Sustainable & charming: unusual campsites and glamping sites in the Netherlands

We are over! We have embraced the Netherlands as a holiday destination and we even think our own little country is one of the very best summer holiday destinations. Not wanting to fly so often anymore, we started to explore the Netherlands as a holiday destination to satisfy our travel cravings. In this article, we share all the special child-friendly campsites and glamping sites we discovered or that are on our bucket list, because we got them tipped off by readers or followers.

Dutch campsites and glamping sites that do things a little differently

This list had to and would come one day. With the launch of my sustainable lifestyle book: NIKS NIEUWS, yet it will surprise you the time had finally come. I sat down and made a list of all the great Dutch camping and glamping addresses I have personally discovered (or saved to my computer because I have been tipped off) in the past few years.

In my book, I take you through my sustainable quest. For each lifestyle topic, I tell you what is going on in (and with) the world, I tell you what the process has been like for me personally and I share lots of tips I have gained over the past few years. Your holiday style is also discussed in detail.

In my book, you will also find ideas for sustainable holidays. Some are directly in a book and others you can look up with QR codes, so like this article. Because that's more convenient because I can then easily update these online lists when a new holiday address is added or one sadly disappears. And so this is the list for unusual camping and glamping addresses in the Netherlands.

There it is: your new holiday guide

This list of Dutch campsites and glamping sites is not exhaustive, but is meant to get you started. Do you have a nice tip? Then feel free to contact me, so I can expand the list. You can get in touch via the follow and contact buttons at the bottom of this page.

Are you curious about my book? I get that! You can order it from my webshop. I would love that!

For the bucket list: Dutch campsites and glamping sites with a golden edge

Coming up: the list! Some of the Dutch campsites and glamping sites listed below we discovered (and visited) ourselves, but most of them are on my bucket list because I got them tipped to me from my Instagram community. Because of all these great tips, I realise all too well that this is just a top yet and there is so much I haven't seen yet. All these campsites are child-friendly and also have their own accommodation that you can book if you don't have a tent, camper or caravan.

• With us in Groesbeek (Groesbeek, Gelderland)

A beautiful and cosy landscape campsite located in the outskirts of Groesbeek (near Nijmegen and the German border). Besides about forty camping pitches, they have several special accommodations for rent.

• Blijland (Voorschoten, Noord-Holland)

Back to basics in paradise: sleeping under the stars, making your own fire and cooking outside.

• Farmer's Bed

Small-scale and luxury camping at the farmer's on sites throughout the Netherlands (and beyond). The tents are impressive and fully equipped.

• Forest campsite Zwanemeer (Gieten, Drenthe)

Camp among the trees in the beautiful Zwanemeer forest. Here you can hike, cycle, mountain bike, swim in the nearby outdoor swimming pool or enjoy the peace and quiet. Not such a camping hero? No worries, then book one of the accommodations such as a furnished tent, tiny house or camper van. In summer, there is an animation team.

• The Orchard Estate (Bunnik, Utrecht)

Well hidden behind tall pine trees lies Utrecht's best-kept secret. At Buitengoed de Boomgaard, you will experience the ultimate outdoor feeling. In need of city entertainment? Then you can be in Utrecht in less than half an hour by bike or a few minutes by car or train.

• Beekhuizen country estate (Velp, Gelderland)

The small-scale glamping-only holiday park offers year-round comfortable accommodation in one of our lodge tents, pods or forest cabins, all with private sanitary facilities. For delicious food, a drink or other tasty refreshments, you can visit the restaurant with its terrace. All this amid the unspoilt nature of Veluwezoom National Park.

• Camping Bakkum (Bakkum, North Holland, near the sea)

A paradise in the middle of the forest and close to the sea. This creative family campsite offers beautiful camping pitches and accommodation. This campsite is located in the middle of the dune reserve just 950 metres from Castricum beach. You can walk from the campsite via a dune path. Get a breath of fresh sea air with your feet in the sand or settle down at one of the pavement cafés. 

• Camping Boven ‘t Maaiveld (Hoogwoud, North Holland)

Free and slightly idiosyncratic campsite between the North Sea and the IJsselmeer with fifty pitches, bell tents, a tiny house, campfire place and orangery. Do not expect overflowing entertainment programmes, but other (kids') activities and, above all, space to discover by yourself.

• Camping BuitenLand (Zandpol, Drenthe)

BuitenLand is a colourful and quirky campsite where everyone is welcome. A place where you can go as a family, but also fine on your own. The nine-hectare site is hidden between a Forestry Commission forest and a natural swimming lake. Young and old won't be bored for a moment thanks to the original programming and performances. And oh yes, there is also an outdoor swimming pool.

• Camping De Houtwal (Paasloo, Overijssel)

Camp at a small atmospheric campsite on the edge of National Park Weerribben-Wieden. Located along an idyllic country lane is this cheerful pearl of a campsite. A spot for those who enjoy the outdoors, alpacas, cosiness and campfires and who don't need a TV. You can come with your own camping equipment or book a tent or cheerful accommodation with a high pipo content.

• Camping de Kooi (Terschelling)

Camping De Kooi is a very beautiful and centrally located campsite on the Wadden island of Terschelling. The campsite lies at the foot of the twenty-metre-high Arjensduin in the midst of nature. Next to the campsite is the Hee dune lake where you can swim. The villages and beach are easily accessible by bike. The site is car-free, allowing children to roam freely. De Kooi is a 3.5-star ANWB charm campsite.

Camping de Kooi on Terschelling. Want to know more about Terschelling? Check out all the great Terschelling tips. The main photo of this article (top) is Camping Kallumaan in Flevoland.

• Camping De Lakens (North Holland, near the sea)

Hidden between the dunes is Camping de Lakens, in the middle of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Within a thousand steps you are on the beach of Bloemendaal. The campsite has a wellness area with sauna and you can use the gym for free.

• Camping De Lievelinge (Vuren, Gelderland)

A creative stronghold for makers, freethinkers, life artists and adventurers of all ages with a colourful mix of classic camping, luxury and unusual rental accommodation and seasonal palaces.

• Camping De Roos (Beerze-Ommen, Overijssel)

Staying at Huttopia De Roos campsite, just 2 hours from Amsterdam, is the ideal way to get to know the province of Overijssel. Enjoy a relaxing holiday in beautiful natural surroundings!

• Camping De Vriendschap (Putten, Gelderland)

A small-scale campsite on the Veluwe with four cosy cottages, a Tiny House, a Pipowagen and a number of spacious camping pitches.

• Camping Fraai (Haulerwijk, Friesland)

A small-scale mini campsite located on a hidden piece of land in Friesland, but Groningen and Drenthe are just around the corner. From Camping Fraai, you can literally go in any direction. Cycle hire, shops, restaurants and other amenities are within walking and cycling distance. Lovely villages such as Veenhuizen, Norg and Bakkeveen are within cycling distance. For longer distances, the bus stop is right outside the door.

• Camping Geversduin (Castricum, Noord-Holland, near the sea)

Tent, caravan or motorhome or how about accommodation with all the comforts? At Camping Geversduin, you can camp the way you want to. Good to know: dogs are allowed on a separate part of the campsite. And for children there is plenty to do on and around this campsite. There is also a ‘nature-style’ restaurant where fresh local produce is used. The campsite is located in the dunes of North Holland, in a wooded area not far from the beach and sea.

• Camping Het Bos Roept (Slootdorp, North Holland)

Het Bos Roept is a nature campsite in North Holland that is constantly on the move, building and trying new things. If you're looking for a winter campsite, you're also in the right place. They are open all year round. Come and enjoy yourself by your own fired fire, cook and eat in the covered shelter or crawl under a rug by the woodstove in the cosy seating area. In autumn and winter, take the most beautiful forest walks in the surrounding Robbenoord forest.

• Kallumaan campsite (Noordoostpolder, Flevoland)

At Netl Camping Kallumaan, you stay overnight in the middle of wild nature. Ranging from bamboo forests to elephant trails to idyllic beaches, the verdant grounds have something in store for every camper. ‘Kallumaan’ is the motto but there is plenty to do for young and old alike. Besides a lovely place to stay, when you book, you also get access to the vast nature reserve, countless activities and a packed agenda. Go on an adventure or relax in a paradise of nature and creativity!

• Camping Lo Lotte (Neede, Gelderland)

Camping Lo Lotte goes left where other children's campsites go right. No hopping animation teams or a screaming indoor playground, but exploring nature together to simply getting dirty. This is a campsite for inspired tree-huggers, curious backyard adventurers, intrepid scouts (up to ten years old) and their parents. In short, a campsite for if you love playing outdoors!

• Camping Noorderloo (Vriescheloo, Groningen)

Camping Noorderloo is a sustainable campsite (43 spots) in Groningen with glamping accommodation, swimming pond and a vegan lunch café.

• Camping Oetdoor (Haarlo, Gelderland)

The Scandinavia Experience in the Achterhoek. Unique overnight stays in Scandinavian accommodation or with your own camping equipment. At the park, you can use canoes, sups, kayaks and the special pans for the campfire for free. They also have - what else - a sauna and a spa. Get back to basics and enjoy being outdoors together by the campfire.

• Campsite City & Country (Ommeren, Gelderland)

A small-scale campsite in Ommeren in the heart of the Betuwe. Tiel, the charming town of Buren and the Isle of Maurik are just around the corner. Mother Nature has gone all out here. This campsite is in the fruit garden of the Netherlands, but also in the middle of the river area between the rivers Waal, Rijn and Linge with floodplains, dykes with panoramic views and swimming beaches. Or how about the backyard Utrechtse Heuvelrug, which you can literally see from the campsite.

• Camping Stortemelk (Vlieland)

Camping by the sea on the beautiful Wadden Island of Vlieland. This is a campsite where you can still camp in tents in a dune area, just a row of dunes away from the North Sea beach. Where there is always a fresh sea breeze and where young and old experience unforgettable holidays. Every season there is a recreational, sports and cultural summer programme. Besides the atmospheric forest and dune cottages and the diverse range of beautiful rental tents, Stortemelk has a 37-person group accommodation.

• Campsite at sea (Scharrendijke, Zeeland)

A mini campsite in Zeeland in a rural setting with unobstructed views of the polders of Scharendijke. Windsurfing, kiting, wave surfing, diving, swimming, fishing, cycling, hiking and above all relaxing... Camping Zilt bij Zee is a wonderful place for your holiday in Zeeland!

• Camping Zonnehoeve (Oudenhoor, South Holland)

Where can you still smell the apple blossom, pick your bouquet from the flower garden and harvest your evening meal fresh from the vegetable garden? You can experience all that at this ecological nature campsite! All fifty spacious camping pitches overlook the greenery and are surrounded by various fruit and nut trees. The campsite is located in the small village of Oudenhoorn, near Hellevoetsluis, on the island of Zuid-Holland; Voorne-Putten. Close to the beach and the sea but also near historic fortified towns, nature reserves, the Haringvliet, port city Rotterdam and numerous other attractions.

• The Strange Bird (Vlaardingen, South Holland)

Located on the edge of the city and nature. A place to dream and to leave the hustle and bustle behind for a while. De Vreemde Vogel wants to create a surprising place for young and old. Enjoying the good (outdoors) life together, eating and drinking good food and letting your thoughts fly!

• The Lemeler Esch (Lemele Overijssel)

Wake up at the foot of Lemelerberg and experience Dutch nature. The Lemelerberg is a hilly nature reserve that originated during the penultimate ice age. This is when high lateral moraines formed in the landscape. With a height of almost eighty metres, the Lemelerberg is one of the highest points in Overijssel. You can stay here with your own camping equipment or book accommodation. You can discover nature yourself or join organised activities. This campsite has won several awards, including for their sustainable operations.

• The ReCreation (Leusden, Utrecht)

Creative nature campsite and breeding ground. ReCreatie is tucked away in the forests of Leusden, just below Amersfoort, on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. This former military campsite is five hectares and a beautiful mix of forest, heathland and hills. This campsite is an ongoing experiment that started in 2021 and is still going to blossom and grow. So don't expect a raked campsite or gravel beds with conifers. What you will find is a beautiful forest, an irregular activity programme and a mix of peace and bustle. You can bring your own camping equipment or rent a funny cabin.

• Dune campsite De Lepelaar (Sint Maartenszee, Noord-Holland, near the sea)

Do you also love the relaxed camping life, unspoilt nature, vast dunes and a day at the beach? At De Lepelaar, they cherish their unique spot in the middle of the dunes, on the edge of nature reserve Het Zwanenwater right next to the North Sea! You can camp on the car-free campsite with your own camping equipment, but you can also rent one of the sustainable dune huts or other comfortable accommodation.

• Heritage Bossom (Lattrop-Breklenkamp, Overijssel)

Letting you taste, smell, hear, see and feel how wonderful country life is: that is what Erfgoed Bossem wants. And they do so from an ancient farmyard in Twente that has been inhabited since 1272. Besides their nature-inclusive livestock farming, you can eat and stay overnight here in an original and sustainable way. Get a lodging of your choice and on Saturday evening, slide into our Twente table d'hôte.

• Erve Punte (Losser, Overijssel)

A clear starry sky, a view over fields and forests, hidden in nature, away from crowds, in a casual atmosphere. That's staying at Erve Punte. Hidden in the middle of Twente nature. A nostalgic place with an age-old story. Whether you prefer small-scale camping or a cosy hiker's hut. Do not expect an exuberant entertainment team, tightly demarcated pitches or a board full of house rules.

• The Good Life (Veghel, North Brabant)

Camping at the Good Life is camping the way you like it. Camp in style and comfort in one of the beautiful safari lodges or trendy glampervans. Or would you rather set off in your own tent or caravan? You can choose a spot at the edge of the woods or the cosy central ring by the swimming pool.

• The Wylde Path (Twijzelerheide, Friesland)

Small-scale holiday park in Friesland where you can completely unwind. Here you can take beautiful walks and immerse yourself in the Frisian landscape. At Het Wylde Pad, you will stay in one of the inflected gems. Will you choose a yurt, flat, group house, farmhouse or holiday home with hot tub?

• In the bush (Ermelo, Gelderland)

On the edge of the heathland, hidden in the woods, is camping and bungalow park in the Rimboe. This gently sloping site full of pine trees, lawns, playgrounds and cottages is the ideal place on the Veluwe to relax. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a summer entertainment team and an indoor music stage.

• Kampari (Delfstrahuizen, Friesland)

Luxury camping in peace and quiet in the middle of the beautiful countryside of Friesland, close to the Frisian lakes and the eleven cities. Kampari is the perfect base for cycling, hiking, water sports and enjoying the peace and quiet and each other.

• Estate Energy Up (Zeewolde, Flevoland)

Estate Energy Up is a place where you recharge, make new friends, unwind and get active at the same time. Located in the beautiful nature reserve of Zeewolde, the estate offers various activities to relax and renew. 

• Mariahoeve estate (Papenvoort, Drenthe)

A magical setting. For a different kind of tourism. Beyond the clichés. The Mariahoeve is a wooded area, with a beautiful Lake Pingo. The 20-hectare nature campsite has 90 pitches. They also have a number of comfortably furnished tipi tents, stargazers, domes, yurts and contemporary sleeping trailers. This campsite is open all year round and in high season they organise fun activities such as cooking together, game picking and morning meditation.

• Otter Lake estate (Wouwse Plantage, North Brabant)

Here you can enjoy a wonderful swimming pond with sandy beach, canoes, cable car, large natural camping pitches, fine beach lofts and many natural play opportunities. The camping site is surrounded by 15 hectares of Ottermeerbos with two natural ponds, meadows with horses and the permaculture vegetable, flower and herb garden. Besides the beautiful nature, all kinds of activities and workshops are offered.

• Rorik estate (Beverwijk, North Holland)

Get away from the daily grind and enjoy the outdoors, the animals, the cosiness and the creative excesses at Rorik. At the mini-camping site, you can pitch your own tent or rent an eco-lodge.

• Minicamping de Dobbe (Kollumerzwaag, Friesland)

Minicamping De Dobbe is a paradise in Friesland for true peace seekers. The campsite is located in the Frisian Woods, an area where you can enjoy nature in peace and quiet. There is a jeux-des-boule court and a playground for the little ones. The surroundings offer beautiful cycling and walking routes, and there are also nice villages and towns nearby that are really worth a visit.

• Mölke (Zuna, Overijssel)

Holiday park for real bon vivants in the middle of Twente's nature. The place where you can discover what it is like to live life at a slow pace. Sleep under the stars in one of the few places in the Netherlands where it still gets really dark. Take a trip through the unique wooded surroundings. And whether you are small or big, go and play together! Because what do you care?

• Nature campsite Hartje Groen (Schaik, North Brabant)

In the sunny south, in Burgundy Brabant, where life is good, lies charming camping Hartje Groen. Hidden in the woods, in the middle of the Maashorst nature reserve. This is the place to be! Lazing around on the nature campsite, walking or cycling through vast forests and heathlands. 

• Nessst (Doetinchem, Gelderland)

Sustainable nature campsite near Doetinchem.

• Rock-solid (Stramproy, Limburg)

A campsite for families who enjoy campfires, playing children, nature, flowers, plants and butterflies. It is a paradise for outdoor children up to ten years old. They can play in a pile of sand, on the fort, with bikes and tractors, build huts, shop in the cottage, get dirty and make lots of friends. In fine weather, water fun is provided. Of course, a campfire with treats is not missing! In short, a wonderful place Ideal for an alternative and green holiday in the south of the country. Nearby are the Maas lakes for lots of water fun.

• Oest Farm & Stay (Ritthem, Zeeland)

On the Hof ter Linde estate in Zeeland lies Oest. A farm with accommodation where your senses will be caressed. Camp in the food forest, spend the night in the holiday home, sample the land or work on permaculture projects. The entire site is six hectares, the 25 tent and camper pitches are spread over three hectares, this is unique in Zeeland!

• Parc Extraordinary (Ven-Zelderheide, Limburg)

Parc Buitengewoon is a place where you can really unwind. Just the way you want it. You can opt for a nature cottage, tiny house, studio, suite or glamping in one of the permanent tents. The pleasure of camping, but without lugging your things around.

• RØSTIG (Kedichem, Utrecht)

Close to the Randstad, you sleep at RØSTIG in a tipi or wooden pod in nature and come to RØST through two to three workshops a day around yoga, self-development, creativity and meditation. You can also canoe, sup-board, enjoy the wellness or meet others. RØSTIG is not silence, but relaxation, lasting rest and recharging. At RØST, cosiness and comfort are paramount. You will always find a lovely bed, pack of fresh linen, electricity is available in the accommodation and outside there is an outdoor stove and relaxing outdoor chairs. You get cooking utensils, plates and cutlery on arrival so you can cook over your own fire.

• Surf & Family Ameland

A surf camp on Ameland for sporty families.

• Terra Wolde (Zeewolde, Flevoland)

Not a campsite, nor a glamping, but an outdoor hotel. Enjoy the simple outdoors and experience the rhythm of nature. At Terra Wolde, you book a package, eat pure dishes prepared on wood fire from our own forest garden; sleep in one of our comfortable accommodations; take a refreshing morning dive; relax in a hammock; sup at dusk; roll out your yoga mat on the yoga deck or spot wildlife in the forest.

Terra Wolde is sustainable comfort with lots of outdoors, pure food, delicious coffee and fine recreation. 

• Villa Vagebond (Zennewijnen, Gelderland)

Enjoy camping in your own country, but with a difference. Whether you want to stay in the smallest tiny house in the Netherlands or in a converted wine barrel, it is possible at Villa Vagebond.

• Voscheheugte (Mantinge, Drenthe)

At de Voscheheugte you can have a nice stay and a delicious meal. This idyllic nature campsite is located opposite the beautiful Mantingerzand. Natuurmonumenten is developing a varied nature area of over eleven hundred hectares here. An ideal base for a short or long stay in Drenthe. On the site you will find ten nature huts, two retro caravans, thirty spacious pitches and a hikers' field. Kids are welcome, dogs too.

• Zwier (Vinkeveen, North Holland)

Connecting with yourself and from there with those around you. Time to let the day happen and do what feels right. Come stay, sail, be outdoors, eat delicious and healthy food, loaf, have great conversations and get inspired. Alone. Together. It's all possible at Zwier.

Pentecost weekend at Buitenland campsite in Drenthe.

Also discovered a special campsite?

Have you discovered a special campsite that also belongs in this list? If so, please let us know! You can pass on tips via the contact and follow buttons at the bottom of this page. We are happy to expand this list to allow as many holidaymakers as possible to make more sustainable choices.

More sustainable tips from thegreenlist.nl

• Also see: Taking sustainable souvenirs on holiday? Here's how to choose responsibly!
• Also see: packing tips, because less = more, even on holiday!
• Also see: tips for a sustainable cycling holiday in the Netherlands.
  
  

Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.