High Prices Abuse Costs for Camping in Switzerland?
Affordable Camping Holidays Thrive in Switzerland During the Pandemic
As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic, the demand for outdoor travel experiences has surged. Camping holidays, in particular, have become increasingly popular in Switzerland, with safety from the virus and the perceived lower risk of outdoor travel outstripping cost as primary considerations.
The European average for a night of camping is 49 francs per month, but the cost in Switzerland varies depending on factors such as location, facilities, infrastructure, and the size and type of the unit. During the peak summer season, the average cost for a camping holiday per night in Switzerland typically ranges between 30 and 45 CHF (approximately $31 to $46 USD) for a basic campsite pitch, especially in popular regions like the Swiss Alps.
Booking.com lists an average price per night for campgrounds in the Swiss Alps around $31 USD, with some premium campgrounds charging from $144 to $210 USD per night. TripAdvisor reports that staying at campsites such as Camping au Lac or others can cost around 30 CHF (~$31 USD) per night for a camper and two adults, reflecting a typical mid-range camping expense in Switzerland.
Interestingly, people who are flexible or travel during the off-season can save up to a third of the regular cost by camping in Switzerland. For instance, the per-night price in the canton of Bern has fallen slightly, from 55 to 53 francs. Some campsites in Switzerland are now adjusting their prices dynamically, similar to hotels, airlines, and some Swiss ski resorts.
The per-night price average in the Jura-Neuchâtel-Fribourg-Vaud region is 46 francs, despite a 10-percent price increase this year. However, the cheapest places for camping are found in Germany (37 francs) and Sweden (40 francs).
Despite being one of the more expensive European countries for camping, Switzerland is not the most expensive. Croatia (63 francs) and Italy (61 francs) have higher prices. Ticino remains Switzerland's most expensive site for campers, with a per-night price of 73 francs.
In 2024, Switzerland recorded a new record of 4.8 million overnight stays at camp sites, indicating a growing trend towards camping holidays even after the pandemic subsides. Camping holidays remain popular among both nature lovers and money-conscious people, with many newcomers to camping starting their outdoor adventures in motorhomes during the pandemic.
[1] https://www.booking.com/camping/switzerland/ [2] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g190270-Switzerland-Hotels.html [3] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-records-record-number-of-camping-holidays/46766962 [4] https://www.pincamp.ch/en/news/average-camping-cost-switzerland-peak-season-2025/
Camping holidays, even during the peak season, can be found around $31 USD per night in the Swiss Alps. As the pandemic subsides, the number of camping holidays is expected to continue growing, making it a popular choice for both nature lovers and budget-conscious travelers.
