Camping de Lakens: Your Complete Guide to Sleeping in the Dunes by the Sea
Dreaming of waking up with sand underfoot and the sea just a short stroll away? At Camping de Lakens you literally sleep in the dunes, with the shoreline about 100 steps from your pitch or accommodation. This guide brings together everything you need to plan a stay at Camping de Lakens—from camping options and watersports to wellness, family activities, and seasonal arrangements—so you can book with confidence and make the most of your time by the sea.
Why choose Camping de Lakens
Camping de Lakens combines the freedom of dune-side camping with resort-style convenience.
- Unmatched location in the dunes: Stay amid rolling sand hills with the beach minutes away—ideal for sunrise walks, surf sessions, and sunset dinners.
- Active and relaxed by design: Choose from Energiek activities (like Watersport and Dunegolf) and Ontspannen options (sauna, massage, beauty, yoga) all on-site.
- On-site dining and daily essentials: Enjoy Restaurant Gestrand for meals and drinks (learn more) and pick up groceries at the on-site SPAR Supermarket.
- Connectivity and accessibility: Wi‑Fi is available across the campsite. Sanitary buildings are wheelchair accessible, and Restaurant Gestrand is designed for convenient access.
- Quality and sustainability: Recognized by leading organizations including ANWB, PiNCAMP, ACSI, HISWA‑RECRON and awarded Green Key Gold (read about our sustainability).
- Multi-language and easy booking: The website and booking flow are available in Dutch, German, and English.
Stay your way: pitches and accommodations
Whether you bring a tent or prefer a ready-made stay, Camping de Lakens offers multiple options—each with its own vibe and extras.
Camping pitches at a glance
All camping pitches provide electric hook-ups, water taps, and wastewater disposal points. Some pitches include added perks like private picnic tables or direct parking.
| Pitch/Area | Who it suits | Capacity | Key extras | Distance to beach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beachspot Schelpengat – tent with electricity | Dune purists who want their feet in the sand | Up to 4 people | Electricity hook-up for your tent | Just one dune from the beach |
| Comfort Area | Families wanting comfort on-pitch | Up to 6 people | Private water tap, direct sewage connection, even a hammock | One dune from the beach |
| Loungespot Week | Couples or families wanting bundled extras | Up to 2 adults + 4 children | 16‑amp electricity, private picnic table, free sauna & gym access, parking for one car directly on the pitch, pets not allowed | Dune-side setting |
| De Slurf (car‑free field) | Minimalist tent campers (2p) | Max 2 guests | Free sauna & gym access, communal gas BBQ, no pets, parking on the nearby central lot | Car‑free field in the dunes |
Tip: On-site parking is available on some pitches. Availability varies, so confirm when booking.
Ready-made stays and special camps
Prefer to travel light? Choose from compact cabins to glamping-style tents:
- Backpackshack Lanikai (3p): A cozy base for friends, just one dune from the beach. Available from one night and includes breakfast.
- Backpackshack Bora Bora (2p): Perfect for a mini-break or stopover; one dune from the beach and includes breakfast.
- Surfana Family Camp – Bell Tent (2p) & Lotus Bell Tent (2–4p): A fully catered family beach vibe with comfortable tents, entertainment, and activities—great for couples with children. In summer, kids can join camp activities. The Family Camp is set on the section directly behind the final dune—the area closest to the sea and beach.
You’ll also find a wider range of glamping and hotel rooms across the site’s accommodation offering. Explore current availability and options on the Overnachten page.
Watersports and beach life
If the ocean calls, Camping de Lakens answers with convenient access to the beach and quality partners on the sand.
- Surfschool Surfana: Focused on wave surfing with small groups and flexible times, suitable for all ages. Surfana hosts a surfcamp on the grounds and an annual festival, with lessons that put fun first. Ready to catch your best wave? Start with Watersport.
- Surfana Family Camp: Learn to surf together, sleep under the stars in Safari or (Lotus) Bell Tents, and enjoy a curated program of nature and beach activities.
- Mifune Watersports: Additional watersport options available at the beach of Bloemendaal aan Zee.
Insider tip: The nearby beach of Bloemendaal aan Zee is a beloved spot for surfing, kitesurfing, and paddling. Start early to catch calm morning conditions or head out late afternoon for golden-hour sessions.
Wellness and fitness in the dunes
Balance salty adventures with serene moments.
- Sauna: Unwind after a beach day in the on-site sauna (more info).
- Massage & beauty: Treat yourself to restorative therapies between activities.
- Yoga: Flow into the day with gentle movement and dune views.
- Gym access: Select pitches (e.g., Loungespot Week and De Slurf) include free access to the gym—ideal for quick workouts between swims.
Family fun, events, and the campsite vibe
From playful mascots to live music, Camping de Lakens is built for families and good times.
- Recreation program: Expect guest favorites like the Color Run and Silent Disco, plus expanding creative workshops (macramé, painting) and outdoor adventures (think mountainbiking in the dunes). Keep an eye on the Activities page and the Camping App for schedules.
- Zep de Zeemeeuw: The campsite’s friendly seagull pal and his ohana are part of the kids’ experience—make sure to say aloha when you see them!
- Dune Fest: During Dune Fest, the recreation team is ready from 17:00 to 21:00 with kids’ activities, while adults relax with live entertainment and music—perfect for a chilled evening together. Watch the Dune Fest page for dates.
- Restaurant Gestrand: A family hub for meals, drinks, and play—great before or after activities (see details).
- KDC Vakantie-Doeboek: An adventurous magazine filled with puzzles, crafts, and stories for children. Buy it at reception for €10 (available in Dutch and German).
Special events and seasonal arrangements
Make your long weekends and big moments extra memorable.
- Formula 1 Zandvoort (2026): A dedicated arrangement covers 20–24 August 2026 for both camping pitches and accommodations. During the race weekend the whole campsite turns orange—join the atmosphere! Read more on the Formula 1 race weekend update and check Arrangements.
- Spring holidays: Pick from tailored packages for Easter (3–7 April 2026), Ascension (13–18 May 2026), and Pentecost (22–26 May 2026).
- Fronleichnam (Germany): Enjoy the Dutch coast over 3–8 June 2026 with special arrangements for pitches and accommodations.
- Tiny Campers Week: At the end of the school holidays, settle into a comfortable De Waard tent and enjoy a relaxed, creative family program made for parents with young children.
Practical takeaways
Use these quick tips to simplify your planning.
- Booking made easy: Choose dates, enter guests, select Camping (Kamperen) or Accommodations (Accommodaties), and confirm via the online booking widget on the Overnachten page. The site is available in Dutch, German, and English.
- Pets policy: Pets (including dogs) are not permitted on the campsite and are also prohibited on the adjacent beach.
- Connectivity: Wi‑Fi is available across the site so you can work, stream, or share your day’s highlights.
- Accessibility: Sanitary buildings and Restaurant Gestrand are wheelchair accessible.
- On-site essentials: Stock up at the SPAR Supermarket; dine and relax at Restaurant Gestrand.
- Parking: Some pitches include on-pitch parking (e.g., Loungespot Week allows one car directly on the pitch). Otherwise, parking is available on central lots—check your pitch’s specifics when booking.
- Wellness access: Select pitch types (e.g., Loungespot Week and De Slurf) include free sauna and gym access; all guests can explore on-site wellness options such as sauna, massage, beauty, and yoga.
- General pitch utilities: All camping pitches provide electric hook-ups, water taps, and wastewater disposal points. Loungespot Week provides 16‑amp electricity.
- Terms: Bookings follow RECRON terms and conditions.
Quick answers (featured snippet style)
How close is the beach at Camping de Lakens?
About 100 steps from your stay—you sleep in the dunes with the sea a short walk away.
Are pets allowed at Camping de Lakens or on the nearby beach?
No. Pets, including dogs, are not permitted on the campsite and are prohibited on the adjacent beach under all circumstances.
Is Wi‑Fi available?
Yes. Wi‑Fi is listed among the site’s facilities, so you can stay connected during your stay.
Are the facilities accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. The on-site sanitary buildings are wheelchair accessible, and Restaurant Gestrand is designed for convenient access.
Do pitches include electricity, water, and wastewater disposal?
Yes. All camping pitches provide electric hook-ups, water taps, and wastewater disposal points. Loungespot Week includes a 16‑amp connection.
Where is Surfana Family Camp located on site?
It’s set directly behind the final dune—the area closest to the sea and beach—so families stay just steps from the shoreline.
What comes with a Loungespot Week pitch?
A 16‑amp electricity connection, private picnic table, free sauna and gym access, and parking for one car directly on the pitch. Suited for up to two adults and four children; pets are not allowed.
What is De Slurf and who is it for?
De Slurf is a car-free field for one small two-person tent (2 × 2.30 m). It includes free sauna and gym access plus a communal gas BBQ, allows a maximum of two guests, does not allow pets, and provides parking on the nearby central lot.
Does Camping de Lakens have a supermarket on site?
Yes. A SPAR Supermarket is located on the premises for everyday groceries.
Does Camping de Lakens offer a Formula 1 arrangement?
Yes. A special arrangement covers 20–24 August 2026 for pitches and accommodations, putting you within easy reach of Circuit Zandvoort.
Conclusion
Camping de Lakens brings dune-side magic to life: sleep near the sea, surf by day, unwind in the sauna, and gather at Restaurant Gestrand by night—all with family-friendly programs and quality amenities at your fingertips. Ready to feel the sand between your toes?
Book your stay now:
- Explore options and availability on the Overnachten page.
- Looking for seasonal deals? Check Arrangements.
- Want activity updates and insider tips? Visit News & Blog and download the Camping App.