An international panel of camping experts has chosen the nominees for the 2026 PiNCAMP Awards, with finalists representing Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Austria.
The winners will be revealed during the PiNCAMP Gala on January 16, 2026, in Stuttgart, according to the organization’s announcement.
The PiNCAMP Awards, described by PiNCAMP CEO Uwe Frers as holding “a similar significance for the camping industry as the Oscars do for the film industry,” honor leading European campgrounds in three categories: Sustainability and Environmental Awareness, Innovation and Progress, and Rental Accommodations.
In the Sustainability and Environmental Awareness category, De Lemeler Esch Natuurcamping in the Netherlands was recognized for its commitment to balancing recreation and conservation through features like a compost heating system powered by a biomeiler and expanded biodiversity zones.
Camping Bretagne Les Embruns in France earned a nomination for its reforestation efforts and eco-conscious operations, including beehives, orchards, and on-site food production.
Croatia’s Camp Kovačine was also shortlisted for its solar power infrastructure, waste reduction initiatives, and guest education programs promoting environmental awareness.
For Innovation and Progress, Denmark’s Feddet Strand Resort was nominated for its 600-square-meter luxury camping pitches complete with private spas and kitchens.
Union Lido Mare in Italy gained recognition for “Speedy Island,” a sustainable water park powered by renewable energy and built with recycled materials.
Spain’s Tamarit Beach Resort was cited for its technological advancements, including AI-driven management systems and virtual reality guest experiences.
In the Rental Accommodations category, Germany’s Destinature Dorf Hitzacker received a nomination for its minimalist “plug-and-live” wooden units designed for easy assembly and a small ecological footprint.
Spain’s Camping & Resort Sangulí Salou was highlighted for its themed “África Bay” accommodations, integrating architecture, landscape, and gastronomy.
Austria’s Ferienparadies Natterer See rounded out the category with its Secret Koi Garden, featuring sustainably built Lushna Petite huts and panoramic alpine views.
For campground owners and operators, the PiNCAMP Awards offer insight into evolving guest expectations across sustainability, innovation, and design.
As European operators continue to invest in technology, eco-friendly infrastructure, and distinctive lodging concepts, these trends underscore the growing importance of differentiation and environmental responsibility in campground development.