Wild camping in the Netherlands – What is allowed?

Amsterdam with its canals and numerous museums, Rotterdam with its modern architecture or Maastricht with its medieval charm, a trip to the Netherlands is always worthwhile. And then there is the impressive landscape with its dunes and beaches on the North Sea, the endless tulip fields, the polders lined with windmills and the land surrounded by dykes. While the Hoge Veluwe National Park invites you to go hiking, the flat, extensive cycle paths are perfect for cycling. If you’re feeling peckish, you can satisfy your hunger with typical local specialties such as cheese, herring, pancakes and stroopwafels.

Do you prefer your vacation to be authentic, close to nature and practical? Then camping would be an excellent idea. If you prefer to stay away from the large campsites, spending the night in the open air could be an option. Is wild camping actually allowed in the Netherlands? Or do you have to look for an alternative?

Is wild camping allowed in the Netherlands?

You probably thought that in Holland, similar to the Scandinavian countries, everyman’s right applies. Unfortunately, this is not the case and therefore wild camping is not officially permitted in the Netherlands. Unauthorized camping and camping in the middle of nature can cost you up to 500 euros if you are caught. Until 2020, you still had an option to get close to wild camping in the Netherlands with so-called “pole campsites“. These were special campsites or accommodations that were built on stilts or poles above the ground. But these were abolished and banned.

Are there any special features of wild camping in the Netherlands?

Not only is wild camping prohibited in the Netherlands, but unlike in other European countries, it is also forbidden to spend the night, camp or bivouac on private land. You therefore don’t need to try asking local residents if you don’t want to be fined.

As strict as the ban on wild camping in the Netherlands may sound, there are still some exceptions. In some nature reserves, it is possible to bivouac in designated areas. It is best to pay attention to signs and notices wherever you are.

Can you go wild camping with a camper in the Netherlands?

Once you have found a designated parking space or a suitably marked area, you can spontaneously spend a night here with your camper. In small communities, these are even operated with some services, such as toilets and running water. With the LiFePO4 lithium battery on board, you are self-sufficient when it comes to energy anyway. The free pitches in the municipalities usually cost a small fee and are a small consolation if wild camping in the Netherlands doesn’t work out.

Are there alternatives to wild camping in the Netherlands?

An alternative to wild camping in the Netherlands are mini campsites, which stand out from large campsites with a family atmosphere, are quieter and cost significantly less. You’ll still have everything you need here. In addition, the location near dunes, forests and beaches is often very interesting. For families with children or animal lovers, farms are also an alternative to wild camping in the Netherlands. You may remember that camping on private land is officially prohibited in Holland. However, hospitable owners often have an ace up their sleeve so that you can spend a night on one of the farms.