I was looking to get some information about camping in Switzerland form you guys. Does anyone go on a regular basis? Has anyone been somewhere they recommend? How is it set up in this country ie; can you just go camp randomly or are there a lot of good campsites to go to? What are the prices of these campsites (ballpark figures). I'm used to Canada where it is about $10-20 per night for a campsite.
I don't have a tent yet but am starting to look into getting one. I have only really been to Oschner Sport so far. I live in Neuchatel so if anyone knows a better place to go to find camping gear it would be much appreciated.
I am not a hardcore wilderness buff or anything. I'm just looking to go on weekends when it starts getting warmer. I'm hoping this might provide me with even better opportunities to develop my lackluster photography skills.
Any info is much appreciated, would consider doing a weekend with someone if opportunity arises...
My exp of wildcamping in Switzerland: people seem to turn a blind eye provided that you only stay one night in one place, pitch up late and leave early. Have been several times with my bf and we're planning on doing so again soon. You can find some nice spots with a fountain or source nearby, good view, wood for fire etc. Camped in various cantons including Neuchatel and never had any problems, just one time we picked somewhere which wasn't an ideal spot.
Not sure about campsite prices but bear in mind you potentially have no view, noisy neighbours, and can't make a fire... For the tents we bought ours in England so no advice there.
From my little experience of camping in Switzerland:
- the price depends highly on the popularity of the spot - eg: in the Jungfrau region was really expensive (I seem to remember it was about 40chf for one night in a tent).
- the facilities differ and are generally good but, again, in the popular spots you're likely to find a more 'resort-like' camping area, including busloads of tourists (which I hate!).
- you can still expect some amazing views in the paid places, but the view may include your neighbour's tent
- Oschner is the more expensive end of the spectrum. You can buy second hand tents from ricardo.ch (or similar) quite cheaply if you're on a budget.
Be prepared for official campgrounds in Europe to be very different from those in Canada, with the main difference being the reduced amount of space.
Try Athelticum for cheaper camping supplies than Oschner. For a range of high quality camping supplies then check out Veloplus ; it's a store aimed at bike-tourers, but the camping supplies are suitable for all campers. Unfortunately, their website is all in German, but they have physical stores near Basel, Bern, Luzern, and Zurich, in which the staff nearly all speak good English and are very knowledgeable. Otherwise, order online from the UK.