Pitch your tent at these 7 spots for the best camping near Zurich
We always juggle our must-do list of things to do in Zurich—strolling the Altstadt, grabbing a Nussgipfel at our go-to bakery, or renting a paddle boat on Lake Zurich.
Last season, breakfast beneath pines replaced our city views, and roaming forest trails felt like uncovering Zurich’s hidden side.
Setting up our tent was like assembling IKEA furniture without a manual. Hotel alarms gave way to the sunrise through the evergreens, and that first campfire coffee was unbeatable.
So, in this guide, we’re sharing family-friendly spots that prove camping near Zurich fits perfectly into everyday life.
1. Fischer’s Fritz Campsite
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Website: https://www.fischers-fritz.ch/
Address: Seestrasse 559, 8038
Contact: +41 44 482 16 12
Hours:
- May to September : Monday-Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- March, April, October, November : Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- December to February: Closed
Pricing: ₣₣
We always look for a campsite that feels both wild and welcoming, and Fischer’s Fritz delivers with its unbeatable lakefront spot just ten minutes from Zurich’s centre.
Inside the campsite, we found modern showers, spotless toilets, and a handy laundry area that makes longer stays effortless. Their 24-hour Laden shop stocks fresh local produce, snacks, and camping essentials so campers never run out of supplies.
For glampers like us, Fischer’s Fritz Campsite offers iconic Airstream trailers with air-conditioning, comfy beds, and direct lake views. Deluxe safari tents boast wooden floors, plush linens, and private garden areas that evoke a woodland retreat ambience.
For budget travellers, field tents start at CHF 45 per person per night and sit right on the lakeshore.
Pro Tip:
Rent a canoe from Fischer’s Fritz’s private dock at sunrise to glide across Lake Zurich in peaceful solitude before the day-trippers arrive.
2. Lutzelau Island
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Website: https://insel-luetzelau.ch/
Address: Lützelau Island, Postfach 1027, 8640 Rapperswil
Contact: +41 79 865 45 00
Hours: May to September: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: ₣
Camping on Lutzelau Island offers a tiny paradise reachable only by shuttle from Rapperswil. Campers arrive by canoe, kayak, or bike, as cars are not permitted on the island. This remote access ensures a true lakeside retreat.
With just 20 tent pitches each night, campers can enjoy uncrowded shorelines and pick their own forest clearings. Campers can also book guided sunrise kayak tours led by experienced instructors, gliding silently across the glassy lake.
Even better, there’s an on-site kiosk that serves regional specialities daily from May through September and also features a free cold-water sink that covers basic needs. Warm showers and toilets are available for a small fee.
It’s also important to note that the island sits within Zurichsee’s largest bird sanctuary, so quiet hours run from 11 PM to 7 AM. We need to respect strict no-entry zones around nesting areas to protect local wildlife.
Pro Tip:
Reserve a shuttle spot as soon as possible. Slots usually fill up fast in summer, and having a confirmed seat guarantees that you won’t miss the only boat that connects you to this secluded island.
3. Strandbad Stampf Campsite
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Website: https://www.zuerich.com/en/accommodation/camping-at-the-strandbad-stampf
Address: Stampfstrasse, 8645 Jona
Contact: +41 55 225 72 72
Hours: May to September: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: ₣
Strandbad Stampf is a large open-air lido in Jona, near Rapperswil-Jona. It’s on the upper end of Lake Zurich, 29 km from Zurich’s main station.
Campers arrive by car or train and step directly onto the beachside campground, where urban access meets the calm waters of the waterfront. This bathing area welcomes both city explorers and nature lovers.
The campsite also offers 120 seasonal pitches, as well as 26 spots for spontaneous overnight stays. It’s also nice that campers have access to a communal cold-water basin for quick rinses and meal prep.
Meanwhile, their coin-operated hot showers and flush toilets in the sanitary block provide extra comfort for a modest fee. They also have wheelchair ramps and Eurokey access to ensure inclusive pathways, WCs, and showers throughout the site.
Pro Tip:
Reserve seasonal tent pitches early through the lido’s online booking system to secure a lakeside spot before they sell out quickly.
4. Atzmännig
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Website: https://www.atzmaennig.ch/en/accommodation/camping/
Address: Sportbahnen Atzmännig AG, Postfach 8638 Goldingen
Contact: +41 55 284 64 34
Hours: Year-round camping
Pricing: ₣₣
This spot is 60 minutes away from the Zurich city centre. Still, it’s become a popular camping destination, and for good reason.
First, the site features 200 pitches, with 190 reserved for seasonal campers and space for spontaneous visitors year-round.
Second, this campground is directly connected to the Atzmannig Leisure Park, making it ideal for active travellers. Campers can ride the summer toboggan run, climb the rope-adventure park, or take the chairlift up for hiking trails with panoramic views.
Lastly, their facilities include modern sanitary blocks with gender-separated washrooms, hot showers, laundry stations, and facilities for disposing of chemical toilets. Each pitch has electricity, and a camper station with washers and dryers supports longer stays.
Pro Tip:
Choose one of the pitches right next to the rope-adventure park entrance. This puts you first in line for early-morning climbs and saves walking time, so you can dive into the course the moment it opens.
5. Camping Maurholz
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Website: https://www.camping-maurholz.ch/
Address: Murholz 1, 8124 Maur
Contact: +41 44 980 02 66
Hours: March 28 to October 19 annually
Pricing: ₣₣
Camping Maurholz is situated on the tranquil shores of Greifensee, inside a protected nature reserve. It’s just a quick 30-minute drive from Zurich’s main station.
This one-hectare site combines urban access with serene green meadows and dense woods. We appreciate how it serves as an ideal base for both land and water adventures, as well as peaceful overnight stays.
The campground features about 120 seasonal pitches and 26 spots for spontaneous overnight stays on the grassy beachfront.
Moreover, they offer a communal playground and baby changing room when travelling with little ones, while their free Wi-Fi keeps professionals and families connected. Dogs are even welcome throughout both low and peak seasons, making it truly inclusive.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the lakeside restaurant. Its traditional wood-fired pizza oven and panoramic views of Greifensee make it a standout. Bonus: the lively terrace regularly hosts social events, perfect for mingling with fellow campers.
6. Campingplatz Sihlwald
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Website: https://campingplatz-sihlwald.ch/
Address: Tabletenstrasse 51, 8135 Sihlwald
Contact: +41 44 720 04 34
Hours: April 4 to October 26 annually
Pricing: ₣₣
Campingplatz Sihlwald sits on the banks of the river Sihl in the Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park, about 37 km from Zurich’s main station via the S4 train or car. This old-growth forest campsite offers riverside tranquillity with convenient access to the city.
The site features 60 tourist pitches for motorhomes and 15 seasonal rental spots. Their check-in hours run daily from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with simple online booking.
We were truly amazed by how it’s operated by a local association. The campground fosters a warm, community-driven vibe. The on-site Camper-Beizli restaurant is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, serving regional dishes, snacks, and fresh crepes.
They also offer recreational options, including a playground, billiards, and table tennis.
Pro Tip:
Swing by the Camper-Beizli on your first day to check the community notice board for free, volunteer-led nature walks and conservation workshops. Don’t forget to grab a paper map at reception to chart your own forest circuit.
7. TCS Camping Flaach am Rhein
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Address: Steubisallmend 4, 8416 Flaach
Contact: +41 52 318 14 13
Hours: Year-round
Pricing: ₣₣₣
TCS Camping sits on the natural banks of the Rhine within the Thurauen nature reserve. This modern 4-star site offers free parking with each pitch, which makes arrival stress-free.
There are approximately 180 tourist pitches and 100 seasonal spots, occupying level grass and forest clearings. Their pitch options range from standard to premium VIP, comfort, and private camp sites, all with electricity and water hookups.
The Rubis & Stubis restaurant serves regional dishes, while a reception cafe offers grab-and-go snacks. We also appreciate that they offer complimentary access to the adjacent public pool, which features a slide and diving board for additional water fun.
Plus, activities include river swimming, access to the boat harbour, and paddleboard rentals along the Rhine.
Pro Tip:
Pack your swimsuit and swim cap and enjoy free laps at the neighbouring public pool during quieter weekday mornings. This is a camper perk that often goes unnoticed but makes for a refreshing break.