Italy has 2,500+ official campeggi (campsites) — many with pools, restaurants, and beach access. Wild camping (campeggio libero) is technically PROHIBITED in most of Italy — but bivouacking (sleeping in a bivouac bag or tent above the tree line in mountains) is TOLERATED in many regions. Van life and camper van travel has a separate legal framework. This guide covers all 3: official, wild, and the grey zone. Budget accommodation →
What to expect: Italian campeggi are NOT primitive — most are well-equipped resorts. Facilities: Hot showers, electricity, WiFi, restaurant/bar, mini-market. Many have: swimming pool, beach access, sports facilities, kids' activities. Accommodation types: Tent pitch (€8-15 + €5-8/person/night). Caravan/camper pitch (€15-25/night). Bungalow/mobile home (€40-100/night, sleeps 2-6 — with kitchen, bathroom, AC). Best camping regions: Lake Garda (30+ campeggi with lake access + pools). Sardinia (beach campeggi, pine forests). Cinque Terre hills (camp above the villages, hike down). Dolomites (mountain campeggi at 1,000-1,500m). Puglia (coastal campeggi, olive groves). Book on: Camping.it, PiNCAMP (ADAC), Booking.com (filter "Campsites").
National law: No specific national law prohibiting or allowing wild camping — it's regulated at REGIONAL and municipal level. In practice: Wild camping with a tent is prohibited in most regions — especially on beaches, in parks, and near towns. Fines: €100-500 if caught. EXCEPTIONS (tolerated): Mountain bivouacking — sleeping in a bivvy bag or small tent ABOVE THE TREE LINE (typically above 2,000-2,500m) for 1 night is tolerated in most Alpine regions (Trentino, South Tyrol, Valle d'Aosta, Piedmont). The unwritten rule: Arrive late, leave early, leave no trace. NOT tolerated: Beach camping, forest camping near towns, multi-night wild camping anywhere.
Italy loves camper vans (camper). 130,000 registered motorhomes — the 2nd-highest in Europe. Where to park/sleep: Aree di sosta — designated motorhome parking areas with water/waste facilities. Free or €5-15/night. Over 3,000 across Italy (app: Park4Night, Campercontact). Campeggi (see above). NOT allowed: Overnight parking on public streets in many towns (check local signs — "divieto di campeggio" or "divieto di sosta camper"). Rental: Camper van rental from €80-150/day (Yescapa, Indie Campers, McRent — pick up at major airports).