ISO 18980:2026

International
Standard
ISO 18980
First edition
Tourism and related services —
2026-10
Camping tourism — Requirements
and recommendations for campsite
facilities and services
Tourisme et services connexes — Tourisme en camping —
Exigences et recommandations pour les installations et les
services des terrains de camping
Reference number
© ISO 2026
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 General considerations . 2
4.1 Local settings .2
4.2 Sustainability .2
4.3 Inclusivity and accessibility.3
4.4 Social and economic fairness and consistency of services .3
4.5 Communication and information .3
4.6 Safety and security .4
5 Campsite layout and design . 4
5.1 General .4
5.2 Internal paths/routes system .4
5.3 Reception .5
6 Sanitation facilities . 5
6.1 General .5
6.2 Accessible sanitary facilities .5
6.3 Toilets .6
6.4 Washbasins .6
6.5 Showers .6
6.6 Dishwashing sinks .6
6.7 Lighting .6
6.8 Ventilation .6
6.9 Maintenance .6
6.10 Disposal area for the content of portable chemical toilets .6
6.11 Extra features .6
7 Potable water supply (drinking water) . 7
8 Waste management . 7
9 Electrical and lighting systems . 7
10 Entertainment . 8
11 Staffing and training requirements . 8
11.1 General .8
11.2 Training programme .8
12 Assessment . . 9
Bibliography .10

iii
Foreword
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iv
Introduction
A campsite is a place specifically designed to allocate a tent, campervan, caravan, or other form of leisure
accommodation vehicle. It provides leisure services for guests and is therefore an integral type of tourism
accommodation.
This document provides a common, bottom-line and attainable reference for all campsites in terms of
quality service provision. It has been developed considering the different types of campsites in the world,
existing categorization systems, star-rating systems, business models, sizes and services offered, as well as
the current demands of guests and global trends.

v
International Standard ISO 18980:2026(en)
Tourism and related services — Camping tourism —
Requirements and recommendations for campsite facilities
and services
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements and provides recommendations for campsite facilities and services,
covering the following:
— campsite layout and design;
— sanitation and other important facilities;
— sustainability;
— inclusivity and accessibility;
— safety and security.
This document aims to ensure that campsite facilities, amenities, services and management practices meet
basic safety and environmental requirements, while providing a good quality camping experience for guests.
This document applies to campsites in natural or developed areas that are designed and managed to provide
pitches for guests using their own camping units (such as tents, leisure accommodation vehicles including
caravans, motor caravans or camper vans) and/or static or semi-permanent accommodation units (such as
camping houses, mobile homes, rental caravans, safari tents or similar) supplied by the campsite operator.
This document applies to campsite owners, operators and regulators.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 18513, Tourism services — Hotels and other types of tourism accommodation — Vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, terms and definitions given in ISO 18513, as well as the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/

3.1
campsite
camping park
camping site
campground
holiday park
caravan park
designated outdoor area in natural or developed surroundings that is designed and managed to provide
two or more pitches (3.3) for guests using their own camping units (such as tents, leisure accommodation
vehicle (3.4) including caravans, motor caravans or camper vans) and/or camping accommodation (3.2) units
supplied by the campsite operator
Note 1 to entry: A campsite typically includes associated facilities and services such as sanitary buildings, reception,
waste disposal points, roads and paths, play or recreation areas and, where provided, food and beverage outlets or
shops.
3.2
camping accommodation
fixed or semi-permanent rental unit on a campsite (3.1), provided by the campsite operator for guest
occupancy, such as camping houses, bungalows, mobile homes, rental caravans, pods, safari tents, tree
houses or similar units
Note 1 to entry: Camping accommodation is distinct from camping units owned and brought by the guests (such as
their own tents, caravans, motor caravans or camper vans).
Note 2 to entry: Depending on national regulations, some types of camping accommodation can be classified as
buildings or as leisure accommodation vehicle (3.4).
3.3
pitch
delimited area on a campsite (3.1) designated for the exclusive use of an individual guest or party, intended
for placing a guest-owned camping unit or a camping accommodation (3.2)
Note 1 to entry: Depending on the layout of the campsite (3.1) a pitch may include associated space for a vehicle,
outdoor seating, awnings or similar camping equipment.
3.4
leisure accommodation vehicle
road vehicle or trailer, providing living accommodation for recreational use, which complies with the
relevant requirements for the construction and use of road vehicles
Note 1 to entry: On a campsite (3.1), leisure accommodation vehicles may be used by short-stay tourists, by seasonal
or long-stay guests, or be installed and operated as rental units by the campsite operator. When permanently installed
and rented out by the operator, a leisure accommodation vehicle is considered camping accommodation (3.2).
4 General considerations
4.1 Local settings
The campsites shall be designed to optimize the guest's experience. This includes reflecting, communicating
and celebrating local, regional and national culture, heritage, traditions and landscape.
4.2 Sustainability
Sustainability aspects including the following shall be addressed in campsites.
a) Development principles: Address the principle of sustainable development in the process of site
selection, design, construction, and operations of a campsite.
[1]
NOTE 1 ISO 21401 provides detailed requirements.

b) Environmental responsibility: Minimize ecological impact, conserve natural resources, and promote
sustainable practices such as waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency and the use of
renewable energy sources.
[2]
NOTE 2 If the campsite is located in a natural protected area, see ISO 18065 for detailed requirements.
c) Biodiversity conservation: Protect and preserve biodiversity by minimizing disturbance to wildlife and
their habitats, promoting responsible wildlife viewing, and supporting conservation initiatives.
d) Compliance and monitoring: Comply with applicable industry standards, regularly monitor and evaluate
sustainable development performance to promote continuous improvement.
e) Guest education: Promote awareness and inform on sustainable behaviour, outdoor ethics, and
conservation practices.
4.3 Inclusivity and accessibility
Accessibility and inclusivity aspects including the following shall be addressed in campsites.
a) Physical accessibility: Ensure campsites and facilities are designed and maintained to be accessible to
individuals with disabilities, providing accessible pathways, parking spaces, and facilities.
1) Parking: Provide designated parking spaces for guests with disabilities, located close to the main
amenities and facilities.
2) Accessible routes: Provide accessible routes throughout the site, with clear signs and no obstacles
or barriers that can impede mobility.
3) Washrooms: Provide accessible washrooms for all guests.
4) Pitches: If the landscape permits, provide accessible pitches that are level, with firm and stable
surfaces, and that have sufficient space for manoeuvring mobility devices.
[3]
NOTE For further aspects of accessibility, see ISO 21902 .
b) Inclusive services: Offer inclusive services and accommodati
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