Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc [2024 Update]

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Have you ever wanted to spend 11 days in the world’s most majestic mountains, walking on rugged trails by day, indulging in delicious food by night, and sleeping under the stars?

Welcome to the Tour du Mont Blanc.

This trek is truly incredible any way you approach it, but we’re here to tell you that bringing your tent makes the experience so much more rewarding. This post has everything you need to prepare for your Tour du Mont Blanc camping adventure.

Water and steep mountains on stage 4 of the TMB
We’re not exaggerating when we say this is one of the prettiest trails in the world!

In This Guide:

About the Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc takes trekkers through France, Italy, and Switzerland on one of the most spectacular trails in the world. Typically completed in 11 stages, the route circumnavigates  Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. The trail passes through seven unique and beautiful valleys, where charming hamlets and regional delicacies abound. Between the valleys, the route traverses rugged mountain landscapes and stunning high alpine scenery.

The TMB is one of the most popular long-distance treks in Europe and is considered to be a classic walk that belongs on any passionate hiker’s bucket list. Along the way most hikers stay in refuges, high mountain huts that provide basic accommodation and meals. However, in recent years it has become increasingly difficult to secure bookings at these huts, making camping along the route very appealing!

To get an overview of camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc check out our virtual fly-through video below:

Why You Should Camp on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc opens a world of possibilities that simply aren’t possible if you’re staying in mountain refuges along the route. We outline our top three reasons to camp below:

#1 – Avoid the refuge booking craze!

Every year it seems like booking refuges along the TMB gets more and more difficult. Nowadays, unless you have a full itinerary ready to go in early October, your chance of securing beds at all of your preferred refuges is slim to none. So, you’re either stuck with settling for an alternate itinerary or paying a tour company to arrange your bookings.

Camping solves this problem!

When you camp on the TMB, you don’t need to worry about making any reservations. You can simply show up and pitch your tent at any of the campgrounds along the route.

#2 – Add flexibility!

When you camp, you add a layer of flexibility that isn’t possible when staying in refuges. Even if you run into bad weather, twist an ankle, or end up hiking slower or faster than anticipated, you won’t have any flexibility if you’ve booked your night’s stay at a refuge. You simply must make it there or forgo your reservation.

However, campers have ultimately flexibility by not only avoiding the need for reservations, but also having everything they need with them. Simply find a safe and legal place to camp, and you’ll be all set.

#3 – Save money!

The last one is maybe the most obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. Camping is significantly less expensive compared to staying in refuges along the Tour du Mont Blanc. Yes, you won’t enjoy some of the creature comforts that the refuges provide, but you’ll be able to complete the trek on a much smaller budget!

Campsites on the Tour du Mont Blanc

There are many campgrounds along the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit, and it is possible to hike the entire trek and camp every night. The following section covers all of the campgrounds on the route as well as some of the more popular wild camping locations. We’ve also created the helpful map below so you can see the location of each camping option:

For those interested in wild camping on the TMB, be sure to check out the section later in this article that outlines the rules and regulations. We generally recommend against wild camping outside of sanctioned areas, as this leads to all sorts of negative impacts on the environment.

Our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc has three of the best camping itineraries for the TMB. It also has all of the information you need to plan your own TMB trip in your tent.

Looking for a full list of campsites along the TMB? We’ve got you covered for FREE below!

Get Your FREE TMB Campground List

Wondering where you can camp along the TMB? This downloadable list has all of the campgrounds along the route, plus a few wild camping spots too. It’s the perfect tool to help you start planning your adventure.

List of campgrounds on the TMB

Les Houches & Chamonix

The Tour du Mont Blanc officially begins in the town of Les Houches, which is about 15 minutes by bus from Chamonix. The bus is easy to use and runs frequently, so you can stay in either town the night before starting your trek.

Campers will be spoiled with choices when it comes to campgrounds in the area. Here are our recommendations for the best places to pitch your tent in both Chamonix and Les Houches, as well as the services available at the campgrounds and nearby.

Camping Les Arolles (Chamonix)

Free WiFi

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Bus Connections Available

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Camping Les Arolles in Chamonix.

There are several campgrounds in the Chamonix Valley, but Camping Les Arolles is the only camping option within the actual town of Chamonix. If you prefer the convenience of being able to walk from your tent to shops, restaurants, and other amenities, this is your best bet.

If you don’t mind riding the bus to get to things, there are several more campgrounds in Les Bossons, which is on the bus route between Chamonix and Les Houches. Camping Les Arolles is nice, but it can get a bit crowded in peak season. Try to get there early in the afternoon to snag a good pitch.

  • Services at Camping Les Arolles: Free wifi, washing area, electronics charging, toilets, and hot showers.
  • Nearby: Chamonix has multiple grocery stores and outdoor retailers, bus stops, a train station, post office, several bars, restaurants, and bakeries, laundry facilities, and pharmacies.
Map of campgrounds at the start of the Tour du Mont Blanc
Camping options in Les Houches and Chamonix.

Camping Bellevue (Les Houches)

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In Les Houches, camping is available at the Bellevue Campsite which is located at the base of the cable car of the same name. This is your only camping option in Les Houches. The campground is also right at the start of the trail, so you can get an early start on your first day.

This makes for a good option if you prefer the quieter village of Les Houches to busier Chamonix. The camping area is large and flat, making for a comfortable place to pitch your tent.

However, be warned that there is almost no shade at Camping Bellevue, so it can get a bit hot on summer afternoons.

  • Services at Camping Bellevue: The campground has basic bathroom facilities and places to charge electronics. 
  • Nearby: Les Houches has several bars, restaurants, ATMs, a small outdoors store where you can purchase stove fuel, a post office, and a grocery store.  There is a bus that runs frequently to and from Chamonix, which has several outdoor retailers and shops that will provide you with anything you may have forgotten to pack. 
Map showing the camping options in Les Houches on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Camping Bellevue – zoomed out view
Map of Camping Bellevue in Les Houches.
Camping Bellevue – close up

Refuge de Miage Wild Camping

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Map of camping near Refuge de Miage.

If you’ve taken the Col de Tricot alternate route on the first stage, it is possible to camp adjacent to the lovely Refuge de Miage. This is a beautiful place to pitch your tent, with stunning views of the surrounding remote valley.

Drinking water is available nearby and there are also public restrooms available for your use.

You can also purchase food and drinks from the refuge, just don’t count on being able to get dinner as that is typically reserved for guests only.

Les Contamines Region

Upon reaching Les Contamines, most campers will prefer to pitch their tent at Camping Le Pontet, just past the town of Les Contamines. This is the traditional stopping point for this stage, and it gives you better access to services and amenities, both at the campground and in the nearby town.

However, if you’d like to cover even more ground on stage one and you’d prefer a site that is more similar to wild camping, there is also the option of continuing on to Nant Borrant or even further to Refuge de la Balme.

Campgrounds near Les Contamines on the Tour du Mont Blanc
Stage One camping options

Camping Le Pontet (Les Contamines)

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Tents at Camping Le Pontet in Les Contamines.

This campground is located about 40 minutes past the town of Les Contamines. You can continue on the TMB trail to reach Camping Le Pontet, or when the trail forks you can veer left to climb briefly uphill to reach the town.

When you reach the edge of town, descend back down to the trail and walk onward to the campground. While you have to walk a bit further to reach the campground, it is right on the TMB and you’ll have a head start the next morning! 

  • Services: This campground has toilets, sinks (with potable water), warm (not hot) showers, a café/bar, places to charge electronics, and a covered area for cooking.  
  • Nearby: Les Contamines has bars, restaurants, shops, and an ATM. We highly recommend stopping in town for a cheese plate and a Picon Biere (beer mixed with the famous French orange liqueur, Picon) en route to the campground!

Refuge Nant Borrant Bivouac

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Near Refuge

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If you continue walking a short way past the Nant Borrant Refuge, you’ll see some legal wild camping spots on the left hand side of the trail.  The camping area is marked by a sign reading “bivouac” and you can spend the night here free of charge.

There is also a water source about 200 meters from the camping area and you’re also adjacent to a small river which can be filtered for drinking water.

  • Services: Toilet
  • Nearby: You can fill up on drinking water at the refuge. There are no other services near this camping area.

Refuge de la Balme Bivouac

Drinking Water

Public toilets

More Information
Hiking trail on the way to Refuge de la Balme.

Refuge de la Balme is located another 1.2 miles past the Nant Borrant camping area. Hikers are welcome to camp for free near the refuge. Check in with the refuge staff before pitching your tent.

This is a beautiful campsite with stunning views of the surrounding mountain peaks. If you have the energy, we recommend camping here as opposed to the bivouac area near Nant Borrant.

  • Services: Toilets, potable water, sinks, and meals are all available at the refuge.
  • Nearby: There are no services near Refuge de la Balme.

Les Chapieux & Surrounding Area

The traditional stopping point at the end of stage two is the lovely little hamlet of Les Chapieux, where free camping is available in the field next to the tourist office. However, if you want to stop earlier, it is possible to camp outside of the Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme.

Map of campgrounds near Les Chapieux on the Tour du Mont Blanc
Stage Two camping options

Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme Bivouac

Drinking Water

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More Information
Col du Bonhomme

This refuge is located just past the top of Col du Bonhomme, meaning that in good weather this could be a glorious place to pitch your tent with sweeping views of the surrounding area. Hikers are allowed to set up camp for free just outside the refuge. However, in cold/windy/rainy/stormy conditions, this would be a pretty miserable place to camp, given its exposed location.

  • Services: Toilets, showers, electronics charging, potable water, meals for purchase.
  • Nearby: There are no shops or services until you reach Les Chapieux.

Les Chapieux Free Camping

Public toilets

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More Information
Camping in Les Chapieux on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

When you descend into tiny and charming Les Chapieux, you can’t miss the large grassy field on the edge of town in which you can pitch your tent for free.

The folks in the tourist office can provide you with tickets and information for the bus that travels to Refuge Des Mottets.  This bus allows you to avoid the one of the TMB’s longest sections of road walking (about 2 hours’ worth) on your next day.  

  • Services: The tourist office, located in the center of the camping area, has bathrooms with sinks (cold water, potable) and toilets.
  • Nearby:  There is a small shop across the road from the campsite that sells delicious local cheeses, snacks, and hiker basics like instant noodles, trail mix, and some toiletries. Additionally, the Auberge de la Nova, just down the road from your campsite, is a nice option for drinks, snacks, or dinner.
Camper in their tent in Les Chapieux.
Enjoying morning coffee at the free campsite in Les Chapieux.

Rifugio Elisabetta & Val Veny

The traditional stage three of the TMB poses some problems for campers. You cannot camp at Rifugio Elisabetta and there are no towns or campgrounds anywhere near the rifugio where you can pitch a tent. So, what’s a camper to do?

The best alternative is to head to one of the three campgrounds in the Val Veny, just off the main TMB route. This alternative requires you to hike further than the traditional stage three stopping point (about 4-5 miles extra), but much of that walking is easy road walking or gentle downhill trails.

Hikers who choose this option will leave the traditional TMB route and descend into the Veny Valley, where they can walk and/or catch the bus to one of the three campgrounds in the area.

For more in-depth details on how to plan your itinerary around these campgrounds, you’ll want to get our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Map of camping options near Rifugio Elisabetta.
Stage Three camping options near Rifugio Elisabetta.

Not sure where to camp?

We get it- the options for camping on this section of the TMB can be confusing. You’ll need to utilize alternate routes and/or public transportation in order to make it work, which can be complicated.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc simplifies your options and provides specific itineraries that allow you to camp on every stage with detailed maps and directions!

Camping Aiguille Noire

Washing Area

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Bar & Restaurant

Free WiFi

Small shop

More Information
Camping Aiguille Noire in the Italian Val Veny.

Camping Aiguille Noire is our top pick for camping in the Val Veny, primarily for its convenience to the trail as well as public transit. However, this is also a wonderful place to spend the night with great facilities such as a well-stocked food shop, bar/restaurant, and well-equipped toilet and shower facilities.

Behind the campground is a link trail that takes you back up to the main Tour du Mont Blanc route and there is also a bus stop right in front of the campground.

  • Services: You’ll find great services at Camping Aiguille Noire including a bar/restaurant, food shop, clean shower block, and free WiFi.
  • Nearby: There is a bus that runs between La Visaille and Courmayeur, and you can catch it from a stop very close to the campgrounds. There are no other services available until you reach Courmayeur.

Camping Hobo

Washing Area

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Free WiFi

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View of Hobo Camping near Courmayeur.

Camping Hobo sits adjacent to Camping Aiguille Noire and is another popular stop for TMB campers. The campground is more basic, but the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, making this a great place to pitch for the night.

You’ll get all the typical amenities you would expect from a full service campground, and it is relatively easy to rejoin the TMB route from here.

  • Services: Camping Hobo has a bar, free WiFi, a place to charge electronics, a small shop, and an indoor common space. There is also on-site laundry.
  • Nearby: There is a bus that runs between La Visaille and Courmayeur, and you can catch it from a stop very close to the campgrounds. There are no other services available until you reach Courmayeur.

Camping Mont Blanc La Sorgente

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Entrance to Camping Mont Blanc La Sorgente.

Camping Mont Blanc La Sorgente is the least convenient of the three Val Veny campgrounds for Tour du Mont Blanc hikers. It is located further down the valley and off the main road. This makes for a quieter camping experience that is worth considering if you don’t mind a bit of extra walking.

The facilities at La Sorgente are excellent and equivalent to the other campgrounds in Val Veny.

  • Services: Bar/restaurant, free WiFi, clean toilet/shower block, small shop.
  • Nearby: There is a bus that runs between La Visaille and Courmayeur, and you can catch it from a stop very close to the campgrounds. There are no other services available until you reach Courmayeur.

Courmayeur Camping Options

There are no campgrounds within the town of Courmayeur.  One option is to treat yourself to a real bed and in Courmayeur, Italy’s iconic mountaineering village.

Alternatively, you can hop on the local bus to reach a number of well-appointed campgrounds in either Val Veny or Val Ferret. We’ve laid out your options below:

Map of campgrounds near Courmayeur, Italy
Camping options in Val Veny and Val Ferret near Courmayeur.

Option #1: Courmayeur (no camping available)

The first time we hiked the TMB, we decided to splurge on a hotel in the lovely nearby town of La Saxe (just north of Courmayeur), and let me tell you it was worth every penny.  If you’re into cozy, luxurious, and affordable lodging experiences, check out Maison La Saxe.  

This tiny hotel offers top-notch service and a peaceful location with convenient access to the Courmayeur city center.  They also serve up a delicious complimentary breakfast made with all local, high-quality ingredients.  Book Suite #2 for a private roof terrace and breathtaking views of the entire valley.

There are tons of other great accommodation options in Courmayeur and the surrounding towns of Dolonne, La Saxe and Entrèves, but you won’t find any campgrounds in these towns.

Nearby: Courmayeur has restaurants, bars, ATMs, laundry services, outdoor retailers, pharmacies, grocery stores, and a bus stop.  

Image of Courmayeur, Italy
Courmayeur is a classic Italian mountaineering town.

Option #2: Stay in either Val Veny or Val Ferret

If you prefer to camp, you’ll need to catch a bus or hike to one of the campgrounds in either the Val Veny or Val Ferret. Either works fine, just be sure to double check those bus schedules before deciding on one.

For Val Veny, see the campgrounds listed in the previous section, which includes Camping Aiguille Noire, Camping Hobo, or Camping Mont Blanc La Sorgente.

If you prefer Val Ferret, we’ve outlined your campground choices below. Be sure to check out The Guide to Camping on the TMB to learn more about these options.

Camping Grandes Jorasses (Val Ferret)

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Camping Grand Jorasses is a good camping option near Courmayeur.  It is about 3.5 miles down the road past Courmayeur in the town of Plampincieux (local bus #924 will take you right there from Courmayeur).  

The campground is in Val Ferret (directly below the TMB route). The staff can give you information about nearby trails that will connect you back with the TMB. 

There is a bar/pizzeria onsite or you can make the trip into Courmayeur for tons of additional options.

  • Services: Bathrooms, sinks, showers, electronics charging, small shop, and a pizzeria/bar. 
  • Nearby: Besides the bus stop, there are no other services available. You’ll need to go into Courmayeur to access shops, ATMs, and other services.

Camping Tronchey (Val Ferret)

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Entrance to Camping Tronchey in Italian Val Ferret.

Camping Tronchey is your other option in the Italian Val Ferret. We highly recommend you stay at Camping Grandes Jorasses instead, as the facilities here are not nearly as nice here. However, it does have a bus stop right in front and is set back a bit further from the main road compared to Grandes Jorasses.

  • Services: Very basic bathroom facilities, small shop.
  • Nearby: Besides the bus stop, there are no other services available. You’ll need to go into Courmayeur to access shops, ATMs, and other services.

Camping near Rifugio Bonatti

Unfortunately, there are no sanctioned camping areas between Courmayeur and La Fouly. This creates a challenge for campers, since nearby towns and bus services to alternate campgrounds are limited on this stage. Don’t worry though, we’ve shared all of the options below:

Map of camping options near Rifugio Bonatti.
Camping options near Rifugio Bonatti.

Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc
Rifugio Bonatti

If you don’t want to sleep indoors at Rifugio Bonatti, Camping Grandes Jorasses, located in Val Ferret, remains the closest and most convenient camping option on this stage of the TMB.

If you really want to camp every night, but don’t want to miss out on too much of the main TMB route, here’s what you can do:

  • Upon completing stage four, take the bus from Courmayeur to one of the camping options (either in Val Veny or Val Ferret) and then ride the bus back to Courmayeur to begin hiking on the morning of stage five.
  • Upon reaching Rifugio Bonatti at the end of stage five, you’ll see a link trail that leads down to Val Ferret, where you can catch the bus or walk to Camping Grandes Jorasses.
  • The next day (stage six), you could take the bus from Camping Grandes Jorasses to the Arp Nouvaz stop, where you’ll be able to connect back to the TMB and hike onwards to La Fouly.

For more details on Camping Grandes Jorasses and Camping Tronchey, see the previous section on camping near Courmayeur.

Not sure where to camp?

The Rifugio Bonatti area is another part of the TMB that presents challenges for campers. You’ll need to use link trails and public transportation to get to your campsite, making things a bit tricky.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc simplifies your options and provides specific itineraries that allow you to camp on every stage with detailed maps and directions!

Camping in La Fouly

Campers will breathe a huge sigh of relief upon getting to this stage. Finally, you don’t have to deal with inconvenient workarounds when it comes to pitching your tent!

With a well-located campground just off the Tour du Mont Blanc route, La Fouly is as easy as can be (at least the camping part…the hiking part is another story!)

 

Map of camping in La Fouly
La Fouly camping.

Camping des Glaciers

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Camping des Glaciers in La Fouly.

Camping des Glaciers might feel a bit hectic at first, but it has plenty of redeeming qualities.  Yes, you’ll be camping with what feels like half of Switzerland’s children, dogs, and RV’s, but you’ll have your pick from several flat and shady sites and the views are dynamite. 

We recommend choosing a spot that borders the river to drown out any ambient noise from your neighbors. The camp office (like most places in the Alps) is closed for a lunch break in the middle of the day, but you can choose a site, set up camp, and use the facilities before registering in the office.  

  • Services: The campground offers hot showers, toilets, sinks (with potable water), electronics charging, and good free wifi.  The office sells a few snacks, stove fuel, and beverages. You can order fresh bread for the morning if you’d like.
  • Nearby: About a ten minute walk from the campground, the town center has a few restaurants, an ATM, and a grocery store.  

Camping des Glaciers – close up

Champex-Lac

Upon reaching Champex-Lac you’ll have two choices for routes on the following day, which may impact where you camp. The standard Tour du Mont Blanc route travels along the Bovine Alp route, while the challenging alternate Fenetre d’Arpette route takes hikers up and over a difficult pass.

Your first option, Camping les Rocailles in Champex will work for either route, while you may prefer to camping at Relais d’Arpette if you plan to hike the Fenetre d’Arpette.

Map of campgrounds near Champex, Switzerland.
Camping options near Champex.

Camping les Rocailles

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Camping Les Rocailles in Champex.

Camping Les Rocailles is located on the far end of Champex, past the city center.  When you reach Champex, just remind yourself that you have another 20 minutes of walking before you are really done for the day.  This might help you to avoid the “Are we there yet?” syndrome that can come after a long day of hiking. The good news is that you’ll have a head start on the hike tomorrow.  

This lovely little campground offers three terraces with mostly flat spots to pitch your tent, but not much shade to be found.   If you want to continue on even further to get a head start on the Fenêtre d’Arpette variant the following day, see the alternative option described below. 

Keep in mind you’re in Switzerland, and the prices at Camping les Rocailles reflect that!

  • Services: The campground provides toilets, sinks (with potable water), hot showers, a dishwashing/laundry room, electronics charging, wifi, and an area for drying wet clothes.  The office sells beer, wine, and soda.  
  • Nearby: Champex has a grocery store, cafes, bars, restaurants, outdoor retailers, and an ATM. The lake offers several tranquil and beautiful spots along the shore for relaxing after a long day on your feet. Make sure you stock up on provisions before leaving Champex, as this is the last real town that the TMB passes through directly until the endpoint in Les Houches. 

Relais d’Arpette

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Map of Relais d'Arpette

This alternative only makes sense for hikers who are planning on taking the Fenêtre d’Arpette variant the following day, as the Relais d’Arpette campground is not located along the main TMB route.

The campground is reached by continuing about 45 minutes gently uphill past the town of Champex. To find it, simply follow the Fenêtre d’Arpette trail signs. Make sure you stock up on provisions before leaving Champex, however, as this is the last real town that the TMB passes directly through until the endpoint in Les Houches. 

  • Services: Toilets, hot showers, potable water, free wifi, electronics charging, restaurant, and packed lunches available.
  • Nearby: There are no services nearby once you leave Champex.

Col de la Forclaz, Trient & Le Peuty Camping

You have two great options for camping on this stage of the TMB.  You can camp on the terraced field next to Hotel de la Forclaz or pitch your tent on the edge of the tiny hamlet of Le Peuty.

Map of camping options at Col de la Forclaz and Le Peuty
Camping options at Hotel de la Forclaz and Le Peuty.

Hotel Col de la Forclaz Camping

Washing Area

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Camping area at Hotel Col de la Forclaz.

The camping at Hotel Col de la Forclaz is the more luxurious option of the two available on this stage. Here you’ll have access to toilets and showers, as well as the option to purchase breakfast and/or dinner at the hotel.

There is a small shop where you can pick up snacks and a few essentials. This campsite is also closer to Champex, making for a shorter day of hiking. This option doesn’t make sense for hikers who who take the Fenêtre d’Arpette variant, as they would need to backtrack about half a mile along the main TMB route to reach Hotel de la Forclaz. 

  • Services: Toilets, hot showers, electronics charging, restaurant, and a small shop. Transportation on/off the trail may be possible from here.
  • Nearby:  Besides what’s offered at the hotel, there are no other services in the area.

Le Peuty Camping

Toilets & Showers

Near Refuge

More Information
Tent at the camping area at Le Peuty on the TMB.

For about half the price of Hotel de la Forclaz, you can camp in the field next to Refuge Le Peuty. The facilities are basic, and the simplicity can be a nice change of pace after staying at some of the larger, busier campgrounds along the route.  To reach Le Peuty, simply continue downhill on the trail for another 30-40 minutes past Col de la Forclaz.

Make sure to reference our map when you get close, as the campground is really just an empty field without much signage or information. Just pitch your tent when you get there and someone will stop by in the evening to collect your payment. You can pay in CHF or Euros.  

  • Services: Potable water (cold), toilets (no TP or soap), sinks, sheltered cooking area with picnic tables, trash and recycling, one outlet, portable showers (hot water is hit or miss), clothesline.
  • Nearby: There is a restaurant at the gite next to the campsite, as well as a few other restaurant offerings in Trient (15 minutes down the road). There are no grocery stores or ATM’s in the area, so stock up before leaving Champex.

Camping at Le Peuty.
Nice views from the tent at Le Peuty.
Le Peuty camping – close up

Tré-le-Champ & Argentiere

You’ll again have two options for camping near the Tour du Mont Blanc route on this stage: Auberge La Boerne (Tré-le-Champ) is located very close to the TMB route, while Camping du Glacier requires a 25-minute detour down to the town of Argentiere. 

While Auberge la Boerne get points for its proximity to the trail, Camping du Glacier has the advantage of being near a bigger town with more services. Find more details on each option below.

Camping options near Tré-le-Champ

Auberge la Boerne (Tré-le-Champ)

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Tent area at Auberge la Boerne

This cozy Auberge in Tré-le-Champ offers convenient camping just off the trail. The campground has magnificent views of the Aiguille Verte from its nice grassy pitches. The only downside is that the camping area is small and can get quite crowded during peak season. There is an excellent restaurant onsite, and campers can opt for half-board if they wish. 

  • Services: Toilets, showers, drinking water, restaurant, small shop. 
  • Nearby: There is a train station in nearby Tré-le-Champ (5 minutes from the campground) which you can take to get to Argentiere or Chamonix.

Camping du Glaciers (Argentiere)

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The trail into Argentiere.

Camping du Glaciers in Argentière consistently gets excellent reviews.  This is a large campsite with lots of great amenities. To reach the campground, you’ll have to walk an extra 25 minutes off the trail (and then back the next morning), but in exchange you’ll get easy access to a much wider array of amenities in the larger town of Argentière

  • Services: Toilets, hot showers, drinking water, laundry, wifi, a restaurant (which serves breakfast), and a place to purchase snacks and stove fuel.
  • Nearby: Grocery store, ATM, restaurants, a Tourist Office, and bus connections.

Refuge La Flégère & Surrounding Area

There is no official campground on this stage, but it is possible to camp about 100 meters from Refuge La Flégère (ask the refuge staff to show you where to pitch your tent when you arrive). You can also wild camp near Lacs de Chéserys, which is off the main TMB on the route up to Lac Blanc.

If you are unsure where wild camping is permitted in this area, we highly recommend downloading the Chamonix App which has a detailed map of where camping is permitted in this area.

For those camping near Refuge La Flegere, you can use the facilities at the refuge or in the cable car station during its open hours.

If you would like to stay at a developed campground or need to access more services, there is also the option of taking the cable car down to the town of Les Praz from La Flégère. 

Map of camping near La Flegere.
Camping options near La Flégère.

Refuge La Flégère Bivouac

Near Refuge

More Information

Adjacent to the refuge is a small water reservoir inside a wooden fence. Refuge staff generally permit bivouacking within the fenced in area so long as you set up your tent later in the evening and are packed up early in the morning.

The good thing about wild camping here is that during the daytime you’ll have access to the services at the refuge as well as the adjacent cable car station.

  • Services: Potable water and toilets in the cable car station. Also, you can charge electronics and use the bathroom in the refuge if you have a drink or a meal there.
  • Nearby: There is a café in the cable car station that provides meals, water for purchase, and snacks. If needed, you can ride the cable car down from here to Les Praz to access grocery stores, sporting goods stores, and other modern amenities, but the ticket is quite pricey. Information about the cable car can be found here.

Enjoying the view at Refuge La Flégère

Camping de la Mer de Glace (Les Praz)

Washing Area

Charging

Toilets & Hot Showers

Bar & Restaurant

Small shop

More Information
Camping Mer de Glace.

For those who would like to stay at a developed campground or need to access more services, there is the option of taking the cable car down to the town of Les Praz from La Flégère.

Be sure to check ahead of time to make sure the cable car will be running during your hike and to see updated prices . Once you get down to Les Praz, Camping de la Mer de Glace is a 15-minute walk from the cable car station.  In the morning, you’ll need to ride the cable car back up to La Flégère to rejoin the TMB.

  • Services: Toilets, hot showers, electronics charging, free wifi, laundry facilities, covered sitting area, bar, and small food shop.
  • Nearby: There are restaurants, transit links, and a small shop in the town of La Praz.

Where to stay upon completing the TMB

Congratulations! You’ve completed the Tour du Mont Blanc, one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic walks! This is no small feat, as the TMB is a major physical and mental challenge.

It’s time to reward yourself. Hardcore campers can return to one of the campgrounds in the Chamonix Valley, while those looking to reward themselves with the luxuries of the indoor world should check out our recommendations below.

Regardless of where you stay, make sure you take some time to reflect on your journey and toast to your remarkable achievement!

Our Top Pick in Chamonix
Heliopic Hotel & Spa
5.0

Hotel Helopic & Spa is our top pick in Chamonix for before the Tour du Mont Blanc. You'll find comfortable rooms, spacious guest areas, and the location can't be beat!

Pros:
  • Spacious Rooms
  • Excellent Spa
  • Easy access to public transport

Featuring spacious rooms and an on-site spa, the Heliopic Hotel & Spa is the perfect location to relax after your TMB trek. The central location makes it easy to get to and they have great amenities like free-luggage storage and beautiful common areas.

This is our top-pick in Chamonix for Tour du Mont Blanc trekkers.

Auberge du Manoir – Known for their friendly staff, beautiful rooms, and great location, the Auberge du Manoir is a great option in Chamonix.

Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons – The Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons is located adjacent to the Chamonix Sud bus station, making it an ideal location for the night you arrive in or before you depart Chamonix.

Wild Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Wild camping along the TMB is a bit complicated. The trail passes through three countries and several local municipalities, each with their own specific rules and regulations. Generally speaking, wild camping may be allowed in France at high altitudes between sunset and sunrise, it may be permitted above 2,500 meters (from dusk until dawn) in Italy, and it is strictly forbidden in Switzerland.

If wild camping in the area near Chamonix, you’ll need to register on the Chamonix App before setting up camp. The app also has a super helpful map that shows where wild camping is allowed, where it’s discouraged, and where it’s outright forbidden.

The good news is that there are many official campsites that are easily accessible along the TMB. While not entirely cheap, we feel it is important to use these facilities whenever they are available in order to give respect to the local communities and the fragile natural environment. Furthermore, there are quite a few opportunities to pitch your tent in free sanctioned wild and semi-wild camp spots along the TMB. If you choose to wild camp outside of these areas, set up after dusk, pack up at dawn, and utilize leave no trace practices.

Sanctioned Wild and Semi-Wild Campsites

  • Chalet Miage (located on the Col de Tricot variant)
  • Refuge Nant Borrant
  • Refuge de la Balme
  • Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme
  • Les Chapieux
  • Refuge la Flégère
  • Inside the Réserve Naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges (7p.m. to 9 a.m.)

Wildflowers on stage 4 of the TMB
This might look like an ideal place to camp, but it’s definitely not legal!

Let us help plan your TMB

We’re here to help! We offer comprehensive TMB planning support so you can plan your perfect trip!

In addition to our popular guides, we also offer the following TMB planning services:

GPS Digital Download

$20

GPS files for the entire TMB

Navigate with confidence on the trail

Works with all GPS navigation apps & devices

Custom GPS File

$49

Custom GPS file created for your unique itinerary

Includes all of your accommodations

Confidently navigate using a GPS file designed just for you

Expert Consultations

$75

1-on-1 video calls

Specifically catered to your questions

Problem-solve your itinerary, bookings, route options, and more!

Why work with us?

As passionate hikers, we’ve made it our goal to empower you with all of the information you need to have your best TMB experience. 

We’ve helped over 2,500 hikers prepare for their trips, navigate on the trail, and simplify the planning process.

How to Find Your Campsites on the Tour du Mont Blanc

As you’ve no doubt noticed from the list of campground above, not every camping option is located directly along the main Tour du Mont Blanc trail. Several, especially those around Courmayeur and in the Chamonix area, will require you to detour off the main route in order to find camping options.

Not only that, but you’ll also surely be wondering how far you need to hike to get to the next campground, regardless of where you are on the trail.

Our solution to this is to use a GPS navigation app, with our favorite being Gaia GPS.

Our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc comes with three unique GPS files that contain all of the campground locations along the route along and intel on the best link trails to get to all of the campgrounds that aren’t on the main route. Using our files, your navigation app will look like this:

GPS map showing campgrounds on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
A better way to navigate!

As you can see, you have a clearly labeled route to the campground making it easy to stay on track. Trust us, having a GPS route saved for offline use will be the single best thing you do to make your trek more manageable!

If there is one best reason to purchase our Guide, this is it! Do yourself a favor and make navigating while camping on the TMB that much easier!

Don’t want the full camping guide? No worries, we also offer a basic GPS file for the entire TMB.

What to Pack for Camping on the TMB

Packing for camping on TMB is balancing act between ensuring you have everything you need and not making your experience miserable by carrying too much weight. You’ll have a more extensive packing list compared to hikers staying in refuges and the stakes are a bit higher if you neglect to bring something essential.

We’ve provided a summary below, but for a complete packing list, check out this post.

How much should my pack weigh?

This isn’t easy to answer, since there are a ton of factors that influence how much is too much for any individual hiker. Some things to think about…

  • How fast are you hoping to hike? Generally speaking, lighter=faster
  • Have you completed a multi-day through hike with this specific backpack and this amount of weight before? If not, you should really try to keep it below 25lbs (including water!) 
  • Are you injury-prone or do you have any chronic knee, hip, or back issues? If so, you need to make sure that backpack is below 20lbs!
  • If you have other travel destinations before or after the TMB, you can store your extra luggage in Chamonix. See our logistics article for more on this. 

Caution sign showing a person falling off a cliff.
This poor fellow didn’t follow our packing advice….

What type of tent should I bring?

Most of the campgrounds on the TMB will have a level place to pitch your tent and soft ground that will make staking a breeze. However, if you plan on wild camping or staying at any of the bivouac areas described above, you’ll want to bring some heavy duty stakes and a durable ground cover for underneath your tent.

You can expect variable weather at any time of year on the Tour du Mont Blanc, so a good rain fly is an absolute must. Wind is also a concern, so a lower profile tent makes a lot of sense.

Finally, you’ll want something reasonably lightweight as you’ll have to pack it up and carry it across challenging terrain each day on the trail!

In terms of the best brands, we like the backpacking tents offered by MSR, Big Agnes, and Sierra Designs. Our favorite is the MSR Hubba Hubba, which is widely available in both North America and Europe. Check it out below:

Our Recommended Backpacking Tent
MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person Backpacking Tent
$490.38

The MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is our top pick for a backpacking tent that stands up to any and all conditions. Lightweight, durable, and easy to set-up, this is our favorite backpacking tent!

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/05/2023 06:59 pm GMT

How warm should my sleeping bag be?

We often get asked about the warmth rating your sleeping bag should have for the Tour du Mont Blanc. The answer, of course, is that it depends.

Generally speaking, most campers will be comfortable with a sleeping bag in the -5 to 5 degree Celsius range. That will cover most conditions that you’ll encounter while still keeping your pack relatively light.

If you tend to sleep a bit hot, you should be fine with something in the 10 degree Celsius range. Just be sure you have a well insulated sleeping pad.

Top gear picks for TMB Campers

Beyond a good tent and sleeping bag, here are a few specific items that we found really make camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc a lot more enjoyable:

Battery Backup

If you plan on using your phone as a GPS to navigate along the TMB (which we highly recommend!), it’s imperative that it stays charged. Many campgrounds will allow you to charge electronics, but this isn’t a guarantee everywhere. And trust us when we say it gets competitive for access to an outlet!

Our favorite power bank for backpacking is the BioLite Charge 80, which is super lightweight, designed specifically for use in the outdoors, and charges most phones 4-5 times. This is an essential item for TMB campers in our opinion.

Our Recommended Power Bank
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank
$59.96

The BioLite Charge 80 is our favorite power bank for hiking. It will charge your phone up to five times and won't weigh down your pack!

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/05/2023 05:29 pm GMT

Trekking Poles

These are a total game-changer on a tough trek like the TMB. You (and your knees) will be so glad to have them on steep sections, and this is especially true for campers who are carrying heavier loads.

Merino Wool Socks

Keeping your feet happy is one of the best pieces of advice we can offer for would be TMB trekkers. This means using comfortable boots/trail runners that you have hiked in before and are well broken in.

However, your socks are just as, if not more, important than your boots. Bringing a few pairs of high-quality merino wool socks will be your best defense against blisters and foot issues. For that, we highly recommend Darn Tough socks for their comfort, durability, and lifetime guarantee. These are the only socks we hike in!

Our Favorite Hiking Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
$24.95

Darn Tough makes legendary socks that are known for their durability, odor control, and lifetime warranty. We don't hike in anything else!

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/05/2023 05:44 pm GMT

A few other honorable mentions…

Puffy down jacket: Lightweight, warm, packable and all you need (it’s not necessary to bring a heavy fleece, too).

Kev Reynolds’ Ciccerone Guide to the TMB: The best guidebook for the Tour du Mont Blanc in our estimation.

Don’t forget travel insurance!

One final item to get squared away before your trip that isn’t on many TMB campers list is travel insurance. We recommend a basic policy for all TMB trekkers to protect you against lost luggage, medical evacuation, and any other issues that can pop up and ruin your trip. We have a full breakdown of what to look for in travel insurance for the TMB here.

Food and Drink for TMB Campers

One of the many wonderful things about the TMB is that you don’t need to worry about carrying (and eating) eleven days’ worth of underwhelming freeze-dried backpacker meals. Due to the fact that the trail passes through many towns and villages, you will be able to resupply every few days. We’ve noted the availability of shops and restaurants at every stop along the route in our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Make sure you plan accordingly, as you won’t pass shops on every stage.

For budget travelers, it is possible to self-cater and keep your food and drink costs quite reasonable. You’ll need to bring your own camp stove and cooking equipment if you plan on fixing most of your own meals along the TMB. 

Additionally (for those with slightly deeper pockets), many of the hotels, gites, and refuges offer the option of purchasing meals. You can just show up for lunch, but you’ll need to order dinner ahead of time (earlier in the day is typically fine). Not all refuges are able to accommodate campers for dinner.

Whichever way you approach your food and drink strategy, we think you’ll find that trekking in the Alps is every bit as much a culinary delight as a natural one! 

Water

All of the hotels, gites, and campgrounds provide potable water. You will pass through many villages with public drinking fountains, but make sure to plan ahead and carry 1-2 liters of water each day. Due to the presence of agricultural activity near large swaths of the trail, we do not recommend drinking any water from natural streams without filtering it first.

As such, packing a lightweight and packable water filter is always a good idea. We’re partial to the simple, yet effective, Sawyer Squeeze for a great option for campers on the TMB:

Our Recommended Water Filter
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System
$29.00

The Sawyer Squeeze is a lightweight, packable, and dependable water filter. We've used our backpacking all over the world with great success!

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/05/2023 06:48 pm GMT

Budgeting and Money

Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc is a great way to save money on your trip. Not only will you avoid the expense of staying in a refuge each night, you’ll also be able to save money on food and drink by getting many of your meals from shops and small cafes, which tend to be a lot less expensive than refuges.

Below, you can find a few basics to keep in mind in terms of money on the Tour du Mont Blanc:

Cash or Credit?

While an increasing number of accommodation providers, shops, and other services are beginning to accept credit cards, cash is still the primary payment method used along the TMB. It is important to carry enough cash to cover all of your expenses for several days, as  ATMs are infrequent along the trail.

Currency

The TMB crosses the borders of three different countries, meaning that you’ll need to switch from using Euros in France to Swiss Francs in Switzerland then back to Euros upon entering Italy. While most places in Switzerland will accept Euros, you’ll get better exchange rates using Francs. 

Typical Costs

Although it has the reputation for being one of the more expensive and luxurious thru-hikes, it is still very possible to hike the TMB on a tight budget (camping helps tremendously with this!) Furthermore, you can even eat delicious foods and drink some tasty beverages without breaking the bank.

The two keys to saving money on the TMB? Lodging and food.

Since you’ve found this camping guide, you’re well on your way to having the first one covered. Camping will save you boatloads of money, and you’ll have a better experience too!

In terms of food, the best thing you can do is to avoid eating meals at restaurants and refuges. Sure, stop for a coffee and a pastry, enjoy a post-hike beer, and definitely pick up some local cheese, but if you cook some of your own meals you will greatly, greatly reduce your overall spending.

Read more: How Much it Cost Us to Hike the TMB

Hikers take in the views from the top of a pass on the TMB
The best parts of the TMB, like the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching the top of a pass, are completely free!

Let Us Make Your TMB Trip A Success

We have used our experience, research, and passion to create effective and trail-tested resources for all TMB hikers. If you plan to trek without the support of a tour company, our resources can help you with the logistics of preparing for the trip of a lifetime.

  • Camping Guide (Our Best Seller): If camping is more your style, our dedicated camping guide is just for you. It includes detailed campground descriptions and camping-specific itineraries.
  • GPS Digital Downloads (2nd Best Seller): Navigate the TMB with ease using our GPS files, updated yearly and compatible with most devices. The files cover the entire trek, including common alternate routes.
  • Guide to the TMB: Our comprehensive guide includes everything you need to know about the TMB. It’s available on our online planning portal and as a downloadable eGuide. The guide includes accommodation recommendations, offline GPS & maps, and video fly-throughs of the trail.
  • Custom Itineraries: We’ll help you design a TMB itinerary that fits your specific needs, including your trip length, accommodation type, hiking ability, budget, and more.
  • Custom GPS Files: For a truly personalized experience, we can create a GPS file customized to your specific itinerary, including your accommodations and route preferences.

As passionate hikers, we’ve made it our goal to empower you with all the information you need for your best TMB experience. We’ve helped over 2,500 hikers prepare for their trips, navigate on the trail, and simplify the planning process.

What’s Next?

If you’ve read our post up to this point, you’re well on your way to having an incredible experience walking the Tour du Mont Blanc.

However, you still have lots of preparation before you’re truly ready! Be sure to read our entire series on the Tour du Mont Blanc to learn everything you’ll need to know to prepare for this incredible adventure!

Get Your FREE TMB Campground List

Wondering where you can camp along the TMB? This downloadable list has all of the campgrounds along the route, plus a few wild camping spots too. It’s the perfect tool to help you start planning your adventure.

List of campgrounds on the TMB

47 thoughts on “Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc [2024 Update]”

  1. Thank you for producing such a fantastic, comprehensive and inspirational website!

    My wife and I have been wanting to hike the TMB for over 15 years and we have finally got round to it. We start tomorrow.

    Until we read your website we had not considered camping on the route. However, your website changed all that and we are now planning to spend as many nights as we can in the tent on the TMB. Your detailed camping information really leaves no stone unturned and we can’t wait to get started!

    Thanks again.

    John & Sharon Crawford (UK)

    Reply
    • John & Sharon,
      Thank you so much for your kind words! We are so glad that you found the information useful and that it inspired you to camp more along the route. We hope you have a fantastic time on your walk!
      -Emily & Ian

      Reply
  2. Hello Guys! Thanks for all the information you share! Very useful!

    I am Tiago from Brazil!

    I will do the tour in august 2018 with my wife. Would like to know if the campsites rent a tent? And how much it cost?

    Thanks a lot for your attention, apreciate!

    Cheers!

    Reply
    • Hey Tiago, glad you’ve found the information useful! Excited to hear about your 2018 TMB plans. Unfortunately, none of the campsites we visited rented tents, so you’ll need to bring your own. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any more questions!

      Reply
  3. Hi

    Thanks for producing this info guide. It has been a huge help with planning my TMB trip 2018 or 2019.

    Do you remember the price of camping at Chalet Pierre Semard please?

    This site is the only place I’ve even heard of it and I like the sound of it.

    I checked the site you gave the link for but I can’t figure out how to translate it to English.

    Thanks again for all the helpful info.

    Phil.

    Reply
    • Hi Phil,
      Glad our guide has been helpful in planning your trip. Pierre Semard was definitely one of our favorite campgrounds and we were thrilled to find it given that there wasn’t a lot of information available on it. If I remember correctly we paid 4 euros/night – a bargain.

      The website here has some additional information in English: https://www.chamonix.com/camping-pierre-semard,117-209642,en.html
      Hope this helps and be sure to let us know if you have any other questions.

      Reply
  4. Hi Im planning on camping on the trail in June, what are the coldest night temperatures i can expect?
    Thank you for this great website!

    Reply
  5. Thank you so much for writing this! I am hiking the TMB this June (17th -26th). I’m fairly experienced with trekking as well as snow hiking. In your experience, do you think even with the heavy snow year, the TMB is doable for capable hikers?

    Either way, thank you so much again for this post! We are hoping to camp most of it.

    Reply
    • Hi Jenny,
      Glad you found our information useful! It’s really difficult to say what the trail conditions will be like in mid-June. We hiked in early July last year, and there were short sections that were snowy and slightly difficult with a loaded backpack. We’d recommend checking in with the various huts on the route, as they’ll have a good idea of current conditions. The good news is that even if some sections are too snowy to traverse there are plenty of alternate routes and ways to connect various sections of the trail.

      Reply
  6. Hi! Looking to go in June! Very helpful article. Would you by any chance have any advice on how to complete the trail in 7 nights/8 days? Wanted to see if you have any advice/trails for us since we still wanted to complete the full hike with cutting down the days!

    Reply
    • Hi Kristina,
      Thanks for reaching our and glad you’ve found our site useful! Tackling the entire trail in 8-days will be very difficult, though not impossible. Be prepared for some very long, very tiring days. Our best recommendation would be to hike from Courmayeur to Alpage de La Peule, skipping Refugio Bonatti. From La Peule you would then walk to Champex, skipping La Fouly. You could also combine the last day and walk directly from Tre-le-Champ to Les Houches. For all of these days you’d want to get a very early start and be prepared to arrive very late in the day.

      There are also bus connections that would make an 8-day trek much more pleasurable without the long demanding days.
      Hope this helps!

      Reply
    • Hello Kristina a, I am also hiking the tour in June as a post-graduation experience, but unfortunately I will be hiking alone. I am hoping to meet people on the hike when I go. I was wondering when in June will you be hiking?

      Reply
  7. Hello, do you recommend completing this hike alone? I would very much like to hike this tour during June 2019 as a post-graduation vacation, but I am slightly worried because of the conditions and lack of experience hiking. Is it likely to meet other groups or people during the hike and joining them? Thank you very much and have a great day!

    Reply
    • Hi Ryan,
      The TMB is certainly a great hike to do solo. The trail is well marked and there are many groups of other hikers who you are likely to encounter. We’d recommend being sure you are fit enough given your lack of experience hiking and also brushing up on some of your outdoor preparedness skills in advance. With both of those accomplished it is very likely that you’ll meet other sociable hikers along the route!
      Hope you have a great TMB!

      Reply
  8. Hi! Great info and I want to purchase your guide, but how up-to-date is it? I understand that the route might change slightly from year to year, and nothing would be more frustrating to have outdated info on a guide. Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Hi Alex,
      Glad you’re finding the info on our site useful! All of the campsite info in our Guide is up to date for 2019 and the route doesn’t change year to year, unless there was heavy snow and you are starting early in the season. Either way we always offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for our Guide so if you buy it and don’t like it we’ll give you a refund no questions asked!
      Cheers,
      Ian

      Reply
  9. hi, im planning on going and walking over 12days. im going with a 10year old how bad is the wild camping restrictions uphold as i am sure one or two days my son will be too tired to make camp sites

    Reply
    • Hi there,
      It’s difficult to give you an easy, surefire answer, as the rules and availability for wild camping vary quite a bit throughout the walk. At most stages, if you’re able to set up camp after dusk and pack up at dawn you’ll likely be okay. If you think your itinerary could be too challenging, there are lots of easy ways to cut out segments via public transportation or you could look into adding or cutting out days.

      Hope you and your son have a great trip!
      Emily and Ian

      Reply
  10. Hello, i know it might be a silly question, but is reservation necessary for the campsites?

    thank you for your website! it was key for organizing my TMB trek.

    Reply
    • Hi there,
      Not a silly question at all! While reservations are very necessary for many of the mountain huts, you do not need them at the campgrounds. In fact, many won’t even accept them in advance. If you’re concerned about getting a good pitch, try to get there a little earlier in the day and you should be just fine.

      Have a wonderful trip!
      Emily and Ian

      Reply
  11. Hello,

    I am planning to hike the TMB next year and I have found your online guide to be extremely helpful and informative. I have just a couple of questions:

    1. Did you make your reservations ahead of time for camping? If not were you ever turned away because it was at capacity?

    2. Did you make reservations in advance when you stayed at the refugio’s? And if so how far in advance?

    I would rather not be tied down to a schedule but also don’t want to stress about no available sites!

    Reply
    • Hello!
      1. Campsite reservations are not necessary. They always make room for walkers. If you’re worried about getting a good pitch, try to get there a bit earlier in the day and you’ll have no problem.

      2. Yes, we strongly recommend that you book the refigios ahead of time. Many fill up months in advance. As soon as you work out your itinerary, it’s a good idea to call and make a reservation. If you’re on the trail and you think you’ll need to change something, you can phone the hut and see if they’ll be able to adjust your reservation.

      Hope you have a great hike!
      Emily and Ian

      Reply
  12. Hi, thanks for the camping guide. One update: we hiked the tour last week and camping close to refugio Elisabetta was strictly forbidden (at the refugio they told us that the police comes and checks… which was a bit unfortunate, as the refugio was fully booked). As we walked clockwise, we continued that day to cross the boarder to France and reach Les Chapieux (very long day!). Also, some people wild-camp higher up, closer to the French boarder, or at the French side.

    Reply
    • How was your clockwise hike? Where did you start your hike and did you complete the entire TMB? We are planing to hike this late June early July 2020 and don’t yet know if my husband will have more than 7 days. We looked at alternatives for starting points and I was leaning towards starting in Courmayeur since Chamonix has a number of events in late June and early July that will make it quite busy (Mont Blanc Marathon June 25-28; Chamonix Yoga Festival Jul 3-5 and Climbing World Cup Jul 11-13).

      Reply
  13. Hi,

    Thanks so much for this info! I’m keen to buy your guide book and follow stages above, just checking if info is still valid for summer 2022? I’ve seen a few places where it says wild camping is illegal below 2500 m? Just thought I’d double check. Also, is there still no need to book if I go early august?

    Reply
    • Hi Becky,
      Yep, the Guide is up to date for 2022! Just to note, it does not include specific wild camping sites, but rather is focused on staying in developed campgrounds. We always recommend this to limit impacts on the environment.
      Thanks,
      Ian

      Reply
  14. Hi,

    Thanks so much for this info! I’m keen to buy your guide book and follow stages above, just checking if info is still valid for summer 2022? I’ve seen a few places where it says wild camping is illegal below 2500 m? Just thought I’d double check. Also, is there still no need to book if I go early august?

    Reply
  15. Hi there! thanks so much for all the well detailed info and useful tips. I was interested to hike during the month of May 2023. as the following months I won’t have the same availability. Is this possible at all?

    Reply
    • Hi Calen,
      Glad you’re finding it helpful! Unfortunately, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be able to do the hike in May. There’s typically too much snow still on the trail to trek without snow-specific equipment, and most (if not all) of the refuges and campgrounds will not have opened for the season.

      Reply
        • Hi Kyle,
          It’s hard to say what the weather will be like in early October. You might get lucky with some lovely sunny fall days, but you also might encounter some wicked rain and snow. Either way, be prepared for cold nights and mornings. Many of the campgrounds will have closed for the season, so you will need to wild camp at many points along the route. Best of luck!

          Reply
  16. This is great information! I just wish you posted the mileage between each stage and maybe some prices of the campsites and huts. Where do you go to find out the price of the campsites? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hi Kathryn,
      Thanks for the feedback. To find the most updated prices, we recommend visiting the campgrounds’ websites. Typically you can expect to pay around 10 euros per person at a campground. There are also some free sites along the route. Have a great trip!

      Reply

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