Why New Year's Eve camping is so exciting - and where you can find the best campsites that are open at this time of year: Between New Year's Eve party and quiet family holiday.
Do you want to celebrate the New Year in a very special way? How about a camping adventure? Camping at the turn of the year offers the unique opportunity to celebrate New Year's Eve in a different location - but still enjoy the peace and quiet and nature around you. In this article, you'll find out everything you need to know about camping on New Year's Eve - from the best campsites to useful tips.
New Year's Eve between peace and fireworks - at the campsite
A campsite is a popular option for outdoor enthusiasts as well as families who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a special time near forests, lakes or other beautiful places. Some campsites also organise their own New Year's Eve celebrations or invite you to other public parties.
Whether you're an experienced camper or a first-timer, a motorhome holiday on New Year's Eve offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Rent a campervan for New Year's Eve 2023
As many hotels and holiday flats are already fully booked, especially in popular tourist destinations, many camping enthusiasts appreciate the opportunity to spend the turn of the year on a campsite. Here's why: Book your own campervan for a unique New Year's Eve! The best thing is that there are much cheaper offers outside of high season. Have a look!
Whether it's a cosy spot in the countryside or a larger event with live music or a New Year's Eve buffet: we've listed our favourite destinations for a fantastic start to the New Year.
Will the campsites be open on New Year's Eve 2023?
Of course, this depends on the campsite operators. Many are closed during the cold months. However, some campsites are not only open during this time, but also organise special New Year's Eve events. In Sylt there's even a big New Year's Eve party! But more on that in a second.
Overview: find the best campsite for winter camping
New Year's Eve camping in Bavaria: a peaceful turn of the year surrounded by nature
Let's start in the south: a popular destination for winter camping in a caravan or motorhome is the campsite Kur-Gutshof-Camping Arterhof. This site is located near the Bavarian Forest and offers not only a beautifully situated pitch but also a great programme. You can enjoy a delicious meal in the on-site restaurant as well as the large spa area. Oh by the way: your dog is welcome to join you!
Winter camping with a touch of luxury - that's what you'll also find at 5* Alpsee Camping! In addition to the many opportunities for winter sports in the region, be it skiing, tobogganing or cross-country skiing, you will also find a sauna here where you can warm up again after an eventful day outside. It will probably be too cold for most people to take a dip in the neighbouring lake - but the view of the lake is worth it for everyone. With the beautiful view of the mountains, the pitches here are really great!
For the family: spend New Year's Eve without fireworks
At the award-winning Südsee-Camp campsite in Lower Saxony, you will find comfort and service for a relaxing and exciting family holiday. You can choose between pitches, Swedish wooden holiday homes or caravans for hire.
Enjoy either a big New Year's Eve party with buffet at Pier One Wietzendorf or an exquisite New Year's Eve dinner at Insel Restaurant Wietzendorf. There is a great programme for children between the holidays: there is a great indoor playground, a swimming pool and entertainment. At the same time, there is a ban on fireworks at the turn of the year for a dog and child-friendly campsite.
New Year's Eve at the campsite: spots to celebrate the turn of the year
You don't want to take it easy and would rather have a party? You can experience that and beautiful fireworks on Sylt at Hörnum harbour. Not only is an open-air party planned here on New Year's Eve right on the beach promenade, but a refreshing New Year's swim is also planned on the first day of the new year. Or does a New Year's Eve run (in disguise!) sound better to you? A few days after Christmas, you should be able to celebrate an unforgettable New Year's Eve by the North Sea.
Our tip: The Wenningstedt campsite is open in winter over Christmas and the New Year.
New Year's Eve camping on the Baltic Sea: Rügen
If you prefer the Baltic Sea, we recommend the island of Rügen. The island is famous for its stunning coastline and imposing chalk cliffs, including the famous Königsstuhl on the Jasmund peninsula. There is also a viewing platform and a visitor centre where you can experience exciting exhibitions about the unique nature of Rügen. The Königsstuhl is an important part of the Jasmund National Park, which is home to unspoilt beech forests and even the rare white-tailed eagle.
We recommend the `Drewoldke` campsite directly on the Baltic Sea. Here you can also choose great pitches with a view of the sea all year round. If that doesn't sound cosy...
If you want to spend the New Year outside Germany, you might be interested in the Netherlands. We have already written a detailed article with lots of tips on camping in Holland by the sea!
Or something completely different: celebrating New Year's Eve in the big city
As you can see, there are plenty of options for camping on New Year's Eve. Many campsites in and around the major cities also invite you to celebrate the New Year. Whether it's a New Year's Eve party in Cologne, fireworks in Munich or a New Year's Eve in Hamburg, you have the opportunity to experience the atmosphere in the big city for the New Year in all of these places - but then return to your own campervan in the evening. So you really can choose many great destinations for your New Year's holiday!
Spend New Year's Eve at a campsite in the Harz Mountains
For all those who would like to stay in the centre of Germany, we can recommend Camping Braunlage, a well-rated campsite in the Harz Mountains. This site is located almost directly in the forest, right next to the national park and just one kilometre from the town of Braunlage.
As the highest mountain range in northern Germany, situated at the intersection of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, the Harz Mountains are a popular choice for a winter camping holiday. Cross-country skiing, hiking, skiing - you can choose!
New Year's Eve in a campervan - what you need to consider when spending the turn of the year in a campervan
As you can already guess, we're talking about the cold season. So what you should make sure of is that your motorhome is equipped with a parking heater. And we also recommend that you either bring your own warm blankets or - if you're travelling with us - simply add them when booking. We don't even need to mention warm clothing and weatherproof shoes or boots, do we? If you wish, you can also pack suitable winter equipment such as skis or a snowboard!
What you should bear in mind when camping on New Year's Eve
It's not that far away. Our tip: book as soon as possible! The first campsites are already fully booked. Also: it's best to check whether fireworks, music or even a real party is planned at the campsite. The plans for New Year's Eve vary greatly depending on the campsite.
If you organise your travel destinations well in advance, you can also make sure that your pitches are not too far away from the sanitary facilities. Especially in winter, you will be happy if the motorhome is not too far away from the bathrooms - or the sauna, depending on the pitch.
Perhaps you're beginning to understand why New Year's Eve camping is so popular. Nevertheless, many campsites will be pretty quiet. You should definitely give it a try!
