10 secret camping spots in Italy you need to experience before they get crowded

Camping is the best way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Italian peninsula.

In Italy, free camping (outside of equipped areas or without a permit) is generally prohibited or strictly regulated. Each region, province or municipality may have its own regulations. For example, in Trentino-Alto Adige and Valle d'Aosta, camping outside of permitted areas is prohibited, or in many areas of national parks or nature reserves, camping is prohibited for environmental protection.

However, some areas allow night bivouacs, that is, sleeping just one night in a tent (often above 2000 meters), but only if you arrive on foot and without motorized vehicles. In short, to camp in Italy you have to follow the rules, but if you respect the environment and national guidelines, it is the best way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Peninsula.

While campsites by the sea or in the most popular tourist spots can become extremely crowded in the summer, there are secret campsites, immersed in greenery, far from the beaten track, where it is still possible to have an authentic and silent experience.

Places like the lesser-known Dolomites, the internal Maremma, the hinterland of Cilento, or small agritourisms in Piemonte or Umbria, offer camping experiences immersed in nature, with few guests and a family atmosphere.

Italy offers an extraordinary naturalistic variety: mountains, hills, woods, rivers, lakes and two seas. From the Alpine north to the Mediterranean south, each region has enchanting places where camping becomes a privileged gateway to the beauty of the territory.

However, to be able to enjoy peace and silence especially in particularly crowded periods, it is advisable to choose campsites that are still little-known where you can enjoy the territory in tranquility and well-being. So let's see which are the 10 secret campsites in Italy before they become famous and crowded.

Nestled between the peaks of Pelmo and Civetta, Val Fiorentina (Dolomiti)  is a less frequented valley, ideal for those seeking tranquility and breathtaking landscapes.

The trails lead to places such as Cima Fertazza and the Mondeval lake, offering spectacular views without the crowds typical of more well-known locations.

This picturesque village offers access to the wild Friulian Dolomites, with scenic hikes and an authentic atmosphere.

The lack of crowded tourist facilities allows you to fully immerse yourself in unspoiled nature.

This reserve is famous for its rock formations called "ciciu". The area is equipped with toilets and picnic areas, and guided tours are available upon reservation.

The nearby campsite offers an experience immersed in nature

Located at 1771 m, Malga Loverdina is a bivouac reachable by a hike of about an hour from the Malga Arza parking lot.

With 15 beds, it offers an authentic experience in the high mountains, away from the main tourist routes.

This hamlet of Predazzo offers a spectacular view of the Pale di San Martino group.

Known as "la Monta del Fieno", it is a quiet place with wooden and stone huts. Ideal for summer excursions and winter skiing, it offers an authentic mountain experience.

This cove in the Maremma Grossetana is famous for its white sand and the musical sound it makes when stepped on.

Located within the Bandite di Scarlino nature reserve, it can be reached on foot via a path in the woods. Access is only permitted by reservation in the summer months, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Located in the heart of the Maremma Natural Park, this agri-campsite offers an experience immersed in nature.

With direct access to the beach and quality services, it is ideal for those seeking a quiet holiday in contact with nature.

Among the best places to camp is Marina di Camerota, with campsites hidden among centuries-old olive trees and overlooking coves such as Cala Bianca and Cala degli Infreschi.

These protected areas, reachable only on foot or by boat, guarantee privacy and unspoiled beauty. The local campsites, often family-run, offer simple but well-kept accommodations, just a few steps from the crystal-clear sea. Here you can enjoy slow tourism, among coastal paths, sea caves, fiery sunsets and the typical peace of the most authentic Cilento.

Among the most suggestive villages of Cilento, Pisciotta and Ascea offer panoramic campsites immersed in the Mediterranean scrub.

The campsites here overlook wild beaches such as Marina di Ascea or the beach of Marina di Pisciotta, far from mass tourism. A few kilometers away are the archaeological remains of Velia and Paestum, offering the possibility of combining sea and culture.

The campsites are ideal for families, couples or solo travellers in search of authenticity. Many agritourisms offer pitches and services for tents and campers, with typical zero-mile products and the genuine hospitality of Southern Italy.

Italian agritourisms offer some of the most authentic and relaxing camping experiences, immersed in nature and rural tradition.

In Tuscany, agritourisms in the Chianti hills allow you to camp among vineyards and olive groves, with tastings of wine and zero-mile food. In Umbria, facilities near Lake Trasimeno combine lakeside landscapes and medieval villages.

Trentino offers agricampings with views of the Dolomites, ideal for hiking and relaxation. Also in Sicily and Sardinia, agritourisms offer pitches immersed in the Mediterranean scrub. These places combine contact with nature with rural comfort and the genuine hospitality of peasant families.

Camping in Italy is an extraordinary experience, but it is important to respect some rules and adopt responsible behavior.

Free camping is generally prohibited, except in specially authorized areas or with the consent of the landowner. It is always advisable to stop in equipped campsites or agri-campsites, which offer services and safety.

Respecting the environment is fundamental: do not leave waste, do not light fires outside the permitted areas and do not disturb the fauna. Finding out about local regulations, especially in natural parks, is essential.

Finally, booking in advance during the summer is recommended, especially in the most popular regions such as Tuscany, Trentino, Sardinia and Puglia.

Italy offers numerous quiet and uncrowded campsites, ideal for those seeking a holiday immersed in nature and far from the tourist chaos.

From Trentino with its silent woods, to the wild coasts of Calabria and Sicily, these places allow you to rediscover the pleasure of simplicity and relaxation.

Whether it's a tent under the stars or a bungalow surrounded by greenery, the less crowded campsites represent an authentic and sustainable alternative for exploring the country. A perfect choice for those who want to experience the real Italy, at a slow pace and in contact with nature.