Outdoor hospitality refers to a form of accommodation provided either on an empty site, where it is possible to place a vehicle or light accommodations such as a tent, or in a mobile or immobile structure corresponding to accommodation solutions specific to outdoor hospitality (lodge, tee-pee). 

There are three categories within the outdoor hospitality sector. There is the campground proper, as declared, whether it is inhabited or developed. The second category relates to land that is subject to urban planning standards, namely campsites and residential leisure parks offering lodging solutions related to outdoor accommodations. Finally, natural areas are available for camping, as defined in Decree No. 2014-139 of February 17, 2014.

As for campgrounds, there are two categories. On the one hand, there are municipal campsites, with a maximum size of 6 pitches, and on the other hand, there are private campsites, whose category is issued by Atout-France, which defines the list of star-categorized establishments. The transformation of a vacant lot into a campsite (whether municipal or private) is subject to a set of urban planning rules. The land must also correspond to the land use plan and the PLU (local urban planning plan). 

New classification since 2012 (decree of 12/23/2009)

Since 2012 a new classification of tourist hotels has replaced the old one dating back to 1986. This ranking affected all accommodation categories, including outdoor hotels. The decree of December 23, 2009, made mandatory on July 23, 2012, repealed the decree of February 14, 1986. The latter set the standards for the former classification. The standards have been redesigned to meet expectations in terms of safety and comfort at the beginning of the 21st century, and are defined in Decree No. 2009-1652.

The sector's operators had to reapply for classification until July 2012 in order to remain...