Is the price of camping in Switzerland too steep for some travelers?
Swiss Camping Holidays: A Favourite for Nature Lovers and Budget-Conscious Travellers
Switzerland has become a popular destination for camping holidays, appealing not just to nature enthusiasts but also to those seeking cost-effective vacations. According to Pincamp's 2025 price analysis, the cost of camping in Switzerland has risen by 4% compared to last year, with an average nightly rate of approximately CHF 57 for a family during the peak summer season[1].
This figure, however, varies across regions. The Ticino region remains the most expensive, with an average cost of CHF 73 per night, while the Jura-Neuchâtel-Fribourg-Vaud region offers better value at around CHF 46 per night[1]. Bern tends to be slightly cheaper, with an average of CHF 53 per night[1].
In comparison to other European countries, Swiss camping is among the priciest, with camping sites in Croatia costing an equivalent of 63 francs and in Italy costing 61 francs[1]. However, it's important to note that individual campsite rates can vary, with some offering spots for as low as CHF 30 per night, depending on the site and included facilities[3].
Additional costs such as food, drinks, equipment rental, or entertainment can increase the holiday budget accordingly[4].
The rise in popularity of camping holidays in Switzerland can be attributed to the Covid pandemic, as people started to travel around the country in motorhomes[5]. The perception of camping as less risky than air travel, combined with safety concerns, made camping a more appealing option during this time[6].
In 2024, a record 4.8 million overnight stays were recorded in campsites in Switzerland[2]. As the demand for camping holidays continues to grow, some campsites in Switzerland are now dynamically adjusting their prices to demand, similar to hotels, airlines, and some Swiss ski resorts[7].
For those seeking to save on their camping holiday, being flexible or travelling during the off-season can result in savings of up to a third of the regular cost[7]. The cheapest places for camping can be found in Germany (37 francs) and Sweden (40 francs)[3].
In conclusion, budgeting roughly CHF 57 per family per night for camping in Switzerland during peak summer is a reasonable estimate, with regional and site-specific variation influencing the final costs[1][3].
[1] Pincamp's 2025 price analysis [2] Swiss Campsites Association (SCA) [3] Swiss Camping Federation [4] Swiss Camping Guide [5] Swiss Tourism Federation [6] Swiss Federal Office of Public Health [7] Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)
While camping holidays in Switzerland are a favorite for nature lovers and budget-conscious travelers, the cost can vary significantly across regions. For instance, family camping in Ticino might cost around CHF 73 per night, whereas the Jura-Neuchâtel-Fribourg-Vaud region offers better value at approximately CHF 46 per night. One might also consider home-and-garden countries like Italy and Croatia for more cost-effective travel, where camping sites cost an equivalent of 61 and 63 francs, respectively.
