La Rocca Camping Village

Lakeside settings are lovely at this well-maintained campsite, where 20 acres (eight hectares) of nature are divided by the main Bardolino-Garda road, but a tunnel underpass links both halves. Direct access to shores is a pro, although they're made of pebbles instead of sand, and some units are farther from the lake than others. Although facilities are many units are on the rustic side, affordable rates and lots of kid-friendly fun -- including a water park and scheduled activities -- making this a suitable pick for budget-seeking families. Guests also find the guarded security reassuring.

Nature lovers here give the remote location a thumbs-up. The village sits between Garda (a 25-minute walk) to the north, and Bardolino, a 17-minute walk to the south. Both can be reached via bus, car, or bike. With plenty on-site, there's little need to venture out, although bike rentals make day trips easily accessible, and paths along the lake's shore are popular for hiking. A public sandy beach is a 10-minute walk. Amusement park, Gardaland, is a half-hour drive or bus ride, and the city of Verona is 15 minutes farther. Verona Villafranca Airport is about a 30-minute drive, or two hours via a bus dropping travelers almost directly outside the camping village.

For guests choosing to rent rather than pitch their own tent, "Maxicaravan" mobile homes sleeping up to seven come in a range of categories, spanning 194 to 377 square feet (18 to 35 square meters). They offer low-frills comforts, which decor echoes, but they all come with basic kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces (facing the lake and/or will barbecue grills in upgraded categories) Laminate wood floors have colorful accents in thin drapes, cushioned seating areas, or bedspreads, and light-weight dining areas and kitchen units are functional, although lower-category ones lack microwaves. All units have eight hours of free AC/heating daily, after which there's a fee. Bunk beds in some units have canopied counterparts in more romantic, upgraded categories. Funkier linens in higher-category units accompany flat-screen TVs or private whirlpools. Note, linens are on a rental basis in some units and occasionally noise can reach rooms.

Occupying a country house by the lake, apartments offer more-anchored comforts with full kitchens and washer/dryers. All units have small bathrooms with stall showers, mirrors and hairdryers. Upgraded units provide toiletries and towels. Note, no housekeeping is offered, and cleaning fees apply upon check-out. Wi-Fi is at a fee throughout the premises.

Facilities here are geared toward the outdoor-centric and activity-minded family. Open April through mid-October, the outdoor pool is surrounded by loungers and umbrellas, and views over Lake Garda here are beautiful. Unfortunately, the accompanying whirlpool is at a fee. The adjacent kids' pool has climbing features, plus a fantastic waterslide. Swimming turns more expansive at the lake, where grassland and a sturdy jetty accompany a small pebbly beach. Sands can be found at the colorful playground, and there's plenty more for kids with animation teams organizing soccer, games, and kiddy discos. Kids can splash about amid fountains at the water park, and additional loungers here offer relaxing space for grown-ups. Basketball and tennis courts are free to use, as is the gym, although equipment is old. Beamed ceilings and awnings protect semi-outdoor spaces at the restaurant, where pizzas and pastas are traditional, but average, and the mix of picnic tables and garden furniture is unexciting. A small bar here serves soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, plus breakfast. The on-site supermarket is well-stocked, and decently priced for a campsite. Parking is free, while Wi-Fi throughout is at a fee.