Italy has 2,500+ campsites — from basic tent pitches on Sardinian beaches (€15/night) to luxury glamping in Tuscan olive groves (€200-400/night). The camping tradition is huge (Italians LOVE campeggio) and the infrastructure is excellent. Wild camping is technically illegal but tolerated in mountains above treeline. This guide covers the best sites, the legal reality, and where glamping has turned a tent into a hotel.
Sardinia: Italy's best beach camping — Cala Gonone, La Pelosa area, Costa Smeralda periphery. €15-30/night for pitch + car. Dolomites: Mountain campsites with peak views — Camping Sass Dlacia (near Braies), Camping Vidor (Pozza di Fassa). €20-35/night. Lake Garda: Lakefront sites with pools and beaches — Camping Butterfly, Camping San Francesco. €25-45/night (high season). Tuscany: Farm-style camping (agriturismo + pitch) — wake up to olive trees and vineyard views. Cinque Terre: Camping Acqua Dolce (Levanto) — the nearest campsite to the 5 villages, €20-30/night.
What it is: Canvas tents, yurts, treehouses, or pods with real beds, electricity, private bathrooms. €100-400/night. Best glamping: Podere di Maggio (Umbria — yurts in oak woodland, pool, yoga). Orlando in Chianti (Tuscany — treehouses, geodesic domes, vineyard views). Canonici di San Marco (Veneto — luxury tents near Venice). Book on Booking.com (filter: "glamping" or "unique stays").
Technically illegal in Italy (Law 765/1967 + regional regulations). Reality: Tolerated above treeline in mountains (Dolomites, Apennines) with a bivouac tent + leave-no-trace. NOT tolerated: Beaches, national parks, near towns, anywhere visible. Fines: €100-500 if caught. Van/camper: "Sosta" (parking overnight) is legal in designated areas; "campeggio" (setting up camp — chairs, awning, table) is illegal outside campsites.