Camping or Glamping? Why We Don’t Draw Lines at Lake Maggiore

It’s a discussion as old as the invention of tent pegs and sleeping bags. On one side are the purists. People who adore the rustle of tent fabric in the wind, who are first out of bed in the morning to walk barefoot through the dew-kissed grass, and for whom brewing coffee on a gas stove is a ceremonial ritual. On the other side, the glamping enthusiasts. They value proximity to nature just as much but, after a long day by the water, don’t want to forgo a comfortable bed, their own spacious bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Camping or Glamping – at first glance, it sounds like an irreconcilable contradiction. Two worlds eyeing each other with suspicion. But do we really need to draw a line here? Do we have to choose?

We believe: No. Anyone arriving at Lakeview Cannobio Camping Resort quickly realises these boundaries are artificial. Nestled in a green nature reserve right on the border between Italy and Switzerland, these supposed opposites merge into a harmonious whole. Under a dense, shady canopy, nature lovers of all kinds share the same magical view of the sparkling Lake Maggiore.

Tent Romance and Premium Comfort, Side by Side

The gentle scent of pines hangs in the air. Across the resort’s two terraced camping areas, there’s a relaxed, almost familial atmosphere. With space for approximately 30 campers, the site is deliberately kept small and personal. You won’t find anonymous mass tourism here. On the picturesque pitches – like pitches 2, 3, and 6 to 13, located directly on the lively restaurant level – tents are pitched and caravans are lovingly set up.

Just a few metres away, elegantly integrated into the natural hillside, are the modern alternatives for those looking to rent a mobile home in Cannobio. These high-quality accommodations offer true luxury in a green setting: the Premium Mobile Homes, for instance, boast a significantly larger bathroom and comfortable beds.

And this is where the magic happens: while the camper on pitch 8 adjusts their tent pegs in the morning, the guest from the mobile home enjoys their first espresso on their private wooden terrace. They greet each other. They share the view. The passion for being outdoors connects them; the setup is secondary.

Shared Favourites: The Beach and the Resort’s Heart

The true harmony reveals itself in the places where everyone comes together. First, there’s the resort’s private swimming beach. Whether you’ve opted for a minimalist tent or the luxurious glamping option – the path to the shore is a breeze for everyone. Depending on where you’re staying on the expansive, terraced grounds, it takes just 30 seconds to 2 or 3 minutes on foot until your feet are in the clear waters of Lake Maggiore.

At the beach, the question of accommodation no longer separates anyone. People lie side by side on the grass, watch sailboats on the horizon, or challenge each other on the slackline. Those who want to actively explore the lake can rent a kayak or take the opportunity to hire a boat.

As the day draws to a close and the hills around Italy’s second-largest lake are bathed in warm evening light, everyone gravitates to the heart of the resort: the restaurant with its inviting terrace and cosy bar. Here, over a glass of wine or a freshly baked pizza, different lifestyles finally converse. The experienced motorhome owner offers tips to the mobile home holidaymaker for the most beautiful hike in Valle Cannobina, while children play together on the new playgrounds by the lake and next to the restaurant.

Comfort That Benefits Everyone

One persistent misconception is that glampers shy away from classic communal facilities, while campers avoid luxury. Here, it’s clear that modern and clean amenities enhance the camping experience for absolutely everyone. Lakeview’s toilet and shower facilities – found right next to the restaurant and on the mobile home level – are modern, well-maintained, and clean.

Even the practicalities of daily life are happily shared. The small mini-supermarket right on site ensures that fresh morning rolls are available for everyone – whether that table is foldable or a solid wood one on the veranda of a Premium Mobile Home.

The Best of Both Worlds

So, is glamping real camping? Who says camping always has to mean roughing it? Ultimately, an outdoor holiday is about the feeling of freedom, waking up to birdsong, and living carefree under the open sky.

Whether you prefer to enjoy this feeling on an air mattress in a tent or a comfortable mattress in an air-conditioned mobile home is entirely up to you. At Lakeview Cannobio, we show every day that a love for nature and a sense of comfort are wonderful neighbours.