Bikepark Camping

The thrill of riding your bike is a great feeling. You enjoy the vibrations as the tires whirl across the ground, and the dust cloud that follows behind you. Bikepark camping allows you to enjoy the excitement of riding trails during the day and the relaxation that comes with camping under the stars at night. It is a particular kind of trip, and it only works in a bike park. Adventure and excitement sit right at your fingertips.

The idea is simple enough. You ride until your arms are tired, then walk a short way to your tent or van instead of driving back to a hotel. The rest of this guide covers why it works, where to pitch, what to check, and how to behave once you are there.

Why bikepark camping suits riders of every level

It's true that there is a bike park for everyone, regardless of their skill level or preferences. There are plenty of options for adrenaline junkies looking for their next thrill. From flowing, smooth trails that let you glide easily, to challenging courses that test your limits, and pump tracks where you can hone your skills, the choices are endless. If you are new to lift-served riding, our first day at Whistler Bike Park piece explains what most newcomers are never told, and the same habits carry over to parks anywhere.

Mountain bikers often face the same problem, though. There are not many bike parks nearby, so reaching the closest one can mean a long trip. Many riders are left wondering where they can stay the night after a long day in the saddle. Driving home tired, or searching for a bed in a busy resort town, takes the shine off a good day.

Camping solves most of that. You wake up near the first lift, you can fit in an early run before the crowds, and you skip the transfer back and forth. If you are still deciding how many nights to book, how long a camping trip should be covers the trade-off between rest and riding time. I'd argue a bike park weekend is best planned with a rest buffer built in, because the second day of riding hurts more than most people expect.

Camping at the valley station parking lot

The convenience of having a workshop right on site is not only a luxury for many bike park enthusiasts but also a necessity. It enhances the overall experience. A broken derailleur or a flat tyre at the end of a long day is far easier to deal with when help and tools are a short walk away. Settling your campervan or tent near the trails will not only allow you to reach the trails easily, but it also gives you plenty of space to store your camping and cycling equipment. The bike racks on our campervans are designed specifically for biking enthusiasts to transport their bikes safely.

As a result of the increasing popularity of bike park camping, more destinations in the Alps have adapted their camping options to suit the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. There are many options available. For example, some parks will hint that "no camping" signs are not strictly enforced, while others have designated areas for motorhomes or buses to camp. My advice is not to rely on hints. Ask the park office, and use only the areas that are set aside for the purpose.

The dusty parking lot becomes a luxury when a large portion is set aside for camping. It can accommodate everything from campervans and simple tents to spacious campervans. If you are choosing between a tent and a van, the easiest tents to set up by yourself is a handy read for anyone arriving tired after a long drive.

Camping at bike parks also offers the chance to meet like-minded bikers with similar interests and passions. The bike park creates an atmosphere of community where people can freely exchange gear, lend tools and help each other in a variety of ways. That can mean offering a cold beer, cooking utensils or whole meals, or sharing bike tubes, wheels or complete bikes. You can have lively discussions about bike techniques, assist each other with repairs or just relax with a refreshing beverage after a thrilling day on the trails.

We are excited to share some of the top bike park camping options available in the most popular biking areas. These destinations make ideal getaways for a weekend or holiday at a bike park.

Bikepark camping in Austria

Bikepark Leogang in Saalfelden

Bikepark Leogang is the best place to go if you want the ultimate bike experience. It's the largest bike area in Austria. You can reserve a parking space directly at the Asitzbahn. This will allow you to easily access the many bike sports, making this park Europe's top destination for mountain bike enthusiasts.

The park's legendary features include the Riders Playground, a 10,000m2 practice space, and the Hot Shots Jump Line, which is designed to give riders plenty of time to get some air. The park also hosts the UCI World Championships, as well as the thrilling World Cup Speedster Course. The UCI is the sport's international governing body, and you can read more about the Union Cycliste Internationale if you want the background. You can access up to nine lifts and 80 km of trails on seven mountains with just one ticket.

Bikepark Schladming

Bikepark Schladming offers a variety of challenging and exciting trails for freeride and downhill enthusiasts. The Planai cable car makes it easy to reach the start of the Enduro Trail, so you can maximise your riding and enjoyment.

A designated camping area is available for bikers, located only 400 meters away from Planai Valley Station. This allows easy access to the park. A toilet container, essential for campers, is available in the parking lot. That is a short enough walk to roll to the lift in the morning without loading the bike onto anything.

Bikepark camping in Germany and the Czech Republic

Bikepark Winterberg

Winterberg, located in the scenic Sauerland region of Germany, is home to Germany's biggest and most diverse bike park, which caters to riders of all levels. You can choose between 13 different routes, which will suit everyone from beginners to professionals. The park offers a variety of trails, such as flowing sections, climbs, descents, and thrilling gaps that will get your adrenaline going. Grab your bike and gear up for a thrilling ride.

Winterberg Camping Area is located conveniently midway between scenic Kahler Asten and the vibrant centre of the city. This allows direct access to Winterberg Bike Park. The well-maintained campsite features 115 permanent pitches as well as seasonal, tourist and tent pitches. The campsite offers a variety of amenities, such as clean, modern toilets, an exclusive bike wash station, essentials in a small store, and a sauna for guests to relax after a day on the trails.

Bikepark Geisskopf

Bikepark Geisskopf is located in the beautiful Bavarian Forest, near Bischofsmais. It features 15 trails totalling 23 kilometres. Riders can access the trails easily with the chairlift or drag lift.

Camping is extremely affordable here, at only 1 EUR for each person, per night. There are designated areas available for motorhome parking and camping. There are toilets, showers and electricity available for free.

Bikepark Klinovec

Bikepark Klinovec, in the Czech Republic, offers some of Europe's longest trails, including Azur (10km), Rubin (8km), and Baron (six kilometres). The bike park has a complete MTB trail network, supported by a quad-chairlift. This allows easy access to 30km of single-track MTB trails, which cater to different skill levels. It also offers 70km of MTB trails, nestled into the beautiful forest landscape. You'll find trails that are suited to all levels of skill.

Parking on site is free for the entire day. Overnight parking from 9:30 PM until 7:29 AM costs approximately 12 Euros. This fee covers electricity and toilet facilities. It is a great option for bikers who want to extend their stay.

What to check before you pitch up

Camping rules differ from one park to the next, and the details change, so confirm them with the park or campsite before you travel. Start with the basics. Is overnight parking allowed, and during which hours? Is a tent permitted, or only a van? Do the fees cover power and toilets, as they do at some sites above, or are those extras? Prices and facilities quoted in guides are a starting point, not a promise.

Next, think about sleep. Parking-lot pitches can be hard-packed and noisy, so a decent mat matters more than most riders think; cot versus sleeping pad compares the choices. Lifts start early and riders talk late, so earplugs are cheap insurance.

Then pack for bikes as well as people. A small repair kit and a pump let you fix problems before the workshop opens, and the Pocket Drive HV Mini Pump is one compact option. Tyre pressure also changes how a bike behaves on rough trails, so our tyre pressure guide is worth a read. Finally, sort out basic camp safety, from food storage to weather, using these camping safety tips.

Leave No Trace principles apply in a parking lot as much as in the backcountry. Pack out rubbish, keep wash water away from drains and streams, and respect quiet hours. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics sets out the core ideas, and they are easy to follow.

Bikepark etiquette and riding safety

It's good to follow a few rules so that everyone can fully enjoy the trails and facilities at bike parks. Wear protective gear and become familiar with specific trails that require full-face helmets. Park rules usually spell out which trails those are, so read the trail map and signs before your first run.

To maintain the smooth flow of traffic, avoid forming large groups at road crossings and popular meeting places. Always ride at a safe distance from the rider in front of you. Ride with anticipation and be aware of your surroundings, because someone may stop just past a jump or a blind corner. If you are involved in a crash, leave the scene as soon as possible so that riders behind you are not put at risk.

Keep your bike in good working order. Brakes, tyres and suspension take a beating on lift-served terrain, and checking them each morning is quick. The best bikes for this exciting sport are usually freeride or Enduro bikes; the general idea behind them is explained under mountain biking on Wikipedia. Save your energy by avoiding unnecessary uphill struggles, and let the lifts do the climbing.

These tips will help you enjoy a bike park camping trip that combines biking and outdoor living. Bike park camping is the ideal blend of adventure and relaxation. You can enjoy the excitement of mountain biking along with the peacefulness and camaraderie that come with outdoor living, and there's a park for every level of rider. These destinations offer a variety of experiences for mountain bikers and campers alike, from stunning landscapes and world-class trails to vibrant communities. Pack your gear, pick a pitch near the lift, and hit the trails.

More camping reading from other regions: Walchensee Camping