Lake Garda

Before you go

• The Gardesana Occidentale (SS 45 bis) is considered very narrow, with tight tunnels. Large vehicles should check limits and signs beforehand.
• Wild camping is generally prohibited in Italy; regions and municipalities set the details. A hiking magazine names an absolute ban outside sites in Veneto.
• Aree di sosta and camper service areas exist in Italy, but services vary. Check the municipality's rules before parking overnight.

Planning

Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake: about 370 square kilometres, 51.6 km long and up to 346 m deep. Its shores belong to Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige. Well-known places include Desenzano del Garda, Riva del Garda and Malcesine. The official tourism portal lists accommodation, including campsites. Ferries run on the lake, and a cable car goes from Malcesine up Monte Baldo.

Camping

Wild camping is generally prohibited in Italy, and the rules differ by region and municipality. For Veneto, an outdoor magazine cites a regional law that bans tents and mobile accommodation outside designated sites. Whether a single night in the vehicle is tolerated depends on local rules. Campsites and signed motorhome sites are the safe choice. Ask the municipality about local rules before staying overnight.

Getting around

The west shore is served by the SS 45 bis (Gardesana Occidentale), the east shore by the SS 249 (Gardesana Orientale), the south by the SS 11. The A4 and A22 motorways connect the region. The west shore road is considered very narrow and has tunnels; a 2022 newspaper report describes a large articulated lorry that got stuck there and held up oncoming traffic in the tunnels. Motorhomes should check the signs for height and width. Ferries are an alternative for crossing the lake.

FAQs