• Equipment/Construction of Sanitary Facilities

  • The building is spacious and bright.
  • Sufficient passage widths.
  • Modern and high-quality execution of the sanitary building with a focus on comfort, design, and contemporary equipment.
  • The dishwashing facilities have their own hot-water connection, are spacious, and are located indoors or under a large canopy. A generous canopy provides at least 90 cm of cover measured from the edge of the washing area. Alternatively, the campsite may provide dishwashers.
  • The chemical toilet disposal point can be used discreetly, for example in a separate room or behind a privacy screen. The chemical toilet cassette can be rinsed, and a handwash basin must be located in the immediate vicinity of the disposal point. Alternatively, the campsite may provide a ‘Camping Butler.’
  • The toilets are spatially separated from the other washing facilities.
  • The toilets are lockable and feature a proper toilet seat with a lid, toilet paper, a toilet brush, and a coat hook. In addition, a waste bin must be available in the ladies’ and unisex toilets, and the men’s toilets must have at least one central waste bin. All waste bins must have a lid.
  • The distance between the toilet bowl and the door must be at least 60 cm.
  • The actual shower area is at least 1.6 m² and 90 cm wide.
  • The shower cubicles are lockable, have hot water, two coat hooks, a built-in seat, and a sufficiently large splash-free area.
  • The wash cubicles are lockable and have hot water, a mirror, sufficient shelf space, two coat hooks, a power socket, and a waste bin.
  • The wash cubicles are at least 1.4 m² and 90 cm wide.
  • Each washbasin has hot water, a mirror, and sufficient shelf and hanging options. A power socket must be located in the immediate vicinity of the washbasin.

• Maintenance of Sanitary Facilities

  • The paintwork on the interior and exterior of the building is in good condition.
  • There are no cracks, fissures, and/or holes in the interior and exterior walls.
  • There are no cracks, fissures, and/or holes in the floors.
  • The tiles are intact.
  • The partition walls are securely fastened to the wall.
  • The doors are undamaged and function properly. This also applies to the locks and hinges.
  • The lighting is intact.
  • The mirrors are not weathered, damaged, or broken.
  • The coat hooks are intact.
  • The toilet bowls and washbasins are not damaged.
  • The toilet seats are intact and securely fastened to the toilet bowl.
  • All taps function properly.
  • The grouting is in good condition and clean.
  • There is no rust on heaters, hinges, etc.
  • There is no mold on the joints, walls, and ceilings.

• Cleanliness of Sanitary Facilities

  • The exterior walls are not weathered and show no algae deposits.
  • The building is hygienically clean inside and sufficiently tidy.
  • The floor is predominantly clean and well-maintained; slight, use-related soiling from ongoing guest operations is taken into account.
  • There is no dirt on the upper door edges, on the hinges, and the lights.
  • There are no lime deposits on the walls, doors, and taps.
  • There are no spider webs in corners and edges.
  • There are no unpleasant odors from sewage systems, chemical toilet disposal, or due to dampness/mold.

• Quantity/Presence

  • For a very high rating, the following guideline values apply  per 100 considered pitches:
    • 10 shower cubicles
    • 16 toilets
    • 1 washing machine
    • 1 dryer
    • 4 dishwashing options (basins or machines)
  • In the calculation, tourist pitches and rental accommodations without their own sanitary facilities are taken into account at 100%, and long-term campers without their own sanitary facilities at 60%.
  • The following facilities must also be available for the top rating:
    • Individual wash cubicles
    • Combi cubicles (e.g., shower and toilet in one cubicle)
    • Baby changing rooms
    • Children’s sanitary area
    • Barrier-free sanitary cubicles
    • Private or rentable sanitary cubicles on the pitch or within a sanitary building

• Impression of the Grounds

  • Attractively designed entrance with flowers and/or well-maintained and tasteful planting.
  • The grounds blend harmoniously into the surroundings.
  • The grounds are designed imaginatively.
  • The planting is well-maintained and harmonizes with the landscape/environment.
  • Pitches are arranged creatively and variedly, not exclusively in straight lines or streets.
  • No more than 10% of the tourist pitches are located amidst the long-term pitches.
  • The long-term pitches and motorhome pitches are mostly located together.
  • Rental accommodations and long-term pitches are harmoniously integrated into the overall appearance of the campsite, e.g., through planting or other design measures for demarcation.
  • The entertainment and leisure facilities (theater, etc.) are not arranged to be disruptive or dominant on site.
  • The roads and paths are in good condition.

• Cleanliness of the Grounds

  • The grounds are free of litter.
  • Central and separate waste disposal is available. The central disposal point must be shielded from view by planting or a fence.
  • There are sufficient waste bins on site, the waste bins are not overflowing, and are protected against vermin.

• Execution and Maintenance of Tourist Pitches

  • Well-maintained grass areas or grass combined with a (partly) paved surface. The entire ground is kept in good condition. For example, the grass is regularly mowed, the surface is even, and there are no potholes or excessive bare patches.
  • Clear demarcation of the pitches (if present).
  • Good condition of the ground (not too soft, not too hard).
  • The pitches are mostly level.
  • The demarcations between the pitches (if present) are in good condition (plants, fence, etc.).
  • Protection against water damage. The pitches are slightly sloped or located slightly higher than the adjacent road/path.
  • Direct access to a 16A power supply. Direct means that no other pitch or path has to be crossed with the power cable.
  • At least half of the pitches have a fresh and wastewater connection directly on the pitch.
  • The pitches are mostly large (>100m²) for a good rating or very large (>150m²) for the top rating.
  • A public Wi-Fi network is available at (almost) all pitches.

  Note: A campsite that blends naturally into the landscape, for example in a forest or among dunes, can still receive a good rating even if the pitches do not have grass. However, the following factors have a negative impact on the rating:

  • Ground that is too sloped, uneven, or muddy.
  • An impractical shape (e.g., triangular: it is difficult to park a caravan or car well on a triangular pitch).
  • Obstacles, such as a tree or an electricity box (in the middle) of the pitch.

• Reception and Arrival

  • Size and ambience of the reception are proportionate to the size of the grounds.
  • A waiting area with seating is available.
  • Nearby toilet facilities are available.
  • Opening hours are clearly indicated.
  • The opening time is at least 10 hours per day.
  • 24-hour telephone accessibility is ensured.
  • A selection of guest information about the grounds and its surroundings is available.
  • The size of the car park is in a reasonable proportion to the size of the campsite.
  • The surface is paved (cobblestones or asphalt).
  • Clear signage is available.
  • Arriving guests do not disrupt normal operations.
  • Maneuvering of caravans is not required.
  • There is a public Wi-Fi network for guests.

• Signage and Accessibility

  • All facilities and the exit are signposted in relation to the size of the grounds.
  • The signs are sufficiently large and in a well-maintained condition.
  • Additional symbols make the signs understandable for children too.
  • The paths and access roads are sufficiently illuminated.
  • The main access roads are well-maintained and easily passable in all weather conditions.
  • The roads are free of defects.
  • The pitches are mostly accessible without assistance, or towing assistance is offered.

• Supply and disposal for motorhomes

  • A fresh water supply is available at the campsite or in the immediately adjacent area belonging to the grounds. This does not refer to connections directly at the pitch.
  • Grey water disposal is available at the campsite or in the immediately adjacent area belonging to the grounds. This does not refer to disposal facilities directly at the pitch.
  • There is a disposal facility for black water, e.g. a drain for cassette toilets or a machine for emptying cassettes.
  • The highest rating is given for a complete supply and disposal station with fresh water supply, grey water disposal and black water disposal at a common location.
  • The entire station is very clean and clearly well maintained.
  • All supply and disposal facilities are functional, well signposted and easy to use.
  • Fresh water and waste water areas are clearly separated for hygiene reasons.
  • The station is also easily accessible for larger motorhomes.
  • There is sufficient manoeuvring space available.

• Types of Dining Facilities

  • A distinction is made between:
    • Restaurant
    • Snack bar / Imbiss (simple fast-food dishes, to take away or to eat on-site)
  • A qualitative assessment is carried out exclusively for restaurants.

• Quality Levels of Restaurants

  Simple

  • The restaurant is open on at least 4 evenings per week in the high season (July & August).
  • The interior is simple/functional.
  • There is a limited selection of dishes (e.g., coffee shop, pancake restaurant, crêpe bar, panini offer, simple bar).

  Standard

  • The restaurant is open on at least 4 evenings per week in the high season (July & August).
  • The restaurant is functional and appropriately furnished.
  • There is a noticeable selection of dishes.
  • Atmosphere corresponds to classic, solid gastronomy (e.g., pizzeria, brasserie, café-restaurant, trattoria, osteria).

  Good

  • The restaurant is open on at least 5 evenings per week in the high season (July & August).
  • The interior is well-maintained and attractively designed.
  • There is a diverse range of food and drinks.
  • There is an overall coherent impression of offerings, design, and service.

  Very Good

  • The restaurant is open on at least 6 evenings per week in the high season (July & August).
  • Either there is a very wide selection of food and drinks, or a deliberately reduced, qualitatively sophisticated menu.
  • The interior is high-quality, comfortable, and has a clearly recognizable style.
  • Coherent overall experience of ambience, cuisine, menu design, and service.
  • There are separate toilets in the restaurant area.
  • The tables are attractively set, and qualified service staff are employed.
  • No disturbing elements such as slot machines or simple plastic furniture are used.

• Shopping Facilities

  • Differentiation of shopping facilities into bread service, kiosk, grocery store, and supermarket based on the respective range of offerings.
  • Bread service: It is possible to buy fresh bread or rolls, either by pre-order or spontaneously.
  • Kiosk: Offering of daily necessities such as fresh rolls, newspapers, sweets, ice cream, and drinks can also be unattended, via vending machines or comparable solutions.
  • Grocery store: Larger assortment including fruit & vegetables, dairy products, cheese, simple dishes, and other food items.
  • Supermarket: Very extensive assortment with a focus on fresh produce and supermarket-specific features such as clearly structured assortment areas and shopping trolleys.
  • Consideration of locations:
    • Kiosk: on the campsite
    • Grocery store and supermarket: on the campsite or within 100 m outside the campsite
  • Camping and leisure articles are offered in a separate shop or as an assortment area within a grocery store or supermarket.

• Types & Size of Playgrounds

  • Outdoor playground
  • Adventure playground
  • Water playground
  • Indoor playground
  • Small playgrounds, distributed between the pitches
  • The total area of the playgrounds is considered in relation to the number of guests on the campsite.

• Quality of Playgrounds

  • High-quality and safe materials without sharp edges or splinters are used.
  • The play equipment is imagination-stimulating and encourages free and creative play.
  • A diverse range of play activities is available.
  • A shock-absorbing surface such as sand, grass, rubber surfaces, or wood chips is available.
  • Seating for accompanying adults is available in the immediate vicinity.
  • The play equipment is well-maintained and functional.
  • The ground is clean and well-maintained.
  • There is no litter in the playground area.

• Types of Animation

  • Mini club / animation for children up to 6 years
  • Animation for children up to 12 years
  • Sports and exercise programs
  • General animation offers for all age group

• Scope of Animation

  • The total number of animation hours per week in the high season is taken into account.
  • For a top rating, at least 50 hours of animation per week must be available in the high season.

• Examples of Sports Facilities

  • Football, basketball, volleyball
  • Minigolf
  • Fitness offers
  • Paddle tennis
  • Skateboard park
  • SUP and kitesurfing
  • High ropes course
  • Water ski or wakeboard facility
  • Summer ski slope
  • BMX trail
  • Golf course
  • Equestrian sport

• Quality

  • The sports facilities are well-maintained, safe to use, and overall in very good condition.
  • Equipment elements such as nets, baskets, goals, surfaces, and fences are functional and well-maintained.
  • Necessary field markings are clearly visible and complete.

• Wellness Facilities

  • Sauna offers
  • Whirlpool
  • Massage offers
  • Beauty and care offers such as manicures, pedicures, hairdressing services, peelings, or facial treatments

• Quality

  • A reception or welcome area is available – depending on the type and scope of the wellness department.
  • Sanitary facilities are available to guests.
  • Changing rooms with lockable lockers are available.
  • The entire wellness department is well-maintained, hygienically clean, and kept in good condition.
  • The wellness area is tastefully and coherently designed.
  • A relaxation area is available.

• Design & Structural Quality

  • High-quality, smooth materials are used for pool walls (e.g., liner, tiles, or stainless steel).
  • Evenly executed, non-slip pool edges are available for safe use.
  • The swimming pool is architecturally appealingly designed and harmoniously integrated into the surroundings; alternatively, it is deliberately designed as an architectural contrast.
  • There is a separate paddling pool or a designated paddling area for children.

• Equipment & Comfort

  • Showers for use before and/or after swimming are available.
  • Sanitary facilities are in reasonable proximity.
  • Lying areas with sun loungers are in a reasonable proportion to the water surface.
  • Additional attractions such as slides, whirlpools, water games, or fountains are available.

• Indoor Pool Specifics

  • Changing cubicles and lockers are available.
  • Showers and toilets in the indoor pool area are located within the indoor pool area.
  • There is a sufficient number of sun loungers indoors.
  • The indoor swimming pool can be opened up by means of movable walls or a movable roof.

• Outdoor Pool Specifics

  • Foot disinfection pools are available before entering the pool.
  • Lawn for sunbathing or resting area with sun loungers is proportional to the water surface.
  • Showers and toilets are located in direct proximity to the outdoor pool area.
  • The outdoor pool is heated, covered or can be covered by movable elements.

• Maintenance

  • Walls, floors, and pool edges are free of cracks, damage, or visible defects.
  • The transitions between the pool and surrounding areas are clean and without signs of poor maintenance.
  • The surfaces in and around the swimming pool (e.g., tiles, walkways) are well-maintained.
  • There are no visible signs of weathering or wear in the pool area.
  • Sun loungers, play equipment, and other equipment are in good, functional condition.
  • Fences or other demarcations (if present) are well-maintained and intact.
  • Foot disinfection pools (if present) are functional and well-maintained.
  • Sanitary facilities, changing rooms, and lockers (if present) function perfectly and are well-maintained.

• Cleanliness & Hygiene

  • The water is clear and clean without visible contamination.
  • The pool walls and floors are clean and without deposits.
  • There is no algae growth in the pool or in the immediate surroundings.
  • The pool edge and lying area are clean and tidy.
  • Foot disinfection pools (if present) are filled with continuously renewed water.
  • Changing rooms and sanitary areas (if present) are clean and well-maintained.

• Location & Accessibility

  • Natural bathing opportunities are recorded up to 500 m away from the campsite.
  • A detailed consideration of size and quality is carried out for bathing opportunities up to 150 m away.
  • Beaches are also considered if obstacles such as roads or dunes lie between the campsite and the beach.
  • Freely accessible beach areas that can be used by campers are considered.

• Assessment of the Beach

  • The beach and bathing area make a clean and well-maintained impression.
  • The beach is regularly maintained, e.g., by removing flotsam, seaweed, or jellyfish.
  • The entry into the water is shallow and safe.
  • There is supervision and/or demarcation in the water at greater depths.
  • Basic equipment for bathers such as showers, sun loungers, or parasols are available.
  • The size of the beach is included.

• Additional Quality Features

  • There are sanitary facilities near the beach.
  • The beach has a quiet location or a particularly attractive view.
  • There is a beach bar or a comparable gastronomic offer.
  • Play and water attractions such as floating elements, climbing, or sliding facilities are available.

ADAC Classification Icons

Your campsite has been classified by the ADAC? Show it to your website visitors. Select the icon with the correct campsite star rating or use our general classification icon without stars.

What exactly are these icons?

The icons are the usual image files that you can integrate into your website.

How do I integrate the icons into my website?

Select the icon(s) that you want to show on your website, download the file(s) and place them in the preferred spot on your website. We also recommend that you link the icon to your PiNCAMP profile page.

• How and when will I know about my classification result?

  The inspection season ends in October of each year at the latest. This is also the time when you will be informed by e-mail about your ADAC classification. And this is regardless of whether an inspection has taken place at your campsite in the current year or in a previous year.

  The ADAC classifications valid for the coming season are published for the first time in the ADAC Camping Guide, which appears annually in December. On pincamp.de, on pincamp.ch and in the ADAC Camping and Pitch Guide App, the current classification results can be seen from January of the new year.

  Example: In August 2022, an inspection will be carried out on your pitch. You will receive the resulting classification result by e-mail in October 2022. It will appear in print for the first time in the ADAC Camping Guide 2023, which will be launched in December 2022. On pincamp.de, pincamp.ch and in the ADAC Camping and Pitch Guide App, the latest results will be available from January 2023.

• Why did our campsite get such a bad rating?

  An ADAC classification that you are not satisfied with does not necessarily mean that you have been rated poorly. Basically, the star rating represents an overall value from the five categories of sanitary facilities, grounds, supply, leisure and bathing.

  So it may well be that you have scored very highly in the category or categories that are particularly important to you and your target audience, and that an area you don’t necessarily target puts the overall result into perspective. All categories are displayed to campers with your individual results, so that your target group is informed in the best possible way.

  We inform you about the ADAC evaluation criteria on this page. If you still have doubts about a fair evaluation even after comparing the evaluation criteria with your campsite offer, please feel free to contact us with your specific request: data@adac-camping.de

• How often does an inspector visit our campsite?

  It depends. The rule is that an inspector visits your place every 1 – 3 years. If you find that this has not been the case for you and you would like to push for an inspection, simply notify us of your inspection request, including specific details of changes made and new offers by sending an email to data@adac-camping.de

  You are also welcome to send us photos. We will then check whether we can prioritize your campsite for an upcoming inspection.

• How do I get an ADAC classification?

  An ADAC classification is given to campsites that have been inspected by an independent inspector on behalf of ADAC. The results of this inspection will be calculated and displayed as the ADAC classification in stars.

  In order to be scheduled for an inspection, we depend on the support of the campsites. The more promptly and comprehensively we are informed about developments such as investments or redesigns, the faster and more accurately we can prioritize for inspection. Whether this is a first inspection or a re-inspection does not matter. It is important to know that classifications can only change based on an inspection.

  Feel free to contact us if you are interested in an inspection, providing as much detail as possible about any new additions to your campsite. Send your email to: data@adac-camping.de