Camping in Piedmont: nature, mountains and timeless charm

Piedmont is a region that surprises at every turn — majestic mountains, serene lakes, rolling hills, and medieval villages perched on cliffs.
Whether you’re traveling by motorhome, caravan, campervan, or tent, Piedmont is the perfect destination for campers and road travelers who love authenticity, nature, and the art of slow travel.

Across the region, you’ll find farm stays and nature-based campgrounds where you can relax under a sky full of stars and wake up to birdsong and mountain air.
So, pack up your motorhome or hitch up your caravan — it’s time to explore one of Italy’s most captivating regions, one farm camping stop at a time.

A land between mountains and vineyards

Nestled in northwestern Italy, bordering France and Switzerland, Piedmont offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes: from the snow-capped Alps to the gentle Langhe hills, all the way to the tranquil lakes nestled among mountains.
This diversity makes every journey unique — and endlessly full of possibilities.
Here are some of the most beautiful places and experiences to make your next camping trip in Italy truly unforgettable.

1. The lakes of Piedmont: serenity and adventure

Beginning your journey in Piedmont often means being enchanted by its lakes — crystal-clear mirrors of water framed by mountains and forests.
The most famous is Lake Maggiore, a sophisticated and panoramic destination stretching all the way into Switzerland. Its Borromean Islands — Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori — seem suspended in time, with Baroque gardens, elegant villas, and small fishing villages that whisper stories of the past.

More intimate and romantic, Lake Orta is a hidden gem known for its calm and poetic beauty. In its center lies San Giulio Island, home to an ancient basilica and a monastery that appears to float on the water. The village of Orta San Giulio, one of the most beautiful in Italy, invites you to wander through cobblestone alleys, admire flowered balconies, and enjoy golden sunsets reflecting on the lake.

For travelers in motorhome, caravan, or tent, both lakes offer countless rural camping areas and farm stays where you can rest, swim, and enjoy nature at your own rhythm.

2. The Piedmont Alps: freedom and untamed nature

The Piedmont Alps are the wild heart of the region — a vast mosaic of valleys, peaks, and alpine meadows where nature still reigns supreme.
From the northern tip down to the Ligurian border, these mountains hold a stunning diversity of landscapes and traditions.

In the Ossola Valleys of northern Piedmont — such as Val Formazza, Val Vigezzo, Val Anzasca, and Val Strona — you’ll find a paradise of forests, waterfalls, and ancient alpine pastures. The spectacular Toce Waterfall in Val Formazza is among the highest in Europe, while the Vigezzo Valley, known as “the Valley of the Painters,” enchants visitors with its colorful villages and peaceful atmosphere.

Moving west, the Valsesia Valley, dominated by the mighty Monte Rosa, offers alpine landscapes of rare beauty. Villages like Alagna Valsesia preserve the wooden architecture of the Walser people, a testament to mountain life through the centuries.

Further south lies the historic Val di Susa, an ancient route once crossed by pilgrims and merchants heading toward France. Towering above it all is the iconic Sacra di San Michele, a medieval abbey perched dramatically on a cliff — a symbol of Piedmont’s spiritual heritage.

Nearby, the Val Chisone impresses with its grandeur and the remarkable Fort of Fenestrelle, the largest alpine fortress in Europe. Stretching over three kilometers along the mountainside, it’s often called the “Great Wall of Piedmont.” Around it, quaint villages like Fenestrelle, Usseaux, and Pragelato make perfect spots for peaceful nature camping.

Farther south, the Cuneo Valleys — including Val Pellice, Val Varaita, Val Po, and Val Maira — reveal Piedmont’s most unspoiled beauty. Val Pellice, deeply tied to the Waldensian heritage, offers quiet green landscapes and historic villages such as Torre Pellice. The Po Valley, birthplace of Italy’s longest river, unfolds under the majestic shadow of Monviso.
And then there’s the Val Maira, one of Italy’s most enchanting hidden gems — a timeless valley where stone villages like Elva, Macra, and Prazzo merge seamlessly with their surroundings.

Each valley has its own rhythm and soul, making this region a paradise for those who seek freedom, silence, and authenticity.

3. Langhe, Roero and Monferrato: postcard landscapes

The Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato hills represent Piedmont’s softer, more poetic side — a land shaped by vineyards, traditions, and time.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this landscape seems painted by hand: rows of vines tracing the curves of the hills, castles overlooking valleys, and medieval villages preserving their charm for centuries.

Among the must-see spots are La Morra, with its panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping vistas over the vineyards; Barolo, the elegant village that gives its name to one of Italy’s greatest wines; and Neive, a medieval jewel of cobbled streets and stone houses. Also worth a visit are Canelli, known for its underground wine cathedrals, and Grinzane Cavour, dominated by its impressive castle.

Traveling through these hills in motorhome or campervan is pure pleasure. The roads curve gently between villages and vineyards, while farm camping areas invite you to stop, breathe, and enjoy the rhythm of rural life. Along the way, local markets, artisans, and small festivals celebrate the land’s bounty — hazelnuts, truffles, chestnuts, and cheeses that define Piedmont’s rich culinary identity.

4. Turin: elegance and culture

In the heart of the region stands Turin, a city that blends elegance, history, and innovation with quiet sophistication.
Stroll beneath its 18 kilometers of arcades, from monumental squares to historic cafés and bookshops. In Piazza San Carlo, known as “Turin’s drawing room,” admire the baroque architecture and timeless atmosphere, while Piazza Castello showcases the Royal Palace and the city’s regal past as Italy’s first capital.

Turin’s skyline is defined by the Mole Antonelliana, home to the fascinating National Cinema Museum. Take the glass elevator to the top for breathtaking views over the city and the Alps.

But Turin is not only about grandeur — it’s also about mystery and creativity. The city is said to be one of Europe’s “magic triangles,” full of esoteric symbols and legends. Its lively neighborhoods, like San Salvario and the Quadrilatero Romano, pulse with art, design, and vibrant nightlife.

For travelers in caravan or motorhome, Turin offers easy stopovers and farm stays around the city, perfect for exploring by day and retreating to nature by night.

5. Sacred mountains and spiritual routes

Piedmont is also a land of spirituality and silence — a region where nature, faith, and art intertwine harmoniously.
The Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains), recognized by UNESCO, are remarkable devotional complexes built between the 16th and 17th centuries. Composed of chapels and sanctuaries set along panoramic trails, they combine art, architecture, and landscape in perfect balance.

The Sacro Monte di Varallo is the oldest and most striking, often called a “miniature Jerusalem,” illustrating the life of Christ through statues and frescoes surrounded by forests and mountain air. From its summit, you can admire sweeping views over the Valseesia Valley.

Equally serene is the Sacred Mount of Orta, overlooking Lake Orta, where chapels dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi guide visitors along a peaceful forest path. Reaching the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of Piedmont’s most poetic views — the island of San Giulio rising like a dream from the water.

And then there’s the Sacra di San Michele, perched atop Mount Pirchiriano in the Val di Susa — a place of mystery and inspiration that famously influenced Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose.

Piedmont is also crossed by ancient pilgrimage routes, including the historic Via Francigena, once followed by pilgrims traveling from northern Europe to Rome. These trails offer not just stunning scenery, but moments of reflection and connection with the land.

6. Flavors of Piedmont

Piedmont’s cuisine is generous and heartfelt — a celebration of simplicity, tradition, and flavor.
After a day hiking through the Alps or wandering the Langhe hills, few things compare to a plate of polenta concia, rich with melted cheese and butter, or agnolotti del plin, handmade pasta filled with meat and served with a savory sauce.

Each season brings its own delights: in autumn, porcini mushrooms, roasted chestnuts, and the precious white truffle of Alba fill the air with their aroma; in winter, warming dishes like bagna cauda — a hot dip of anchovies and garlic — invite convivial evenings around the table. Spring offers asparagus, wild herbs, and fresh alpine cheeses, while summer brings lighter fare such as vitello tonnato and tomino cheese with honey and walnuts.

For dessert, indulge in the region’s sweetest treasures: hazelnut cake from the Langhe, baci di dama (almond cookies), and the iconic gianduja chocolate, born in Turin from the union of cocoa and local hazelnuts. Pair them with a glass of Barolo Chinato or a strong Italian coffee and savor every bite — slowly, as the locals do.

Cooking while traveling in your campervan or tent becomes part of the adventure: buy fresh produce at local markets, prepare a simple meal, and dine outdoors under a sky that seems to stretch forever.

A journey to remember

Piedmont will capture your heart with its pristine nature, timeless beauty, and authentic soul. Every stop becomes a story, every farm camping site a new experience.

Discover the best agricamping spots in Piedmont and plan your nature getaway with Nature Camping. From the Alps to the lakes, from medieval villages to hidden valleys — your Italian adventure begins here.

👉 Visit NatureCamping.com to explore all the best farm campsites in Piedmont and book your next outdoor holiday. Experience the beauty of Italy — one stop at a time.