Campei Refuge

" Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better ."

(Albert Einstein)

One of my most cherished memories of Campei—though I have many—is the first time I discovered it. The snow was deep, there was no running water in the house, and the little fountain outside was frozen solid. I had to walk 150 meters to the nearest brook.

I reached it under the glow of moonlight reflecting off the snow—it felt like something out of this world. The water was barely 4 or 5 degrees, but I didn’t feel the cold. I was simply happy, completely captivated by the magic of the place. Afterward, I dressed, laced up my boots, and stood still for a while, soaking in the scene: the brook, the ice, the moon. I took it all in, and it’s a moment I’ll carry with me forever.

Giovanni Zambiasi

Things you need to know

Hospitality

Horse riders and their horses, hikers, families with kids, dogs, mountain bikers, e-bikers, birdwatchers, small groups of friends or couples, are all welcome.

Available at the Refuge

Dining area and lounge with a fireplace, kitchen, three bedrooms (8 beds) overlooking the mountains, shared bathroom, place for horses and bikes, no TV, limited cell phone reception.

The Personal Chef service offers dishes and beverages sourced from the local area or nearby regions, featuring exclusively Italian products, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Our wine selection is carefully curated and tailored to your preferences.

Bedrooms

A double room with a French bed, perfect for a couple or a single guest; a double room with the option to add an extra bed; and a twin room with separate beds, where an additional bed can also be accommodated.

Step into another world and embrace a new connection with nature, all while enjoying modern comforts. Relax in a cozy bedroom, a fully equipped bathroom with a shower, and a well-stocked kitchen enhanced by our Personal Chef service. All we ask is that you set aside your phone and watch to fully immerse yourself in the moment.

How to come

For information or availability, call us at 0365 644101. Scuderia Castello Srl oversees all aspects of managing the refuge. Please note that booking is mandatory.

You can reach it either on horseback or on foot. The journey takes you through a dense forest, where the thrill of the adventure heightens your senses, culminating in the warm light and uplifting atmosphere that make this place truly unique.

About us

Campei holds a special place in my heart, but it’s not just me—everyone who visits seems to feel the same way. There’s something about this place: the good vibes, the uplifting energy, the peace, and the positivity. It’s the kind of place that leaves people longing to return as soon as they leave.

For me, it’s even more profound. I can barely go a week without coming back, no matter the weather or the season. Being here just feels right. It feels really, really good.

Giovanni Zambiasi

History

It is said that Campei was originally built in the 1600s. At the time, it included a stable, a room for butter and cheese production, and a small shack in Campei di Mezzo, which now lies in ruins. Together with Campei di Cima, it formed a self-sufficient system known as a “malga,” where people lived off the land and provided for themselves.

The malga originally belonged to the Andreoli family from Armo in Valvestino. The Andreolis were herdsmen who, in the 16th century, moved to Mount Gargnano, settling in the village of S. Maria di Navazzo. There, they bred cows and produced butter and cheese.

In 1602, they built a small chapel in Campei di Cima dedicated to Saint Mary of the Snow. To this day, the Madonna is celebrated there annually on August 5th.

The village was later rebuilt by the Gruppo Alpini di Salò, which continues to maintain and care for it. In the surrounding fields, rye, potatoes, and barley are cultivated, while native fruits are harvested seasonally. Cows and goats are also raised in the area.

In the 1970s, the sanctuary was acquired by ERSAF (Ente Regionale per i Servizi all'Agricoltura e alle Foreste), and the malga was eventually abandoned. During the 1980s, additional structures were added to the site, marking a new chapter in its history.

Where to find it

The Campei di Fondo Refuge is nestled in the heart of the Alto Garda Park, approximately 14 km from Toscolano-Maderno (Lake Garda) and 20 km from Lake Idro.

Located in the "Land Between Two Lakes," within the Campiglio Valley at an altitude of 780 meters, it lies on the wilder side of the park, abundant with native flora and fauna.