Camping in the Black Forest of Germany (2024)– Rules, Top Campsites, and More!
We have been lucky enough to call the Black Forest region of Germany home since 2013. And if there is one thing about this region of Europe that has kept us here, it’s the raw beauty of this mountain range. One of the best ways to experience this region is to do as the Germans do and “enjoy the nature.” So, why not enjoy your time in Germany’s Black Forest to the fullest by camping out in the wilderness? We’ve compiled everything you need to know about free (wild) camping, the best dedicated campsites, rules, best practices and of course, the best places to do it!
So, get ready for your trip to the land of ancient forests, medieval towns, source of myths and mysteries, cuckoo clocks! Oh, and be sure to enjoy some famous Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder kirschtorte).
General Information About Camping in The Black Forest
If this is your first time looking to camp in Germany or even Europe for that matter, it must be stated that Europeans LOVE to go camping with a caravan (AKA camper van). Therefore, most camping sites are built for caravans but still allow tent camping (often in a separate area). Tent (Zelt) camping areas are not very common, even here in the Black Forest of Germany.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Black Forest?
The high Black Forest is often snow covered from the end of the year into April. Therefore, most camping places will be taking a winter break. However that doesn’t means you should avoid the snow. The Black Forest is often alive and thriving through the winter months with cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snow shoeing, and sledding. Camping Bankenhof below is one of the exceptions.
Besides these winter months, there are high and low seasons. We have tried to organize these months below for each camping option that we have found. But typically the high season coincides with the local holidays and especially the month of August, when children are out of school.
How to Visit
Most camping areas can be accessed with public transit and a small amount of walking. Trains and buses are very well connected, and each camping location can provide detailed information on how to get there.
Most camping sites include a KONUS guest card. This will provide free public transportation (train and bus) within the Black Forest region. Go here for additional information.
If you’re wanting to go exploring on your own, you can also rent a vehicle. A private vehicle is often our preferred method simply because it gives you the freedom to see everything on your own schedule without any compromise.
If you plan on bringing your own camping stuff, go for something lightweight that is easy to pack and won’t consume too much of your limited luggage space (if you’re flying.)
Does camping not sound like the best way to relax to you? Check out 10 Unique Places to Stay in the Black Forest, where we have selected unique hotel experiences you may enjoy more.
Lake Titisee with paddle boats.
Campsites in the Black Forest
There are many wonderful campsite options in the Black Forest. We’ve compiled what we think are the best and located in areas we think are some of the most stunning.
Camping Bankenhof
In what is considered one of the most popular campsites in Germany’s Black Forest, Camping Bankenhof is located in the middle of the Southern Black Forest Nature Park. Conveniently located next to one of the most popular lakes in the Black Forest, Titisee, this comprehensive campsite will offer all that you need.
Amenities:
See layout map here.
Sanitary facilities
Spa packages (extra costs)
Restaurant
Shop and café
Rental caravans
Free dishwasher stations
Bike repair & Service
Lounge
Free Wi-Fi
Mobile phone charger station
Playground
Picnic area
Soccer field
Table tennis and table football
Children’s playroom
Children’s cinema
Rental bathrooms
Reading corner
Massage
Toboggan rental
Snow bar and mulled wine
Cross-country ski
Free ski bus to Feldberg
When:
Typically, most Black Forest camping areas will close during the winter months. Camping Bankenhof however, is open all winter long. So, in additional the summer months, you can stay here to enjoy Christmas, New Year’s, and carnival.
Winter Months: 01/08 to 04/01
Spring Months: 04/01 to 06/25
Summer Months: 06/25 to 09/11
Autumn Months: 09/11 to 12/18
Curious of what it looks like in the winter months? Check out our YouTube video here of snowshoeing in the neighboring town of Feldberg, which also has downhill skiing, sledding and cross-country skiing.
Where:
BRUDERHALDE 31A
79856 HINTERZARTEN
Cost:
Camping costs start at about 31 euros for 2 people including a parking space, tax, hot water, showers, and KONUS card.
However costs can vary depending on the type of year and what amenities are needed. Electricity, dogs and additional people cost extra. Go here to see full cost breakdown.
Who:
Caravans, RVs, cars, tents, motorcycles, bicycles
Camping Münstertal
Located near Freiburg im Breisgau, Camping Münstertal has many higher end amenities to give you a very enjoyable and relaxing vacation, while still being close enough to enjoy the city’s gastronomy and entertainment for a change of pace. At Camping Münstertal, you’ll find a nice restaurant, sauna, heated swimming pool and beautiful Black Forest scenery makes this a unique German camping experience. Come enjoy a campsite with your camper or reserve an apartment.
Amenities:
Full map can be found here.
Sauna
Heated swimming pool
Restaurant
Wifi
Washer and dryer
Sanitary facilities
Mountain biking
Bike paths to ride
Hiking
Tennis court
Gym
Shop
Playground
Archery
Minigolf
When:
Camping Münstertal is open year-round.
Low Season: 15.02.-26.02, 19.03.-31.03
High Season: 31.03.-05.11, 20.12.-06.01
Black Forest trees in the fall near Münstertal.
Where:
Dietzelbachstraße 6, 79244 Münstertal/Schwarzwald
Cost:
Camping costs start out at about 16 euros per person per night. This is not including the additional costs of electricity, extra people, etc. Apartment costs begin at about 68 euros.
The full price breakdown for camping can be found here. Apartment costs can be found here. they are in German, but we recommend uploading the .pdf to Google Translate if you would like to read it in a different language.
Like many accommodations in the Black Forest, this location will help provide a KONUS guest card, which will provide free public transportation (train and bus) within the Black Forest region. Go here for additional information.
Who:
Caravans, RVs, cars, tents, motorcycles, bicycles, apartment stays.
Naturcamping Weiherhof
Located a few meters from arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in the Black Forest, Titisee, this perfectly located campsite offers many amenities for a relaxing holiday. Because Titisee is also one of the most popular places to visit in the Black Forest, this can be a great option for those looking to get maximum views with minimal cost. Tents, campers, and motorcycles are welcome to stay.
Amenities:
Restaurant
Kiosk
Sanitary Facilities
Washer & dryer
Playground
BBQ
Horses & pony rides
Lake for swimming and paddle boating
Hiking
When:
Prices and availability will depend on the time of year you wish to visit. This campsite defines the low and high seasons as below:
High season: 17.05.-21.05, 26.05.-30.05, 07.06.-11.06, 26.06.-31.08
Low season: 22.05.-25.05, 31.05.-06.06, 12.06.-25.06, 01.09.-15.10
Where:
CAMPING WEIHERHOF
Bruderhalde 25
79856 Hinterzarten
Cost:
Camping base prices start at about 7 euros per person. There are additional charges for taxes, dogs, electricity, waste & a surcharge for lake-front locations. Go here to see the complete breakdown of costs for high and low season.
This campsite can also provide a KONUS guest card, which provides free bus and train travel within the Black Forest region. Go here for more information.
Who:
Tents, caravans, cars, RVs, & motorcycles.
Naturcamping Langenwald
This camp site is for car camping and log cabins. It includes a great number of amenities to make your stay enjoyable. It is worth noting that there is a minimum length of stay, be sure to check on that when planning your next Black Forest adventure.
Amenities:
Bathrooms
Shop
Restaurant
Common room
Dishwashing room
Washer & dryer room
Solar heated swimming pool
Massage & Cosmetics
Playground
Volleyball court
Table football and billiards
Table tennis
Lake
BBQ
Guided hikes
When:
Like most vacation areas, there is a high season and a low season. Minimum stay durations and costs will be dependent on when you stay.
Low season: 09.01.-25.05 & 11.09.-21.12
High season: 26.05.-10.09 & 22.12-07.01
Where:
Naturcamping Langenwald is located in the northeastern region of the Black Forest.
72250 Freudenstadt, Deutschland
Cost:
Car camping costs start at 39.50 euros per night.
Log cabins start at 120 euros per night in the low season and 145 euros a night in the high season for 2-people. Cleaning fees and additional people are extra.
Go here to see the full breakdown of up-to-date costs.
Who:
Caravans, RVs, cars, tents, motorcycles, bicycles
Camping Alpirsbach
This camp site is located in the beautiful region of the Northern Black Forest, this smaller camping spot is only a few hundred meters from the well-known idyllic Alpirsbach. Here you can find a monestary as well as plenty activities, events, and fun for the entire family. This is for vehicle camping but also includes what they call ‘Der Schäferwagen’ (Shepherd’s wagon,) which can also be rented out.
Amenities:
Restaurant: House of Steak NIMACO
Washer & dryer (additional costs)
When:
This campsite typically has a winter break until March 16th.
Preseason: 17.03 – 30.06
High season: 01.07 – 10.09
Low season: 11.09 – 31.10
Where:
Grenzbühler Weg 18
72275 Alpirsbach
72275
Cost:
Prices start at 11 euros per person plus tax, parking, waste, parking, dog, electricity & additional guests. These prices are also dependent on the season. Go here for a full breakdown of costs.
‘Der Schäferwagen’ (Shepherd’s wagon) costs 45 euros per night for 2 adults, plus a cleaning fee, children, and additional guests.
Like many accommodations in the Black Forest, this location will help provide a KONUS guest card, which will provide free public transportation (train and bus) within the Black Forest region. Go here for additional information.
Who:
Campers, RVs, motorbikes, & bicycles.
Black Forest near the Elztal.
Trendcamping
This family owned and stunningly located campsite is right in the middle of the Black Forest near Wolfach. Wolfach an idyllic small German town with plenty of activities to keep families entertained as well as provide you with an authentic Schwarzwald experience. This campsite includes pitches for campers or tents, trekking huts for 2 people and shared rooms for larger groups.
Amenities:
Restaurant – menu can be found here
Sanitary facilities
Bike park in Wolfsach
Fishing nearby
Glass blowing workshop "Dorotheenhütte" Wolfach
100 hiking tours around the Kinzigtal
When:
Trendcamping has a winter break until typically April of each year.
Low season: 05.04. – 31.05 / 11.09. – 15.10
Where:
Schiltacher Str. 80, 77709 Wolfach
Cost:
Costs start at 9.50 euro per person per night. Additional costs include vehicles, children, dogs, tax, and electricity.
Trekking huts can be reserved for 45 euros per night plus a 15 euro service fee.
Breakfast is 8.50 euro per person.
Go here to see the full detailed breakdown of costs.
Like many accommodations in the Black Forest, this location will help provide a KONUS guest card, which will provide free public transportation (train and bus) within the Black Forest region. Go here for additional information.
Who:
Campers, caravans, tents without car & tents with car, and huts for everyone
Wild Camping in the Black Forest
Disclaimer: Camping outside of designated camping areas is illegal and we recommend staying in official campsites. However, this is not always followed and if you choose to do so, be sure to follow some best practices.
Where to Wild Camp
Yes, camping in a non-designated camping area on a hiking trail is illegal. However, there are huts and shelters scattered throughout the Black Forest on hiking trails and fire roads. Some are legitimate houses with people working and then there are some which are simply just a roof.
Open camping hut in the Black Forest.
Open hiking hut in the Black Forest on Schauinsland.
Rules of Camping
As said above, wild camping in the Black Forest of Germany is illegal. Here are other general rules to consider if you decide to stay outside of a designated camping area:
Leave no trace. Always pick up after yourself. Litter is illegal!
Be aware of the land you are on. It can often be difficult to decipher government or privately owned land. If you suspect you’re on private land, locate and ask the landowner for permission.
Campfires in the open are illegal. Do not make one.
The one exception is that campfires at dedicated huts may be allowed. There will be signs indicating the rules. They are updated as rules change and as fire threat levels are updated. Follow them.
General Black Forest Camping & Hiking Tips
Research the area you are visiting in detail. Always bring a physical map and ‘offline download’ maps onto your phone.
Share your plans with someone familiar with the area and ask for advice.
Bring more water than you need. The terrain in the southwest German region can be very strenuous with large elevation changes. However, you may find numerous water fountains along hiking trails. If you find one, be sure it says “Trinkwasser” (drinking water) and not “Kein Trinkwasser” (NOT drinking water.) These are usually carved in to the wood located on a plaque.
Thunderstorms can appear very quickly and be quite severe. These are common in the summer months and often sit on top of the mountains. Be sure you have a tent which can withstand heavy rain and heavy wind.
If you need to use the toilet out in the nature, be sure to do so away from water sources and far off of the hiking trail. Always bury human waste afterwards.
·Animal feces can be a sign of livestock or wild animals nearby. You may get woken up if you choose to camp around this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you allowed to camp in the Black Forest?
Wild camping is illegal. You must stay in designated camping areas. Popping up a tent just anywhere you please in the Black Forest is not allowed.
Are there any dangerous animals in the Black Forest?
Dangerous animals are not common in the Black Forest. Wild boars can be found and are dangerous, but uncommon. Wolves are also beginning to make a comeback in the Black Forest. Always be aware of your surroundings and plan accordingly. There are no bears in the Black Forest.
Looking for Inspiration for your Hiking?
Check out the below YouTube videos we made of enjoying what the Black Forest has to offer.
Recommended Books to Prepare for your Trip
Enjoy!!!