Exploring the High Costs of Switzerland Camping Experiences
Camping in Switzerland: A Growing Trend Amidst Changing Prices
Camping holidays in Switzerland have seen a surge in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, as people seek outdoor experiences that are perceived as less risky than air travel. According to a 2025 price analysis by the Swiss and foreign motoring organisations' camping portal Pincamp, the average cost of a night of camping in Switzerland during the peak summer season is 57 Swiss francs (CHF) for a typical tent camping spot.
However, prices vary widely depending on location and camping type. In the Jura-Neuchâtel-Fribourg-Vaud region, the per-night price average is 46 francs, despite a 10-percent price increase this year. On the other hand, Ticino remains Switzerland’s most expensive site for campers, with a per-night price of 73 francs.
Budget-friendly campsites can be found across Switzerland, with prices generally ranging from 6 to 20 CHF per person or per tent. Glamping options, which offer more luxurious accommodations, typically cost significantly more, averaging between 40 and 60 CHF per night in high season. Campgrounds in popular regions like the Swiss Alps can have prices around $31 USD (approximately 30 CHF) per night on platforms like Booking.com, though some premium sites can go much higher.
Traveling during the off-season can save up to a third of the regular cost for camping in Switzerland. Moreover, more campsites in Switzerland are now dynamically adjusting their prices based on demand, similar to hotels, airlines, and some Swiss ski resorts.
The cheapest places for camping can be found in Germany (37 francs) and Sweden (40 francs). Switzerland is not the most expensive place in Europe for camping, with Croatia and Italy costing an equivalent of 63 and 61 francs per night respectively.
In 2024, a record 4.8 million overnight stays were recorded in Switzerland's camp sites. This trend of increased camping popularity is reflected in the number of people who had never considered camping before starting to travel around Switzerland in a motorhome during the pandemic.
The cost of a camping holiday varies depending on factors such as location, facilities, and the size and type of the unit. Safety from the virus and the allure of the great outdoors have made camping an attractive option for many, and with the dynamic pricing models being adopted by more campsites, affordability may not be a barrier for those seeking a camping adventure in Switzerland.
[1] Source: Swiss and foreign motoring organisations' camping portal Pincamp [3] Source: Booking.com
- As more Swiss campsites adopt dynamic pricing models, luxury home-and-garden options like glamping may become more accessible, with average prices ranging between 40 and 60 CHF per night during peak season.
- For budget-conscious travelers, camping in Switzerland is still a viable option, with prices averaging 57 CHF per night for a tent camping spot during the peak summer season, comparatively lower than prices in Ticino (73 CHF) and some European countries like Croatia (63 CHF) and Italy (61 CHF).
