Situated just north of Augsburg, this beautifully run site, with its own small lake, is a pleasure to stay on. Gabi Ryssel, the owner, spends her long days working very hard to cater for every wish of her guests – from the moment you arrive and are given the key to one of the cleanest toilet blocks we have seen, plus plenty of tourist information, you are in very capable hands.

This extensive site is some 40 km. from Passau, right at the southeast tip of Germany – the border with Austria runs through one side of the site, and the Czech Republic is very close, too. It is a very popular site and reservations may be advisable from mid-June to September, and it is very busy in winter with skiing and other winter activities.

Only ten minutes away from Lake Constance, at Germany's southern edge, in a tranquil rural setting of orchards and hop gardens, Gutshof Badhütten is a well maintained site with good facilities. It's a great area for exploring on foot or two wheels, with lots of trails to follow. There's plenty of interest around the lake: the vast 14th century Montfort Castle, Wolfegg Automobile museum, Burg Meersburg or Meersburg Castle (dating from the 7th century and perhaps the oldest inhabited castle in Germany), are just a few attractions. And of course there's a variety of cruises and boat trips on the beautiful waters as well.

With easy access from the nearby A9, Azur Waldcamping Auwaldsee lies along the northern banks of a small lake. There are 650 pitches, of which 350 are for touring units. These are level, grassed and have 16A electricity. Access roads (some overgrown when we visited) lead to large, open grass areas with unmarked pitches, which are shaded in places by mature trees. Opposite reception is a traditional Bavarian restaurant with a large beer garden – a good place to try the Bavarian speciality wheat beer.

Vital Camping Bayerbachis situated between the rivers Danube, Rott and Inn, in one of the most picturesque regions of Bavaria. It is convenient for popular tourist destinations such as Munich and Passau in southern Germany, and Salzburg in Austria. There are 310 grass and gravel pitches (90-100 sq.m) for touring, all are serviced with 16A electricity, water and drainage. In addition, there are 6 apartments, 14 cottages and 12 mobile homes available to rent. The focal point of this site is, without doubt, its wellness centre with its indoor thermal pool, different saunas and cosmetic studio. In Summer, the three natural bathing lakes offer cooling off and during the bavarian holidays we offer a varied holiday program for the children.

In the beautiful Altmühltal river valley, this Azur site is in pretty woodland, with lots of shade for much of it. On flat grassland with direct access to the river, one looks from the entrance across to the old Schloss on the hill. Outside the main entrance is a large, flat, grass/gravel field for 60 overnight tourers (with electricity). The main site has 277 pitches, of which 178 are for touring, plus two small areas for tents and one large one (at the end in an open area). Ranging in size up to 90 sq.m. they are generally in small groups marked by trees or bushes.

Camping Waldesruh in Wertach, Bavaria, is an open all-year-round site which is a small, cosy and quiet site with a family flair. The town centre can be reached in 10 minutes on foot. Due to the large playground located on the edge of the forest and by the stream, it is also ideal for families with children. The fairground for the cattle drive in autumn is also only a 5-minute walk away. In bad weather, the little ones can romp around in the playroom while the grown-ups meet in the rustic lounge (with TV) for a social gathering. In winter, there is a toboggan hill right next to the site, which is also illuminated, and you can also join the Wertach cross-country ski trail network from the site.

The site is two kilometres northeast of Wertach with a lovely view over the lake, and in the foothills north of the Alps, a popular cross-country skiing area in winter, with good walking and cycling at other times. A network of signposted paths starts at the entrance. There is no pool, but the site lies on the edge of a large, inviting lake with a pleasant grass area between the pitches and the water. The ground slopes, but is terraced, so the pitches are level. The 140 touring pitches, mostly marked and numbered, all have electricity and there are 22 new, fairly level pitches with water, drainage and TV connections.

A peaceful, relaxing campsite which is located next to Lake Constance and which ranks among one of the most beautiful holiday areas in Germany. The site has its own private marina directly on the Bodensee which is focused on water sports and moorings with some availability for campers.

This spacious and well maintained all-year site occupies a hillside position, with spectacular mountain views. The site access road is steep in places (14%) with a sharp, steep bend about halfway up, but the proprietor will use his tractor to tow caravans if requested, especially during snowy weather. There are 130 pitches (122 for touring), all arranged on a series of level, gravel terraces, separated by hedges or fir trees and all with good views and electrical connections (16A). There is a separate area on a sloping meadow for tents. The pleasant, traditional restaurant, with terrace, offers Bavarian specialities at reasonable prices throughout the year. This is a useful base for sightseeing, relaxing or for a winter break.

Camping Renken is a family-run campsite located in Kochel am See, Germany. It is situated on the shores of the Kochelsee, a beautiful alpine lake. This small site has 40 touring pitches with electric hook-up points available. Various facilities are available on-site, with a children's playground with a low ropes course. The parents take a break at the onsite bar and restaurant with a perfect lake view. In the main farm building, there is a small shop with an essential selection of groceries and a fresh bread delivery service. When the weather isn't on your side the campsite has a lounge next to the main farm building. You will find a small beach right by the water's edge where you can relax on sunny days. The campsite also offers the rental of rowing boats so you can explore the surrounding area.

Ferienpark Arber is a large site on the outskirts of the pleasant town of Zwiesel, right in the heart of the Bavarian Forest and not far from the Czech border. There are views up to the tree-clad hills and a stream runs through the campsite. Not surprisingly, this is fantastic country for hiking and cycling with 320 km of marked trails that take you through some of the finest scenery in Germany. Zwiesel is well known for its skiing and winter sports, as well as its long heritage as a centre of exquisite glass making.

Camping Kupferschmiede is a family-run campsite in Arlaching, on the northern shore of the Chiemsee lake in Bavaria, Germany. Due to its location in the middle of a wooded area, guests can choose from both sunny and shaded pitches. The site has 200 grass pitches, of which 80 are for touring units, and has 16-amp hook-up points available.

Quietly situated, but very busy in high season, this lakeside site with mountain views is a useful base for excursions, with Füssen and the famous castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau close by. Right by the Forggensee, with a beach and jetty (the water level of the reservoir can vary), it is on slightly undulating ground. The 300 pitches (230 for touring units) are all individual ones with some terracing, most have hardstanding and are from 60-120 sq.m, with 16A electrical connections (long leads may be necessary), and there is a separate meadow for tents in summer.

Camping Seeshaupt is located in the small town of Seeshaupt in Bavaria on the southern tip of Lake Starnberger See. On-site, you will find 143 grass and hardstanding pitches, 45 of which are for touring units and have 16 amp electric hook-up points available. There are also five hiking cabins available to rent. This site is ideal for those who enjoy water sports and can fully utilise Lake Starnberger See. There are swimming, Sailing, windsurfing and kayaking opportunities to be had here. For those who love the outdoors, this is an ideal base to explore the surrounding area, as many hiking and cycling routes can be found directly from the campsite. The site also offers bicycle and car hire.

International Camping Naabtal is an attractive riverside site in a beautiful tree-covered valley and makes an excellent base for exploring the ancient city of Regensburg on the Danube and other areas of this interesting part of Germany. It is also a good overnight site for those wishing to visit or pass through Austria or the Czech Republic. The best 100 of the 270 pitches, all with electricity, are reserved for touring units. They are mainly located on the banks of the river on flat or gently sloping ground under willow and other trees. This is good walking and biking country with many marked trails. Small boats can be launched on the placid river (where you may also swim at your own risk) and there are two good-sized tennis courts. Reception will advise on local excursions, walks, cycle routes, canoeing and other sports.

Bergen is a pretty little village 3 km. south of the A8 München-Salzburg and about 10 km. from the Chiemsee, Germany’s largest lake. Wagnerhof is a well organised and very pleasant site with a good variety of trees, plants and shrubs in a quiet location on the edge of Bergen and with views of the hills and mountains which surround this area. The site is owned and run by two brothers, one of whom speaks good English. Most of the 130 touring pitches have some shade and are part hardstanding, part grass, all have 16A electricity and are separated by hedges.

Camping Schwanenplatz is on the shores of Lake Waginger, the warmest lake in upper Bavaria and is particularly popular with boaters and anglers. The Waginger Lake District stretches along the eastern Chiemgau and thus borders on the neighbouring Berchtesgadener Land and the Salzkammergut. Families with children and couples appreciate the varied leisure activities and the private beach.

Gitzenweiler Hof is a really well equipped, first-class site with quality amenities, close to the Swiss and Austrian borders. Set in the countryside with 349 pitches for touring units, this site is arranged in rows with access roads, all are numbered and have 6/16A electricity. A separate open area is for tents with electrical connections; many of the pitches have water, drainage and TV connections. A large outdoor swimming pool has attractive surrounds with seats. This is a pleasant, friendly, well-run site with lots of activities for children and also space for those seeking peace and quiet.