The Rhône Valley is a popular through route to Italy via the Simplon Pass and a holiday region in its own right. Gemmi is a delightful small, friendly site in a scenic location with 65 level touring pitches, all with 16A electricity, on grass amidst a variety of trees, some of which offer shade. There are 41 pitches with water, 26 with drainage as well. Some pitches have TV connections. Always well maintained, the grounds have been greatly improved by the enthusiastic new owners. Seven seasonal pitches remain, with one unit to rent. This site will be enjoyed by campers of all ages. Enjoying some of the best climatic conditions in Switzerland, this valley, between two mountain regions, has less rainfall and more hours of sunshine than most of the country.

Camping Simplonblick is a fairly small, traditional-style campsite close to the beautiful Valais mountains. The site makes a great base for cycling or walking in this popular region. Pitches are generally level, on grass and there are a number of mobile homes available to rent. The playground, giant chess, and the modernised pool should keep younger guests entertained.

Camping Eggishorn is peacefully situated 400 m. from the village centre. There are 80 pitches for touring on flat grassy ground plus 20 spaces for tents, with some shade and fine views of the surrounding mountain scenery, and there are 100 seasonal units. All have electricity connections (16A Europlugs), many also have water, waste water, TV and radio connections. The site’s restaurant specialises in local cuisine, and other amenities include a small shop and a heated toilet block with special facilities for disabled visitors. In winter this is an important skiing region with a cross-country circuit just 100 m. from the site and downhill skiing on the Fiescheralp.

Camping du Grand Paradis is the perfect jumping-off point for countless hiking, snowshoeing, skiing or biking excursions, it is a haven for nature and sports lovers alike with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere and an idyllic setting on the banks of a pristine alpine stream. At the gateway to the Canton of Valais and just 90 minutes from Geneva, the site nestles snugly in a bucolic forest in the shadow of the spectacular Dents du Midi Mountain range. Open all year, the site sits at the foot of the ski slopes and the legendary World Cup downhill biking track. In mere minutes, a high-speed 6-man chairlift next door (open in winter) or the village cable-car whisks visitors into the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil recreational area. On site facilities include a covered picnic area with barbeque pit, a Parcours Vita fitness trail, a cross-country ski area and Wi-Fi. The site has 54 pitches of which 23 are for touring units and have 13/10amp electric hook-up point.

Lido Mappo lies on the lakeside at the northeast tip of Lake Maggiore, about 5 km. from Locarno, and has views of the surrounding mountains and hills across the lake. The site is attractively laid out in rows of individual, numbered pitches, mostly demarcated by access roads or hedges. Mature trees provide plenty of shade. The pitches (357 for touring) are occupied by a mixture of tents, caravans and motorhomes; they vary in size, those by the lake cost more and must be booked by the week. Electricity (10-16A Europlug; long leads useful) is available on all pitches. With helpful, English-speaking staff, this is a quiet site with its own narrow, mainly sandy beach.

This site, run by an English-speaking owner, has a total of 320 pitches, most occupied by static caravans and 80 for tourers. The site is slightly unusual in that much of the terrain has been deliberately left in its natural state. The wooded section gives good shade and tree formations and access roads determine where units go. There is a central open meadow and some quiet spots are a little further from the amenities. Most pitches, although unmarked, have 10A electricity points available. One part of the site may be reserved, but some space is usually available.

Camping Schwimmbad Mühleye is a popular family site located in the Valais near the busy centre of Visp. The site has 199 grassy pitches, 160 for touring units with 18A electricity, ranging in size from 80-150 sq.m, including 20 very large (150 sq.m) pitches (with electricity, water and drainage). Although the pitches are marked and numbered, the site has a relaxed informal appearance with plenty of space between units. The valley and mountain views are typically Swiss. The town of Visp is a 15 minute walk away, from where it is easy to explore the area by bus and train. Saas Fee, Zermatt and the Matterhorn are all within reach.

Les Iles is a well organised and pretty site, useful for a night stop or for a longer stay to explore the region. However, it is near a small airport and there is some aircraft noise as well as some noise from a nearby motorway. The rectangular site has 440 level pitches for touring units, 400 with 4A electricity. Well laid out, a profusion of flowers, shrubs and trees lead to a lake which supplements the pool for swimming and may be used by inflatable boats. Good English is spoken and the warden is pleased to give advice on places to visit.

Camping Delta is an easy 800 m. walk or cycle ride from the centre of the lovely lakeside town of Locarno. It has a prime position right by the lake, with bathing direct from the site between 07.00 and 22.00, and is next to the municipal lido and sports field. The site has some moorings on an inlet at one side, with a jetty. It has 250 level touring pitches (50-100 sq.m). They are marked out at the rear but with no other demarcation, giving an informal mix of all kinds of camper. Waterside pitches are premium priced.

Camping Lugano is a modern south-facing site leading onto Lake Lugano. It must rank as one of the better sites in Switzerland for a complete family holiday. There are 250 numbered pitches (around 200 for touring units) all with 10A Europlug and 26 have water and drainage. Trees in most parts of the site offer shade to those who prefer less direct sunshine. Cars must be left in the car park, which makes the site less cluttered and safer for children. The site is only a short distance from the airport, so there will be some daytime aircraft noise. Roads have been re-laid and a marina has been built giving full access for watersports enthusiasts.

Camping des Glaciers is set amidst magnificent mountain scenery in a peaceful location in the beautiful Ferret Valley, almost 5,000 feet above sea level. The site offers generous pitches in an open, undulating meadow and the rest are level, individual plots of varying sizes in small clearings, between bushes and shrubs or under tall pines. Most of the 220 pitches have 10A electricity (long leads useful). M. Alain Darbellay has meticulously maintained the family’s determination to keep the site unspoilt and in keeping with its mountain environment. He intends to maintain the strong family interest and friendships built up over the years. Additional land has been added to increase the number of pitches available.

Meride is a small village in the extreme south of Switzerland close to the Italian border and not far from the A2/N2 motorway. The site is on a slight slope 1 km. from the village. There is space for 65 small touring units with 13A electricity connections available for all (long leads required). The pitches are not numbered or marked out but are level on terraces, mostly among tall trees. When the site is busy, units could be crowded, it is therefore requested that towing cars are parked outside. This site would make a good stopover, with a refreshing dip in the pool welcome at the end of a long journey.

Locarno in Ticino, the most southern of the Swiss cantons, is a very popular holiday area with activities associated with lakes and mountains. Being in the north west of Locarno, Avegno is also a good base from which to visit Lake Maggiore and this part of northern Italy. There are a number of very good sites around, and we add this one to give as much choice as possible. During our stay we were impressed with the friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Peace and quiet is encouraged, so not a site for those who like to socialise late into the evening.

Paradiso Lago sits against a backdrop of beautiful wooded mountains and is an ideal site if you are stopping to explore the towns around Lake Lugano. Its 200 grassy pitches, some open some with shade, have 6A electricity hook-ups and slope gently down to the water’s edge where there is a small pebble beach. The lake provides plenty of opportunities for recreation, with swimming, fishing, diving, windsurfing and water-skiing. A motorway and a railway line run close to the site, so some noise is inevitable.

Camping de Molignon, surrounded by mountains, is a peaceful haven 1,450 m. above sea level. The rushing stream at the bottom of the site and the sound of cow bells and birdsong are likely to be the only disturbing factors in summer. The 95 pitches for touring units (all with 10A electricity) are on well tended terraces leading down to the river. Six chalets are available to rent. Excellent English is spoken by the owner’s son who is now running the site. He is always pleased to give information on all that is available from the campsite. The easy uphill drive from Sion in the Rhône Valley is enhanced by ancient villages and the Pyramids of Euseigne.

At the eastern end of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) with mountain and lakeside views, Camping Rive-Bleue is an excellent destination for family holidays whilst affording quiet relaxation. The car-free camping area is a level 300 m. from the related hotel, restaurant and lido complex with free entry to campers. It has an excellent pool and paddling pool, with beautiful lawns leading down to the sandy lakeside beach. There are pedalos and canoes for hire, and a sailing school. The site has 220 marked touring pitches on well tended flat grass, with some shade from maturing trees and 150 of these have 8-12A Europlugs. A pleasant pathway leads to the marina and town.

An agreeable site close to the route from Saint Gotthard to the south, Riarena may appeal both to those who are looking for a convenient night stop and to those seeking a holiday site, as it has a medium sized swimming pool and a children’s pool. Most of the site is covered by tall trees and is in a peaceful setting, although regular trains pass by. The 210 pitches (150 for touring units) are now all individually marked, with 10A electricity connections available. July is the busiest month – there is usually space at other times. There may be some aircraft noise from a small airfield nearby.

Now that most traffic uses the N2 motorway, the B2 Gotthard - Bellinzona one is used mainly by local vehicles and is, therefore, much quieter. Al Censo is a very pretty campsite with an abundance of flowers and shrubs and backed by a mountain face. Although the site is on a slope and levellers may be needed in places, the 138 pitches, all of which have electricity (6A), are level and amongst mature trees with an overflow section for tents just outside the entrance. Reception and a shop are in the entrance building, which has a small covered terrace where drinks are served. No arrivals between 12.00 and 14.00.