Camping in the Netherlands: Campsites, Routes & Tips

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most camper-friendly and accessible destinations. Although small in size, it offers an incredible range of landscapes and experiences: endless sandy beaches, iconic dune systems, tulip fields, charming canals, national parks, cosy villages, modern cities and a famously relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle.

For motorhome travellers, the Netherlands is a dream:
✔ outstanding infrastructure
✔ an enormous choice of micro-campsites, farm camps, nature camps, marina camper spots, and urban camper parking
✔ easy driving conditions
✔ safe, clean, organised services everywhere

Camping is deeply rooted in Dutch culture. The country has over 2,000 campsites, more than 1,000 mini-campings, hundreds of official camperplaatsen (motorhome stopovers), and a huge network of nature camping grounds. Even in high season, it’s one of the easiest countries in Europe when it comes to finding a legal, comfortable spot to stay.

What makes the Netherlands truly unique is the variety:
You can sleep directly behind the dunes, on a quiet farm with animals, next to a marina, in the middle of a forest, or just outside a historic city like Utrecht or Delft.

The Netherlands is compact, easy to navigate, and incredibly convenient – perfect for a relaxed, stress-free motorhome trip.

2.1 Arriving with Your Own Motorhome

Most travellers arrive overland from:

• Germany → Eastern Netherlands (Enschede, Arnhem, Nijmegen)

• Belgium → Southern Netherlands (Maastricht, Breda, Zeeland)

• France → via Belgium → Zeeland or Noord-Brabant

• Denmark / Scandinavia → via Germany → Groningen or Friesland

The road network is excellent, signage is clear, and Dutch motorways are well maintained. Traffic can be heavy around major cities (Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht), especially during rush hours, but outside of that, driving is easy and relaxed.

There are no vignettes in the Netherlands and the majority of roads are toll-free, with only a few exceptions (like Liefkenshoek tunnel near the Belgian border)

2.2 Ferries to the Netherlands

All ferries allow motorhomes.

From the UK:

• Harwich → Hook of Holland (Stena Line)
  ~7 hours, overnight cabins available

• Hull → Rotterdam (P&O Ferries)
  ~12 hours overnight

• Newcastle → Amsterdam/IJmuiden (DFDS)
  ~15–16 hours overnight

Ferries from Scandinavia or the Baltics usually connect via Germany.

3.1 Documents

EU/EEA travellers need only:

• ID card or passport

• EU Pet Passport (if travelling with pets)

• Microchip + valid rabies vaccination

Dogs are widely accepted at campsites, cafés and walking trails.
Some beaches restrict dogs during July–August, but off-season access is excellent.

Travelling from the UK — What You Need

Since Brexit, UK citizens are treated as non-EU visitors. Entry is still straightforward, but you must follow a few rules:

You need:

• A valid passport

  • Must be less than 10 years old

  • Must be valid for at least 3 months after leaving the EU

• Motorhome insurance with European cover

• V5C (logbook) to prove vehicle ownership

• UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle
  (the old ‘GB’ sticker is no longer valid)

If travelling with a pet from the UK:

• The EU Pet Passport is no longer valid for UK-issued documents.

• You need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued within 10 days before travel.

• A microchip & up-to-date rabies vaccination are required.

• Each re-entry into the EU requires a new AHC.

Ferries from the UK to the Netherlands check documentation carefully, so keep everything easily accessible.

3.2 Vehicle Requirements

The Netherlands keeps its rules clear, modern and consistent:

• Low Emission Zones (LEZ) exist in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem.
  Older diesel vehicles (pre-Euro 3) may be restricted.
  Most modern motorhomes are unaffected, but it’s worth checking your engine class.

• Warning triangle is mandatory.

• Safety vest recommended (not required by law).

• Lights are not mandatory during the day, but using dipped headlights is advised in poor weather.

• Alcohol limit: 0.5‰ — strictly enforced.

Driving here is calm, controlled, and exceptionally predictable. Yet, the Netherlands comes with one special rule every camper must know

Daytime speed limit on motorways: 100 km/h

This rule surprises many visitors. It applies from 06:00 to 19:00 on most highways.
At night, the speed limit rises to 120 or 130 km/h.

General Speed Limits

• Urban areas: 30–50 km/h

• Rural roads: 80 km/h

• Motorways: 100 km/h day / 120–130 km/h night

Things to watch out for

• Cyclists appear everywhere — and they have priority.

• Narrow dike roads: beautiful, but tricky in windy weather.

• Rain & wind: storms can be strong near the coast.

The variety and quality of Dutch camping options are unmatched. There is a perfect spot for every type of traveller — from families to cyclists, from nature lovers to city explorers.

5.1 Traditional Campsites (Over 2,000 nationwide)

Dutch campsites are known for:

• spotless sanitary facilities

• lush green lawns

• quiet hours

• family-friendly design

• indoor play areas (rain-proof!)

• excellent Wi-Fi

• bread services and small cafés

Many coastal sites feel like small holiday resorts, with:

• restaurants

• climbing parks

• bike rentals

• direct dune access

Prices

• Low season: 18–35 €

• High season: 35–70 €

• Premium coast sites: 70–100 €
  
  
  5.2 Camperplaatsen – Dutch Motorhome Stopovers

The camperplaatsen network is one of the Netherlands’ greatest strengths.
These are official, legal overnight places made exclusively for motorhomes — similar to French Aires but often even cleaner and better organized.

You find them:

• in small villages

• at marinas

• near historic towns

• beside rivers and canals

• directly behind dunes

• next to bike routes

• even inside urban parks

What to expect

• paved, level parking

• waste disposal

• fresh water

• electricity available at many sites

• quiet and safe environment

• often scenic views (marinas!)

Prices range from free to 25 €, depending on location and services.

These stopovers feel almost like wild camping — quiet, close to nature — but completely legal and structured.

5.3 Mini-Camps (Minicamping / Boerencamping / SVR)

Mini-camps are the hidden gem of the Netherlands. They offer:

• farmland peace

• huge open meadows

• orchards with fruit trees

• private gardens with a dozen pitches

• animals (sheep, cows, goats, chickens)

• home-made products

• child-friendly atmospheres

They are significantly quieter than large campsites and perfect for travellers seeking authenticity and local connection.

Price range: 15–30 €

These micro-sites deliver one of the most charming camping experiences in Europe.

5.4 Wild Camping

Wild camping is not easy in the Netherlands and monitored by rangers.
Fines can be high, especially in:

• dune reserves

• beaches

• national parks

• forests

• farmland areas

The Netherlands is too densely populated for true wild camping.

But the excellent camperplaatsen network fully compensates for it — many are so scenic and peaceful.

Water & Waste

Super easy to find:

• camperplaatsen

• campsites

• marinas

• fuel stations

• many supermarkets

• nature areas

Everything is well maintained, clearly marked, and functioning.

Gas

• LPG is widely available

• Dutch gas bottles have unique fittings

• Foreign bottles cannot always be exchanged or filled

Solution for long trips: buy a Dutch bottle or use multi-adapters.

Shopping

Supermarkets are outstanding:

• Albert Heijn (premium)

• Jumbo (quality)

• Lidl (budget)

• Plus, Dirk, Coop (local favourites)

Markets are a food-lover’s paradise — fresh fish, cheese, fruit, vegetables, bread and pastries everywhere.

Try these foods:

• Stroopwafels (caramel waffles)

• Fresh herring

• Kibbeling (fried cod bites)

• Poffertjes (mini pancakes)

• Dutch cheese (countless regional varieties)

• Indonesian-Dutch Rijsttafel

• Bitterballen (crispy meat croquettes)

• Campsites: 20–50 €

• Camperplaatsen: 0–25 €

• LPG: moderate

• Diesel: mid-to-high EU range

• Groceries: moderate

• Eating out: moderate

• Motorways: free

The Netherlands is not cheap, but the comfort and cleanliness fully justify the costs.

Money-saving tips:
• Travel outside high season (May, June, September)
• Shop at markets instead of supermarkets
• Use simple campsites
• Drink tap water (very good quality)
• Free activities (cycling, beaches)

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s safest countries for road trips.

Still, some basic precautions apply:

• Be especially careful in major cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam)

• Make copies of important documents

• Avoid overnighting on motorway rest areas

• Use camperplaatsen or campsites instead

• Lock valuables out of sight

• Install a visible alarm sticker

• Expect extremely strong coastal winds in autumn and winter

• Watch for cyclists before opening doors

Healthcare is excellent, drinking water is clean everywhere, and emergency services respond quickly.