Germany has more than 2,500 campsites. Most are open from April to October, and a handful remain open all year. Some campsites are mostly used by tourists just passing through, while others are located in the most beautiful holiday regions and are intended for those intending to stay longer. Services, facilities and amenities are all of a high standard. Booking is advisable.

Camping, caravanning and touring by motorhome are becoming an increasingly more popular way of discovering Germany�whilst covering a lot of ground�and keeping holiday costs down to a low.

Germany is well served by campsites both in the obviously popular tourist areas such as the Black Forest and further afield in more remote beauty spots. There are sites on rivers (the country boasts the Rhine, the Mosel and the Elbe) and in mountains, on lakes and on islands; there are some close to big cities such as Berlin and Munich and some far from the madding crowd.

While some campers may wish to plump for simply one site, those with caravans or motorhomes can easily take in a number of picturesque possibilities - perhaps along Germany's 'fairytale' route (Brothers Grimm territory in Hesse) or along the 'Romantic Road' from the River Main to the Alps.

German campsites are well managed and are graded (effectively from 'good' to 'excellent'). Even the most modest have proper toilet and washing facilities and a shop,� while those at the upper end boast swimming pools, supermarkets and a range of creature comforts. In the summer, the country generally lends itself to the outdoor life: it is warm by day without being sweltering, and cool by night without being cold.

. Campsites are generally open from April to the end of September, although many sites, about 45%�are open all year round.

. The cost of petrol is approx. €1.20 per litre, diesel users pay even less at an average of only €1.00 per litre.

. The speed limit for towing a caravan in Germany is 80 km/h.

. The average cost of camping during the high season in Germany (July/August) is e.g. for a car/caravan (incl. 3 persons) approx. €20-€30 / day.

. Most campsites in Germany have the standard European "three-round pin" hook-up, which is the same as used in the UK.

. To help protect the enviroment electricity is usually charged extra and measured per unit used, the average cost in Germany is aproximately €0.50 per Kw/h.

. Camping at motorway service stations is permitted for up to 24hrs.

. Most campsites accept the Camping Card International (CCI). A CCI is a useful document as it can be used as a form of identity and is accepted by many campsite proprietors as security in lieu of a passport. Many campsites also offer discounts on presentation of the CCI plus the card also includes up to 1,000,000 Pounds worth of third party insurance for accidental damage at campsites. For a small charge the card can be obtained in the UK from Camping or Motoring Associations.

. Pitches are usually available from after 12 am and should be vacated before that time on the day of your departure. It is possible to extend your departure into the afternoon but this should be agreed to with the proprietor on the day of arrival.

. In Germany it is common practice for campsites to close for a midday rest period (Mittagsruhe), times vary from 12h30/13h00 up to 14h00/15h00.

This online camping guide contains a selection of over 1,000 campsites in Germany. When choosing which sites to include in the guide, we considered a wide variety of useful details. Information about their location on the shores of beautiful lakes or other inland waterways, for example, or in other places with great tourist appeal. Other criteria included excellent sanitary facilities - above the average European standard - as well as safety and cleanliness. Child- and family-friendly campsites and places where you have the option to rent a long-term pitch (available almost everywhere) are also listed.

We are offering this service in collaboration with the Federal Association of German Campsites (BVCD).