Eco-camping Cascina Mottainai

Italy-40065 Bologna

YES, WE ARE OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR! Cascina Mottainai is a small, nature-oriented campsite nestled in the hills, just a 20-minute drive from Bologna. We are located on the Via Mater Dei, right on the edge of the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell'Abbadessa nature reserve, home to foxes, deer, porcupines, and many other wild animals. Our pitches are simple and equipped with electricity and water connections (no grey water drainage). You are welcome to use the fire pit and BBQ area; firewood is provided. Children and dogs are welcome year-round. Pitches feature power hookups (up to 16 amps, available for an extra €5 per day). Facilities include a camp kitchen and a dry toilet with an outdoor shower (see photo). The access road is unpaved and uphill but accessible for all vehicles. We recommend using Via Rio Fabbiani 8 as a landmark and following the signs for Cascina Mottainai (do NOT follow Via della Canovaccia). Payment is accepted via credit card, PayPal, or cash; laundry service is also available. SURROUNDINGS The 'Anello della Barcona' loop trail starts right at the Cascina and takes about two hours to complete. Within walking distance, you'll find the Cà del Brado microbrewery, which offers tastings, tours, and Italian craft beers. You can reach Bologna via the 96 bus; from the stop, it is about a 30-minute walk up the road to the Cascina. Several restaurants are also within walking distance, such as Al Cuntadein (a Campanian pizzeria and restaurant) or Il Cavallino Bianco (an Emilian pizzeria and restaurant). By mountain bike, you can reach the Basilica of San Luca in the center of Bologna, the 'Buche del Savena' (natural pools perfect for a summer swim), and many other beautiful spots!

Your host

Cascina Mottainai di Roberto Zambon

Host since 2 years

Speaks Italian, English

Camp overview & facilities

Notes on the facilities

We feature a compost toilet (dry toilet) with running water for brushing teeth and washing hands. Guests are also welcome to use our free outdoor shower with hot water. For those staying in tents or caravans, there is access to a fully equipped communal kitchen with everything you need for cooking and washing up (including a fridge, freezer, and microwave). Children will love the sandbox and the playhouse in the woods. During the summer months (May to September), a partially inground pool is also available. We also sell our own farm-grown products and homemade sourdough bread!

Waterless toilet

Drinking waterAvailable

Hook-up for camping vehicles

Socket for small devices like phones and laptops

Included in the price

Bring an extension cable

ShowerOutdoor shower only

Waste disposalRubbish bin on site

Your own fireplace at the camp

With grill grate

Buy firewood on site

Kitchen

Picnic table

Covered common area

Dishwasher

Washing machine

Especially good for dogs

Children welcome

InternetWi-Fi and mobile reception

Not available: ~~Grey and black water disposal~~

Offers from Cascina Mottainai di Roberto Zambon

You pick them in the next step – included extras are already part of your stay.

Offers from Cascina Mottainai di Roberto Zambon

Included extras are already in the price – add anything else right here.

Power access

Booking information

from € 35 / nightfor 1 person, excl. tourist tax

Check-in 13:30 – 16:00

Check-out by 12:00

Max. 4 guests per pitch

3 pitches bookable

1 to 10 nights

Self check-inYou arrive on your own, without a welcome

You can cancel up to 3 days before the latest check-in time on the arrival day. The refund includes the booking amount minus 1.5x the displayed Nomady fee. The cutoff is the latest check-in time of this spot — not midnight. Cancellations apply to the entire booking including extra products. Partial cancellations are not possible. Cancellations are only accepted via the designated cancellation tool. Verbal or written agreements cannot be taken into account. You can find out how to cancel in our FAQs.

Rules

Please be mindful of others by keeping noise and loud music to a minimum.

Surroundings & Activities

Winter access

The access road is easily accessible even in winter. Always use Via Rio Fabbiani 8, Pianoro as your reference point, and from there, follow the dirt track that climbs to the right.

UndergroundGravel/wood chips

Shopping facilities

For breakfast (€10 per person), we offer homemade bread, coffee and decaf, organic eggs, local jams, and our own hazelnut and almond spreads. You can also enjoy fruit juices, kombucha, brioche, and much more! Please make sure to book at least one day in advance.

We are located just 20 minutes from the city of Bologna, close to the Savena River and several charming villages in the Apennines (such as Monghidoro, Loiano, and Monterenzio). The surrounding hills are crisscrossed with trails perfect for exploring on foot or by bike, and there are many local attractions to discover, including the Suviana and Brasimone lakes and various historic sanctuaries.

Our guests can unwind by lighting a cozy fire or firing up the grill for a delicious meal. We also offer several amenities for children, including a little playhouse in the woods and a sandbox. The garden gazebo is the perfect spot to relax and get lost in a good book. You can explore the surrounding trails for hiking and spot local wildlife such as deer and pheasants, especially during the peaceful hours of early morning and evening.

In winter, several ski resorts are within a 90-minute drive (Abetone, Corno alle Scale, etc.). Bologna welcomes visitors year-round with its charming Christmas markets, museums, and cinemas. There are numerous mountain bike and hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experts. And if the snow reaches the lower elevations, you can enjoy snowshoeing or rent one of our fat bikes!

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Reviews (5)

5.0