Lake Constance camping hidden gems: 20 genuine recommendations

Table of contents

• 1. Where to find quiet camping spots

  • 1.1. Choosing a spot: campsite vs. nature camping

  • 1.2. Prices: when it's cheaper

• 2. 5 hidden gems: nature-friendly VanSite pitches

  • 2.1. Under apple trees

  • 2.2. With the horses

  • 2.3. On the farm

  • 2.4. View of the Untersee

  • 2.5. Mountain retreat

• 3. 3 money-saving tips at Lake Constance

  • 3.1. VanSite AnnualPass

  • 3.2. VanSite 25Pass

  • 3.3. Bodensee Card

• 4. 7 campsite recommendations

  • 4.1. Camping Hegne

  • 4.2. Wirtshof

  • 4.3. Naturcamping Mainau

  • 4.4. Park Camping

  • 4.5. Camping Fischerhaus

  • 4.6. Campingplatz Iriswiese

  • 4.7. Campinggarten Wahlwies

• 5. 5 worthwhile attractions at Lake Constance

  • 5.1. Pile dwellings

  • 5.2. Meersburg

  • 5.3. Rhine Falls Schaffhausen

  • 5.5. Pfänder

  • 5.6. Bregenz Festival

• 6. FAQs: camping hidden gems at Lake Constance

  • 6.1. How much does camping at Lake Constance cost?

  • 6.2. What should you keep in mind when camping with a dog?

  • 6.3. When is the best time to visit Lake Constance?

  • 6.4. Is camping at Lake Constance allowed and can you free camp in the area?

  • 6.5. Where can you camp for free at Lake Constance?

  • 6.6. When is Camping Hegne at Lake Constance open?

Camping hidden gems at Lake Constance: where you can still find peace and nature

Image by Olle August on Pixabay |

The Lake Constance is one of the most popular destinations for a camping holiday. The region impresses not only with countless opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxed life on and around the lake, but also through its unique location at the junction of three countries. This opens up a cultural diversity with fascinating sights and varied day-trip destinations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Popularity comes at a price, though: during peak season, campsites can fill up quickly, accommodation is more expensive and the shores get crowded with visitors.

But between the lakeside promenades and the well-known hotspots, they still exist: quiet corners with small campsites,nature-friendly pitches and hidden coves.

In this post we present you with selected camping hidden gems that show how your camping holiday at Lake Constance can become a true holiday experience in nature. You can look forward to recommendations for nature camping, special campsites, worthwhile places and worthwhile day trips in the region.

Search by pitch type: campsite vs. nature camping

Those who want to camp at Lake Constance can choose from different pitch types.

A campsite offers comprehensive infrastructure with sanitary facilities, a kitchen or common room and is particularly suited for families or longer stays.

Nature camping in contrast does largely without comfort, instead focusing on idyllic scenery, peace and a genuine nature experience – perfect for spontaneous bookings and anyone who wants to relax away from the tourist crowds.

Depending on how you want to shape your camping holiday, the choice of pitch type can be decisive in whether you enjoy more comfort, community or peace.

Prices & budget: when it gets cheaper

The costs for camping at Lake Constance vary considerably, depending on season, location and pitch type. It is usually cheapest in the shoulder season, i.e. in spring and in September or October. On weekdays many campsites at Lake Constance are also cheaper, while school holidays and public holidays push prices up noticeably.

Pitches directly on the lake generally cost more, while pitches in the second row or further inland are often considerably cheaper. Nature camping is usually one of the most affordable options and is for us a genuine Lake Constance camping insider tip!

Extra costs for electricity, showers, dogs, additional persons or the tourist tax should be factored into your budget. Whether you camp in a tent, motorhome, or caravan can also affect the price.

Top Lake Constance camping insider tip: nature-friendly pitches by VanSite

Why are VanSite pitches a genuine Lake Constance camping insider tip? Because they offer small, nature-friendly overnight options with private hosts - often on fruit meadows, at the forest edge or on a farm. These pitches are away from the tourist crowds in a quiet, secluded setting yet close enough to towns, sights and the lake for spontaneous day trips.

Instead of mass tourism, you get plenty of nature and the personal hospitality when camping - perfect conditions for truly switching off.

Five of these special camping insider tips in the region are presented here.

VanSite camping insider tip 1: Under apple trees with a view into the valley

This pitch in Linzgau (Baden-Wurttemberg) lets campers breathe immediately: under apple trees you look far into the valley and are 20-25 minutes from the Uberlinger See - the "finger" of Lake Constance.

Facilities: Secluded spot in a fruit meadow with level ground; water & WC

Activities: Cycling to Uberlinger See, hikes through orchards, bathing spots near Uberlingen, day trips to Meersburg/Unteruhldingen.

Vehicle suitability: Campervan, motorhome and (car) tents

VanSite camping insider tip 2: With the horses in Allgau

Farm idyll between Ravensburg and Wangen: views over pastures and horses, and you can reach Lindau/Kressbronn in around 25-35 minutes. Here you'll find real rural peace and short distances to the water - ideal for families and animal lovers.

Facilities: Natural pitch on the farm; electricity & water

Activities: Farm life, walks in the area, cycling into Allgau, day trips around Lake Constance, excursion to Pfander.

Vehicle suitability: Suitable for all vehicle types

VanSite camping insider tip 3: Pitch on the farm with great mountain views

Alpine panorama meets proximity to Lake Constance: Campers enjoy open views here, and Lindau or Langenargen are around 30 minutes away. There's open space, sunsets and plenty of green - a paradise for relaxed evenings.

Facilities: Pitch on the farm in a quiet setting; electricity

Activities: Cycling & hiking routes in Allgau and surroundings, SUP/swimming, day trips to Friedrichshafen.

Vehicle suitability: For campervans, motorhomes and trailers

VanSite camping insider tip 4: Sunny meadow with views near Untersee

Above Radolfzell in Hegau a sunny meadow with wide views awaits - just right for campers who want a quiet break combined with Untersee proximity (the smaller of the two Lake Constance basins). You're at the shore in 15-25 minutes.

Facilities: Secluded spot on a quiet meadow; self-sufficient use recommended, electricity & water

Activities: Hike the Hegau volcanoes, Lake Constance cycling path along the Untersee, bathing spots near Radolfzell, SUP/boating nearby.

Vehicle suitability: For campervans and motorhomes; rural access road, check length/weight in the listing.

VanSite camping insider tip 5: Mountain retreat with Lake Constance views

High above the lake the village of Sulzberg offers a wonderful panorama over the landscape and the lake. To Bregenz and to the water it's about 20-30 minutes by car. Mountain air, quiet and a great view at the pitch, plus beaches and culture down by the water - the perfect combination for a camping holiday and that's why it's a genuine Lake Constance camping insider tip.

Facilities: Mountain meadow & alpine setting with plenty of space; water

Activities: Ridge paths & viewpoints, sunrises and sunsets with lake views, a detour to Pfander or Bregenz, swimming in Lake Constance.

Vehicle suitability: Campervan, motorhome, caravan, (car) tents

Save money when camping at Lake Constance - 3 saving tips

A camping holiday at Lake Constance doesn't have to be expensive - even in a popular region there are smart ways to cut accommodation and activity costs. Plan your trip well and even in high season you can still find good deals, leaving more budget for fresh produce from the market, an ice cream on the beach, or spontaneous local activities.

Three passes are particularly helpful here: they either reduce accommodation costs or offer free and discounted entry to many attractions at Lake Constance and the surrounding area.

VanSite AnnualPass

The VanSite AnnualPass is your flat rate for nature-friendly camping: for a one-off annual fee you can stay at thousands of VanSite pitches stay for free – ideal for frequent campers and longer stays on and around the Lake Constance. Depending on the pitchyou'll find modern basics like electricity and water on site, combined with peaceful nature without the crowds.

VanSite AnnualPass benefits:

• Valid for 12 months

• Free overnight stays at thousands of nature-close pitches

• In Germany and across Europe

• For all campers: motorhomes, caravans, (roof) tents

• Extra discounts in the benefits world

VanSite 25Pass

With the VanSite 25Pass you save 25 % on overnight costs at VanSite pitches – 12 months from the date of purchase. The discount applies across Europe for motorhomes, caravans and (roof) tents. That leaves more budget for the ferry, SUP rental or a good dinner by the water.

Benefits at a glance:

• 25 % discount per night

• Valid across Europe for all VanSite pitches

• For all campers: motorhomes, caravans and (roof) tents

Bodensee Card – benefits for public transport & leisure activities

The Bodensee Card PLUS is your benefits package for trips throughout the whole region. It offers free or reduced admission to numerous attractions around the Lake Constance and includes or discounts boat trips, mountain railways or regional public transport, depending on the version.

Perfect for a holiday at Lake Constance, to plan great activities even in bad weather or as a family programme with children. Combined with affordable pitches you have excursions and mobility covered comfortably and on a budget.

What you can save with the Bodensee Card:

• Free/reduced admission to a wide range of attractions

• Included or discounted boats/public transport/mountain railways

• Discounts for guided tours, pools/spas, leisure and museum offers

• Discounts on rentals (e.g. bike, SUP)

...and much more, depending on the season and cooperating partners.

7 campsites at Lake Constance

After the nature-close VanSite pitches we present seven more campsites at Lake Constance – from the large four-star campsite to the small camping garden. Everyone will find their personal hidden gem: sometimes with direct lake access, sometimes quietly tucked away inland, with family-friendly facilities, more comfort or completely close to nature. Different styles, clearly presented – so you can discover the option that best suits your camping holiday at Lake Constance.

Camping Hegne – campsite with lake access and tranquility in Hegne

Camping Hegne is in Allensbach, between Konstanz and Reichenau and offers guests direct lake access with a beach section. Alongside pitches there are at Camping Hegne rental accommodations like sleeping barrels and small cabins – all in a quiet setting with lake views.

Opening times: Early July – mid-September

Highlights: Beach with lake terrace, restaurant, water sports (SUP, swimming, cycle path), family-friendly

Wirthshof – top-rated

In Markdorf the Wirthshof combines a 5-star campsite with hotel-level comfort. The large grounds of the campsite are near Lake Constance and offer everything for wellness travellers but also families and campers – from chalets to pitches.

Opening times: Summer and winter season

Highlights: Wellness with sauna and spa, modern infrastructure, many leisure activities right from the site

Naturcamping Mainau – nature experiences, tents & terraces

This nature campsite in Konstanz-Litzelstetten is in a landscape conservation area with a direct view of Mainau Island. Those looking for nature and relaxation will find a perfect retreat on the terraced campsite.

Opening times: Mid-March – mid-October (2025)

Highlights: For tents and campervans (vehicles up to 6 m long/2.05 m high), glamping options, bistro and bread roll service

Park Camping Bodensee – campsite in Lindau, close to the shore

This campsite is right on Lake Constance and offers a mix of nature and easy city access. The campsite has marked pitches and is a good base for trips into the island and harbour town.

Opening times: Mid-March – mid-December

Highlights: Marked pitches, short distances to the town centre and the waterfront, ideal base for cycling and boat trips

Camping Fischerhaus - a small gem right on the lake in Switzerland

Camping Fischerhaus is a small campsite right on the lake with close proximity to Konstanz. The campsite is located in Kreuzlingen (Switzerland) and offers not only meadow tent pitches but also fishermen's cottages as rental accommodation.

Opening times: April - October

Highlights: Free entry to the Hörnli outdoor pool for campsite guests, kiosk, bistro and bread service

Campsite Iriswiese Gohren - camping on Lake Constance in a nature reserve

In the middle of the nature reserve near Kressbronn you'll find the Iriswiese - a large, versatile campsite on Lake Constance, close to Friedrichshafen and Lindau. Campers will find both nature and a comprehensive infrastructure.

Opening times: Easter - October

Highlights: Restaurant and supermarket on site, beach and swimming access, plenty of leisure activities

Campinggarten Wahlwies - a family-friendly campsite

The Campinggarten Wahlwies is a small, family-run campsite in Baden-Württemberg, about 5 km west of Lake Constance. It sits idyllically on an orchard meadow and offers a peaceful setting with plenty of space and greenery around it.

Opening times: March - November

Highlights: Generous pitch layout, wooden cabins as rental accommodation, perfect surroundings for cycling and hiking

5 ideas for day trips around Lake Constance

You know the popular day trip destinations around Lake Constance - we show you how to explore them so they feel like a genuine insider tip for camping on Lake Constance. For each destination you'll find a quick overview of what to expect there, plus practical tips on how to find unusual angles, catch the quiet hours and create memorable moments during your holiday.

Germany: Pfahlbauten Unteruhldingen

Image by Wolfgang Claussen on Pixabay |

At the Unteruhldingen open-air museum you can visit faithfully reconstructed stilt houses right on the shore of Lake Constance and discover how people lived here thousands of years ago. The exhibition combines history, archaeology and lake views - an engaging mix for anyone who likes to combine culture and nature.

Tips:

• Visit the museum right at opening time or during the golden hour in the evening - then you'll often have the jetties and the view of the lake almost to yourselves.

• Combine the visit with a walk along the wine trails towards the Basilika Birnau, where a wide view over Lake Constance and a perfect picnic spot await you.

• Bring a small pair of binoculars: from the lakeside path you can watch waterbirds in the reed beds particularly well.

Germany: Meersburg old town & castle

Image by Gabriele Lässer on Pixabay |

Half-timbered houses, steep lanes and the imposing castle above the lake - Meersburg is a true classic on Lake Constance and looks like it came straight out of a picture book.

Tips:

• Stroll through the upper town early in the morning when the lanes are still quiet, then enjoy the wine trails towards Hagnau with their peaceful viewpoints.

• Take a short ferry crossing in the evening - the illuminated skyline of the castle and promenade is especially atmospheric from the water.

• Walk along the lower lakeside promenade after 8 pm, when the bustle dies down and a relaxed atmosphere takes over.

Switzerland: Rhine Falls Schaffhausen

Image by piuse on Pixabay |

The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen are one of the largest waterfalls in Europe, well developed on both banks and a spectacular natural sight. There is also plenty of fun to be had exploring the surrounding paths and viewpoints.

Tips:

• Come at sunrise, when the light is at its best, the chances of rainbows are high and hardly any visitors are around.

• Afterwards walk downstream to quieter stretches of bank and pebble beaches - perfect for a relaxed break by the water.

• If you enjoy photography, bring a tripod: in the twilight you can capture long exposures without any crowds.

Austria: Pfander & Pfanderbahn

Image by dmncwndrlch on Pixabay |

The Pfander is the local mountain of Bregenz and offers a sweeping panorama over Lake Constance and the Alps. You can reach it either on foot via well-maintained hiking trails or comfortably by cable car.

Tips:

• Start the ascent in Lochau and take the cable car back down - that way you get quiet forest paths and a gentle change of perspective.

• Find a bench at the edge of the alpine meadows for the golden hour; the light over Bregenz and Lindau is especially atmospheric then.

• Bring binoculars to watch paragliders or even wildlife on the slopes.

Austria: Bregenz Festival

Image by kathi220664 on Pixabay |

The lake stage in Bregenz is a highlight not only during performances - even during the day, when the set is visible and the Lake Constance glitters behind it, a visit is worthwhile. The striking architecture in front of the water creates an atmosphere unlike anything else.

Tips:

• Walk along the freely accessible bank during the day and discover the details of the stage architecture from different angles.

• Plan a sundowner at the harbour promenade; in the evening light the backdrop is particularly photogenic.

• Stay in your seat for a few minutes after the performance ends - when it gets quieter, the lights and reflections are almost yours alone.

FAQs - Camping on Lake Constance

What does camping on Lake Constance cost?

In peak season you pay for a motorhome pitch or campsite pitch approx. 15-30 € per night (plus overnight accommodation costs per person). A tent on a tent meadow is usually cheaper. Right on Lake Constance and larger sites are more expensive, while prices in the hinterland of Lake Constance or in the off season often 15-30% cheaper are.

Plan for extra costs for dogs, showers, additional people, or parking/boat if applicable. That leaves more budget for activities and small adventures at Lake Constance

Camping at Lake Constance with a dog - what do you need to know?

At many campsites at Lake Constance dogs are welcome, but the rules differ by location and site rules. At the shore a leash is often required, and dogs should only enter the water at designated sections or dog beaches.

Look for amenities like shaded pitches and water points to give your four-legged friends a break in summer. Some sites - especially on islands - do not allow dogs.

We recommend guests: check in advance and send a short reservation request. A small surcharge per night.

What is the best time to travel?

For a quieter holiday, milder weather, more choice of pitches and lower prices we recommend May-June and September-October - then golden light, vineyards and empty paths await.

For swimming July and August are best, though busier.

Spring and autumn are ideal for nature experiences and outdoor activities like hiking or cycling.

Is camping at Lake Constance allowed and can you camp freely there?

Camping at Lake Constance is allowed as long as you stay at official  campsites or designated pitches. There you have the necessary facilities and legal certainty. Wild camping on the shore, in villages or in protected areas is generally not permitted in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and can result in fines.

Our advice to guests: choose an official site with a reservation - that way everything is legally safe.

Where can you camp for free at Lake Constance?

Camping for free directly on the shore of Lake Constance is unfortunately not permitted, so free camping there is practically not possible. But: those who are flexible will find in the hinterland nature-close pitches that are much cheaper than conventional campsites. Saving tips like the VanSite 25Pass make it even more attractive.

When is Camping Hegne always open?

The Campingplatz Hegne in Allensbach opens its gates in the summer months, usually from early July to mid-September. If you want to camp there, it is best to secure your pitch early, especially during school holidays.

Note: The content of this blog post was created with the greatest care. However, information can change over time. We do not guarantee the accuracy, correctness or completeness of the information provided.