ECOCAMPING e.V.

Campers are, by definition, people in touch with nature, and so always appreciate a campsite that dedicates itself to preserving the environment. Likewise, campsite operators have to be able to offer their guests an enjoyable holiday in the unspoiled beauty of nature.

This is why so many campsite operators choose to work with ECOCAMPING and introduce the ECOCAMPING environmental and quality management system, and call on us for business consulting services and training for their employees. For their efforts, successful campsites receive the ECOCAMPING award.

ECOCAMPING’s key focus areas also include helping camping enterprises achieve more economic success, stability and improving the image as well as the acceptance of the camping industry in all sectors of society, including the political sector and the public sector.

Right now, there are about 250 campsites in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia and Slovenia that have earned the ECOCAMPING award, and more are joining us all the time.

Who can be a part of ECOCAMPING?
Any campsite is eligible to join us, regardless of size, proportion of permanent campers, business form or history of activities in the fields of environment and quality. Improvement starts from where you are. ECOCAMPING does not mandate major investments, but instead responds flexibly to the enterprise’s potential.

In German states in which a financially supported ECOCAMPING project is being planned or carried out, camping entrepreneurs can introduce the ECOCAMPING management system in a project group with other camping entrepreneurs. Individual companies can do so at any time with personalized consulting from ECOCAMPING.

Introduction of the ECOCAMPING management system
The participants in a project group take workshops of environmental management, waste, energy, water/cleaning, spatial planning and safety.

Every campsite is also given an individual on-site evaluation. The on-site evaluations comprise an analysis of the development potential of all elements of operations, followed up by consultations by phone or e-mail as required. As part of the process, the camping entrepreneur is given extensive information, files and materials for applying the system in the business. Working with the entrepreneur, we also develop an action plan with a horizon of 3 years or more to implement the vision. The enterprises are required to continue to improve their environmental performance on an ongoing basis.

ECOCAMPING network
After successfully introducing the ECOCAMPING management system, the camping enterprise can participate in the ECOCAMPING network. Once the enterprise has successfully earned the ECOCAMPING award, the goal is to ensure continued commercial success and quality. The concept comprises a continuous process of exchange and improvement between the enterprises.

Other consulting services (independent of ECOCAMPING award)
- Planning support for new construction and renovation

- In-house seminars
- On-site recreational programs in the great outdoors
- Mystery campers
- Guest survey
- EMAS and EU-ECOLABEL
- 'climate friendly business' award

What advantages does partnering with ECOCAMPING offer thecampsite?
- Savings on energy, water, waste
- Improvement of the business organization
- Maximizing occupational health and safety
- National and international marketing through targeted PR
- Increased customer satisfaction
- Binding with your customer base while attracting new guests

What benefits does ECOCAMPING offer the guests?
- Connection between environmental protection and comfort
- Savings help you keep camping rates low
- Natural layout of campsites increases the quality of the stay
- Boosts environmental education curriculum and nature experience programmes
- In touch with customers thanks to guest questionnaires

Who is behind ECOCAMPING?
ECOCAMPING e.V. has been an independent association since 2002. It emerged from a project of the International Lake Constance Foundation in 1998. Members of the association are primarily