Campers choose the best: what the ACSI Awards 2026 reveal about the European open-air sector

The recognition, as always, comes from the market. Not from a technical jury, not from an algorithm, but directly from end users: campers. This is the defining feature of the ACSI Awards, now in their fifth edition and firmly established as one of the most reliable indicators of perceived quality in the European open-air tourism sector.

In 2026, nearly 100,000 votes cast by campers from across Europe helped shape an up-to-date map of excellence in 24 countries. This is a snapshot of direct relevance to operators, investors and industry managers, as it provides concrete insights into demand priorities and the most effective competitive drivers.

The ACSI Awards are based exclusively on guests’ direct experience. Voting covered nine categories reflecting the key decision-making drivers of the end customer, ranging from overall quality of experience to infrastructure – including pitches, sanitary facilities and swimming pools – through to food and beverage, location and setting, without overlooking the level of specialisation for specific target groups such as families, cycle tourists and pet owners. The most significant factor, however, is not only the number of voters, but also their origin: a broad and diverse European base capable of delivering feedback that is both cross-cutting and comparable across markets.

The 2026 winners: insights at European level

An analysis of the winners provides several clear indications of how the European open-air offering is evolving. Firstly, there is a confirmed strong shift towards highly structured properties capable of integrating accommodation, services and entertainment into a single ecosystem. Many of the award-winning campsites operate under “open-air resort” models, where the experiential component is central and the average length of stay tends to increase.

At the same time, there is growing recognition for smaller-scale properties, provided they are characterised by a clear positioning and a high level of execution. The “small & quality” segment demonstrates its ability to compete effectively when it delivers authenticity, attention to detail and consistency in the guest experience.

Another relevant aspect is the central role of ancillary services. Food and beverage, swimming pools and sanitary facilities are no longer secondary factors, but decisive elements in the overall evaluation. In particular, food and beverage continues to prove capable of directly influencing guest satisfaction and loyalty.

The words of Ramon van Reine, CEO of ACSI: “It is always fantastic to see so many passionate campers from across Europe casting their votes and how proud campsite owners are to win an ACSI Award. It is, of course, the ultimate recognition of years of commitment and dedication”. A statement that underlines how the award is not merely symbolic, but represents the outcome of a long-term process involving investment, positioning and operational quality.

Best campsites by country

To determine the winners, ACSI applies a minimum vote threshold. For this reason, not every country in which ACSI inspects campsites received an award in every category. In 24 European countries, the title of “Best Campsite” was awarded:

• Albania – Lake Shkodra Resort (Omarë)
• Austria – Sportcamp Woferlgut (Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße)
• Belgium – Camping Goolderheide (Bocholt)
• Croatia – Camping Bijela Uvala (Poreč)
• Czech Republic – Camping Rožnov (Rožnov pod Radhoštěm)
• Denmark – Feddet Strand Resort (Faxe)
• Estonia – Metsaluige Camping and Caravan Park (Kabli)
• Finland – Camping Silversand (Hanko)
• France – Esterel Caravaning (Saint-Raphaël)
• Germany – Camping Arterhof (Bad Birnbach)
• Greece – Camping Ionion Beach (Glífa)
• Hungary – Balatontourist Camping Naturist Berény (Balatonberény)
• Ireland – Killarney Flesk Caravan and Camping Park (Killarney)
• Italy – Union Lido Mare (Cavallino)
• Luxembourg – hu Birkelt village (Larochette)
• Norway – Gryta Camping (Olden)
• Poland – Camp 66 (Ściegny)
• Portugal – Camping Yelloh! Village Algarve – Turiscampo (Luz)
• Slovenia – River Camping Bled (Lesce)
• Spain – Camping La Ballena Alegre Costa Brava (Sant Pere Pescador)
• Sweden – Böda Sand Beach Resort (Böda)
• Switzerland – Camping Aaregg (Brienz)
• The Netherlands – Camping De Kleine Wolf (Stegeren)
• United Kingdom – Deepdale Camping (Burnham Deepdale)

The full European list of all ACSI Award winners is available at acsi.eu/winners.

In the opening image, the ACSI Award presented by Ramon van Reine to Camping De Kleine Wolf in the Netherlands.