Great Berlin Camping Destinations | Germany
Updated June 11, 2026 by Claire
Berlin is a surprisingly excellent camping destination, the city is surrounded by a necklace of lakes and forests (Berlin is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, with more than 2,500 parks and green spaces, and the surrounding Brandenburg region is a landscape of pine forests, glacial lakes, and quiet river valleys that feels a world away from the urban intensity of the city centre) that make camping an appealing and affordable alternative to the city’s increasingly expensive hotels. Camping in Berlin is not just a budget option, it is a lifestyle choice that reflects the city’s connection to nature and its alternative, do-it-yourself culture. The campsites on the city’s outskirts combine urban convenience (S-Bahn connections to the city centre) with the tranquility of a lakeside pitch, and the best of them feel more like a summer retreat than a place to sleep between sightseeing.
Quick Facts: Camping in Berlin & Brandenburg
- Best campsites: DCC Campingpark Berlin Gatow (on the western edge of the city, on the banks of the Havel river with direct access to water sports and a beach, ~45 minutes to the city centre by public transport, quieter and more natural than the inner-city options), Campingplatz am Krossinsee (on a lake in the southeastern suburbs, a classic German lakeside camping experience with a sandy beach, ~1 hour to Mitte by S-Bahn), and the quirky Tentstation (urban camping in the area of the abandoned Tempelhof Airport, more of a glamping/budget accommodation experience than traditional camping, but uniquely Berlin)
- When to camp: May–September is the camping season; July–August for the warmest water in the lakes; advance booking is essential for summer weekends and public holidays, Berliners love their lakes and the campsites fill up
- Wild camping: Wild camping is illegal in Berlin and Brandenburg. Stick to official campsites
- The lakes: The real camping experience is the Brandenburg lakes, Wannsee, Müggelsee, and the string of lakes around Potsdam (Templiner See, Schwielowsee) offer swimming, sailing, and the quintessential Berlin summer experience of a day at the lake followed by a beer and a bratwurst at a lakeside biergarten
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Have you camped by a Berlin lake or discovered the green side of the German capital? Share your Berlin outdoor experiences in the comments! 🏕️
What to Pack for Berlin Camping
Camping in Berlin requires preparation for the city’s variable climate. Summer temperatures range from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, but rain can arrive suddenly, so waterproof gear is essential. A sturdy tent with a rainfly is recommended, as overnight thunderstorms are common in July and August. Pack a portable stove or plan evening meals at campsite restaurants, as open fires are prohibited in most locations. Insect repellent is crucial near the lakes, especially at dusk when mosquitoes emerge. A good sleeping bag rated for 10 degrees Celsius will keep you comfortable even on cooler nights. Many campsites offer electricity hookups for charging devices, but a portable power bank provides peace of mind for longer stays. Comfortable walking shoes and a daypack complete your kit for exploring the city during the day.
Combining Camping with Berlin City Sights
The beauty of Berlin camping is the ability to combine outdoor living with world-class cultural attractions. From most campsites, the S-Bahn reaches Alexanderplatz within 45 minutes, giving you access to the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and the East Side Gallery. Plan your days around alternating city exploration with lakeside relaxation. Morning visits to museums coincide with cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. Return to your campsite by mid-afternoon for a swim and a rest. Evening trips back into the city for dinner and nightlife are feasible on late-running trains. The Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport turned public park, offers kite flying, rollerblading, and barbecuing that complement the camping lifestyle perfectly.
Berlin’s Best Lakeside Biergartens
No camping trip to Berlin is complete without experiencing the city’s lakeside biergartens, where cold beer and grilled food are served beneath chestnut trees with views across the water. The Biergarten at Strandbad Wannsee is one of the largest, with a sandy beach and swimming platforms that extend into the lake. The trees here provide welcome shade on hot afternoons, and the beer flows from early afternoon until sunset. On the Müggelsee, the Rübezahl biergarten offers a more rustic setting with wooden benches and a menu featuring traditional Berlin specialties like currywurst and potato salad. The Biergarten at Cafe Simon in Treptower Park combines lakeside seating with views of the Insel der Jugend, a small island in the Spree that is reachable by footbridge. Many biergartens allow you to bring your own food if you purchase drinks, making them budget-friendly options for campers cooking at their pitch.
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