This Thuringia camping guide combines Thuringian Forest walks and a cultural outing to Gotha with an authorized overnight base. Plan a few unhurried days in one area rather than trying to cover the whole state in a weekend. The route below brings together nature, a cultural outing, food and clear camping costs.

Thuringia camping guide: nature and walking

Base yourself near Catterfeld for woodland days on the edge of the Thuringian Forest. Choose a local loop before planning a longer Rennsteig outing; a famous long-distance trail is best enjoyed in manageable sections. Check the route’s ascent and return transport first. The official Thuringia overview introduces the forest, historic towns and wider cultural landscape.

Choose a marked route that suits your fitness and the available daylight. Carry water, a picnic, rain protection and an offline map. A scenic lake shore or forest car park is a daytime destination unless overnight camping is explicitly permitted there.

Authorized camping and verified tariffs

Campingplatz Paulfeld, Straße am Steinbühl 3, 99887 Georgenthal OT Catterfeld, publishes 2026 rates of €14 for a motorhome pitch or the listed caravan/car and tent/car arrangements, plus €8 per adult per night. Two adults and a listed pitch therefore start at €30, with the €2 per-pitch daily environmental charge additional. Electricity is €4 per day and a four-minute shower €1. The separate motorhome harbour lists €17 including two people for a maximum of two nights, excluding power, dog and shower charges; confirm all applicable fees before using that alternative.

Prices were checked on 16 October 2026. Confirm availability, seasonal dates and the full charge for your party before booking. No free authorized overnight alternative has been verified for this particular route.

Restaurant and local meals

Paulfeld-Baude is the campsite restaurant and beer garden, serving Thuringian dishes and simpler meals. Its published summer schedule runs from Easter to the end of October, with Monday and Tuesday closed. A separate winter schedule is listed. Confirm service for your dates rather than assuming the seasonal barbecue programme continues into late autumn.

Check current kitchen hours and dietary options directly. Bring a simple arrival-day meal so a delayed journey does not depend on a restaurant still serving. Food and attraction tickets are separate from the camping figures.

Culture and a suggested stay

The Friedenstein museums in Gotha offer a cultural day away from the trails. Choose the rooms or collections that interest you and check which areas are currently open. Allow time for the town and a meal instead of trying to combine several distant heritage cities in one day.

Arrive and settle in on day one, then take a short local walk. Keep day two for your main nature outing and day three for culture, with time for a relaxed meal. In poor weather, shorten the outdoor section and check an indoor alternative before travelling.

Practical travel information

Confirm reception hours, campsite access and winter facilities directly. The operator lists separate rental-accommodation seasons, so do not assume that a bungalow calendar is also the touring-pitch calendar. In cooler months bring warm bedding, waterproof boots and a torch. Short daylight makes a modest route with a clear return plan more useful than a long checklist.

Use designated facilities for rubbish and wastewater, respect quiet hours and check current fire restrictions. Ask about accessible pitches and sanitary facilities if needed. Continue through our Germany camping guide and federal-state directory.