Safe Sizzle: Gas & Electric Barbecue Options at Camping de Lakens
Want that relaxed outdoor barbecue feeling on holiday, but not sure what is actually allowed? At Camping de Lakens, the rule is simple: open fire, charcoal, and wood fires are not allowed, and barbecuing is only permitted on gas or electricity. That means you can still enjoy grilling together—just in a way that fits the campsite rules and helps protect the surrounding dunes.
In this guide, you will learn exactly which barbecue options are allowed, why the no-charcoal rule matters, where you can find practical barbecue solutions on-site, and how to plan an easy outdoor meal without surprises.
Why the no-charcoal rule matters
The no-charcoal rule is in place for an important reason. Camping de Lakens is located in Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland, a vulnerable dune area where fire safety demands extra care. Charcoal barbecues and other forms of open fire create heat, sparks, and lingering risk that can be difficult to control in dry natural surroundings.
That is why the campsite does not allow:
- Cooking on الفحم/charcoal
- Barbecuing on charcoal
- Open fire
- Wood fire
The allowed alternatives are clear:
- Electric cooking plates
- Electric barbecues
- Gas barbecues
For guests, this approach offers a practical balance. You still get the convenience and sociability of outdoor cooking, while respecting the safety needs of the campsite and the dunes around it.
What barbecue options are allowed at Camping de Lakens?
If you are asking, “Can I barbecue at Camping de Lakens?” the direct answer is:
Yes, but only with a gas barbecue or an electric barbecue.
That rule also applies more broadly to fire use on the campsite. Open fire such as charcoal or wood fire is not permitted.
Allowed barbecue types
The following are permitted:
- Gas barbecues
- Electric barbecues
- Electric cooking plates
These options are easier to control, quicker to switch off, and better suited to a campsite in a protected natural setting.
Barbecue types that are not allowed
The following are not permitted:
- Charcoal barbecues
- Wood-fired barbecues
- Any open fire setup
If your usual barbecue setup depends on coals, it is best to leave it at home and choose a gas or electric alternative instead.
Gas barbecue options for guests
For many campers, gas barbecues are the easiest replacement for charcoal. They heat up quickly, are simple to manage, and still give you that outdoor grilling experience with minimal fuss.
Camping de Lakens offers more than one way to use a gas barbecue during your stay.
Beachspot Schelpengat: a ready-to-use gas BBQ
If you book a spot at Beachspot Schelpengat, you can make unlimited use of a large gas BBQ that is ready for you at the camping field.
That makes Beachspot Schelpengat especially convenient if you want:
- A shared and social outdoor cooking setup
- Less equipment to bring from home
- A simple way to grill your own food on-site
It is a practical choice for guests who want the barbecue experience without arranging their own full setup.
Renting a gas barbecue near Restaurant Gestrand
Prefer grilling at your own camping spot? Behind the Beach rents out gas barbecues including a gas bottle. This shop is located near Restaurant Gestrand.
This rental option is useful if you want:
- More flexibility at your own place
- A compliant barbecue solution without bringing your own unit
- A straightforward setup that already includes gas
For guests arriving with limited gear, this can be one of the easiest ways to enjoy a proper barbecue while following campsite policy.
Electric barbecue options for a safe outdoor meal
An electric barbecue is also fully allowed at Camping de Lakens. So are electric cooking plates.
Electric cooking works particularly well if you want:
- A clean and simple setup
- Fast start-up and shut-off
- Controlled heat for smaller meals
- An alternative to gas that avoids open flame
From a practical point of view, electric barbecues are often a smart option for guests who prefer compact equipment and straightforward operation. They are especially useful when your focus is less on the ritual of grilling and more on preparing a quick, enjoyable meal outdoors.
Where to get barbecue supplies during your stay
Even a well-planned barbecue can need last-minute supplies. At Camping de Lakens, SPAR Supermarkt is the place to check if you forgot an essential ingredient or barbecue extra.
The supermarket offers:
- Food and drinks
- Freshly baked bread rolls
- Attention to organic products
- A limited range of non-food items
Whether you are looking for meat, salmon, vegetables, herbs, or everyday groceries, it is a useful stop before you start cooking.
Gas bottle exchange at SPAR Supermarkt
Another helpful detail: empty gas bottles can be exchanged at the SPAR Supermarkt on the campsite.
That can save a lot of hassle, especially if you are using a rented or personal gas barbecue and do not want your barbecue plans interrupted.
Quick rules at a glance
If you want the simplest possible overview of the Camping de Lakens barbecue rules, use this table.
| Option | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas barbecue | Yes | Allowed on the campsite |
| Electric barbecue | Yes | Allowed on the campsite |
| Electric cooking plate | Yes | Allowed on the campsite |
| Charcoal barbecue | No | Not allowed due to fire risk |
| Wood fire | No | Not allowed |
| Open fire | No | Not allowed |
How to plan a compliant barbecue at Camping de Lakens
A good barbecue at the campsite starts with a little preparation. Follow these simple steps to keep things easy.
1. Choose gas or electric before you travel
If you are bringing your own equipment, check it in advance. Make sure it is:
- Gas-powered, or
- Electric
If it uses charcoal or wood, it is not suitable for use at Camping de Lakens.
2. Decide whether you want your own setup or a ready-made option
You have different ways to barbecue here:
- Book Beachspot Schelpengat if you want access to a large gas BBQ on the camping field
- Rent a gas barbecue including gas bottle from Behind the Beach near Restaurant Gestrand
- Bring your own gas or electric barbecue if it complies with the rules
3. Pick up groceries before mealtime
Check SPAR Supermarkt for barbecue ingredients and practical extras. It is especially handy if you need:
- Fresh food
- Bread rolls
- Drinks
- A few missing essentials
4. Check your gas situation early
If you are using gas, do not wait until the last minute. If your bottle is empty, you can exchange empty gas bottles at SPAR Supermarkt on the campsite.
5. Keep safety front of mind
Even approved barbecue methods should be used responsibly. Gas and electric systems are allowed because they are more controllable than charcoal or wood fire. Using them carefully helps protect both fellow guests and the surrounding natural area.
Practical tips for a relaxed barbecue evening
Want your gas or electric barbecue to feel just as enjoyable as a traditional grill night? These tips can help.
Keep the menu simple
Outdoor cooking is usually easiest when you choose ingredients that cook quickly and evenly. A few well-chosen items often work better than an overcomplicated meal.
Shop locally on-site
Using SPAR Supermarkt for last-minute groceries can simplify your evening. It also reduces the need to overpack before arrival.
Match your barbecue choice to your stay
Different guests need different setups:
- Beachspot Schelpengat works well for guests who want convenience and a communal barbecue experience
- Rental from Behind the Beach suits guests who prefer cooking at their own campingspot
- Electric cooking or grilling is ideal for simple, controlled preparation
Think beyond the rules
The best campsite rules do more than limit options—they make shared outdoor spaces safer and more enjoyable for everyone. In a dune environment, choosing gas or electric is not just about compliance. It is about helping preserve the place you came to enjoy.
Related on-site options worth remembering
If you are planning your stay, it helps to think of barbecuing as part of the wider camping experience. Useful related topics include:
- Camping spots and accommodation options
- Beachspot Schelpengat for guests who want access to a shared gas BBQ
- SPAR Supermarkt for groceries and gas bottle exchange
- Restaurant Gestrand as a useful landmark near Behind the Beach
These connections can make your arrival and meal planning much smoother.
Frequently asked question
Can I make a fire on the campsite?
No. Open fire such as charcoal or wood fire is not allowed. Barbecuing is only allowed on gas or electricity.
That is the simplest way to stay within the rules and barbecue safely at Camping de Lakens.
Practical takeaways before you pack
Before you leave for Camping de Lakens, remember these essentials:
- Do not bring a charcoal barbecue.
- Choose a gas or electric barbecue instead.
- Book Beachspot Schelpengat if you want access to a large gas BBQ.
- Rent a gas barbecue at Behind the Beach if you want to grill at your own spot.
- Visit SPAR Supermarkt for groceries and gas bottle exchange.
- Respect the no-charcoal rule to help protect the vulnerable dune area.
Conclusion
A great campsite barbecue does not need charcoal to feel complete. At Camping de Lakens, the approved options are straightforward: use a gas barbecue, an electric barbecue, or an electric cooking plate. With a ready-to-use gas BBQ at Beachspot Schelpengat, rental options through Behind the Beach, and supplies available at SPAR Supermarkt, it is easy to plan a safe and enjoyable outdoor meal.
If you are preparing your stay, choose your barbecue setup in advance, stock up on supplies, and enjoy your meal the safe way. For more trip planning, explore your camping options and get ready for a relaxed stay at Camping de Lakens.