Discovering Family Camping Resorts in Italy – A First-Timer’s Guide

Are you planning your very first family camping trip to Italy? Congratulations – you’re about to embark on an unforgettable adventure! Italy is a dream destination for many, and family camping resorts are a fantastic way to experience its beauty, culture, and warm hospitality, all while keeping things fun and budget-friendly.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started:

🌄 Why Choose a Camping Resort in Italy?

Italy offers an incredible variety of family-friendly camping resorts, from the alpine landscapes of the north to the sunny beaches of the south. These resorts are more than just campsites – they’re mini villages with swimming pools, restaurants, kids’ clubs, entertainment, and even direct beach access or mountain trails.

For first-timers, camping resorts provide the perfect balance of nature, comfort, and adventure – all in one place.

🗺️ Top Regions for Family Camping

1. Lake Garda – One of the most popular areas for family camping. It offers water sports, charming villages, amusement parks like Gardaland, and breathtaking lake views.
2. Tuscany – Picture rolling hills, vineyards, and cultural gems like Florence and Siena nearby. Many campsites here have a relaxed, rustic vibe.
3. Veneto – Along the Adriatic coast, you’ll find well-equipped seaside resorts, long sandy beaches, and easy access to Venice.
4. Sardinia & Sicily – For island lovers, these destinations offer beautiful beaches and a more laid-back atmosphere, with plenty of nature and history.

Camping Peschiera del Garda

Tuscany, San Vincenzo: Camping Park Albatros

Why it’s the best:

• It’s one of the largest and best-equipped family camping resorts in all of Italy, located near the Etruscan Coast and beautiful sandy beaches.
• Huge pool complex with multiple pools, water slides, and lagoon-style areas ideal for kids.
• Offers glamping tents, mobile homes, and traditional pitches in a pine forest setting – great for shade in the summer.
• Daily kids’ animation, evening shows, sports, mini-golf, and adventure parks.
• On-site supermarket, restaurants, gelateria, and bars, so you rarely have to leave the resort.

📍 Location:

• Just a short bike ride from the beach, and close to historic towns like San Gimignano, Volterra, and Pisa for day trips.
• Also close to Elba Island if you’re up for a little ferry adventure.

Camping San Vincenzo

Veneto, Venezia, Cavallino-Treporti: Camping Residence Village

⭐ Why It’s the Best for Families:

Union Lido is a 5-star camping resort and one of the most famous and luxurious in all of Europe. It’s located on the Adriatic coast, with direct access to a private sandy beach, and just a short ferry ride away from Venice.

🌟 Main Features:

• Huge Aqua Parks:
  • Aqua Park Laguna: Wave pools, water slides, lazy river, and kid-friendly zones with shallow play areas.
  • Aqua Park Mare: More slides, hydromassage pools, and sea views.
• Family Entertainment:
  • Daily kids’ clubs, baby dance, shows, workshops, and sports tournaments for all ages.
  • Evening entertainment including musicals and performances.
• Wide Range of Accommodations:
  • Glamping tents, mobile homes, bungalows, and traditional camping pitches – all clean, stylish, and comfortable.
• Shops, Bars & Restaurants:
  • On-site supermarket, bakery, pizzeria, gelaterias, and restaurants serving Italian and international cuisine.
• Private Beach:
  • Clean, wide, and well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas – ideal for families with kids.
• Spa & Wellness Center:
  • A full wellness zone for parents to relax while the kids are having fun.
• Sports Facilities:
  • Tennis, mini-golf, football, surf school, and bike rentals.
• Eco-Friendly & Super Clean:
  • Impeccable hygiene standards and sustainability efforts.

📍 Location:

• Set on the Cavallino peninsula, in a peaceful and green environment.
• About 1 hour from Venice by car and ferry – perfect for day trips to the floating city!

Camping Cavallino-Treporti

🏆 Northern Sardinia, Vignola Mare: Camping Village Baia Blu La Tortuga

⭐ Why It’s the Best for Families:

Set between a pine forest and a crystal-clear beach, this resort offers a perfect mix of comfort, nature, and fun – all tailored for families. It’s part of the Baia Holiday Group, known for its quality and family-oriented camping villages.

🌟 Main Features:

• Beachfront Location:
  • Direct access to a stunning white-sand beach with shallow, calm waters, ideal for kids.
  • Water sports available: windsurfing, diving school, and kayak rentals.
• Family Entertainment:
  • Mini club and junior club with daily activities, evening shows, and games.
  • Baby dance, treasure hunts, arts & crafts, and sports tournaments.
• Swimming Pool & Spray Park:
  • A modern pool with slides and water games added for even more fun in recent seasons.
• Accommodation Options:
  • Mobile homes, glamping tents, and shaded camping pitches.
  • Modern and clean facilities surrounded by nature.
• On-Site Services:
  • Restaurant and pizzeria, beach bar, market, bike rentals, and organized excursions (e.g., to La Maddalena Archipelago).
• Nature & Adventure:
  • Perfect base for exploring northern Sardinia: Capo Testa, Santa Teresa Gallura, or taking a boat tour to nearby islands.

📍 Location:

Close to both Olbia and Alghero airports – great for fly & camp trips.

Vignola Mare, in the province of Sassari, on the northern coast of Sardinia.

Camping Baia Vignola

🏕️ What to Expect at a Family Camping Resort

• Accommodation options: From classic pitches for tents or caravans to mobile homes, glamping tents, and bungalows.
• Activities for kids: Playgrounds, pools with slides, kids’ clubs, and evening mini discos.
• Facilities: On-site markets, restaurants, laundries, bike rentals, and often organized excursions.
• Multilingual staff: Many resorts cater to international guests, so don’t worry if your Italian isn’t perfect.

✅ Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Book early – Especially during the summer months (July and August), family resorts get booked quickly.
• Bring swim caps – Some Italian pools require them, and they might be mandatory.
• Pack light but smart – Many campsites have shops, but essentials like sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• Plan day trips – Most resorts are well-located for exploring nearby towns, nature parks, or beaches.

🇮🇹 FAQs & Tips for First-Time Visitors – Family Camping Resorts in Italy

🚗 What to Expect from the Roads – Take It Slow and Enjoy the Ride

Italian roads are generally in good condition, especially the main highways (autostrade), which are fast and well maintained – but toll-based. Smaller regional roads can be narrow and winding, especially in the mountains or countryside (like Tuscany or Sardinia), so just take it slow and enjoy the scenery. Coastal areas can get congested in summer, especially on weekends. Always check your GPS for restricted zones (ZTL) in towns and cities – motorhomes often aren’t allowed in historic centers.

🏕️ Don’t Leave It to Luck – Plan Ahead for Campsite Availability

In peak season (July–August), popular family campsites – especially around Lake Garda, Tuscany, and the Adriatic coast – can fill up quickly. Outside peak season (May–June or September), there’s much more flexibility. Some smaller or rural campsites often have space even in summer, but the big resorts book up.

💶 What You’ll Likely Pay – A Quick Guide to Campsite Prices

Prices vary a lot depending on the location, size of the site, and what facilities they offer. Here’s a rough guide for peak season (per night):

• Large family resort (e.g. Bella Italia, Union Lido): €60–€120 per night for 2 adults + kids with electricity.
• Mid-size camping villages: €40–€70 per night.
• Budget or rural/agri-campsites: €20–€40 per night.

If you don’t need pools, restaurants, or entertainment, you can definitely find cheaper options – especially inland or off the tourist trail.

📅 Book Ahead or Wing It? Here’s What Works Best

If you’re traveling in peak season, it’s smart to book in advance for the well-known family resorts or beachside campsites. But if you prefer to stay flexible, look for:

• Smaller or rural sites, which often have last-minute availability.
• Agriturismos or area sosta (simple motorhome stops) – some take bookings, others are first-come.
• Use apps like Park4Night, Campercontact, or Camping.info to find nearby options on the go.

Pro tip: You can mix popular, booked-in-advance spots with a few nights of spontaneous stops in quieter areas to keep plans more fluid.

💡 How to Camp on a Budget – Cheap and Charming Stops to Try

If you’re trying to keep costs down, look for:

• Area di sosta camper – official motorhome parking areas, often with basic services (water, dump, etc.) for €5–€20/night.
• Agriturismo stays – some allow camping or campervans in exchange for a small fee or a dinner at their farm.
• Aree picnic / public parking with overnight permission – always double-check local rules.
• Smaller inland campsites or natural parks often have good prices and beautiful scenery.