The Netherlands has 450 kilometres of North Sea coastline with beautiful beaches, more than 2700 campsites and 37,000 km of cycle paths. You’ve found the perfect place to enjoy a camping holiday on the coast.
What do you imagine when you think about Holland? Amsterdam, windmills and cheese? Maybe also camping? You should think of the last one first: Our neighbour is the camping paradise par excellence! The Dutch are also big fans of camping, and their large selection of well-equipped campgrounds is so inspiring to German campers that they return there year after year. Find out what makes Holland the perfect destination for camping holidays and how you can get there. From the regulations of wild camping, to the best regions and activities and our favourite campsites near the sea.
5 Reasons Why Camping by the Sea in Holland
Camping on the Dutch coast offers a unique experience. From the wide beaches to the fresh sea air. Here are 5 reasons to pitch your tent next to the sea.
Accessibility:
You can easily reach the Dutch border from Germany in a matter of hours and begin your camping trip without having to make a long or expensive journey.
Camping dreams come true:
The campsites near the sea are perfect for anyone who wants to stay on a quiet and simple campsite, or a campsite that is well-equipped with many amenities.
Diverse regions and leisure activities
Holland is a place where you will never get bored. There is nothing that can stop you from enjoying a relaxing holiday on the beach, but there are also many other activities and excursions to enjoy in the region by the sea. You could visit one of the parks for families with children, or explore the cycle paths. Or, simply stroll around the charming little towns.
What are the best camping conditions with kids or a dog?
The Netherlands is not only dog-friendly but also child-friendly. It’s the perfect place to take your family camping or to travel with your dog camping companion.
Warm locals
You will soon learn why the Dutch have a relaxed and open mentality.
Camping in Holland at the Best Time of Year
The months of April to October are the best time to travel to Holland for camping. The best time to visit Holland for a beach vacation is between June and August. The low season is ideal if you are looking to avoid crowds on campsites and long lines at attractions. The spring is one of the most beautiful times of year, as you can enjoy the beauty of the tulip fields from March to May. This blog post will tell you what else camping holidays outside of high season have to offer. Many campsites remain open throughout the year in Holland due to its mild winters.
How to Get to the Camping by the Sea
Holland is the ideal destination for those who want to avoid a long, tiring trip and instead enjoy the beach, sea and holiday as soon as possible. It only takes a few minutes to drive from Germany to the Dutch borders in a camper, car or motorhome. From Munich and Berlin, it takes 6.5 hours. You can even camp right outside your door if you hire one of our CamperBoys Campers in Dusseldorf. It only takes 1 hour to reach the Netherlands.
Holland is only two of the twelve provinces of the Netherlands. They are North Holland and South Holland, located in the northwest. Holland and the Netherlands are used interchangeably in common usage.
Wild Camping in Holland: Can You Camp by the Sea?
Wild camping, even on private land, is strictly prohibited. If you violate this law, you could be fined up to EUR500 for each person. You don’t need to abandon camping in nature. There are many campsites with idyllic settings in the countryside, or behind dunes and the sea. The small, family-run “mini campsites” are the closest to the feeling of wild camping. You can find a list of mini-campsites in each Dutch province. We have provided more information and alternative options for wild camping in Holland.
In addition to wild camping, you must also observe a few rules in road traffic when driving your camper.
- Holland’s official motorway speed limit is 100 km/h and 120-130 km/h respectively, for cars. The motorways are free to use, with two exceptions.
- When looking for parking spaces, be careful: A yellow mark on the curb means there is no parking allowed. A blue mark means parking can only be done with a parking permit.
- If you park in a paid-for space, be sure not to exceed the maximum time allowed. Otherwise, you may face expensive fines.
Holland’s Most Beautiful Areas and Camping by the Sea
Camping, Holland and the sea go together. You will find all that you need in Holland if you want to enjoy the sea, waves, sun, and wind in a country that is camping-friendly. The three provinces that line the coast, Zeeland and South Holland, as well as North Holland, each have their charm and offer a variety of leisure and excursion options.
After you’ve decided on the region you want to visit, all that is left is to find the perfect campsite near the sea. There are more than 2,000 camping sites to choose from, making it difficult for you to make a decision. You can find everything from simple campsites in a family-friendly atmosphere to 5-star campsites that offer amazing facilities like restaurants, swimming pools, and children’s entertainment. We have selected our favourite regions, leisure activities, and campsites near the sea to help you plan your holiday.
Region 1
Zeeland
Zeeland, located on the coast of the North Sea in the southwest part of Holland, is waiting for you. The province of Zeeland is located in southwest Holland, on the North Sea coast. It has many islands and peninsulas, and the highest number of hours of sunshine. This region is popular not only with sunbathers, but also families with young children and watersport enthusiasts. Here you will find the most beautiful and cleanest Dutch beaches, with sugary sand that has a South Sea flair. The 11-kilometre-long sandy beach at Zwin is one example. Another is the beach in Cadzand-Bad, with its dreamy sunsets, or the Dishoek Beach, where you can enjoy a view of the North Sea from up to 50-metre-high dune heights.
Oostkapelle and Breskens offer the perfect place to try windsurfing and kitesurfing. You should also visit medieval villages and towns like Middelburg on your camping trip. Veere is our favourite small town. It’s the epitome of a charming small town. We recommend that you sit by the water and enjoy the atmosphere.
Zeeland Camping Sites
- Ardoer Julianahoeve: This large campsite in Zeeland near the beach, which has won ADAC Superplatz numerous times, offers beautiful pitches for tents, motorhomes, campers and caravans. The campsite is ideal for families with children. There are playgrounds, swimming pools, an animation team and a water park.
- Camping Strandpark De Zeeuwse Kust: This campsite and holiday park is 250 metres away from the beach. The little ones will enjoy the outdoor, indoor and water playgrounds, as well as entertainment and air trampolines. For the older campers, there is a tennis court, a wellness centre and restaurants.
- Insider tip: Camping Janse. If you’re looking for a quieter and smaller campsite, this is the place to go. The campsite is located on the Walcheren Peninsula. The staff will welcome you in the well-maintained grounds behind the dunes. The beach is only a few minutes away.
Region 2
South Holland
South Holland is the Netherlands in one location. Here you will find tulips and windmills as well as lively towns, tasty cheese, beautiful beaches, and vibrant towns. In spring, visit the flower garden of Keukenhof or cycle along the Bollenstreek region to see tulip fields. You can visit some of Holland’s best cities, such as Leiden, The Hague, or Rotterdam and walk along canals, half-timbered homes, and other attractions. You can also try the stroopwafels and the famous cheese from Gouda. Visit the 19 Windmills of Kinderdijk, which date back to the 18th century. They are located along picturesque waterways and green fields.
South Holland also has sandy beaches. Scheveningen has great beaches with a pier and a great dune landscape. Noordwijk aan Zee, on the other hand, is a holiday resort that has clean, wide sandy beaches. Katwijk aan Zee also has a beautiful North Sea beach that was awarded a blue flag for its excellent water quality. If you are camping with your dog, you will be pleased to know that many beaches welcome four-legged friends.
South Holland Campsites
- Campsite Molecaten Park Noordduinen: This campsite and holiday park is located in Katwijk aan Zee. From here, you can easily reach the beach and enjoy great day trips. You can retreat to the indoor pool if the weather is bad. If the weather is nice, you can try the climbing wall or rent a bicycle from the campsite.
- Camping Jagtveld You will feel comfortable at this family campground, as it is filled with Dutch “Gezelligheid”. You can walk to a quiet, beautiful beach from the campsite. The Hague is a great base to explore Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague.
- Camp Vlietland : Yay! Here you can wake up with a beautiful water view from your motorhome or camper. The campsite, which was lovingly created by the couple who own it, is located directly on the edge of a lake. The sea is also not far, and in 15 minutes you can cycle to Leiden along the canal.
Region 3
North Holland
North Holland could also become your favourite camping destination by the sea. You should put a trip to Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, and Utrecht on your bucket list. Bicycles are a great way to explore the charming quarters in the cities. They have become an integral part of Dutch culture. Zandvoort is only 40 minutes from Amsterdam and offers beautiful beaches, water sports and a great atmosphere for those who enjoy surfing, kitesurfing or SUP. Schoorl and Bergen are among the most beautiful resorts on the North Holland coast. They are also great beach destinations for families.
You can also take a ferry from Den Helder to the island of Texel, located in the north. You can enjoy the North Sea, the Wadden Sea, and the idyllic dunes of the Wadden Sea. You might be lucky enough to see a seal! There will be sheep. The island has as many sheep as people.
North Holland Campsites
- Camping “t Noorder Sandt. This family-friendly camping near Julianadorp offers the best conditions for an outdoor holiday with the sun in the Netherlands. You can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, cycling, or canoeing. You can bring your four-legged friend also, and they even get their own shower.
- Ardoer Camping Tempelhof: The camping is located close to the seaside resort Callantsoog and offers many sports and play facilities. The beach is only 1.5 km away and can be reached on foot or by bike. There are luxury pitches or luxury chalets available for those who want to enjoy themselves.
- Insider tip: Camping site Molen de Hoop. There is probably no other Dutch campsite where you can stay the night so Dutchly as this one, as the pitches are situated directly around an ancient mill. After a long day at the beach, you can indulge in a delicious apple tart from the farm shop of the mill.
Camping on the beach in Holland: Our conclusion
Could we convince you that camping in Holland and the sea is THE ideal combination for your next camping holiday? We would love to drive straight to our neighbouring country and jump into the camper to enjoy the beautiful beaches along the North Sea Coast with their tranquillity and relaxation, the well-equipped camping sites by the sea, charming holiday resorts and lively cities, as well as the many leisure and sports activities Holland offers. You can’t help but agree with us: Go to Holland! You’re off on an adventure to the Netherlands!
