Campsites directly on Lake Garda

Lake Garda campsites

Campsites directly on Lake Garda

From pitches close to the water to full-service camping resorts: these campsites put Lake Garda genuinely on your doorstep.

Stay by the water

Camping directly on Lake Garda: as close to the water as it gets

For many campers, a true lakeside location is the most important factor when choosing a site. A short walk to the water in the morning, swimming or paddling during the day and watching the lake in the evening are exactly what make a waterfront camping holiday special.

However, “directly on the lake” does not mean that every pitch is in the front row or has an uninterrupted lake view. Large resorts may extend far inland, while more compact campsites can feel closer to the shoreline but offer fewer facilities. It is therefore worth comparing not only the campsite location, but also the beach, pitch category and the type of holiday you want.

Our selection covers all four shore areas: Fornella on the western shore, Camping Al Lago in Riva on the northern shore, Camping Cisano San Vito between Bardolino and Lazise on the eastern shore, and San Francesco Camping Village in the south between Desenzano and Sirmione.

Fornella Camping & Wellness Family Resort – campsite on Lake Garda near San Felice del Benaco

San Felice del Benaco · 5 stars

Fornella Camping & Wellness Family Resort

This five-star resort on the western shore combines a true lakeside setting with two beaches, extensive camping facilities, pools, glamping and a spa.

  • Directly on the lake
  • Two beaches
  • 5 stars
  • Pools & spa

Why this is our top recommendation

Fornella is our top recommendation for travellers who do not want to trade a lakeside setting for comfort. The spacious five-star resort near San Felice del Benaco sits directly on Lake Garda and has two beaches. Among olive trees you will find pitches, glamping and rental accommodation, complemented by pool areas, dining, family facilities and an on-site wellness area.

What makes Fornella stand out is the combination of nature, water and high-quality resort infrastructure. If staying as close to the shoreline as possible is your priority, check the exact location of the pitch or accommodation category before booking: even at a campsite directly on the lake, not every unit is automatically in the front row.

Especially suitable for: Couples and families who want a lakeside setting with high-quality resort facilities.

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Our selection

Four lakeside campsites compared

From a compact campsite in Riva to large camping villages, these four recommendations show how varied lakeside camping on Lake Garda can be.

Camping Al Lago – campsite on Lake Garda near Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda

Camping Al Lago

A compact lakeside campsite in Riva del Garda with pitches, mobile homes and safari tents, ideal for combining the lake, town and cycle routes without long transfers.

  • Directly on the lake
  • Riva on foot & by bike
  • Mobile homes & glamping
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Camping Cisano San Vito – campsite on Lake Garda near Bardolino

Bardolino

Camping Cisano San Vito

A large family campsite directly on the lake between Bardolino and Lazise, with its own beach, water park, slides, mobile homes and extensive leisure facilities.

  • Directly on the lake
  • Private beach
  • Water park & slides
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San Francesco Camping Village – campsite on Lake Garda near Desenzano del Garda

Desenzano del Garda

San Francesco Camping Village

Set directly on southern Lake Garda between Desenzano and Sirmione, with pools and water facilities, mobile homes, sports options and particularly extensive facilities for holidays with dogs.

  • Directly on the lake
  • Pools & water area
  • Dog-friendly
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Choosing guide

What to check when choosing a campsite directly on the lake

A waterfront location matters, but the right choice also depends on the beach, pitch type, access and the level of facilities you want.

01

Directly on the lake does not always mean a waterfront pitch

A campsite can border Lake Garda and still extend several hundred metres inland. If a front-row location matters to you, check the exact pitch category and site map rather than relying only on the general lakeside description.

02

Compare the beach and lake access

Lake Garda campsites range from sandy beaches and pebble shores to smaller coves and jetties. For families with young children, easy and gentle access to the water may matter more than having the largest pool complex.

03

Northern or southern Lake Garda?

Around Riva and Torbole, wind, water sports and the nearby mountains shape the holiday experience. Lazise and the southern lake often feel more traditionally family-oriented, while the western shore offers many quieter coves and scenic settings.

04

Book popular waterfront categories early

Pitches and rental units closest to the lake are usually among the most sought-after categories. If you travel during school holidays or want a particular location on the campsite, choose the exact category as early as possible.

Life by the water

What makes lakeside camping special

Staying right by Lake Garda makes many holiday moments spontaneous, without having to get in the car first.

SUP and kayaking on Lake Garda beside a campsite

On the water

SUP, kayaking and windsurfing

Staying directly by the water makes it easy to experience Lake Garda spontaneously. The northern shore is especially well known for wind sports, while calmer morning conditions in many areas are ideal for SUP and kayaking.

Lake Garda promenade near a campsite

Explore the towns

Explore Riva, Bardolino or Sirmione without a long drive

A well-positioned lakeside campsite makes short excursions much easier. Depending on the location, promenades, town centres and restaurants can be reached on foot, by bike or after only a short drive.

Sunset on Lake Garda with a campsite by the shore

Evening by the lake

Stay by the lake into the evening

When the campsite borders the lake, the swimming day does not end with a drive back to your accommodation. In the evening, simply return to the shore, watch the sunset and let the day finish by the water.

Find your campsite

Choose the lakeside setting that fits your holiday style

Whether you want an active stay on the northern shore, family camping with a water park or a full-service camping village in the south or west, compare pitch size, beach access, rental accommodation and facilities as well as the lakeside location.

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