Camping de Lakens
Quick Facts
- Dune-side campground within walking distance of the North Sea beach, Netherlands
- Promoted as “dé strandcamping van Nederland”
- Adjacent to a surrounding national park (“Nationaal Park”) that offers dune walking routes
- Operated by Kennemer Duincampings, which also manages Camping Geversduin, Camping Bakkum and Watertoren Duin & Bosch
- Direct beach access – within roughly 100 steps guests reach the shoreline
- Core on-site services: Restaurant Gestrand, SPAR Supermarkt, sauna, massage, beauty treatment areas, reception shop
- Additional on-site wellness spaces include the Wellness Dome and a fitness gym for bootcamp classes (gym accessible at all times)
- The sauna is also accessible to guests at any time during their stay.
- Full recreation program provides organised activities for all ages, including dedicated children’s sessions with Zep de Zeemeeuw
- Dedicated 3 km Wisentenpad bison trail opens annually from 1 September to 1 March for self-guided or ranger-led walks
- Mobile services: Camping de Lakens App (NL, DE, EN) for information and bookings
- Website booking widget lets guests choose arrival and departure dates, specify guest numbers, and filter for Wi-Fi, rental units and camping pitches
- Wi-Fi available across camping pitches and rental units
- Arrangement packages can be booked in advance of the season.
- Website and booking system available in Dutch (NL), German (DE) and English (EN).
- Large children’s playground located next to Restaurant Gestrand.
- Season pitches (Seizoenkamperen) allow guests to reserve a camping pitch for the entire camping season.
- Restaurant Gestrand offers a varied menu.
- Downloadable campsite map (Plattegrond) available online.
- Accommodation booking categories include ‘Kampeerplaatsen’ for own tents, caravans or motorhomes and a variety of rental units under ‘Accommodaties’.
Overview
Camping de Lakens offers camping and accommodation options tucked between the coastal dunes. Guests can walk to the beach in under a minute, explore the adjacent national park and make use of on-site dining at Restaurant Gestrand or grocery shopping at the SPAR Supermarkt. Wellness choices cover sauna visits, massages, beauty treatments and yoga sessions in the Wellness Dome, while a fitness gym hosts regular bootcamp workouts within the Fit & Zen programme. Children join a recreation programme led by mascot Zep de Zeemeeuw, and larger gatherings such as Surfana Family Camp and Dune Fest 2026 bring surf culture, music and family-friendly activities to the grounds. Seasonal highlights include access to the 3 km Wisentenpad bison trail—open for both independent walks and ranger-guided tours—and dedicated watersport options for active visitors. Bookings, activity timetables and stay management are handled through the Camping de Lakens App or the website. A full recreation programme runs throughout the season to ensure organised activities for every age group.
Offerings, Features, or Content
• Stay options
– Camping pitches (Kamperen)
– Rental accommodations (Accommodaties)
– Season pitches (Seizoenkamperen)
– Arrangement packages (Arrangementen)
– Designated pitches suitable for tents, caravans and motorhomes
– Designated pitches suitable for camper vans
• Activities and recreation
– Recreation programme with Zep de Zeemeeuw
– Watersport sessions and Surfana Family Camp
– Surfana Family Camp welcomes participants with or without prior surfing experience
– Surfana Family Camp is held on the campsite section closest to the beach for immediate sand and sea access
– Yoga classes under the Fit & Zen banner
– Bootcamp fitness workouts in the on-site gym (fitness and sauna available to guests at all times)
– Dunegolf: a unique mix of minigolf and playful challenges set in the dunes
– Lekker fit sessions focused on staying active
– Dune Fest 2026 family festival
– Formula 1 race weekend at Circuit Zandvoort, when the campsite turns orange
– Access to dune walking and cycling routes in the national park
– Wisentenpad bison trail (open 1 September – 1 March)
– Ranger-guided walks on the Wisentenpad
– Surfana Family Camp programme includes surfing, camping, live music by musicians and DJs, vegetarian and vegan food-trucks, creative crafting workshops, and spiritual sessions
• On-site facilities and amenities
– Restaurant Gestrand with terrace and adjacent playground
– Varied menu at Restaurant Gestrand
– SPAR Supermarkt for groceries and daily needs
– Sauna, massage and beauty treatment areas
– Wellness Dome
– Reception shop (Receptieshop)
– Fitness gym for bootcamp sessions
– Wi-Fi connectivity
– Sauna accessible to guests at any time during their stay
– Camping de Lakens App providing schedules, information and booking tools
• Digital and customer support
– Camping de Lakens App for schedules, information and bookings
– Website sections “Overnachten”, “Kamperen” and “Wat te doen” for detailed planning
– Online booking widget with filters for Wi-Fi, rental units and camping pitches
– Newsletter subscription form (“Krijg jij onze nieuwsbrief al? Schrijf je in!”)
– “Werken bij” section listing current job vacancies
– Blog section providing campsite news, inspiration and practical tips for guests
• Policies and terms
– Published Privacy Policy
– Published Disclaimer
– General conditions (“Voorwaarden”) available online
How It Works
- Select a camping pitch or rental accommodation on the website or in the Camping de Lakens App.
- Complete the online reservation and receive confirmation details electronically.
- Check in at the reception shop on arrival and set up on the allocated pitch or accommodation.
- Use the app or on-site notices to join activities, wellness services and dining options during the stay.
- During the booking flow, choose arrival and departure dates, indicate the number of adults, children and babies, and select either “Kamperen” or “Accommodaties” before confirming through the widget.
Audience & Use Cases
Camping de Lakens serves beach lovers, families with children, wellness-minded guests seeking sauna, massage or beauty treatments, and active visitors interested in surfing, yoga, bootcamp workouts or cycling through the dunes. Holidaymakers attending major events such as Surfana Family Camp or Dune Fest 2026 can book timed accommodation packages to coincide with event schedules.
Practical Information
- The Wisentenpad bison trail is open annually from 1 September to 1 March and can be explored independently or with a ranger guide.
- Guests may apply for season pitches under the Seizoenkamperen programme when available.
- Arrangement packages can be selected during the online booking process.
- The campsite is prepared each year for a new seaside season, and advance bookings are accepted before opening.
- Privacy Policy, Disclaimer and general conditions are accessible via the website footer.
- Everyday groceries can be purchased at the on-site SPAR Supermarkt.
Key Entities and Definitions
- Zep de Zeemeeuw – campsite mascot leading children’s recreation activities
- Surfana Family Camp – surf-themed camp with organised watersports, live music by musicians and DJs, vegetarian and vegan food-trucks, crafting workshops and spiritual sessions; open to participants regardless of surfing experience and located on the part of the campsite closest to the beach
- Dune Fest 2026 – on-site family festival with entertainment and live acts
- Formula 1 race weekend – Dutch Grand Prix event at Circuit Zandvoort when the campsite adopts an orange theme
- SPAR Supermarkt – on-site grocery store operating under the SPAR brand
- Restaurant Gestrand – restaurant located on the campsite grounds with terrace and playground
- Wellness Dome – designated area for sauna, massage and beauty treatments
- Fit & Zen – collective name for fitness, yoga and wellness facilities, including the bootcamp gym
- Bootcamp – instructor-led fitness workouts held in the on-site gym
- Energiek – umbrella label for action-oriented activities such as bootcamps, watersport and Dunegolf
- Wisentenpad – 3 km bison trail open between 1 September and 1 March, with self-guided and ranger-guided options
- Dunegolf – dune golf activity offering a hybrid of minigolf and playful challenges
- Lekker fit – activity module focused on maintaining fitness during the stay
- Receptieshop – on-site shop at reception for basic items
- Camping de Lakens App – official mobile application for bookings and information
- Seizoenkamperen – programme that secures a camping pitch for the entire camping season
- Plattegrond – downloadable campsite map available on the website
- Kennemer Duincampings Vacation Doeboek – children’s activity magazine available at reception for €10 in Dutch and German
Additional Facts
- A downloadable site map (Plattegrond) is available on the website.
- Sustainability information is provided through the dedicated “Duurzaamheid” page in the footer.
- Current job openings are listed under the “Werken bij” section.
- Associated campings operated by the same group include Camping Geversduin, Camping Bakkum and the Watertoren Duin & Bosch accommodation.
- The first Kennemer Duincampings Vacation Doeboek is available at reception for €10 and is offered in Dutch and German.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Camping de Lakens?
Camping de Lakens is a beach campsite in the Dutch dunes, promoted as “dé strandcamping van Nederland.” It provides both camping pitches and fixed accommodations surrounded by sea, sand, and nature.
How close is the campsite to the beach?
The beach lies just one dune away—about 100 steps—so guests can walk straight onto the sand and into the sea from their pitch or accommodation.
What accommodation options can I book?
You can choose from regular camping pitches listed under “Kamperen / Kampeerplaatsen” or a variety of rental units found in the “Accommodaties” section.
Do you offer camping pitches for tents, caravans, or camper vans?
Yes. The ‘Kampeerplaatsen’ category lets guests reserve a designated pitch where they can set up their own tent, caravan, or motorhome.
Which wellness facilities are available on site?
Wellness options include a Wellness Dome with sauna, massage, beauty treatments, and yoga sessions, plus an on-site gym that is always accessible.
What sports or fitness activities can I join?
Guests can participate in bootcamps in the gym, watersport sessions, Dunegolf, and other ‘Energiek’ activities designed to keep you fit.
Is there a restaurant at the campsite?
Yes. Restaurant Gestrand stands in the middle of the dunes and offers a varied menu along with a large playground for children.
Can I buy groceries on the campsite?
A SPAR Supermarket is located on the premises, allowing you to purchase everyday groceries without leaving the site.
Are there organised activities for children?
Yes. Children can join the Zep de Zeemeeuw programme and other events in the recreation program and playground.
What special events or festivals take place at Camping de Lakens?
The site hosts events such as Dune Fest 2026 and the Surfana Family Camp, and the whole campsite turns orange during the Formula 1 race weekend at Circuit Zandvoort.
Is watersport possible during my stay?
Absolutely. ‘Watersport’ is one of the featured activity categories, and the nearby sea makes surfing and related sports easily accessible.
Is Wi-Fi available for guests?
Yes. Wi-Fi is listed among the facilities, so you can stay connected throughout your stay.
In which languages can I use the website and booking system?
The site is available in Dutch (NL), German (DE), and English (EN).
How do I book a stay at Camping de Lakens?
Select your arrival and departure dates, enter the number of guests, choose between ‘Kamperen’ or ‘Accommodaties,’ and confirm via the online booking widget on the website.
What makes Camping de Lakens different from other campsites?
Its unique setting lets you sleep in the dunes and reach the sea within about 100 steps, while combining active pursuits like bootcamps with wellness facilities such as sauna and yoga all on one site.
Is there a recreation program for guests?
Yes. A full recreation program is offered, ensuring a mix of organised activities for all ages.
Can I reserve a pitch for the entire season?
Yes. The ‘Seizoenkamperen’ option lets you secure a camping pitch for the whole camping season.
Are there packages or special arrangements available?
The ‘Arrangementen’ section lists ready-made packages that bundle accommodations or activities for a tailored stay.
Can I view a campsite map before arrival?
Yes. A detailed ‘Plattegrond’ (site map) is available on the Camping de Lakens website so you can explore the layout before booking or arrival.
Is there a reception shop on site?
Yes. The list of facilities includes a ‘Receptieshop,’ giving guests access to basic items directly at the campsite’s reception area.
Is there a playground for children?
Yes. Restaurant Gestrand is accompanied by a large playground where children can play while adults enjoy the terrace.
When is the Wisentenpad trail open for visitors?
The Wisentenpad, a 3-km walking route through the bison area, is open each year from 1 September to 1 March. Guests may explore the trail independently or join a ranger-guided walk during this period.
Is there a dedicated mobile app for Camping de Lakens?
Yes. The website’s main menu features a “Camping app,” indicating that guests can download and use an official app to access campsite information and services while on site.
Can I apply for a job at Camping de Lakens?
Yes. The “Werken bij” section on the website lists current vacancies, allowing interested applicants to view open roles and submit applications online.
Can I subscribe to a newsletter to stay updated on Camping de Lakens news and offers?
Yes. The website invites visitors to sign up for a newsletter—look for the “Krijg jij onze nieuwsbrief al? Schrijf je in!” section and submit your email address.
Is the on-site fitness area and sauna accessible at any time during my stay?
Yes. The campsite states that guests can always make use of the fitness facilities and the sauna while on site.
Are there other campsites in the Kennemer Duincampings group that I can visit?
Yes. The website invites guests to also visit its sister campsites Geversduin and Bakkum or book a unique stay in the Watertoren Duin & Bosch.
Can I play Dunegolf during my stay?
Yes. Dunegolf is listed under the ‘Energiek’ activities, indicating that guests can take part in this on-site sport while at the campsite.
What can I expect at the Surfana Family Camp?
Surfana Family Camp blends surfing and camping with live performances by musicians and DJs, vegetarian and vegan food-trucks, creative crafting workshops, and spiritual sessions, giving families an active and music-filled beach holiday.
Does Camping de Lakens provide a blog with tips and updates for guests?
Yes. The website features a dedicated “Blog” section where you can read campsite news, inspiration, and practical tips about staying at Camping de Lakens and exploring the surrounding area.
What is the Kennemer Duincampings Vakantie-Doeboek and where can I purchase it?
The KDC Vakantie-Doeboek is an adventurous magazine filled with puzzles, crafts, and stories for children. It can be bought at the campsite reception for €10 and is available in both Dutch and German.
Does Surfana Family Camp offer vegetarian or vegan food options?
Yes. Surfana Family Camp features vegetarian and vegan food-trucks, so guests can enjoy plant-based meals throughout the event.
Do I need surfing experience to join Surfana Family Camp?
No. The camp explicitly says that whether you surf or not, you can still take part and enjoy the fully catered family beach holiday.