Camping in the Black Forest: these are the most attractive places

9 December, 2021

The Black Forest is one of Germany’s loveliest camping destinations. The Schwarzwald is a wonderful spot, especially if an active holiday in the countryside appeals to you. The forests, hills and lakes are perfect for hiking, bike riding and all types of watersports. But the Black Forest is big and it can be quite a challenge to find your favourite spot, so I am offering you some inspiration for what might well be your next holiday destination!

The Schluchsee spa resort

Have you ever heard the term ‘spa resort’? In German it is called a Luftkurort which translates literally as ‘air resort’ and is used to describe an area with very good air quality and climatic conditions. You could really think of the Black Forest as one big spa resort. The entire area in southwest Germany – from the Swiss border west of Lake Constance, right along the border with France and alongside the Rhine, right up as far as the city of Karlsruhe – is bursting with healthy outdoor air. But there are only a few places which are officially designated as Luftkorort. Schluchsee is one of these places. The town is located in the south of Baden-Württemberg on the lake that bears its name and which is renowned for its extremely good water quality.

The Schluchsee lake lies at an altitude ranging from 930 to 1300 metres and was originally a glacier. The lake was dammed off about eighty years ago and it has now become a favourite place for watersports enthusiasts. Young and old alike can enjoy themselves in the water or in the Aqua Fun waterpark. But there’s also plenty of fun on dry land. The lovely countryside invites you to take long cycling and walking trips. One of these could be a walk along the popular Schluchsee Jägersteig, a hiking route with impressive views and idyllic paths. From here the area is connected to the Mittelweg and the Schluchtensteig. The entire network of footpaths around the lake is more than 160 kilometres and comprises routes at varying levels.

There are also lovely mountain bike routes and the Hasenhorn Coaster is there for those who like a thrill. It’s a combination of roller coaster and toboggan run which takes you from the top of a hill down a twisting track.

Camping near the Schluchsee

Spotting wood grouse in the Black Forest National Park

The Black Forest National Park was ‘only’ opened in 2014 and its aim is to restore the countryside to its original state; in other words, unaffected by people. The types of changes this brings about can be witnessed among the heathland, meadows, woods and ponds in this nature reserve. There is a large variety of animal and plant species here, and if you’re lucky you might even spot a wood grouse. This endangered animal is a feature of the Black Forest, and there are various ongoing projects in the park to encourage its population to increase.

A number of lovely footpaths cross this area and events are organised regularly. There are even exciting adventure routes where you can discover all the unusual spots. And after you’ve spent a day on a discovery tour, you can satisfy your appetite again at one of the nearby restaurants and enjoy the regional specialities. Round off your dinner with the classic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (‘Black Forest Gateau’) and a delicious glass of wine from the Badische Weinstrasse wine route.

Campsites close to the national park

Capital of the Black Forest

Freiburg im Breisgau is one of Germany’s sunniest towns, and is considered to be the capital of the Black Forest. The town is a maze of lively alleyways, small streams and half-timbered houses for which Germany is so famous. In addition to historical buildings, such as the Freiburger Münster cathedral, culture lovers can also indulge themselves by visiting the town’s many museums. If it’s more excitement and sensation that you are looking for, be sure to visit the Europa-Park in Rust. This theme park has been one of Germany’s most popular for many years!

Campsites close to Freiburg

High up in Feldberg

Feldberg is another of these German spa resorts. The village is located just southeast of Freiburg and is where you will find the Black Forest’s highest mountain peak. This makes Feldberg a great place for lots of activities. It is a popular wintersports area in the winter and has kilometres of white pistes. For the rest of the year it is mostly hikers and other adventurous types who take advantage of it. There are beautiful panoramic footpaths and plenty of opportunities for climbing, not only outdoors but also inside the Fundorena.

Two other top attractions in Feldberg are the 36-metre-high Feldberg Tower – a magnificent vantage point at the top of a mountain – and the mysterious Secret Santa Trail. Are you an early riser? Then join us on a sunrise hike and have breakfast in one of the alpine huts. And you’re not afraid of heights? Then you can admire the Black Forest from a completely different perspective. The Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald and the WildLine suspension bridge offer a view that you will not easily forget!

Campsites in Feldberg

The Triberger waterfalls

Germany’s highest waterfalls are in Triberg. It is an impressive sight to see the water of the Gutach fall 163 metres in seven stages. Especially after heavy rainfall, the water masses that come down here are extreme. And a visit to the waterfalls can be combined with a walk through the area. You can decide whether you want to take a relatively easy route or a more difficult one with more steps and climbing. For the hikers who like to go on till late in the evening, there is good news: the path to the waterfall is illuminated until 10 pm. Take a deep breath, as the ionised air is said to have a healing effect!

The crystal clear waters of Lake Titisee

Titisee is the highest lake in Germany and, according to many people, the most beautiful lake in the Black Forest region. This is mainly due to the crystal-clear water and the beautiful surroundings of the lake. From the water, you can look out over the green forests and rolling hills. As soon as the sun begins to rise, Titisee is teeming with activities. You can swim and do water sports or take a pedalo on the lake. But there are also boat trips and tours on the lake.

If the sun should fail you, you can always visit the Badeparadies Schwarzwald in Titisee-Neustadt. This is a gigantic subtropical swimming paradise with different pools, nice slides and play equipment, saunas, massage salons and no less than 180 real palm trees. You can really imagine yourself on a tropical island for a day!

Experience the Black Forest at low cost

Lovers of an active holiday in nature will find that the Black Forest is the place to be. And in such a popular area, there are of course plenty of campsites. Many campsites border existing hiking and cycling routes, taking you almost automatically to the most beautiful spots. Especially in spring and autumn, nature is dazzlingly beautiful. And in this time of the year, camping is even more advantageous. Especially if you go with CampingCard ACSI. This discount card for the low season is also accepted by many campsites in the Black Forest and can save you up to 60% per night.

Campsites in the Black Forest

Are you looking for a campsite in the Black Forest? Then take a look at Eurocampings or in the slider below to see if your favourite campsite might already be there. Of course I am also interested in your tips about the Black Forest. Which sites are worth a visit according to you?