The Dolomites are one of the best places in Europe for a road trip that seems to change every hour. One moment you're driving through quiet valleys and alpine forests, and the next you're surrounded by jagged limestone peaks, mountain passes and small villages that look like they're straight out of a postcard. From Lago di Braies and Val di Funes to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Dolomites pair dramatic scenery with easy access to walks, viewpoints and mountain towns.
A campervan is one of the most practical ways to explore the region because distances between highlights are short, but the best moments happen early in the day and often well away from major hotels. This guide covers the best campervan routes, what to do beyond driving, the best time to visit by season, where to camp, where to empty your waste tanks, and how to plan a smoother trip across the Dolomites.
Key stops: Bolzano, Val di Fassa, Canazei, Passo Pordoi, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Approx driving time: a full day with stops, 2–3 days if you want to explore it properly
Best time to go: morning to early afternoon for better visibility
Campervan notes: mountain roads with lots of bends — drive slowly and plan parking in advance during peak season
Key stops: Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, Passo Campolongo
Approx driving time: 2–4 hours without stops, half a day if you stop for viewpoints
Best time to go: early morning to avoid the traffic
Campervan notes: stunning but busy in summer; smaller campervans are easier to handle here
Key stops: Santa Maddalena, St. Johann Church, Odle viewpoints
Approx driving time: half a day
Best time to go: late afternoon for softer light and fewer people
Campervan notes: one of the most photogenic valleys — parking fills up quickly on summer weekends
Key stops: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Misurina, Tre Cime area viewpoints
Approx driving time: half a day to a full day depending on hikes
Best time to go: very early morning
Campervan notes: access roads can be busy and parking is limited — arriving early makes a big difference
Spring (April to May): The weather changes quickly and some higher roads can still have snow. It's quieter and beautiful, but you'll need flexibility to access mountain routes.
Summer (June to August): The most popular season, with the best overall access to walks and mountain passes. It's also the busiest time, so campsites and car parks can fill up early.
Autumn (September to October): One of the best times for a campervan trip. Crowds drop, temperatures are comfortable for walking, and autumn colours make valleys look even more dramatic.
Winter (November to March): Perfect for ski-focused trips and winter landscapes, but not ideal for a typical campervan road trip unless you're experienced with winter driving and road conditions.
Campsites in the Dolomites (key areas)
Camping in the Dolomites is spread across valleys rather than within a single national park zone, so the best campsite depends on your route.
Tip: In high summer, it’s a good idea to book campsites early, especially if you want a specific valley base.
Campsites outside the Dolomites (backup options)
If your preferred area is full, staying slightly outside the busiest valleys can work well. Bases near Bolzano and nearby towns can make logistics easier and still keep drives manageable.
Dump stations (must be included)
For longer campervan trips in the Dolomites, planning for dump stations matters because many routes involve mountain roads and remote valleys.
Common options include:
Tip: If you’re moving valley to valley, plan a dump stop every 2 to 3 days depending on your tank capacity and travel style.
Yes — you can pick up your campervan in Milan or Bergamo and be in the Dolomites within a few hours.
A campervan under 6 metres is usually easiest for mountain roads, parking in villages and access to viewpoints.
A short break can be done in 3–4 days, but 7–10 days is ideal if you want to explore several valleys without rushing.
The main roads are manageable, but you'll be driving mountain passes with bends and steep sections. Driving slowly and planning where to park in advance makes it much easier.
Most travellers stay at campsites in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, or near Alpe di Siusi depending on the route.
Yes, in summer. Popular areas can sell out quickly, especially at weekends and during peak holiday weeks.
Some mountain roads and villages have limited parking and narrower access. Smaller campervans are usually the most flexible option.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Val di Funes, Seceda and Alpe di Siusi are some of the most popular spots.
Late June to September is the easiest time to get there, while September often offers the best balance of weather and fewer crowds.
Yes. Many travellers combine the Dolomites with Lake Como, stops in the Verona area, or even a longer circuit through northern Italy.
