There are places where you feel the holiday even before stepping out of the camper. The changing air, the forests coming closer, the different light of the mountains. Trentino is one of those places: a region that offers a lot in every season and knows how to welcome those who prefer sleeping close to nature rather than within four walls.
But camping in Trentino, when you actually plan it, requires some choices. The areas are different, the seasons change the landscape and available services, and local regulations, as we will see, immediately make it clear why a structured campsite makes all the difference.
This guide is designed for those who want to understand how to orient themselves: what to expect from Trentino as an outdoor destination, what the rules are about wild camping, and how to find the structure that turns a stop into an experience.
Why choose Trentino for a camping holiday
Trentino is one of the Italian regions best equipped for outdoor tourism. Natural parks, alpine lakes, Dolomite valleys, sunny plateaus, ski slopes: there is a variety of landscapes that is not easily found in a single province.
For those travelling by camper, caravan, van, or even just with a tent, Trentino offers a dense and fairly diverse network of outdoor accommodation facilities. Campsites of different sizes, in the mountains and near lakes, for families, couples, those seeking silence, or those wanting full services.
One of the reasons many people return every year is the quality of the air and landscapes even outside the peak season. September has colours that summer cannot offer. December brings snow and the atmosphere of winter mountains. April and October, in the right areas, are seasons of silence and beauty.
Then there is the Trentino Guest Card: a card that guests of affiliated accommodation facilities automatically receive, offering free or discounted access to public transport, museums, castles and many activities. For families or long stays, it makes a real economic difference.
Wild camping in Trentino: what the law says
It is a question almost all campers ask at some point: is wild camping allowed in Trentino?
The answer is no, with very few exceptions. The reference law is Provincial Law 4 October 2012, no. 19, which regulates outdoor tourism accommodation in the Autonomous Province of Trento. The text is clear: camping, with tents or mobile accommodation units, is only allowed in authorised campsites.
Overnight bivouacking is tolerated in some cases, within 24 hours, in areas where there are no explicit bans by the competent authorities. But this tolerance is far from the freedom to stop wherever you want: in natural parks and protected areas the ban is absolute, and in areas near tourist facilities the rule is even stricter.
The implementing regulation of the law came into force in August 2023 (DPP 16-92 of 7 August 2023), also updating the permitted setup types and quality requirements for facilities.
In practice: those who want to camp in Trentino peacefully, with services available and without the risk of finding a prohibition sign, do well to choose a properly authorised campsite. And when the campsite is good, you gain much more than you thought you were giving up in freedom.
How to choose the right campsite in Trentino
Not all campsites in Trentino are the same, and it is not just a matter of stars. There are some practical questions worth asking before booking.
Which area do you want to stay in?
Trentino has very different areas. The southern Lake Garda area, Val di Fassa, Valsugana, Lake Garda surroundings, the Brenta Dolomites, Passo Tonale, and high plateaus such as Alpe Cimbra. Each area has different climate conditions, landscapes, and services. Before looking for a campsite, it is important to clarify what kind of landscape you want around you: lake, forest, high altitude, ski slopes, or hiking trails?
In which season do you want to go?
Many campsites in Trentino are only open in summer, between June and September. Those who want to enjoy the mountains in winter—skiing, snowshoeing, or simply breathing the December air—need facilities that remain open and equipped for low temperatures. This is not always guaranteed, and it is worth checking before planning.
What services do you need?
Electric hook-up at the pitch, grey water drainage, WiFi, washing machines, children’s areas, dog washing stations, ski rooms, e-bike charging: services vary greatly from one campsite to another. For a weekend with family, a long camper stay, or a ski holiday, needs are different. Checking the service list before booking avoids surprises.
Do you want to stay close to activities or prefer silence?
Some campsites are immersed in the forest, far from everything; others are just a few minutes from the village or directly next to ski lifts. The choice depends on your travel style: total isolation, or quick access to shops, restaurants, hiking trails, and ski slopes without needing a car.
Folgaria and Alpe Cimbra: a destination that surprises all year round
Among the less “obvious” but most complete areas of Trentino for outdoor travel, Alpe Cimbra deserves a closer look.
Located in south-eastern Trentino, at about 1,000 meters above sea level, Folgaria is the main centre of a plateau that also includes Lavarone and Luserna. A territory of 105 km² of forests, high-altitude pastures, Dolomite views, and a network of trails and ski slopes that completely changes between summer and winter.
In winter, the Ski Area Alpe Cimbra offers over 100 km of slopes, including the Folgaria and Lavarone ski areas connected by a single ski pass and served by modern lifts. The new Francolini-Sommo Alto cable car, operational from winter 2025, has added a direct connection between Francolini and higher altitudes, also opening up summer tourism. Those who do not ski can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing in Millegrobbe and Passo Coe, fat biking on snow, ice skating at Palafolgaria, and on the frozen Lake Lavarone.
In summer, the plateau transforms: numerous marked hiking trails, CAI paths, MTB routes, foraging in the woods, open mountain huts, golf at Golf Club Folgaria, and the Blue Flag Lake Lavarone suitable for swimming. It is a territory designed to be experienced on foot or by bike, without rushing.
Alpe Cimbra is also a GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) certified Italian destination for sustainable tourism and was named European Community of Sport 2025. It is part of the Alpine Pearls network, which brings together Alpine destinations committed to sustainable mobility.
A cultural curiosity: on Alpe Cimbra, especially in Luserna, the Cimbrian language is still spoken today, a Bavarian-origin language preserved for centuries by the Cimbrian community that settled these plateaus. A living trace of history that makes the area even more unique.
Camping with SPA in Trentino: when wellbeing becomes part of the holiday
There is a growing trend among outdoor travellers: not wanting to choose between the freedom of camping and the pleasure of wellbeing. Coming back from a ski day or a hike and having a sauna, a steam bath, a massage just a few steps away is not an excessive luxury. It is what many people are looking for, and only a few structures in Trentino truly offer.
It is not enough to add a whirlpool bath in a corner of a campsite to talk about SPA. An authentic wellness centre requires design, philosophy, expertise. The Nordic sauna tradition, for example, is not just heat: it is a precise ritual, with dry Finnish sauna, thermal contrast with cold water, relaxation area, and Aufguss rituals led by experienced masters. Details that make the difference between an experience and a service.
Camping Essenza Alpina: where camping freedom meets SPA wellbeing
In Folgaria, in Francolini, Camping Essenza Alpina is the 4-star Alpe Cimbra campsite with a panoramic SPA inspired by Nordic philosophy. Opened in summer 2023, it was born from a clear idea: that simplicity and luxury can coexist, and that those who choose camping should not have to give up anything.
The structure is located directly in Francolini, just a few steps from the Francolini-Sommo Alto cable car: in winter you are on the slopes without taking the car, and in summer the same cable car takes you up for hikes. The village of Folgaria is just over one kilometre away.
The pitches
80 terraced pitches with panoramic views of the mountains and the village of Folgaria. All equipped with electrical hook-up and grey water drainage. The campsite is built on terraces: the pitches are distributed across multiple levels, and the panoramic view is not reserved for a lucky few. There are also Nature pitches, designed for those who prefer direct contact with greenery, suitable for tents, vans, and smaller campers.
The Charme & Retreat chalets
For those who want the alpine landscape without giving up comfort, there are 4 independent chalets with panoramic views: two units for 6 people with separate rooms, ideal for families or small groups, and two open-space units for 4 people, perfect for couples or small groups looking for a private nest in the mountains. All feature underfloor heating, fully equipped kitchens, wood as the main material, and a view that is worth the trip.
The Essenza Alpina SPA
The wellness centre is open both to campsite guests and external visitors (with reservation). It hosts up to 25 people with controlled entry, no crowds, no confusion. Inside:
- Finnish panoramic sauna;
- Steam bath with scrub;
- Cold plunge pool for thermal contrast;
- Aufguss rituals led by experienced masters with pure organic oils;
- Relax area with fireplace and rocking loungers;
- Herbal tea lounge with a wide selection of drinks and snacks;
- Personalised massages and face/body treatments;
- Airpool with exclusive view, also bookable privately (new 2025).
The philosophy is authentic Nordic: no swimwear, precise rituals, focus on overall psycho-physical wellbeing. A panoramic swimming pool is planned for summer 2026.
Services
Everything you need for a worry-free holiday is available in one place: Bar Essenza Alpina for breakfast, lunch, and aperitif; a shop with local typical products and camper supplies; laundry; WiFi throughout the entire structure; children’s bathrooms with underfloor heating; indoor and outdoor play areas; interactive I-Wall for teenagers; ski room with heated boot lockers (in winter season); e-bike rental and charging; electric car charging at the pitch (adapter required); accessible bathrooms; elevators; multilingual staff. Pets are welcome, with a dog washing service and a dog run area in the Pineta.
Who Camping Essenza Alpina is for
For anyone who loves the mountains and is looking for something more than just a simple pitch. More specifically:
- Families with children who want safe spaces, activities for all ages, and the convenience of having everything within reach without moving by car.
- Camper and caravan travellers who want high-quality services, well-equipped pitches, and a campsite open all year round (except May).
- Van lifers and tent campers looking for a place with character, close to nature, without giving up hot showers and a sauna in the evening.
- Couples seeking relaxation who prefer a panoramic chalet, SPA access, and an outdoor dinner with the mountains in front of them.
- Outdoor sports lovers who in winter want to step outside and be on the slopes, in summer on the trails, and in the evening regenerate in the wellness area.
When to go: Camping Essenza Alpina in every season
The structure is open all year except May, which is the closing month for maintenance. Each season has its own character.
Winter (December-March): the season of skiing and snow. The Francolini-Sommo Alto cable car is practically outside the door, the Alpe Cimbra ski bus stops in front of the structure, the ski room heats boots and stores equipment. After a day on the slopes, the SPA awaits you.
Spring (March-April): the transition season. Still snow at higher altitudes, but already changing light. It is the ideal period for those who want a quieter plateau, without the crowds of peak season.
Summer (June-September): trekking, MTB, high-altitude excursions with the cable car, fresh air, long days. It is the busiest season, when the campsite reaches its full liveliness.
Autumn (September-October): the colours of the foliage on Alpe Cimbra are something unforgettable. The forests change, the trails are empty, the air smells of resin and morning. For camper travellers who prefer off-season mountains, it is perhaps the best time.
How to reach Camping Essenza Alpina
The campsite is located in Francolini, 38064 Folgaria (TN).
By car: A22 Brennero-Modena motorway, Trento Centro exit, then follow directions to Folgaria. Large free outdoor parking available at the structure.
By train: Trento or Rovereto station, then bus service to Folgaria.
Nearest airports: Verona (about 90 km), Venice (about 180 km), Bergamo (about 200 km).
Start here
Trentino is large, the choices are many, and every area has something to offer. But if you are looking for a place where you can truly feel the mountains in every season, with or without snow, and where services do not take anything away from the feeling of being outdoors, Folgaria on Alpe Cimbra is an option worth exploring.
Camping Essenza Alpina accepts bookings for pitches and chalets all year round (except May). Check availability and book!
The mountains are waiting for you. The rest you discover when you arrive.
