Camping in the Black Forest – dense forests, picturesque landscapes and historic architecture.
Do you want to take a break from the daily grind and enjoy a relaxing time away from the usual stress?
Then the beautiful Black Forest is the right place for you!
A vacation here guarantees relaxation in nature, hiking opportunities and numerous wellness offers, but also cultural input and exciting sights.
Whether alone or with the family, with a roof tent or tent trailer – here are our tips for a vacation in the Black Forest.
Camping Ratgeber:
Relaxation & sightseeing with children and dog
Vacation tips – If you are still looking for your next vacation destination, then the Black Forest is highly recommended.
The unspoiled mountainous region is located in the southwest of Germany and guarantees an eventful and unforgettable vacation for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts and adventurers.
Whether interesting sights, adventurous leisure activities or historical architecture – the multi-faceted region is a top destination for the whole family, even with children and dogs.
The highlights of the Black Forest:
- Green forests for hikes
- Natural panorama with mighty mountains
- Exciting sights
- Nature reserve & national park
- Wellness and spa offers
- Relaxing spas
- Family-friendly activities
Before we get to the vacation tips, here is some general information about the Black Forest:
The Black Forest from above: your vacation can be this beautiful
Take a look at the following video to get an overview of the beautiful Black Forest from above and get an impression of the extraordinary nature: https://youtu.be/5mZ-RACQ2jE
How to get to the idyllic Black Forest
Bordering France in southwest Germany, the Black Forest is a popular vacation region for many tourists.
It is known for its mighty mountains, green forests, numerous hiking opportunities and relaxing spas.
The mountain region can be easily reached by car, including a roof tent.
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What should I definitely do when I’m in the Black Forest?
Bucket list for your vacation: 3 natural highlights in the mountains
Activities – Naturally, fairytale nature is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Black Forest.
The mountains are a real highlight for nature lovers.
Rushing waterfalls, steep gorges and vast lakes as far as the eye can see – the best way to get a glimpse of the multifaceted mountains is on a hike through the region, where you will encounter a variety of impressive attractions, all of which are freely accessible.
The following activities are highly recommended in this idyllic natural setting:
- Going hiking in the mountains
- Excursion to the nature reserve
- Visit the mighty waterfalls
- Walks along gorges
- Day trip to Titisee
- Adventure and leisure parks
- Tatzmania Zoo
My top 3 tips:
Todtnau waterfall: hiking through forests and mountains
Splashing waterfalls are a popular attraction, especially for children.
One of the mightiest and highest natural waterfalls awaits you between Todtnauberg and Aftersteg.
The water plunges an impressive 97 meters into the depths here, creating a unique panorama.
You should definitely plan a stop here on your hiking route and marvel at the beautiful nature that the Black Forest has to offer.
Highlights of the waterfall:
- One of the mightiest and highest natural waterfalls
- 97 meters deep
- Unique natural panorama
- Ideal to combine with a hike
- Highlight for families with children
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Feldberg nature reserve: exploring in summer or winter
A second point that should be on your to-do list is a day trip to the Feldberg nature reserve.
It is considered the oldest and largest nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg and offers an amazing natural panorama.
The best way to explore the area is on a hike or a walk.
The famous Feldsee lake can also be found in the immediate vicinity.
So if you take a tour of the nature reserve, you should make a stop at Feldsee to enjoy the picturesque natural surroundings.
Tip: The nature reserve is also highly recommended in winter, as you can go skiing or snowboarding here in the snow!
Information about the Feldberg nature reserve:
- Oldest and largest nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg
- Amazing natural panorama
- Numerous picturesque hiking trails in the countryside
- The famous Feldsee lake is located here
- Possibility to go skiing or snowboarding
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Ravenna Gorge: A natural spectacle for the whole family
My third tip for an excursion in nature is definitely the numerous gorges that you are likely to encounter on your hikes.
The Ravenna Gorge, for example, is a very special highlight, as the wild Ravenna stream makes its way through the narrow and steep valley via waterfalls and cascades.
This natural spectacle is a unique experience for young and old alike.
- Ravenna Wild Brook
- Leads along waterfalls and cascades
- Natural spectacle for young and old
Take a look at the following video to get an exciting overview of the famous Ravenna Gorge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmpyD5A0Tt0 The Black Forest has much more to offer than just idyllic nature and scenic highlights!
Activities away from the forest: wellness & relaxation
Since the main aim of a vacation is to relax and take a break from everyday life, wellness programs should not be neglected.
The Black Forest is perfect for this, because with its spas and health resorts, the vacation destination guarantees pure relaxation for the whole family.
After an eventful day in the great outdoors, a relaxing visit to the sauna or spa awaits you.
If required, you can also choose between various massages and treatments.
Whether it’s a day spa, sauna world or bathing paradise – everyone will find the right wellness offer here.
Here I have picked out some recommendations for day spas and wellness oases where you can pamper yourself for a day or enjoy a relaxing evening:
- Vital Therme Radon Revital Bath
- Spa & Sauna World Palais Vital
- Day Spa Hotel Wiesler
- Day Spa Vier Jahreszeiten at Schluchsee
Family-friendly activities: sport, adventure & fun
Family-friendly activities and adventures are particularly well catered for in the Black Forest.
Even the youngest members of the family will get their money’s worth on a vacation here.
Most excursion destinations are centrally located and can be reached within a day trip.
These are my recommendations for excursions with children:
Fun park: a special highlight for younger children
A very special highlight is the fun park in the Upper Black Forest, where you can really let off steam.
The adventure park offers a variety of exciting activities all year round, such as toboggan runs, bouncy cushions and indoor games, which make for an unforgettable day for young and old.
This provides a change from other nature visits and an alternative in bad weather.
- Adventure park for the whole family
- Activities such as toboggan runs, bouncy cushions and co.
- Indoor playgrounds
Europa Park: pure adrenaline and action
For families with slightly older children, the well-known Europa Park is more suitable.
Pure action and adrenaline await you!
Over 100 attractions with exciting shows and themed areas are just waiting to be explored.
In summer and winter, Europa Park guarantees a day out that you won’t forget in a hurry.
- Amusement park with numerous roller coasters
- Attractions for young and old
- Pure action and adrenaline
Tatzmania Zoo: experience a fascinating animal world
The Black Forest is also known for its extraordinary wildlife.
Not only can you find them in the wild, but you can also experience a spectacular world full of adventures and attractions at Tatzmania Zoo.
Here you can get to know the most fascinating animals and gain an insight into Europe’s largest predator enclosure, various bird species and numerous other animals.
An amazing experience that you should definitely take with you when you visit the Black Forest.
- Spectacular wildlife
- Adventures and attractions
- Europe’s largest carnivore enclosure
- Various bird species
After an adventurous and eventful day, a relaxing evening together at the campsite awaits you! What is the best time of year to go on vacation in the Black Forest?
Temperatures in the Black Forest
The Black Forest impresses all year round with a mild average temperature of 11 degrees.
The summer months from June to August are particularly suitable for a hiking vacation, with the warmest month being July with an average of 20.4 degrees!
In summer, it is therefore also ideal for swimming and enjoying the sun.
But many tourists also come here in winter, for example to go skiing or snowboarding in the mountains.
- Average temperature of 11 degrees
- Warmest month: July with an average of 20.4 degrees
- Vacation is recommended in summer or winter
Weather today / in three days
Here you can already find a weather forecast for today and the next three days:
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If you want to experience the feeling of complete freedom on your vacation in the Black Forest, then you should definitely choose to go camping.
Camping vacation instead of vacation apartment or hotel
Due to its idyllic location, no other place is as inviting for camping in nature as the Black Forest.
Sit around the campfire in the evening, guess the constellations and make new friends.
With a roof tent on your own car, you can plan your day individually and save a few euros.
Read more about the advantages of a roof tent, handling, costs and different models here: Roof tent for your car!
Why you should go camping in the Black Forest: 8 reasons
Advantages of camping – Camping is becoming increasingly popular with young and old alike, so why not embark on this adventure and experience an eventful and unforgettable time.
- A sense of freedom and closeness to nature
- Rest and relaxation
- Idyllic atmosphere
- Ample time with your loved ones
- Not just tied to one place
- Comfortable sleeping space in the roof tent
- Affordable vacation
- Family and dog friendly
One of the best reasons to go camping: Not only will your kids have the time of their lives, but your dog will have all the freedom too!
Packing list for camping: checklist, tips & suggestions
Nowadays, most people no longer go camping with just the bare essentials.
Instead, it can be a little more luxurious.
Instead of a 2-person tent, it is more comfortable to travel in a comfortable roof tent and important outdoor equipment such as chairs, table and loungers are also a must on the campsite.
Is tidiness the be-all and end-all for you?
There is also a practical solution for this when camping!
Here’s a checklist to help you take all the essentials with you on your camping vacation and make the most of your time.
These top 5 things should definitely be on your packing list:
- Camping furniture
- Awning or awning
- Camping kitchen including gas stove
- Durable food and cool box
- Mosquito spray and mosquito net
- …
- You can find all the gadgets in the packing list here!
Campsite recommendations in the Black Forest
As wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, you should choose one or more campsites or legal pitches for your overnight stay.
The numerous campsites are located in the immediate vicinity of popular hiking trails and the most interesting spots and attractions are also quick and easy to reach.
So if you want to try something new and embark on an adventure, camping guarantees you an exciting and spectacular vacation.
Here I have selected some affordable and centrally located campsites:
Family-Resort Kleinenzhof – Bad Wildbad in the Black Forest (126 places)
Family-Resort Kleinenzhof – Camping in Bad Wildbad in the Black Forest (address: Kleinenzhof 1 in 75323 Bad Wildbad) with 126 pitches for campers on a total area of 6 ha and a plot size of 80-100 m².
The price per person is 8.50 euros, children 5.70 euros and the stand fee is 10.80 euros, payable in cash, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa.
Read more: Family-Resort Kleinenzhof in Bad Wildbad in the Black Forest.
Directions, address and camper capacities at the Family-Resort Kleinenzhof:
- Address: Kleinenzhof 1 in 75323 Bad Wildbad, Germany
- Location: Bad Wildbad in the Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg
- 126 pitches for campers
- 30 rental accommodations
- 180 pitches for permanent campers
- 80-100 m² plot size
- Total size in ha: 6
- Directions (Google Maps): Family-Resort Kleinenzhof
Feriencamping Hochschwarzwald – Todtnau (50 pitches)
Feriencamping Hochschwarzwald – Camping in Todtnau (address: Oberhäuserstr. 6 in 79674 Muggenbrunn) with 50 pitches for campers on a total area of 2.6 ha and a plot size of 70-120 m².
The price per person is 6.70 euros, children 4.30 euros and the stand fee is 7.90 euros, payable in cash, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa.
Read more: Vacation camping Hochschwarzwald in Todtnau.
Directions, address and camper capacities at Feriencamping Hochschwarzwald:
- Address: Oberhäuserstr.
6 in 79674 Muggenbrunn, Germany - Location: Todtnau, Baden-Württemberg
- 50 pitches for campers
- 3 rental accommodations
- 32 pitches for permanent campers
- 70-120 m² plot size
- Total size in ha: 2.6
- Directions (Google Maps): Vacation camping Hochschwarzwald
Schwarzwald-Camping – Altensteig (200 pitches)
Schwarzwald-Camping – Camping in Altensteig (address: Im Oberen Tal 4 in 72213 Altensteig) with 200 pitches for campers on a total area of 4 ha.
The price per person is 6.00 euros, children 4.00 euros and the stand fee is included, payable in cash.
Read more: Black Forest Camping in Altensteig.
Directions, address and camper capacities at Schwarzwald-Camping:
- Address: Im Oberen Tal 4 in 72213 Altensteig, Germany
- Location: Altensteig, Baden-Württemberg
- 200 pitches for campers
- 4 rental accommodations
- 100 pitches for permanent campers
- Total size in ha: 4
- Directions (Google Maps): Black Forest Camping
More tips?
Here you can find even more information about campsites in Baden-Württemberg
Evaluation: Experience – What is important?
If you are going camping, you should definitely pay attention to a few important criteria when choosing your campsite so that you can enjoy your time here as much as possible.
For example, it is important that the site is centrally located, but that you have enough peace and privacy.
The campsite should also have a certain level of cleanliness so that you still feel comfortable and at home during your vacation.
Here I have listed some factors that you should keep in mind when looking for the right campsite:
- Rest
- Catering
- Friendliness
- Price-performance ratio
- General cleanliness
- Sanitary facilities
- Sanitary cleanliness
- Condition of the rental accommodation / plots
- Infrastructure
- Leisure time
- Location
Activities: Relaxation, sport & fun
If you choose camping as your accommodation option, you are always surrounded by nature and usually have direct access to popular leisure activities.
The Black Forest is a paradise for nature lovers and not only impresses with its idyllic landscapes and picturesque nature, but also offers fun and games as well as exciting activities for the whole family.
Here I have picked out some interesting attractions for you that await you in the idyllic Black Forest and provide adventure, fun and excitement:
- Hiking in the mountains
- Going for a walk in the forest
- Relaxation in the spas
- Cycling along natural paths
- Wellness, sauna or spa
- Sightseeing
- Golf / Minigolf
- Riding
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Adventure park
Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners!
FAQ: Questions & Answers
What can you do in the Black Forest?
What is the name of the largest city and where does the name actually come from?
Here you will find some frequently asked questions about the Black Forest and the corresponding answers.
Which cities are in the Black Forest?
The Black Forest is divided into several regions:
- Northern Black Forest: Alpirsbach, Baden Baden, Baiersbronn, Bühl and Enzklösterle
- Central Black Forest: Bad Dürrheim, Bad Peterstal-Griesbach, Ettenheim, Gengenbach and Hornberg
- Upper Black Forest: Löffingen, St. Peter and Titisee/Neustadt
- Southern Black Forest: Bernau, Bonndorf, Donaueschingen, Schliengen, Breisgau, Feldberg, Freiburg, Oberried and Vogtsburg
What is the Black Forest known for?
The Black Forest is known for its idyllic landscapes, charming villages and spas.
Equally well-known is the city of Pforzheim, also known as the “Gateway to the Black Forest”.
It is known for its jewelry and watchmaking industry and is one of the most important cities in Baden-Württemberg.
What can you do in the Black Forest?
The Black Forest is a great place for walking, hiking and enjoying nature.
There are also plenty of natural highlights to visit, such as waterfalls, gorges and nature reserves.
Families can visit an amusement park or zoo and the many wellness and spa facilities can also be used to relax in the evening.
Where does the name Black Forest come from?
The name comes from the earlier times of the Romans.
They called the huge uninhabited forest area “silva nigra”, meaning forest black.
Gradually, the current name Black Forest developed.
What is the name of the largest city in the Black Forest?
The largest city in the Black Forest is called Freiburg and is located on the edge of the Black Forest in Breisgau.
Reading tips: Vacation in Germany
If you haven’t yet decided where to go on your next vacation, you can read more articles with alternative destinations for your vacation here.
Camping in the Harz Mountains
Harz – If you love the Black Forest, you’ll love the Harz too!
Whether in summer or winter – there is definitely a lot to see in the legendary Harz Mountains, so everyone will get their money’s worth here.
The best way to travel here is with a roof tent, so you are super flexible in how you plan your day.
Whether with your partner or the whole family with children and dog – here are our vacation tips for a vacation full of exciting activities and highlights, such as the Brocken and Wernigerode:
Camping on the Moselle
Moselle – Another tip is a vacation on the Moselle.
Attractive cities, exciting sights and numerous opportunities to camp in the countryside await you here.
Are you flexible when it comes to your vacation?
The Moselle offers you a wide range of options to find the right place for your vacation.
Whether France or Germany – the landscapes around the Moselle are all characterized by picturesque nature, colourful plants, a love of wine and peaceful tranquillity.
Here you can find out what there is to know about a vacation in the various towns around the Moselle and which highlights you should definitely not miss:
Camping in Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg – Southern Germany is predominantly characterized by a mountainous landscape.
So you can set off on a hiking vacation with the family straight from the campsite in Baden-Württemberg.
Or you can go for a walk along the banks of a river or lake.
Here you will find tips for campsites, activities and sights in top vacation ideas such as family vacations at Lake Constance, Münstertal, the Black Forest and Lake Titisee.
Vacation in Germany
Vacations in Germany – For even more inspiration and tips for your vacation, you can find out all about various places in Germany that are ideal for a vacation with picturesque nature, fun activities and recommended campsites.
Escape the monotony of stressful everyday life and enjoy freedom – whether in the great outdoors, in the biggest cities or on the most beautiful dream beaches.
There is all this and much more to discover in Germany’s diverse regions.
Read more about a vacation in Germany here: