Camping in Germany: What to expect in every federal state
Anyone who has ever travelled from Flensburg to Fürstenfeldbruck or from Dresden to Dortmund...
Germany is bigger than many think – and more diverse than most suspect.
Anyone who has ever travelled from Flensburg to Fürstenfeldbruck or from Dresden to Dortmund knows: between the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the Alps of Bavaria there are not only kilometers, but entire worlds. Fairytale landscapes like pine forests that reach into the water.
Vineyards that run over river bends and conjure up a real Indian summer in autumn. Low mountains that disappear in the morning fog. Lakes, for paddling and swimming. And everywhere in between: campsites in Germany. Places that no one forgets so quickly.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern — very close to the water
More than 2,200 lakes, the longest coastline of a German federal state, Rügen, Usedom, the Mecklenburg Lake District. Who camps here, wakes up in the morning and has to decide: paddling or piercing? Baltic Sea or inland lake? Both are possible — sometimes on the same day. Campsites in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern They are among the most booked in Germany. If you want to come here in the summer, book early. Those who come in May have the water almost to themselves. Those who come in September often still enjoy badewarme lakes.
Schleswig-Holstein — two seas, one decision
The North Sea in the morning. Evening the Baltic Sea. Anyone who has experienced this once understands why Schleswig-Holstein is not a second choice for many campers, but first. Camping on the North Sea means: Wadden Sea, wind, vision. Camping on the Baltic Sea: calmer water, sandy beaches, fjords. In-between farms, knicks, rapeseed fields — and heaven, so much heaven that at some point you stop photographing it. In addition: The weather changes – rough and rainy on one coast, sunny and gentle on the other.
Brandenburg — 3,000 lakes and hardly anyone knows about them
Almost 3,000 recorded lakes, flat paths, wide skies – and Berlin in under an hour. Brandenburg is the most underestimated camping federal state in Germany. Better underestimated than overestimated, right? Anyone who wants to start spontaneously is guaranteed to find something. If you need a weekend and just want to arrive – here it goes without a motorway marathon. The lakes are quiet. The frogs are not. The evenings remain long. And in the morning there is fog on the water that no one has photographed but you.
Bavaria – backdrop that does not let go of you
Alpen, Allgäu, Chiemsee, Königssee. Bavaria is the classic among the camping states – and for good reason. Anyone who crawls out of the tent in the morning and sees an Alpine summit does not need another plan for the day. Camping sites on the lake in Bavaria are in great demand: it is best to book early and plan the prices. For this, nature rewards with impressions that no longer let go. And evenings when the mountains slowly get darker in the light or just start glowing in the orange sunset light. Plus point for Bavaria: Here the food is right.
Baden-Württemberg & Schwarzwald — where the way to the shower smells like pine needles
The Black Forest is not a cliché – it is a promise. Dense forests, clear streams, campsites where you smell the resin in the fire in the evening and hear nothing in the morning except bird voices. For hikers, cyclists and anyone who can do more with nature than with the pool. And if the gas cooker has a break: the Baden cuisine is not a bad consolation.
Thuringia & Saxony — scenic first league, price relaxed
According to the PiNCAMP price analysis 2026, Thuringia and Saxony are among the cheapest camping federal states in Germany. But they offer quality and culture, which by no means has to hide. The Thuringian Forest as well as cities such as Weimar, Erfurt or Dresden. Saxon Switzerland with its sandstone formations, which have already fascinated painters such as Caspar David Friedrich. If you are looking for nature without extra charge, look here first. Whoever seeks real cultural goods will also find it.
Lower Saxony – between the sea and mountains
Coast in the north, middle mountains in the south. And in between the Lüneburg Heath: Lower Saxony scores with diversity. Whether the East Frisian islands with their campsites, which are located right in the dunes or the Harz with its dense forests and many bathing lakes or just the purple fluff, which lies in August over the Lüneburg Heath. In between beautiful river landscapes, perfect for cyclists such as the Weserradweg. The small rivers attract paddlers – a really great station wagon: first into the boat and then onto the square. Lower Saxony has a lot to offer, especially for campers.
Rhineland-Palatinate & Mosel — where the campfire smells like wine
Vineyards, castle ruins, river camping. Anyone who drinks a Riesling at the campfire in the evening and wakes up in the morning with a view of the Moselle needs no further arguments. The Eifel for that — wild, quiet, underestimated. Especially nice in the mid-season, when the harvest starts, the air smells like must and the campsites have air again. Perfect for those who love wine and want to hike.
North Rhine-Westphalia & Sauerland — closer than expected
Sauerland has reservoirs, dense forests and well-developed cycle paths – and is literally on its doorstep for millions of people. Who does not want to drive far and still needs nature, is right here. Eifel and Bergisches Land are also worth a look. Camping in NRW is often the weekend that you had not planned – and then no longer forget.
Hessen — the Edersee and the Art of Arriving
Forest kingdom, quiet, often overlooked. Edersee is one of the most beautiful camping waters in Central Germany – deep blue, framed by hills, embedded in the Kellerwald National Park. What distinguishes it from other lakes: When the water level drops, historical ruins and bridges emerge from the floods – the so-called Edersee Atlantis. You pitch on the shore and look at sunken villages. This is not a travel brochure — this is Hesse. For all those who do not have to go to the sea to feel this feeling: JUHUU, finally arrived.
Saxony-Anhalt — where camping and culture shake hands
Between Harz, Elbe and Saale lies a federal state that surprises. Luther cities, Bauhaus Dessau, the heavenly paths of the Saale-Unstrut region. Anyone who comes out of the tent in the morning and pitches in front of a Romanesque cathedral in Naumburg in the evening has understood Saxony-Anhalt. According to PiNCAMP price analysis 2026 one of the cheapest camping federal states in Germany – on a backdrop that does not have to hide. For cultural campers, the curious and all who do not want to sacrifice discovery to relaxation.
Saarland & Pfalz — small but with a view
The Palatinate is wine, forest and castle ruins in one – and the Palatinate Forest is right in front of the camping door. Saarland is compact, green and full of surprises: the Völklinger Hütte, a former ironworks, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and a stage for exhibitions and concerts against an industrial backdrop. Who wants to see the Saar Loop from above, hikes on the treetop path – one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the southwest. Both regions are ideal for an extended weekend without a big plan – just go, arrive somewhere, see tomorrow.
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