The Netherlands has surprisingly much to offer for people looking for peace, space and nature. Away from the busy tourist attractions are numerous lesser-known outdoor destinations in the Netherlands that lend themselves perfectly to a unique camping experience. From vast heathlands to quiet dune landscapes, these hidden gems are waiting to be discovered.
1. National Park De Maasduinen: peace and variety in Limburg
Located in northern Limburg you will find National Park De Maasduinen: a varied landscape of forests, heathland and shifting sands. It is an oasis of tranquility, where you can take beautiful walks and admire rare flora and fauna. Perfect for a quiet camping vacation in nature.
2. The Loonse and Drunense Dunes: the Brabant Sahara
This "Brabant Sahara" is one of the largest areas of drifting sand in Western Europe. But still a lesser-known outdoor destination in the Netherlands. The Loonse en Drunense Duinen offer silence, space and impressive sand plains. Ideal if you love open landscapes and long walks.
3. National Park Lauwersmeer: bird paradise by the water
On the border of Friesland and Groningen lies the versatile Lauwersmeer area. This national park is known for its birdlife and expansive views of water and reed beds. Quiet campsites here offer a perfect base for nature lovers.
4. The Gelderse Poort: border area full of nature
Between the Netherlands and Germany, along the river Waal, you will find the Gelderse Poort. This area consists of floodplains, rivers and forests. It is an excellent place for a quiet camping vacation with walks along the water.
5. National Park De Groote Peel: bog and silence
On the border of North Brabant and Limburg lies National Park De Groote Peel, one of the few remaining raised bog areas in the Netherlands. This quiet and wetland area is ideal for nature lovers looking for silence and special nature.
6. National landscape Het Groene Woud: the heart of Brabant
In the heart of Brabant lies Het Groene Woud, a tangle of forests, meadows and streams. This area offers numerous quiet camping spots where you can enjoy the harmony of the Brabant countryside.
7. The Rijk van Nijmegen: hills and history
This hilly area around Nijmegen offers a surprising amount of tranquility and nature. With its vast forests, rolling fields and historic charm, it is an ideal destination for a peaceful camping experience.
8. The Dwingelderveld: silence in Drenthe
This vast heath and forest area in Drenthe is one of the largest wet heaths in Europe. Despite its size, it is a peaceful area where you can enjoy long walks and the vastness of nature.
9. The Sallandse Heuvelrug: rolling nature in Overijssel
Located in Overijssel, the Sallandse Heuvelrug offers a varied landscape of forests and heathlands. This national park is one of the lesser known outdoor destinations in the Netherlands, but definitely worth a visit.
10. National Park South-Kennemerland: dunes and silence by the sea
This park, located on the North Holland coast, offers a unique dune landscape and peaceful forests. Despite its proximity to the Randstad, this park remains a tranquil destination.
Why choose lesser-known outdoor destinations?
Who leaves the beaten track, finds peace, nature and adventure. These lesser-known places are less crowded, so you can walk, cycle or just relax in complete silence. Moreover, many of these areas are in or near national parks and nature reserves, making them ideal for nature lovers.
