PiNCAMP Awards is one of the most anticipated events of the year, as well as one of the industry’s most prestigious events that recognizes outstanding achievements and services that distinguish nominees in the European camping world. Uwe Frers, CEO of PiNCAMP, explains the value of this recognition, “The PiNCAMP Awards have a similar importance for the camping industry as the Oscars have for the film industry.”
The ADAC Camping Awards 2026 ceremony will again be held as a live event during the PiNCAMP Gala in Stuttgart on January 16, 2026.
Nominations for the 2026 PiNCAMP Awards.
An international committee of ten open-air experts selected the nominees from hundreds of submissions from the industry. The campsites nominated for the latest challenge are facilities in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria, and will compete in the following categories:
- “Sustainability and Environmental Awareness.”
- “Innovation and Progress”
- “Rental Housing.
Nominees in the category of “Sustainability and Environmental Awareness”
- De Lemeler Esch Natuurcamping, Netherlands: in the Dutch region of Overijssel, the facility stands out for offering a stay between balancing nature, recreation and agriculture. The campground invests in a sustainable experience for guests, and focuses everything on preserving and enhancing the natural environment.
- Camping Bretagne Les Embruns, France: is located in the South Finistère region, a stone’s throw from the beautiful bays and sandy beaches of Brittany. Over 8,000 species of trees, shrubs and plants specially planted to transform the campground into a green oasis. Sustainability is a priority, and even the restaurant offers only fresh, local products with a small, curated menu.
- Camp Kovačine, Croatia: located on the idyllic island of Cres, this facility places great emphasis on environmental protection and raising guests’ awareness of ecological issues. An in-house solar plant with a capacity of 95, covers the camp’s energy needs, while solar panels, energy-efficient lamps and heat pumps ensure efficient energy management.
Nominees in the category of “Innovation and Progress”
- Feddet Strand Resort, Denmark: located on the Danish island of Zealand, offers the new Leading pitch, which is 600 m² in size and equipped with a private spa, kitchen, shower and toilet. It also offers abundant space for a caravan, camper or tent. Ideal for those who like privacy and comfort.
- Union Lido Mare, Italy: for 70 years Union Lido has been a center of innovation and development in en plein air tourism. The latest example of their creativity is Speedy Island, a revolutionary water park designed and built especially for Union Lido. At the heart of this innovation is
Body River , acanyoning-inspired body rafting adventure, a thrilling journey through rapids, waterfalls and pools that alternate between calm and high adrenaline moments. The park is completely sustainable and built with recycled materials certified for children’s safety.
- Tamarit Beach Resort, Spain: sets new standards for camping and sustainability through numerous technological and ecological projects. Key initiatives include: internal digitization with artificial intelligence; installation of AI systems to optimize operational management, resource allocation, and customer service; virtual reality (VR) room to explore the area and plan activities; and sustainable management and smart building technologies to maximize energy efficiency and sustainability in all facilities.
Nominees in the category “Housing for rent”
- Destinations Dorf Hitzacker, Germany: uses Werkhaus ‘ well-known interlocking system as the basis for designing plug-and-live housing. With simple interlocking connections and rubber rings, a few plywood panels are transformed into simple and ingenious accommodations. From the smallest “travel bed” to the family-friendly “Destinature Hut Plus,” these original structures can be found in the midst of the wilderness. The goal is to minimize the ecological footprint and ensure quick and easy assembly and disassembly.
- Camping Resort Sanguli Salou, Spain: located on the Costa Dorada, just a stone’s throw from miles of sandy beaches, the campsite promises first-class camping vacations in Catalonia. The resort features African-style elements that embellish the environments, and offers an experience that goes far beyond a simple stay. The design combines different types of accommodations: from the innovative Sukuma Garden with a private terrace, outdoor shower and barbecue, to Grand Bay Tents reminiscent of savannah adventures.
- Ferienparadies Natterer See, Austria: located not far from Innsbruck and nestled in the alpine tranquility of the Tyrol, the property features an oriental touch: at its center is a tranquil pond with Japanese koi. The design combines black metal tiles that resemble koi scales with warm natural wood, creating a perfect harmony with the landscape. Each hut is symbolically linked to a fish, giving each stay a personal and contemplative touch. From private terraces, guests can relax in a manicured and quiet environment. Panoramic windows blur the line between inside and outside, transforming the alpine landscape into a living stage.
All that remains is to wait until January 16 to find out the winners.
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