Over the past months, campers from across Europe cast their votes in large numbers, selecting their favourite campsites in nine different categories – including ‘best campsite for cycling’, ‘best campsite restaurant’ and ‘most dog-friendly campsite’. In 24 countries, an overall winner was also chosen in the ‘best campsite’ category. In total, nearly 100,000 votes were received.

British and Irish winners

Camping specialist ACSI presented the ACSI Awards for the fifth consecutive year. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Deepdale Camping (United Kingdom) and Killarney Flesk Caravan and Camping Park (Ireland) were chosen as the best campsites in their countries. Just like the other winners, the campsites receive a stylish ACSI Award and a certificate.

Proud campsite owners

In recent weeks, ACSI director Ramon van Reine has already presented ACSI Awards at various industry congresses in Austria, Spain and Denmark. He also recently surprised Camping De Kleine Wolf in the Netherlands with their award. “The remaining awards and certificates will be presented by our inspectors, who are an essential part of ACSI. It is fantastic to see how many enthusiastic campers across Europe cast their votes and how proud campsite owners are to win an ACSI Award. It is, of course, the ultimate reward for often many years of dedication and commitment.”

Best campsites per country

To determine the winners, ACSI applies a voting threshold. Therefore, not every category was awarded in every country where ACSI carries out inspections. In 24 European countries, the title ‘best campsite’ was awarded:

You can find an overview of all the European ACSI Award winners at acsi.eu/winners

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Unique in Europe

Inspecting 10,000 European campsites each year is quite an undertaking. But this way of working makes ACSI truly unique in Europe. ACSI is the only organisation that visits every campsite in person each year. This ensures up-to-date and reliable information, which forms the basis for the camping guides, websites, and apps. It’s the foundation on which the company is built.

The team of over 400 inspectors – often couples – not only evaluate the general atmosphere and quality during their visits, but also go through a detailed checklist of more than 250 facilities and points of attention.

Annual visits of great importance

The information collected by the inspectors forms the cornerstone of ACSI’s operations. “That’s why these annual inspections are so important to us,” explains Florian Van Beem, who co-manages the inspection team. “Campers must be able to trust that the information provided by ACSI is accurate. After all, a lot can change in a year. You don’t want someone to choose a campsite because of a facility – for example, a tennis court or bike rental – only to find out upon arrival that the service hasn’t been available for years.”

New facilities might also be added that are worth mentioning, or there could be a new campsite owner who has made changes. “We want to be as up to date as possible, which is why that yearly visit is so crucial.”

No value judgement

A visit from an ACSI inspector does not guarantee a publication in ACSI guides, apps, or on the websites. Every year, some campsites are rejected because they no longer meet ACSI’s quality standards. “This usually doesn’t happen overnight. Often these are campsites that are being sold or closing down.” Unlike ADAC or ANWB, ACSI inspectors do not award star ratings to campsites. “The most important thing for us is to visit all campsites,” Van Beem explains.

“The value judgement is left to the campers themselves through the reviews they write. Every camper has different preferences and views quality differently. One person may prefer a quiet spot in the countryside, while another looks for a campsite with a water park for the kids.” During inspections, the inspectors also conduct short interviews with campers staying on-site. “These are usually brief conversations, but they help the inspectors get a clearer picture of what the campsite really offers.”

Inspected by ACSI

After completing an inspection, the inspector places the year number on the special ‘ACSI Inspected’ sticker. This lets every camper know that ACSI has visited the campsite and checked all information. And this makes an impact. “It shows that the campsite meets certain quality standards. For many campers, the sticker is a clear sign that the campsite is good to go.”

Quality of the inspection team

Although inspectors only travel during the summer months, ACSI’s work behind the scenes continues throughout the year. It starts in autumn with information sessions for prospective inspectors. After a thorough selection process, the new season’s inspection team is assembled. Matching inspectors to around 425 inspection regions across Europe is quite a logistical challenge, as ACSI takes into account factors such as language skills and the inspector’s type of camping equipment.

Once the puzzle is complete, the team is prepared for the inspection season. Training sessions and refresher courses are organised throughout the year, and in April, all inspectors visit ACSI’s office in Andelst to be fully briefed on the latest developments. The inspection season then begins, and the inspectors hit the road. In September, the season ends with a pleasant weekend where all inspectors and involved (sales) staff come together to evaluate the year. All of this is aimed at maintaining high quality standards and serving both campsites and campers as best as possible.

A meaningful award – chosen by campers

In a short time, the ACSI Awards have become one of the most prestigious accolades in the camping industry. What makes them so valuable is that the winners are chosen entirely by campers themselves.ACSI promotes the voting campaign via its websites, apps, newsletters and social media channels. The voting period runs from 15 September 2025 to 15 January 2026.

Last year, over 80,000 votes were cast, and this year that number is expected to exceed 100,000. “It’s wonderful to see how many campers get involved to support their favourite campsites,” says ACSI Director Ramon van Reine. “For campsites, this is the ultimate recognition that their service, facilities, and atmosphere are truly appreciated. That’s what it’s all about.”

Win a week’s holiday in Spain

Voting doesn’t just benefit campsites. More than 100 attractive prizes will be raffled off among those who vote. The grand prize is a luxury glamping stay in a SunLodge Jungle at the Catalan Vilanova Park campsite.

Nine categories, with local winners

Since campsites are not all directly comparable, voters can choose winners in multiple categories. A winner will be selected per country in each category. “This results in a well-balanced reflection of the diverse camping offer across Europe. It also helps campers discover campsites that match their personal preferences,” Van Reine explains. The categories are:

1.            Nicest campsite for children

2.            Best campsite swimming pool

3.            Best campsite for cycling

4.            Best motorhome pitches

5.            Most dog-friendly campsite

6.            Best location for a campsite

7.            Best campsite restaurant

8.            Campsite with the best sanitary facilities

9.            Best campsite for walking

Vote now

All information about the ACSI Awards is available at acsi.eu/awards.