Camping in the Netherlands

When camping in the Netherlands, proximity to water is crucial: whether camping by the sea, by a lake or on the banks of a river - the flat country in north-west Europe enchants with canals, ponds and dream beaches. Many campsites in the Netherlands are located directly in the dunes. The high-quality holiday facilities delight families with children and couples alike.

Special features of camping in the Netherlands

You could be forgiven for thinking that the Netherlands invented camping: Hardly any other nation has perfected holidays in the open air like its Dutch neighbours. Whether you park your campervan, motorhome or caravan by a lake or on the coast, all campsites are well-kept, spacious and well-equipped. The leisure facilities for young and old leave nothing to be desired. Mobile homes and bungalows with a very positive overall impression are available to rent for holidaymakers with high expectations. There are bathing opportunities on the beach almost everywhere and holidaymakers can choose between the sea, tranquil lakes or even a swimming pool on the site for refreshment in between. Cosy restaurants and cafés invite you to linger.

Arrival

The relaxation begins with the short journey to the campsite in the Netherlands. From the centre of Germany, the journey takes around four hours. The distance between Hanover and Amsterdam , for example, is 374 kilometres. The quickest route is via the A1 and A30 motorways. The short distance is particularly appreciated by families with small children and dog owners who want to save their pets from long journeys to the south. The first holiday feelings set in as soon as you cross the border. On the approach, the view sweeps over tranquil villages, wide fields and picturesque landscapes. Close to the Dutch border, near Salzbergen or Bad Bentheim, there are rest stops with play areas where you can let off steam.

Destinations in the Netherlands

Camping facilities are spread throughout the Netherlands and can be selected according to personal preferences and holiday wishes. If you are looking for a beach holiday, you are better off travelling to the coast. There are selected campsites just outside cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague, Renesse or Groede with a short journey to the city centre. Popular destinations include Molecaten, Zeeuws, Marveld, Kijkduin, Julianahoeve and Duinrell.

Dutch coast

Most of the country's campsites are located on the North Sea coast. The paradisiacal islands of Texel and Terschelling attract many families with children. There are opportunities for camping in the dunes on both Terschelling and Texel. Idyllic camping villages are dotted around the Ijsselmeer and Zeeuws Vlaanderen. Towards the south, the beaches become longer and the campsites larger. Modern facilities and holiday parks are strung together like a string of pearls - from Zandvoort via Zeeland to South Holland.

South Holland

The south of the Netherlands is not only home to numerous cultural treasures, but also gastronomic treasures. Rotterdam is an impressive metropolis surrounded by many waterways. The banks are home to a number of campsites that skilfully combine a visit to the city with life in the countryside. De Biesbosch National Park is also not far away.

Central Netherlands

Utrecht is one of the most popular cities in the centre of the Netherlands. In the province of Gelderland, which borders Germany, De Hoge Veluwe National Park is a great destination for hikers and cyclists. Arnhem, Nijmegen and Apeldoorn are inviting towns with a rich culture and history.

Best time to visit

The Netherlands unfolds its charm early in the year. The tulip fields begin to bloom in April around Easter. Campers who enjoy hiking and cycling are already drawn to the fields and dykes at this time. Bathing holidaymakers are well catered for in the summer months with pleasantly warm temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius. In Den Helder and on the West Frisian Islands there is plenty of sunshine from May to July. As there is little elevation in the Netherlands, the weather is largely constant throughout the country. Holland has a temperate maritime climate. As it can be fresh and rainy on the coast and by the sea, many campsites and holiday parks offer indoor facilities for entertainment and relaxation, such as water parks and wellness areas. Thanks to modern mobile homes, holiday homes and chalets, the low season in the Netherlands is also a suitable time to travel.

Types of camping

There are many different ways to spend your holiday in the middle of nature in Holland: from simple nature camping in the dunes, to camping with a dog, to comfortable 5-star camping.

Dune and beach camping

The hollows between the dunes offer wind-protected oases that invite you to sunbathe during the day and cosy get-togethers in the evening. The most beautiful campsites on the coast are either parallel to the dune belt or in the middle of it. The beach is only a few metres away - you could hardly camp closer to nature.

Camping with a dog

Jumping into the surf, stalking through the sand and running alongside your bike - there's plenty to experience on holiday with your faithful four-legged friend. Dogs are allowed on almost all campsites in the Netherlands, provided they are kept on a lead on the campsite.

5-star camping & glamping

Cycle along the tulip fields in the morning and relax in the whirlpool in the afternoon - some 5-star campsites offer this luxury, where campers can even arrive without a caravan. With glamping, campers with high expectations stay overnight in Airstream caravans, nostalgic wooden cabins, modern beach houses or permanently installed safari tents in the dunes.

Target groups

Camping in the Netherlands primarily appeals to families with children. But couples also enjoy holidaying on the North Sea coast. An active holiday here is particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts.

Families

When the sun is shining, you can dig on the beach, when the sky is cloudy you can go on bike rides and when it rains you can let off steam in the indoor playground - that's how varied the holidays of young camping families are. But even teenagers get their money's worth when camping in the Netherlands: surfing and sailing courses as well as discos and film nights are offered as leisure activities during the holidays. You can spend the night in your own motorhome, tent or caravan, for which there are plenty of pitches. Holiday parks and campsites with beach houses, modern rental homes and tents for hire are now a popular alternative. Camping Corfwater is an example of this, with its perfect location right on the beach. Guests can choose from a wide range of accommodation here. The spectrum ranges from caravans and safari tents to modern holiday homes right by the sea. The Molecaten holiday parks and Marveld Recreatie are comparable.

A speciality is the Duinrell amusement park and campsite with its high entertainment value. The waterland, the rides, the playgrounds and the entertainment programme are a real paradise for children. Guests at Duinrell can spend the night in a holiday home or lodge tent.

Couples

Walking hand in hand across the dyke, visiting a tulip show or browsing through antique shops - couples in love enjoy the picturesque nature and picturesque towns with their small street cafés and colourful boutiques when camping in the Netherlands. Beach camping at the Kijkduin holiday park is highly recommended. In addition to beautiful beach houses, the suburb of The Hague also has a small indoor swimming pool for the colder days. Couples who prefer nature reserves could choose a campsite in the Zeeland region. There are beautiful pitches for tents and motorhomes with a positive overall impression.

Water sports enthusiasts

Kitesurfers and windsurfers love the long beaches of the North Sea off Zandvoort and on the West Frisian Islands. Boat and equipment hire is available at almost all campsites by the water or close to the beach. On the canals and rivers, the trendy sport of stand-up paddling invites you to try it out. Tip for the Netherlands: You can save money at many campsites with a camping card. The ADAC Campcard or the Camping Key Europe guarantee discounts on pitches and demonstrate the high level of trustworthiness of the providers.