Our trip to Lake Garda was an unforgettable adventure for our two families—four adults and three kids. Each family had its own van, and we decided to wing it, traveling without reservations so we could check out campsites in person before committing. With a week to explore in July, we were excited to soak up the beauty of the lake.

Starting from the Czech Republic, we entered Lake Garda from the north and focused mainly on the eastern shore. Using a camping app, we searched for campgrounds but were picky—some lacked a pool, had poor lake access, or felt too crowded.

We ended up splitting our stay between two campsites. First, we settled at La Rocca Camping Village, perfectly located between Garda and Bardolino, making it easy to explore both towns. Later, we moved to San Francesco Camping Village near Sirmione, an ideal base for visiting the southern part of the lake and nearby attractions like Gardaland and Legoland.

Before setting up camp, our first stop was Malcesine, a postcard-perfect town on the lake. It was the perfect way to kick off our Lake Garda adventure!

A fairytale town with cobbled streets, a stunning medieval castle (Castello Scaligero), and killer views of both the lake and the mountains. We spent the afternoon exploring the town and the castle, indulging in gelato, and soaking in the views. If you have time in Malcesine, you can take a ferry to Limone or hop on the cable car up to Monte Baldo. The views from the top give an entirely different perspective of Lake Garda.

Parking was a bit of a challenge in Malcesine, so we decided to park just before entering the town and took our electric scooters with us.

• Scaliger Castle – Climb the tower for stunning lake views.
• Monte Baldo Cable Car – Ride to the top for breathtaking panoramas and hiking.
• Lake Activities – Swim at Paina Beach, rent a boat, or try windsurfing.
• Explore the Old Town – Wander cobbled streets, visit Palazzo dei Capitani, and shop local boutiques.
• Eat & Drink – Enjoy lakeside dining and grab gelato from Gelateria Cento Per Cento.

Malcesine is the perfect mix of history, adventure, and relaxation!

Nestled on the lake’s eastern shore, Garda charmed us with its vibrant promenade, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere. Since it was a 10-minute stroll from our camp, we often came here for dinners and late afternoon strolls.

• Hiking: Try the Sentiero del Ponale for stunning lake views or hike to Monte Baldo for a panoramic experience.
• Biking: The Garda by Bike path is one of the most scenic cycling routes in Europe.
• Water Sports: Windsurfing in Riva del Garda, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or sailing.
• Canyoning: Explore waterfalls and gorges in Tignale or Torrente Vione.
• Paragliding: Take off from Monte Baldo and enjoy breathtaking aerial views.

Bardolino captivated us with its rustic charm, warm hospitality, and laid-back atmosphere. Picture olive groves, vibrant flowers, and a lakefront promenade lined with inviting cafes and gelaterias offering tempting treats. Compared to Garda, Bardolino seemed bigger, with a wider promenade that added to its allure.

• Wine Tasting  – Visit local wineries and try the famous Bardolino red wine and Chiaretto rosé.
• Lakeside Promenade  – Walk or cycle along the scenic waterfront path to Lazise or Garda.
• Olive Oil Museum – Learn about Garda’s olive oil production and sample fresh olive oil.
• San Zeno Church – Admire this beautiful Romanesque church with medieval frescoes.
• Boat Tour – Take a ferry or private boat to explore other lakeside towns.

Lago di Garda Camping

La Rocca Camping Village 

BOOK HERE

Next, we ventured all the way south to San Francesco Camping Village. This move allowed us to explore Sirmione and treat the kids to Gardaland and Legoland adventures. Plus, we seized the opportunity for a day trip to Venice and Verona, adding a dose of culture and history to our already fantastic Lake Garda getaway.

Sirmione

Sirmione certainly stole our hearts as one of the prettiest towns on our Lake Garda journey. Its medieval charm, picturesque streets, and stunning lakeside setting made it feel like stepping into a postcard. From the majestic Scaliger Castle to the ancient ruins overlooking the shimmering waters, every corner was a delight to explore.  Sirmione truly stood out as a highlight, making our trip unforgettable.

• Explore Scaliger Castle – Walk across the drawbridge into this stunning medieval fortress with lake views.
• Visit Grotte di Catullo – Wander through the impressive ruins of an ancient Roman villa at the tip of the peninsula.
• Relax at Terme di Sirmione – Soak in the thermal waters of this famous lakeside spa.
• Stroll the Historic Center – Enjoy charming streets, gelato shops, and lakeside cafés.
• Take a Boat Tour – See Sirmione from the water, including the castle and Jamaica Beach.

Gardaland & Legoland

Jayden happened to be turning two during our trip, so we decided to celebrate at Gardaland and Legoland.

Gardaland 

Tickets are 44€ per adult, and kids under 90 cm get in for free. Sounds great, right? Well, the downside is that there aren’t many rides for little ones under that height. The Peppa Pig area, for example, was out in the scorching sun, which made it less enjoyable.

Legoland Water Park 

We decided to upgrade our tickets and paid the difference to enter Legoland Water Park (54€ per ticket, depending on the day). What they don’t tell you upfront is that kids under 90 cm can’t go on the slides alone, and tandem rides aren’t allowed—which was a bit disappointing.

Despite these hiccups, we still had a great time and made the most of it. That said, if you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend waiting until your kid is at least three years old to fully enjoy the parks!

Lago di Garda Camping

San Francesco Camping Village

BOOK HERE

San Francesco Camping Village was also lovely and conveniently close to Sirmione, with plenty of activities for kids. The only issue we had was having to wear a swimming cap to the pool. They sell them right by the pool, or you can bring your own. We had a good laugh seeing each other in the caps, but it did kind of spoil the pool experience a bit. Other than that, it was a fantastic place to stay with lots of fun for the whole family.

San Francesco Camping Village Highlights

• Lakeside Location – Direct access to Lake Garda, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
• Family-Friendly – Playgrounds, a kids’ club, and entertainment programs.
• Water Fun – Large swimming pools, water slides, and splash areas.
• On-Site Amenities – Restaurant, bar, supermarket, and bike rentals.
• Great Base for Exploring – Close to Sirmione and other nearby attractions.

Map

Here’s a photo of a map of Lago di Garda. We traveled the entire east side, splitting our time between two campsites that we liked and can recommend. Both camps are huge, so there’s always a chance of finding last-minute accommodation, but it’s wiser to book ahead.

Our first camp, La Rocca Camping Village, is conveniently located between Garda and Bardolino. It provided a perfect base to explore both towns and offered great amenities like playgrounds, a large pool, a kids’ indoor area, a restaurant, and daily programs for kids.

Our second camp, San Francesco Camping Village, was ideally situated near Sirmione, giving us easy access to explore the town and visit nearby attractions like Gardaland and Legoland. We even managed to take day trips to Venice and Verona from there.

All the towns we visited were lovely, and the kids had a blast, too. Lake Garda’s east side truly offered a mix of beautiful scenery, charming towns, and family-friendly activities.

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