There is a moment during a mountain holiday that makes the entire journey worthwhile. It’s early morning, when the air still carries the scent of the night and the forest is silent. You step out of your motorhome, walk over to the campsite bar, order a coffee, and watch the mountain peaks slowly light up. Then you decide whether today will be a hiking day or a cycling day-and where you will start. Exactly: where you will start.
Choosing the right campsite in Trentino when travelling with a motorhome or caravan is not just a matter of logistics. It is a matter of holiday quality. The right pitch-panoramic, well-equipped, and just steps away from hiking trails-can make the difference between an ordinary week and the one you are still talking about a year later.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know to choose the perfect pitch in Trentino for your summer motorhome or caravan holiday.
Why Trentino Is One of the Favourite Summer Destinations for Motorhome Travellers
Trentino offers something that few Italian regions can combine in one destination: altitude, fresh mountain air, lush green landscapes, and outdoor activities suitable for everyone, from casual walkers to experienced mountaineers. During summer, while much of Italy experiences intense heat, temperatures here remain pleasantly mild, even during the warmest hours of the day, and the long daylight hours create bright, enjoyable evenings.
There is one area of Trentino, however, that experienced motorhome travellers have come to appreciate in particular: Alpe Cimbra and its high plateau. Folgaria sits at over 1,100 metres above sea level, on a wide and sunny plateau overlooking the Venetian Prealps on one side and the Brenta Dolomites on the other. It is not a narrow mountain valley, nor one of the most crowded destinations in Trentino. It is a place where mountain life can truly be enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
For those travelling with a motorhome or caravan, the plateau offers an additional practical advantage: the roads are wide, gradients are manageable, and campsites are strategically located near hiking trails and cycling routes. No long car transfers, no complicated logistics. You arrive, set up your vehicle, and your holiday begins.
What Makes the Perfect Mountain Pitch for a Motorhome or Caravan?
Not all pitches are the same. Anyone travelling with a large motorhome or a caravan knows that details matter, and a poor booking choice can make the start of a holiday unnecessarily complicated. Here is what to check before making your reservation.
Size and Surface: The Details That Matter
A pitch that works perfectly for a camper van may not be suitable for an eight-metre motorhome or a caravan with an extended awning. Before booking, always verify the maximum permitted dimensions and the width of the pitch, not just its length.
In mountain areas, the surface is equally important. Grass pitches are attractive, but after rain they can become muddy and slippery. Gravel pitches provide greater stability, drain water more effectively, and offer secure footing in all weather conditions-a significant advantage on Alpe Cimbra, where summer thunderstorms are often part of the mountain atmosphere.
Terraced pitches deserve special consideration. They often provide the best views, but they require a stable setup on sloping ground. Always check whether the pitch is level or whether levelling blocks will be necessary.
Connections: Electricity, Water and Drainage
For longer stays, service connections make a major difference. Here is what to evaluate:
- Electricity supply. Look for campsites offering at least 16-amp electrical connections (CEE 16A). This capacity allows you to comfortably run a refrigerator, air conditioning unit, and other appliances without overloading the system. Always bring the appropriate CEE adapter for the campsite connection.
- Drinking water. During summer, having a potable water connection directly on the pitch is a valuable convenience, especially on warmer days.
- Grey water drainage. A direct drainage connection simplifies daily management and allows you to dispose of grey water easily and efficiently.
- Electric vehicle charging on the pitch. If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, check whether dedicated charging points are available and remember to bring the appropriate charging adapter, as systems may vary from one campsite to another.
Location: Starting Your Adventure on Foot
This is perhaps the most underestimated factor when choosing a mountain campsite: the ability to reach hiking trails and cycling routes directly from the campsite without needing to drive.
It may seem like a small detail, but it is not. When you can step out of your pitch and reach the forest within minutes-or start cycling immediately on a scenic route-the entire rhythm of your holiday changes. Everything becomes easier, more relaxed, and more spontaneous. This is the freedom that motorhome travellers seek and that can easily be lost when every activity requires a car journey.
Folgaria and Alpe Cimbra are among the few destinations in Trentino where this is genuinely possible. Strategically located campsites provide direct access to hiking trails and cycle paths, with the mountains quite literally beginning at the campsite gate.
Folgaria in Summer: What to Do from the Campsite
Summer on Alpe Cimbra follows a simple rhythm: set off in the morning, explore, and return. The beauty of Folgaria is that there is always something different to do, whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, or simply sitting back and admiring the scenery.
Hiking Trails for Every Level
The Folgaria plateau offers a network of hiking trails suitable for everyone. There are panoramic high-altitude routes, such as those leading up to Sommo Alto, where you can enjoy 360° views of the surrounding mountains, as well as gentler walks through spruce and larch forests, ideal for families with children or anyone who prefers a peaceful stroll.
Among the most fascinating routes is the Dragon Vaia Trail, which leads to the impressive wooden sculpture created from trees felled during the 2018 storm-an extraordinary work of art immersed in nature. Another favourite is the Imaginary Trail in Luserna, designed for families and featuring wooden sculptures inspired by the legends of Alpe Cimbra. These are walks that remain in your memory long after the holiday ends.
For those looking for a greater challenge, there are trails leading to mountain huts at higher elevations. The landscape changes, the air becomes crisper, and every effort is rewarded with breathtaking views.
Cycling Routes: Exploring Alpe Cimbra on Two Wheels
The plateau is one of the most interesting areas in Trentino for cycle tourism. Routes follow roads and gravel tracks with moderate gradients, making them suitable not only for experienced cyclists but also for anyone who enjoys riding at a leisurely pace, regardless of age.
E-bikes have transformed cycling in the mountains. Routes that were once reserved for athletes are now accessible to almost everyone. Long climbs, open landscapes, and stops at traditional mountain huts become part of an enjoyable day out. If you are not travelling with your own bike, bike rental services are available throughout Alpe Cimbra, allowing you to enjoy the area without worrying about transport.
At Camping Essenza Alpina, for example, e-bike rental is available directly on-site through local partners. From the bike room, you can set off fully equipped towards the trails crossing the forests and alpine meadows of the plateau. E-bike charging is included among the campsite services. For electric cars, charging stations are available directly on the pitch-just remember to bring your own adapter.
After the Adventure: Returning to the Campsite
There is a special pleasure in returning after a long hike or a day of cycling in the mountains. Tired legs, the satisfaction of having experienced something beautiful, and the knowledge that everything you need is just a few steps away.
When a campsite has a spa, returning becomes something entirely different. Not just a shower and a comfortable seat, but a sauna, warmth, and silence. The contrast between the cool mountain air and the heat of a Finnish sauna is one of the most rejuvenating experiences imaginable. At high altitude in Trentino, it works perfectly even during summer. At Camping Essenza Alpina, you can also enjoy authentic Aufguss rituals led by professional masters, creating a truly unforgettable wellness experience.
The Services That Improve the Quality of a Motorhome Holiday
Choosing a campsite with the right services does not mean giving up the freedom of travelling by motorhome. It means creating a holiday where everything works smoothly, without you having to think about it.
The Spa: Unexpected Wellness at a Campsite
At Camping Essenza Alpina, the spa is not an extra feature. It is part of the experience and completely changes the way you enjoy your holiday.
The Essenza Alpina Spa follows the Nordic philosophy of wellness and is enjoyed without swimwear, in keeping with authentic Finnish tradition. Entry is limited to a maximum of 25 guests, ensuring a peaceful, intimate atmosphere that is never crowded.
Facilities include:
- Panoramic Finnish sauna with mountain views
- Steam bath with body scrub rituals
- Cooling pool for thermal contrast therapy
- Aufguss ceremonies led by experienced masters using pure organic essential oils
- Relaxation area with herbal teas, drinks, and snacks
- Personalised massages and face and body treatments
- Airpool whirlpool (also available for private booking, ideal for couples)
- Panoramic swimming pool (coming in 2026)
The spa is also open to external guests, making it a wellness destination for the entire Alpe Cimbra area.
Bar, Mini-Market and Laundry: Everything Close at Hand
The true luxury of camping is not luxury in the traditional sense. It is not needing to use the car.
At Camping Essenza Alpina, the on-site bar is open for breakfast, light lunches, and aperitifs. Bar Essenza Alpina is much more than a campsite bar: it is a welcoming meeting place featuring local products, a warm atmosphere, and friendly hospitality. It is the perfect place to start the day and to end it with a glass of Trento DOC sparkling wine, an Alpine spritz, or, for the adventurous, a traditional Trentino grappa.
The mini-market provides everything needed for life on the road: fresh produce, groceries, local specialties, and essential supplies for campers. Fresh bread can be ordered and collected each morning, still warm from the bakery-perfect for spontaneous picnics.
The laundry facilities complete the picture. During a longer holiday, washing machines and dryers are more than just a convenience.
Pet-Friendly: A Campsite That Thinks About Them Too
All pets are welcome at Camping Essenza Alpina. Not simply tolerated, but genuinely welcomed with services designed specifically for them.
The dog-washing area is one of the most appreciated facilities among guests travelling with their four-legged companions. After a day exploring the forests, it is exactly what you need: practical, clean, and conveniently located near your pitch. The result is a happy dog and a clean motorhome. The trails of Alpe Cimbra are ideal for walks with dogs thanks to the open landscapes, fresh air, and uncrowded paths.
E-Bike and Electric Vehicle Charging
E-bike charging is available directly at the campsite and has become one of the most requested services, allowing guests to start each day with a fully charged battery.
For electric vehicles, Camping Essenza Alpina offers charging stations directly on the pitches. Remember to bring your own adapter, as charging systems may vary.
Camping Essenza Alpina: A Panoramic Pitch in Folgaria
Camping Essenza Alpina is located in Francolini, Folgaria, at over 1,100 metres above sea level on Alpe Cimbra. It is a four-star campsite featuring a panoramic spa, where the freedom of camping and authentic wellness come together perfectly.
The campsite offers more than 80 terraced panoramic pitches overlooking the town of Folgaria and the surrounding mountains. Several pitch categories are available, from compact options for smaller vehicles to spacious pitches designed for larger motorhomes and caravans. Some are located close to the main facilities, while others offer greater privacy and tranquillity.
From your pitch to the hiking trails takes only minutes. From your pitch to the spa, even less.
The campsite is open all year round, except for three weeks in May. Upon check-in, guests receive the Trentino Guest Card, which provides free access to public transport throughout Trentino, as well as admission to museums, castles, and many local attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the campsite suitable for large motorhomes?
Yes. Our XL pitches are designed to accommodate medium and large motorhomes as well as caravans. Before booking, you can contact reception to verify the specific dimensions and find the pitch best suited to your vehicle. Always check the pitch information when booking: we are in the mountains, where a little manoeuvring is often necessary, but we are happy to assist you if needed.
Can I charge my electric car directly on the pitch?
Yes. Camping Essenza Alpina offers electric vehicle charging stations directly on selected pitches. Remember to bring your own charging adapter, as connection systems may vary. Having the correct cable will help you avoid any surprises upon arrival.
Can I bring my dog?
Absolutely. All pets are welcome at Camping Essenza Alpina. The campsite features a dedicated dog-washing area, particularly useful after walks and hikes through the forests of Alpe Cimbra. This way, your four-legged friends can enjoy the freedom of the holiday just as much as you do.
Are there hiking trails accessible directly from the campsite?
Yes. The hiking trails of Alpe Cimbra start right next to the campsite, allowing you to set off on foot without needing to use your car. Cycling routes are also directly accessible from the campsite.
Does the spa need to be booked in advance?
Yes. Access to the spa must always be booked in advance and requires an additional fee. The spa is also open to external guests by reservation. Attendance is limited to a maximum of 25 guests at a time to ensure a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
When is the best time to book for summer?
The panoramic pitches, especially those with the best views and closest to the facilities, tend to sell out quickly, particularly during weekends in July and August. To secure your preferred location, we recommend booking at least two to three months in advance.
Your Motorhome Holiday in Trentino Starts in Folgaria
A motorhome or caravan holiday in Trentino works best when everything is exactly where it should be: a pitch that feels like home, a forest that begins just beyond the campsite gate, and services that are so reliable and convenient that you hardly notice them.
Alpe Cimbra and Folgaria offer all of this, plus something more: the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains, the fresh air that feels new every morning, and the sense of freedom that only a holiday at altitude can provide. And when you return from a hike or a bike ride, the spa is there waiting for you.
The best pitches are always booked first. If you have found what you are looking for, don’t wait.
