Camping de Lakens: Your Complete Guide to Dune‑Side Camping at the Dutch Coast

Looking for a coastal escape where you can sleep in the dunes and stroll to the sea in about 100 steps? Camping de Lakens delivers that dream. Set inside Nationaal Park Zuid‑Kennemerland, Camping de Lakens blends active outdoor fun, on‑site wellness, and family‑friendly facilities in one unique place. In this guide, you'll learn what makes Camping de Lakens special, how to book, what to do on site and nearby, and the key rules and tips that make your stay smooth.

Why Camping de Lakens stands out

Camping de Lakens is uniquely positioned in a protected dune landscape on the Dutch coast. That setting shapes every moment of your stay: soft sands, salty air, and the energy of the surf a stone’s throw away.

• Sleep in the dunes, sea within ~100 steps: The campsite’s layout brings you right to the shoreline for sunrise swims and sunset walks.
• Active and relaxed—both, in one place: Choose from watersports, Dunegolf, and fitness on one hand, and sauna, massage, beauty, and yoga on the other.
• Family vibe and events: A full recreation program runs for all ages, with Zep de Zeemeeuw as kids’ best friend, and seasonal highlights like Dune Fest 2026. The site also hosts the Surfana Family Camp, a fully catered family beach holiday right behind the final dune—closest to the sea.
• Quality and sustainability: Camping de Lakens collaborates with recognised organisations and holds quality labels from ANWB, PiNCAMP, ACSI, HISWA‑RECRON, plus Green Key Gold certification.

Where you’ll stay and how to book

Camping de Lakens offers both camping pitches and accommodations. A few useful specifics help you choose wisely:

• Dunespot camping pitch: Suitable for up to six guests with no more than two adults and four children. Pets are not permitted on Dunespot pitches.
• Beachspot Schelpengat (tent with electricity): A dune‑ringed field just one dune from the beach; guests here may use a large communal gas barbecue free of charge.
• Hotel‑style options: Seashack and Seashack DeLuxe can be reserved from a minimum of one night and include breakfast. Backpackshack units also allow single‑night bookings.

Booking is straightforward:

1. Go to the website and open the booking widget.
2. Select your arrival and departure dates.
3. Enter the number of guests.
4. Choose Kamperen (camping) or Accommodaties.
5. Confirm your selection to complete the reservation.

Good to know:

• The website is available in Dutch (NL), German (DE), and English (EN).
• As a rule, camping reservations are typically minimum 2 nights (exceptions may apply in high season or during arrangements). For a single night on the campsite itself, you can try a last‑minute visit, but always contact reception first as availability may be limited.

Eat, shop, and daily essentials on site

• Restaurant Gestrand: Enjoy drinks and meals while kids explore the large playground beside the terrace.
• SPAR Supermarket: Stock up on everyday groceries, with attention to organic products and freshly baked bread. You can also swap empty gas bottles here during opening hours.
• Reception shop: Most items are sustainable or recycled, from cotton apparel to souvenirs made from beach plastic via the Juttersgeluk initiative.
• Wi‑Fi: Available across the site so you can stay connected.

On‑site essentials at a glance

Activities to energize your stay

• Watersports: The nearby sea makes surfing and related sports easy to access. Surfana Surfschool operates on site and offers lessons for all levels—arrange before arrival or on the spot.
• Dunegolf: A new, surprising activity that blends minigolf with playful challenges in the dune landscape near the sea.
• Recreation program: A full schedule for all ages throughout the season—think Color Run, Silent Disco, and an ever‑expanding lineup of workshops like macramé or painting.
• Stay fit: Join activities under the Lekker fit theme, from beach movement to energising outdoor sessions.

Slow down: wellness and pure relaxation

When it’s time to unwind, the wellness offerings help you recover and reset.

• Sauna, massage, beauty, yoga: On‑site options designed to balance out your active days.
• Retreat experiences: Join the 100% rust retraite if you need deep rest, or tap into new relax offerings like Sunset Yoga or a One Day Reset for a shorter recharge.

Family fun, start to finish

• Zep de Zeemeeuw: The kids’ program mascot leads a packed roster of child‑friendly activities.
• Recreation team (17:00–21:00 during Dune Fest): Extra kid‑centric energy while adults relax with live entertainment.
• Surfana Family Camp: A fully catered family holiday set directly behind the last dune—just steps from the beach. Whether you surf or not, you can still join the fun.
• Kennemer Duincampings Vakantie‑Doeboek: An adventurous magazine of puzzles, crafts, and stories for kids, available at reception for €10 in Dutch and German.

Barbecue and cooking rules (read before you grill)

Camping de Lakens sits in a vulnerable dune area. To prevent fire risk:

• Only electric cooking plates and gas barbecues are allowed.
• Charcoal and open fires are not permitted.
• Gas barbecue rental is available from the on‑site bicycle‑rental shop “Behind the Beach” (including a filled gas bottle), next to Restaurant Gestrand.
• Gas bottle exchange: Swap empty cylinders at the SPAR Supermarket checkout during opening hours.
• Communal gas BBQ: Guests at Beachspot Schelpengat can use the large field barbecue free of charge throughout their stay.

For more details on on‑site grilling, see the barbecue guide: Barbecue at Camping de Lakens.

Seasonal arrangements and big‑event stays

Plan your getaway around long weekends and special events. Dedicated arrangements are available for both camping pitches and accommodations unless stated otherwise.

2026 holiday arrangements:

• Easter: 3–7 April 2026 (arrival Fri 3 Apr, departure Tue 7 Apr)
• Ascension (Hemelvaart): 13–18 May 2026 (arrival Wed 13 May, departure Mon 18 May)
• Pentecost (Pinksteren): 22–26 May 2026 (arrival Fri 22 May, departure Tue 26 May)
• Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam): 3–8 June 2026 (arrival Wed 3 June, departure Mon 8 June)

Big event nearby:

• Formula 1 Zandvoort 2026: 20–24 August 2026. Camping de Lakens turns orange during race weekend, and special arrangements make it easier to stay close to the circuit.

Notes:

• Arrangements are valid only during the listed periods and not combinable with other discounts/promotions.
• Arrangements are exclusive of tourist tax and preference fees.
• Questions? Call +31 (0)23 54 11 570.

Nature and nearby exploration

You’re inside Nationaal Park Zuid‑Kennemerland, with dunes, wildlife, and wide beaches to explore. A memorable seasonal highlight is the Wisentenpad—a 3‑km walking route through the bison area—open each year from 1 September to 1 March. You can walk it independently or join a ranger‑guided walk during this period.

Quick answers (for featured snippets)

• Where is Camping de Lakens located? Inside Nationaal Park Zuid‑Kennemerland on the Dutch coast, near Bloemendaal aan Zee.
• What makes Camping de Lakens unique? You sleep in the dunes with the sea about 100 steps away, and you can combine active pursuits with on‑site wellness.
• Is Wi‑Fi available? Yes, Wi‑Fi is listed among the facilities.
• Can I barbecue at Camping de Lakens? Yes, but only on gas or electric. Charcoal/open fires are not allowed due to dune‑area fire risk.
• Can I rent a gas barbecue? Yes—at “Behind the Beach” bicycle‑rental next to Restaurant Gestrand.
• Where can I exchange a gas bottle? At the SPAR Supermarket checkout during opening hours.
• How many people can stay on a Dunespot pitch? Up to six guests, with no more than two adults and four children.
• Are pets allowed on Dunespot? No, pets are not permitted on Dunespot camping pitches.
• Is there a supermarket on site? Yes, a SPAR Supermarket is located on the premises.
• Can I take surf lessons? Yes, Surfana Surfschool operates on the campsite and teaches all levels.
• Can I book for one night? Seashack and Seashack DeLuxe can be booked from one night and include breakfast. For camping pitches, reservations are typically minimum 2 nights; contact reception for single‑night possibilities.

Practical takeaways and tips

• Book early for popular periods like Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, and Formula 1 Zandvoort 2026.
• Choose the right pitch: If you’re eyeing Dunespot, plan for the two‑adult maximum and no pets. For dune‑field vibes and shared grilling, consider Beachspot Schelpengat.
• Plan your activities: Balance days between watersports, Dunegolf, and fitness and sauna, massage, beauty, yoga for full‑spectrum well‑being.
• Go hands‑free on groceries: Use the on‑site SPAR Supermarket and Reception shop (great for sustainable gifts).
• Use the app: Check schedules and activities easily via the Camping de Lakens App: https://www.campingdelakens.nl/camping-app
• Mind the fire rules: Bring an electric cooker or rent a gas BBQ on site; swap cylinders at SPAR.
• Bring the kids’ curiosity: Pick up the KDC Vakantie‑Doeboek (€10) at reception, available in Dutch and German.
• Leverage on‑site lessons: Book a Surfana session ahead of arrival or once you’re there.

Conclusion: Ready to feel the dunes underfoot?

From sunrise surfs to sunset saunas, Camping de Lakens gives you the best of the Dutch coast in one unforgettable setting. Pick your dates, choose Kamperen or Accommodaties, and book your stay online. For on‑the‑go schedules and inspiration, grab the Camping de Lakens App—and if you plan to grill, review the Barbecue guidelines before you pack.

Ready to go? Visit the homepage to start your booking: https://www.campingdelakens.nl