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Camping at Lake Garda: shores, winds, parks and when to go
Camping at Lake Garda combines one of northern Italy's largest lakes with a mild climate, swimming and plenty of places to visit. The lake is 52 kilometres long and up to 17 kilometres wide, and its shores belong to three regions: Trentino-South Tyrol in the north, Lombardy in the west and Veneto in the east.
This page helps with planning: it compares the Veneto east shore, with places such as Lazise, Peschiera, Bardolino and Pacengo, with the Lombardy south-west and west shore around Manerba, San Felice del Benaco, Padenghe, Moniga and Desenzano. It also includes notes on winds, water temperature, theme parks, getting there and the tourist tax.
East shore and west shore: two regions, two characters
Lake Garda belongs to Veneto in the east and Lombardy in the west. When choosing where to camp, this is more than an administrative boundary, because the two sides differ in location and surroundings.
On the east shore, Peschiera del Garda, Lazise, Bardolino and Pacengo lie relatively close together and within reach of the big theme parks. If you are bringing children and plan trips to parks or water worlds, the distances here are short. Peschiera del Garda can also be reached by train.
On the south-west and west shore are Desenzano, Padenghe, Moniga, Manerba and San Felice del Benaco. According to Wikivoyage, Desenzano is an important transport hub on the south-west shore. From here you can use the railway station and ferry pier in Desenzano for day trips. The towns here are smaller than the east-shore centres, and the parks are further away. Which shore suits you therefore depends on how important being close to the parks is for your group.
Winds on Lake Garda: Peler and Ora
Lake Garda has winds that recur at particular times of day and clearly shape the summer weather. According to VisitGarda, two are especially important:
Peler: a northerly wind in the morning that brings cooler air down from the Sarca valley while the air over the lake warms up and rises.
Ora: a southerly wind from midday into the evening that draws fresh air towards the sun-warmed mountains.
VisitGarda also names other winds, such as the strong Balinot from the Ballino Pass and the Vinessa from the east.
In practice, this means for campers: mornings by the water are often calmer, and wind can pick up in the afternoon. The wind tempers the summer heat, but should be kept in mind with tents and awnings. For water sports in the south of the lake, it is worth planning around the course of the day.
The source gives no exact wind speeds for individual places; the local weather forecast is the best guide here.
Climate, water temperature and best time to go
VisitGarda describes the climate as sub-Mediterranean with mild winters; the lake has a moderating effect, softening both summer heat and winter cold. The guide values given are:
Winter (December to February): air temperature 5 to 15 °C, water 6 to 10 °C.
Summer (June to August): air 24 to 32 °C, water 17 to 27 °C.
June to September are therefore the best months for swimming.
VisitGarda recommends spring to early autumn as the most pleasant time, because temperatures and wind conditions then stay moderate.
If you want to combine hiking, cycling and sightseeing with quieter places, plan for spring or early autumn; if you mainly want to swim, go in high summer. The shores and access roads are then at their busiest, however, which ties in with the traffic notes below.
Theme parks and places to visit
Around the south-eastern part of Lake Garda there is an unusual concentration of parks. According to gardasee.de, these include:
Gardaland in Castelnuovo del Garda, Italy's largest theme park, plus the LEGOLAND Water Park in the same area and the Sea Life aquarium.
Caneva Aquapark in Lazise with slides, a wave pool and an adventure lagoon.
Movieland Park with stunt shows and Medieval Times, a knights' dinner-show restaurant, both in Lazise.
Parco Natura Viva in Lazise, a safari park with conservation work.
Climbing parks on Monte Baldo, such as Family Adventure Park and Jungle Adventure Park.
For days without a park, boat trips are an option: car ferries run between Maderno and Torri and between Limone and Malcesine, and there are passenger ferries between the larger towns.
Getting there from Germany and traffic
From Germany the usual route runs south on the A22 from Munich or Innsbruck, as Wikivoyage describes. If you are not travelling by car, there are train connections to Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda.
The A22 motorway to South Tyrol and Trentino passes by Lake Garda, so the southern and eastern shores are easy to reach. Journey times depend heavily on the season and day of the week; in summer it is best to avoid weekends as travel days. We have no verified guide figures for journey times.
Within the region, a ferry can save a stretch around the northern end of the lake. The railway stations in Peschiera and Desenzano offer alternatives to the car, for example for day trips without the hunt for a parking space.
What to do: ideas and a day-by-day plan
Lake Garda offers waterside towns, mountains, theme parks and plenty of options for rainy days. The ideas are sorted by interest, and the three day plans group sights in one corner of the lake so journeys stay short. Individual stops can be swapped freely.
Nature & landscape
Monte Baldohalf to full dayA rotating 360-degree cable car climbs up from Malcesine. At the top you can hike at around 1,800 metres, with views over the whole lake.
Punta San Vigiliohalf a dayBecause of its setting, the peninsula between Garda and Torri del Benaco is called the Portofino of Lake Garda. Sights include the church of San Vigilio, the Renaissance garden of Villa Brenzone and the Baia delle Sirene park with access to beaches.
Isola del Gardahalf a dayBoat trips to the island run from several harbours on the lake and make a peaceful day on the water.
Heller Garden and Vittorialehalf a dayIn Gardone Riviera you will find the Heller botanical garden with its works of art and the Vittoriale park. Both suit a relaxed day on the west shore.
Culture & sights
Sirmionehalf a dayThe peninsula is introduced by the Scaliger Castle as its gateway. At the far end lie the Grottoes of Catullus, the remains of a Roman villa. The Aquaria spa draws on sulphurous thermal springs.
Malcesine1-2 hoursThe medieval Scaliger Castle houses a natural history museum, which also displays historic sketches by Goethe. The cable car up Monte Baldo also starts from Malcesine.
Lazise and Bardolinohalf a dayLazise is one of the picturesque villages on the lake and lies close to the theme parks. In the Bardolino area you can visit wineries and taste Bardolino wine.
Veronafull dayWith its Arena, Piazza delle Erbe and Casa di Giulietta, the city is a classic destination for a day trip from the lake.
Active & sports
Ciclovia del Gardahalf a dayThe cycling and walking route runs mostly away from road traffic along the shore and can be ridden in sections.
Windsurfing and kitesurfinghalf daysMany windsurfers and kitesurfers make use of the wind conditions on Lake Garda. If you don't want to try it yourself, you can watch from the shore.
Hiking on Monte Baldofull dayThe mountain is especially popular with hikers. Taking the cable car from Malcesine saves you the climb and lets you start straight at altitude.
Boat tours and scheduled ferryhalf a dayNavigazione Lago di Garda links places such as Sirmione, Lazise and Malcesine with its scheduled ferry. There are also boat tours, including from Sirmione and Limone.
With kids
Gardalandfull dayItaly's largest amusement park lies near Castelnuovo del Garda and offers big roller coasters for the whole family.
Canevaworld with Aqua Paradisefull dayThe resort near Lazise includes the Aqua Paradise water park with slides and the Movieland Studios film park. Children up to 100 centimetres in height generally get in free.
Parco Natura Vivahalf to full dayThe safari and zoo park is only a few minutes from Lazise and combines a safari experience, a zoo and species conservation for a day with animals.
Adventure parkshalf a dayFamily-friendly courses are offered by Jungle Adventure and Family Adventure Park on Monte Baldo and by Busatte Adventure near Torbole. The Flying Frogs climbing park in Tignale has routes of varying difficulty.
When it rains
Spas in Sirmione and Colà di Lazisehalf a daySpas are considered an ideal way to relax when it rains. In Sirmione, the Aquaria spa is fed by sulphurous thermal springs.
Gardaland Sea Life Aquarium1-2 hoursThe aquarium near Castelnuovo del Garda shows habitats from the alpine stream via Lake Garda and the Po Delta to the Mediterranean. It also includes a 4D cinema.
Winery in the Bardolino area1-2 hoursA cellar visit with a tasting of local Bardolino takes place indoors and is an activity for a rainy day.
Olive oil museum in Cisano1-2 hoursThe museum in Cisano offers tastings and workshops on the making of olive oil and is an indoor activity.
Sample day plans
Day 1: South shore and peninsula
Morning
Drive to Sirmione and see the Scaliger Castle, the old town and the Grottoes of Catullus at the end of the peninsula.
Afternoon
Experience the lake on a boat tour from Sirmione, or alternatively visit the Aquaria spa with its sulphurous springs.
Evening
Dinner in Sirmione or back at the campsite, depending on your mood and the weather.
Day 2: Family day in the south-east
Morning
Head for Gardaland or Canevaworld. Gardaland has big roller coasters, while Canevaworld offers the Aqua Paradise water park and the Movieland Studios.
Afternoon
Stay in the park, or alternatively visit the Parco Natura Viva near Lazise, which combines a safari and a zoo.
Evening
To round things off, stroll through Lazise, one of the picturesque villages on the lake.
Day 3: Malcesine and Monte Baldo
Morning
Ride the rotating cable car from Malcesine up Monte Baldo and hike at the top, with views over the lake.
Afternoon
Back in Malcesine, visit the Scaliger Castle with its natural history museum, then take a trip on the scheduled ferry.
Evening
Finish with dinner on the waterfront in Malcesine, looking out over the lake.
Campsites that match
36 matching campsites in our database, grouped by location.
According to VisitGarda, spring to early autumn is pleasant. Water temperatures are good for swimming from June to September, and 17 to 27 °C is given for summer. If you prefer it quieter, travel in spring or early autumn, when there is less going on.
What are the Ora and the Peler?
The Peler is a northerly wind in the morning that brings cool air from the Sarca valley. The Ora is a southerly wind that blows from midday into the evening. Both recur daily in summer and temper the heat.
Is there a tourist tax at Lake Garda?
Yes, known as the tassa di soggiorno. It is charged per person per night and collected by the accommodation. Each municipality sets its own rate, seasonal periods and exemptions, for example for children. According to reise.de, rates rose in many places in 2026.
Which theme parks are near the east shore?
Near Lazise and Castelnuovo del Garda are Gardaland with the LEGOLAND Water Park and Sea Life, Caneva Aquapark, Movieland Park, Medieval Times and the Parco Natura Viva safari park. According to gardasee.de, the distances between them are short, and the parks are south of Lazise on the lake.
How do I get there from Germany?
By car, the route runs via the A22 from Munich or Innsbruck to the lake. Alternatively, trains run to Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda. In summer, weekends and the start of the holidays are busy on the roads, so mid-week travel days are worthwhile.
