodenstrasse road until you reach Bodenstrasse road, then turn right (map).
Offers both summer and winter seasons, with tent camping much more common in the summer season (ending Oct. 15th). Campsites include Wi-Fi, showers, a BBQ chalet, and restrooms. A restaurant is located very close to the campsite.
Campsites cost CHF 12.00-14.00 per tent (depending on size) + CHF 9.00 per adult + optional CHF 4.00 electricity fee.
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Tariche
Doubs Nature Reserve
This peaceful Swiss countryside site is in an area popular for scenic hikes, river swims, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and mountain biking, and is six kilometres or about 10 minutes' drive from the small Jura town of Saint-Ursanne.
Directions + Features + Cost:
To get there, take the train from Vevey to St-Ursanne (approx. 2.5 hours), then take the bus from St-Ursanne to Epauvillers (approx. 20 min.), then walk up the main road towards the church. Keep walking past the church until you see Châtillon road on the right. Continue down that road until you get to Camping de Tariche campground (map).
Campsite features restrooms, Wi-Fi, showers, and a cafe. Tariche is twenty minutes away from France, situated in Doubs Regional Nature Park—a hotspot for beautiful scenery, especially in the wintertime.
Campsites start at CHF 19.30 per tent + CHF 9.00 per additional person. Electricity is available for an additional CHF 4.00.
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Jungfrau
Bernese Alps
Situated in the Lauterbrunnen region, in a beautiful valley with stunning views of the mountains. The center of Lauterbrunnen and the train station are within walking distance of this camping site. Offers stunning views and hiking in one of the most beautiful areas of Switzerland.
DIRections + Features + Cost:
To get there, take the train from Vevey to Interlaken (approx. 2.5 hours). From Interlaken Ost, take the bus towards Lauterbrunnen. From the Lauterbrunnen transition, walk along the main road through the village. Shortly before the church, follow the road sign leading to Camping Jungfrau, which should lead you to the right. Camping Jungfrau is on the right side of the valley directly under the big Staubbach waterfall (map).
Campsite features showers, Wi-Fi, water, and a grocery store nearby. In the wintertime, a ski bus to the valley station is available free of charge for alpine sporting use. The campsite is also only ten minutes from ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Campsites cost CHF 13.00-18.00 per tent (depending on size) + CHF 9.20 per person + optional CHF 3.50 electricity fee.
Open year round, but prices and offers vary between the summer and winter season.
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Chapella
Engadine Region
A unique campsite located at the entrance to the Swiss National Park, this centrally located pitch offers quick access to Bergell, Puschlav, Albula Valley, Münstertal, Livigno and Samnaun. This location additionally offers fire pits and large campsites.
Directions + Features + Cost:
Take the train from Vevey to Sagliains (approx. 5 hours). From Sagliains, take the 1929 rail (Direction Pontresina) and stop on request at Cinuos-chel-Brail, then walk about .25km North to the campsite entrance (map).
Campsites cost CHF 5.00-7.00 (small tent) + CHF 6.50 per adult. Yurts are available for rent for CHF 50.00 per evening (+15.00 per adult) and include electricity and bed linens. Campground has washrooms, Wi-Fi, and an information kiosk. The nearby village of S-Chanf is about 10 minutes away by foot and has a supermarket.
Open from May 1st - October 31st
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About 2,000 meters up in the Swiss Alps, Arolla is a spacious site composed of grassy terraced pitches. It is the highest campsite in Europe. Located near the Matterhorn, it’s a good spot for both challenging climbs and easier walking routes. Features fantastic views of the 4,000-meter north face of Mont Collon and the Pigne d’Arolla.
Directions + Features + Cost:
Take the train from Vevey to Sion (approx. 1 hour), then walk to the Sion bus station take the 381 bus from Sion to Les Haudères. At Les Haudères take the 382 bus to Arolla, then walk south about 80m to the campground entrance (map).
Campground features bathrooms, hot showers (4 CHF), Wi-Fi, and a grocery store. The village of Arolla is nearby with a few restaurants and shops. Open from June to September.
Campsites cost CHF 12.00 per tent + CHF 7.20 per person + optional CHF 4.50 electricity fee.
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DES GLACIERS
La Fouly, Valais
Camping des Glaciers is in a unique alpine setting surrounded by rich flora and fauna. Found at the edge of a glacial torrent and in front of an impressive mountain landscape, it is very quiet and features many walks and hikes that start right at the campsite.
Directions + Features + Cost:
Take the train from Vevey to Orsières gare (approx. 1.5 hours) then take the 272 bus near the train station to La Fouly. (13 stops, 23 minutes) From the La Fouly bus stop, walk south to Chemin La Nuevaz, then turn right on Chemin de Tsamodet, until you come to Camping des Glaciers.
Campsite features hot water, Wi-Fi, showers, and a village (La Fouly) about a five-minute walk away.
Campsites cost CHF 8.00 per adult + CHF 16.00 per campsite + optional CHF 3.50 electricity fee.
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Morteratsch
Vadret da Morteratsch
Situated between little streams, lakes and small woods, this campsite in the southeastern corner of Switzerland is accompanied by a breathtaking view onto the peaks and summits of the famous Bernina range.
Directions + Features + Cost:
Take the train from Vevey to Pontresina (approx 6 hours). From Pontresina train station, walk 2 minutes to the Pontresina Bahnhof. From there, take the 705 Bus (Direction Livigno) to Morteratsch, Abzweigung. From Morteratsch, walk about 800 meters north until you reach the campground (map).
Campsite features bathrooms, BBQs, hot showers, and power. Open flames are not allowed.
Campsites costs CHF 12.00 per adult + CHF 9.00 per tent + CHF 30.00 reservation fee.
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Forêt des Mélèzes
BAGNES VALLEY
Consistently voted some of the best camping in Switzerland, this campsite is remote and semi-wild, but still offers traditional Swiss campsite amenities. Closest option to official “real” camping that Switzerland offers.
To get there, take the train from Vevey to Fionnay. From there, walk (or take the bus to the Bonatchiesse station) approx 20 minutes south along Route de Mauvoisin until you reach Café de la Promenade (on the right). Keep walking a bit further until you see the sign for Camping Forêt des Mélèzes on the right (map).
Campsite features restrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and fire pits. Campfires are permitted, and the river is very close to the campsite. Fresh bread is offered at the camping reception every morning. Be aware: the dam is occasionally opened and closed depending on the power needs of the surrounding areas, so exercise caution when swimming in the river.
Campsites cost CHF 8.00 per adult + CHF 6.00-8.00 per tent + optional CHF 3.00 electricity fee.
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Disentis
Source of the Rhine
This campsite is located in an area with an impressive mountain backdrop and a natural lake in heart of the campsite. Plots feature natural mountain meadows, partly surrounded by the high-trunked spruce forest. Nearby are many opportunities for outdoor activities and adventure in the surrounding mountains.
To get there, take the train from Vevey to Acla da Fontauna (approx. 5.5 hours). From Acla da Fontauna take the 481 bus through Disentis to the Disentis/Mustér, Fontanivas bus stop. Camping Disentis is right next to the bus stop (map).
Campsite feature Wi-Fi, free electricity, showers, hot water, restrooms, and a grocery store.
Campsites start from CHF 15.00 (low season)- CHF 26.00 (high season) per tent + CHF 10.00-13.00 per adult + possible CHF 20.00 pitch fee. In winter, there is a “special tarrif” for small tents without a car.