Lake, beaches and old town sit close together
Riva is unusually practical for campers: from the lakeside campsites, beaches, the waterfront and the old town are easy to reach on foot or by bike. On many days, the car can simply stay parked.
Camping base in the north
Camping in Riva del Garda
Riva del Garda combines camping by the water with a real town, large lakeside areas and direct access to some of the best-known outdoor routes in northern Lake Garda. It is especially practical for campers who want to leave the car, motorhome or caravan parked as often as possible.
Lake, town and outdoors
Why Riva del Garda is such a versatile camping base
Riva del Garda sits at the north-western end of Lake Garda and combines three things that rarely lie this close together on a camping holiday: broad lakeside areas, a lively old town and mountains rising directly behind the town. You can start the morning by the lake, walk through the old town later and still fit in a cycling or hiking trip in the afternoon.
The traditional camping options are concentrated mainly east of the centre towards Monte Brione and Torbole. Camping Al Lago and Camping Bavaria sit directly by the water or immediate waterfront, while Camping Brione lies slightly farther back around Monte Brione. Verdepiano is farther inland in a greener setting. Camping Garda / Villa Speranza completes the local inventory as a smaller camping operation.
Why choose Riva
Four reasons to camp in Riva del Garda
Riva is especially suitable for campers who do not want to choose between a town break, lake days and an active holiday.
The town is a strong base for active days
Cycling and hiking routes head into the mountains directly from Riva. The Ponale is one of the best-known routes in the region, while lakeside cycle connections lead towards Torbole and the Sarca Valley.
Riva also works for traditional lake days
Sabbioni and Pini provide large lakeside areas with pebbles and lawns. This makes Riva useful not only for active travellers but also for families and campers who simply want to spend a day by the water.
The campsites have very different characters
Direct lakeside camping, four-star comfort with a pool or a small agricamping site in the countryside: in Riva, it is especially worthwhile choosing by holiday style rather than by town name alone.
Our selection
Camping recommendations for Riva del Garda
Camping Al Lago is our top pick. Camping Brione and Verdepiano complete the current recommendations; other campsites that genuinely operate in Riva are listed separately below.
Camping Al Lago
Directly on Lake Garda with different pitch sizes plus mobile homes and glamping – the strongest choice for short distances to the beach, waterfront and Riva.
- Directly on lake
- up to 73 m²
- Mobile homes & glamping
- Close to Riva
Why this is our top recommendation
Camping Al Lago sits exactly where Riva is most attractive for campers: directly on the lake, immediately connected to the waterfront and still close enough to the old town for many trips without a car. If you want to begin the morning by the water and later walk or cycle towards the centre, this is the most convincing location.
The accommodation mix is also broader than at a pitch-only campsite. Traditional pitches range from small to X-Large, while mobile homes and glamping provide options for guests without their own camping equipment. This combination of immediate lake access, proximity to Riva and several accommodation styles makes it our top recommendation for the town.
Especially suitable for: Campers, couples and families who want the lake immediately outside the campsite and easy access to Riva on foot or by bicycle.
Go straight to booking – check current prices.
Check prices on Booking.com✔ Official providers · ✔ Secure booking
Camping Brione
Four-star campsite in an olive grove at Monte Brione, around 500 m from the lake, with a pool, playground, bike rental and 15 mobile homes.
- 4 stars
- approx. 500 m to lake
- Pool
Verdepiano Bed & Camping
Small agricamping site with 19 pitches in the quiet countryside of Riva, plus a pool, whirlpool, sauna and bicycle rental.
- 19 pitches
- Pool & wellness
- Quiet setting
Experience Riva
Three experiences that belong to Riva
Old town, panoramic views and the Ponale are especially easy to integrate into a camping holiday based in Riva.
Morning in Riva
Walk from the campsite along the lake into the old town
The waterfront is an especially pleasant way to start the day. From the camping area east of Riva, the route follows the lake towards the harbour, Rocca and old town – ideal for a coffee on the piazza before the town becomes busier.
View from above
Take the panoramic lift up to the Bastione
The glass panoramic lift runs from the edge of the old town up to the Bastione. At the top, views open across the rooftops, harbour and northern Lake Garda – an easy short excursion to combine with time in town.
Northern classic
Follow the Ponale high above Lake Garda
The old Ponale road begins directly in Riva and climbs spectacularly above the western shoreline. On foot or by bike, it quickly delivers the combination of lake, rock and outdoor scenery that defines the north.
Before booking
What to consider when camping in Riva del Garda
The exact campsite location has a major effect on whether your stay feels primarily lakeside or deliberately quieter and more rural.
Choose a lakeside base for the shortest distances
Camping Al Lago and Camping Brione sit on the eastern side of Riva close to the lake, beaches and cycle route. Verdepiano is quieter inland and works better when a pool, greenery and a peaceful setting matter more than immediate waterfront access.
Bicycles are especially useful in Riva
The old town, beaches, Torbole and parts of the Sarca Valley connect well by bike. From a campsite slightly outside the centre, a bicycle can quickly become the most practical way to get around.
Pebble beaches and wind are part of the north
Riva’s beaches are mainly pebbles combined with grassy areas. The wind can strengthen in the afternoon – excellent for water sports, while pure swimming days benefit from considering the time of day and exact beach location.
Start early for the Ponale and Bastione
Both are among Riva’s best-known outings. An early start usually makes the routes and viewpoints more enjoyable and still leaves plenty of time for the lake or old town afterwards.
Our conclusion
Riva is the most versatile camping base in the north
Riva del Garda is especially strong when you want to experience more than the campsite itself. The lake, old town, cycle routes and mountain outings sit close together and many local trips work without a car. Camping Al Lago is our first choice for immediate lake access. Camping Brione and Verdepiano add different camping styles within Riva; further local campsites are listed separately.
© 2026, Campingurlaub Gardasee