Stuck in a cycle of concrete roads, car parks, traffic jams, cancelled trains, and office walls? When your next vacation seems too far away, these stunning Dutch natural campsites could be a swift solution.
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to natural beauty in the lowlands, so there’s no need (or, probably, time) to jet off. Instead, check out are our top seven natural campsites in the Netherlands. 👇
Natural campsites in the Netherlands
Growing up in Brazil, I was surrounded by kaleidoscopic nature: beaches, Atlantic forests, animals, and insects (of all kinds 😅).
I’ll be honest, moving to the Netherlands felt like a big adjustment was coming — not just to the culture, but also the landscape.
When I moved to the Netherlands, I was unsure about adapting to a new culture AND landscape that was so different from home.
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But I didn’t need to worry! Natural campsites exist in the Netherlands, and not the kind full of caravans with TV aerials and suspicious teenage parties.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you find organised entertainment, shops, crowds and bars among what they offer.
Plus, meeting fellow peace-seeking campers really makes the experience. 🧘♀️
What are natural campsites?
In the Netherlands, the Groene Koepel Organisation determines if campsites are considered a “Natuurkampeerterreinen“: i.e. a place to camp in its purest form.
Investing in the organisation’s Green Guide (Het Groene Boeke) gives you an all-access pass for campsites across the Dutch provinces. It costs €15.95 per year and makes you an accredited nature camper!
You can check out their website for all the information you could possibly need about the wonderful natural camping world. 🌲
I’ve never been camping in the Netherlands before … what do I need?
You really don’t need to invest in all the gear or learn esoteric survival skills to go camping in the Netherlands.
Keep it simple! These campsites are great for a budget outdoor getaway.
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Obviously, you’ll need more rainproof gear in the autumn and winter; it’s still the Netherlands. Oh, and they can get pretty busy during summer…
So I say, spring is the best time to go camping in the Netherlands. Avoid the crowds and rain (hopefully). 🌦
Where are the natural campsites in the Netherlands?
There are a whopping 147 accredited natural campsites across the Netherlands, and you can filter by your preferred camping method to find the peaceful place for you!
Fancy going further afield? Neighbouring Belgium and France also have great options.
Different types of natural campsites in the Netherlands
Some of the accredited natural campsites are on the Staatsbosbeheer which means you can stay in the forest itself. 🌳
These are labelled as puur natuur campsites and are truly magical places to lay your head.
There’s generally no reception at the locations, so we recommend reserving online. If you drop by the site itself, you could also track down the forest keeper or booswachter.
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They’ll guide you to the empty section where you can put up your tent and experience Dutch nature on another level.
The campsites are family-friendly and have areas for group camping; if you’re looking for extra special facilities then the Green Book also offers “Natuur plus” or “Natuur comfort” options.
Recommended natural campsites in the Netherlands:
There are many great options in the Green Book, and these are our fabulous favourites:
1. Het Verse Gat, Zeeland
This is my personal favourite spot for camping in the Netherlands, located along the waters of the Veerse Bos in Zeeland.
To access it, you follow a short, narrow, sand road where you can park your car and walk to the entrance. Just double check before you park your car next to a tent on these natural campsites!
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The wonderful walking spots are the crowning jewel. With neighboring forests and seaside, both easily accessibly by bike, you’re onto a winner.
Fancy a day trip? The old cities of Veere and Middelburg are also close by.
2. Klein Frankrijk, Noord Brabant
This spot is ideal for a weekend away or a longer stay, and the friendly keepers maintain it to a very high standard.
You’ll see a pattern emerge with our recommendations; once again, a chance to swim or wander the forest is only five minutes away. 😉
Quietly located next to the Leenderbos, one thing this campsite has in abundance is space to breathe.
3. De Cokse Heide, Noord Limburg, Gelderland
Staying in the Gelderland region, this campsite is in the middle of the Maasduinen National Park.
Quite idyllically, it’s a forest located on a sand ridge between the Maas and the German border. The site itself offers many places to pitch or park up, whether on hills (yes, really!) or a cosy tree-lined corner.
We find De Cokse Heide a great spot for long bike rides or walking along the Maasduinen — a taste of a tropical environment! 🌴
4. Dasselaar, Flevoland
This campsite is also part of the Staatsbosbeheer and is located in Flevoland, the youngest province in the Netherlands.
READ MORE | Provinces in the Netherlands: the easy guide
This spot is great for hikers, cyclists, and mountain bikers. Find shade in this gezellig campsite under fruit or nut trees.
You can easily reach the Horsterworld forest, with a rich variety of trees and plants — and hikers, this place is famous for its wonderful forest routes. 🥾
5. Distelheide, Gelderland
Dazzling Distelheide is located on the way to the German border, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy a night by a crackling fire.
This particular region of the Netherlands is known for its diverse landscape, fields, and open nature.
You may even spot wild animals at night (talking from experience…) but they won’t disturb your silence. 💆♀️
6. West Terschelling, Friesland
Located on the island of Terschelling, this is a small campsite with wonderful open fields, spacious beaches and a sweet harbour nearby.
This is THE region for cycling. OK, that’s unofficial; let’s face it, there’s a lot of cycling competition in the Netherlands. But it does have an impressive 70 kilometres of bike paths to explore.
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One warning about Terschelling? It’s NOT a hidden gem. The island is a popular (and fantastic) holiday destination. So think twice if you’re a camper who prefers to avoid the crowds. ⚠
7. Landgoed Mariahoeve, Drenthe
What’s more convincing than a campsite with the UNESCO stamp of approval?
Find Landgoed Mariahoeve in the heart of De Hondsrug, the epitome of peace of quiet with many private spaces. Together with the surrounding area, this is the only geopark in the Netherlands!
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If you’re still feeling under-equipped and under-familiarised with the natural camping world — this place has got you covered.
You can sleep in a pipowagen (caravan) or a fully furnished safari tent for a super comfortable experience.
Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to check out natural campsites when planning your next outdoor getaway in the Netherlands.
In an incredible natural adventure, you won’t regret surrounding yourself with beautiful Dutch trees, beaches, lakes, forests, animals, and most importantly, FRESH air. 🏕
Have you ever been to a natural campsite in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments!
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
