Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio — Braulio Valley Upper Flats Dispersed Camp

The Braulio Valley cuts north from Bormio directly toward the base of the Stelvio Pass climb, making this stretch of open valley floor the logical bivouac for overlanders staging a dawn assault on the 48 hairpins. Flat ground along the Torrente Braulio, cold clear water nearby, big alpine backdrop — this is proper mountain camping before the crowds hit the pass. No facilities, no fee, no sign telling you where to stop. You find a pull-off, keep clear of the forest edge, and settle in.

Access is via SS38/SS300 out of Bormio heading toward the pass — the lower valley flats are reachable in any capable vehicle before the serious switchbacks begin. Season is June through early October; snow closes the pass and fills the valley fast. Bormio’s fuel and food are 10 minutes south. Fire restrictions apply inside the national park boundary — no open fires, full stop.

Valley floor bivouac below the 48 hairpins.