Family Camping, But Not as You Know it — A Stylish Stay on the Bloemendaal Coast
The Lowdown
If you find yourself dreaming of a wholesome family camping weekend — but stop short at the idea of pitching tents and embracing folding chairs — Camping de Lakens may well be for you. Nestled amongst the dunes behind the Bloemendaal coast and just a 30-minute drive from Amsterdam, this is the kind of family escape that delivers all the adventure children dream about, without requiring parents to fully abandon life’s comforts. Whilst part of the grounds offer traditional camping pitches, whole sections are dedicated to more luxurious ‘glamping’ accommodations.
The Vibe
Barefoot luxury and uncompromisingly family friendly - think children racing along sandy dune paths between playground and beach, whilst parents enjoy morning coffee and sunset drinks from their elegant verandas. Camping de Lakens is nature-focused and wholesome, but with enough comfort, amenities and design-conscious touches to win over the most camping-sceptical amongst us.
Where are we Eating?
Dining here feels a world away from the traditional camping experience. With fully equipped kitchens inside the accommodations, an on-site supermarket, a restaurant and the charming bakeries and boutiques of Overveen and Bloemendaal within easy cycling distance, there’s no shortage of good food options.
Most families will likely find themselves naturally slipping between all the choices: fresh pastries and coffee back at the tent for breakfast, lazy beachside lunches at one of the many boho-chic restaurants that stretch along the coast, followed by dinner on the terrace of the campsite’s lively restaurant overlooking the adventure playground below.
Where are we Sleeping?
Whether you’re a family of three, four, five or six, there’s a wide variety of stylish accommodations to choose from — ranging from safari-chic dune tents to the more spacious domes, with plenty of other options in between. All come with fully equipped kitchens, including the all-important Nespresso machines, so whilst this may technically be camping, you’re certainly not roughing it.
Most accommodations also include their own built-in toilet and shower or bath, although it’s worth checking the small print before booking as a small handful of the more basic options don’t — and for some, that may well be a deal breaker. What remains consistent throughout is the thoughtful design aesthetic: understated, stylish interiors that blend seamlessly into the surrounding dune landscape.
For families with slightly older children craving a little more adventure, neighbouring Surfana Camp (part of the De Lakens family) focuses on you guessed it surfing lessons and has a more beach camp community atmosphere.
Play & Explore
Situated right behind the Bloemendaal coastline means the beach is, unsurprisingly, the main event here — and a very glorious one at that.
Back on site, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained beyond the beach itself. Bikes can be hired directly from the campsite if you want to explore the surrounding and beautiful Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.
And then there’s the playground. To simply call it a playground feels unfair. De Lakens’ enormous adventure playground is the sort of place children could happily spend hours in, breaking only for ice cream and another coating of sun cream. There’s also a covered play area for less cooperative weather, plus extra workshops and activities during the school holidays.
As for the adults, there’s enough here to make the whole experience feel surprisingly restorative — from yoga classes and an outdoor gym park at the Fit & Zen Zone, to massages at the Wellness Dome. Proof that family camping has had quite the rebrand.
Worth the Hype?
Being so close to Amsterdam this is the perfect summer weekend getaway for city based families who love the idea of all the adventure that comes with camping, but who still need their comforts (and Nespresso machine) on the side. If your idea of camping involves complete wilderness and truly getting back to basics, this probably isn’t it. De Lakens has a more lively energy — equal parts nature escape and fun filled stylish coastal holiday — and that is precisely its charm.
