Nature camping: holidays in the middle of the countryside

Let your mind wander, enjoy the great outdoors and still not miss out on comfort. When nature camping with a caravan or motorhome, you experience the best of both worlds. We have put together everything you need to know to make your camping holiday close to nature unforgettable.

Wake up in the morning by the sun, enjoy the day in the middle of the countryside and finally end the evening in the open air. Nature camping is perfect for escaping everyday life for a while and spending time in nature away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. In order not to have to do without hot water or a kitchen during your adventurous holiday, nature camping with a caravan or motorhome is ideal. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about nature camping and receive valuable tips to ensure that your camping holidays in the countryside are a complete success.

What is nature camping?

As the name suggests, nature camping is when you spend your holidays on a campsite away from villages and towns in the great outdoors. Most of the time, the nature campsite is located in a forest, on the shore of a lake or at the foot of a mountain, making it a paradise for families and adventure seekers. Whether you're a hiking fan, water rat or mountain biker - there is something for everyone at nature camping.

Pure freedom

Nature campsites are usually a little smaller than conventional campsites and are not parcelled. While on a normal campsite you are assigned a plot for your caravan or motorhome, on most nature campsites you choose the pitch you like best.

Adventure over luxury

Often a natural campsite offers only the most necessary infrastructure, such as sanitary facilities and cooking facilities. Since every campsite is different, you should find out about the existing infrastructure in advance and think about what you need during your holiday. Do you have small children? For example, a fully equipped campsite with electricity, a changing table and a playground may be more suitable. However, if you are looking forward to a minimalist holiday and want a lot of peace and a relaxed atmosphere, you are in good hands at a nature campsite.

Nature camping vs. wild camping: what's the difference?

In contrast to nature camping, wild camping in Switzerland is only allowed under special conditions and in a few places. Free overnight stays away from the official campsites are not generally prohibited, but there are strict rules depending on the municipality. These guidelines protect nature and wildlife on the one hand, and campers on the other. Because wild camping is not harmless. Falling trees during an unexpected storm or heavy rainfall can quickly become a danger. Nature camping is therefore the safe alternative for camping that is as close to nature and safe as possible.

Is nature camping also possible with a motorhome or caravan?

Some nature campsites, such as the Seelisberg campsite in the canton of Uri, are operated car-free. Spending the night there is only allowed in a tent. However, there are also some campsites close to nature where caravans and motorhomes are also welcome. An advantage of the caravan or motorhome: nature camping is possible in both summer and winter. Thanks to air conditioning or heating, you can flexibly decide at what time of year you want to go on a camping holiday.

Airbnb for Campers

For a few years now, Switzerland has also offered the possibility of camping with a motorhome or caravan on private property in nature. On Nomady, property owners can offer their land and rent it out to campers. This works similarly to Airbnb, simply for campers instead of apartments. Most of the time, you have the rented campsite all to yourself and can enjoy camping holidays far away from the crowded campsite - peace, relaxation and nature are guaranteed.

A checklist for nature camping

• Before you arrive, check if there is still space available during your preferred holiday season. Often it is not necessary to register in advance at the nature campsite, as the area is not parceled out. But especially in the high season, many campsites are busy and an early call can be worthwhile.
• If possible, visit the campsite's website to find out about the existing infrastructure and to be able to make the necessary preparations.
• In particular, check whether there is electricity on the campsite and whether fresh water is available. You should also think about where you can empty your wastewater.
• When choosing your camper, think carefully about what equipment you want it to have. If, for example, you don't have hot water available at the campsite, a shower in the camper can be useful - because who likes to take cold showers?
• Check the weather forecast before the camping holiday and choose the right camping equipment and the optimal pitch accordingly. In sunshine and heat, a sun sail or a pitch in the shade is a good idea. However, if rain or even a thunderstorm is expected, you should avoid pitches under trees or on a riverbank.
• At most, buy natural soap. So you can also freshen up in the lake if there is no shower available at the campsite.
• Find out about the available disposal options. Especially at nature campsites, strict rules often apply to the cleanliness and disposal of waste generated. Keep in mind that you should leave the campsite as you found it.

Good preparation is half the battle

In order for you to enjoy your camping holiday to the fullest, good preparation is important. Take enough time to find out about the best campsites and their infrastructure. Camping in Switzerland experienced an upswing, not least because of the Corona pandemic. Many places are booked up quickly, especially during the school holidays. Therefore, plan early enough to get a pitch at your preferred holiday destination and have the caravan or motorhome and all the necessary accessories ready. Nature campsites and private land that can be rented through Nomady offer the best way to avoid crowded camping hot spots and still have a relaxing and adventurous camping holiday.