Nature campsites accessible by bus and train

Which nature campsites are accessible without a car

Nature campsites are small sites in woodland, meadows or on country estates. You need a Nature Camping Card for access. These sites focus on tent campers and people arriving with a small van or trailer tent. Motorhomes and large caravans are usually not allowed. A number of these campsites are easily accessible by public transport.

The following sites are easy to reach by train and bus:

• De Grutto (Midden-Delfland) is 7 kilometres from Delft or Schiedam station. You cycle through the meadow landscape to this former farmyard with sheltered fields and views of birds.
• Landgoed Quadenoord (near Ede-Wageningen) can be reached from Ede-Wageningen station. The 9-kilometre cycle route takes you along the Ginkelse Heide heathland and through woodland. You choose your own pitch for your tent.
• De Kleine Rug (Dordrecht) is the only nature campsite that can also be reached by water. From Dordrecht station you cycle for 15 minutes and then take the ferry. As well as tent pitches, the site also offers pods.
• Natuurkampeerterrein Drie (near Ermelo) is accessible from Ermelo or Putten station. Follow the cycle junction network through the forest to this peaceful site behind Boshuis Drie.
• Landgoed Geijsteren (near Venray) is 5.5 kilometres from Venray station. The route runs through forest to a site with views of the river Maas, where swimming is possible.
• De Maasakker (Megen) has a bus stop 1 kilometre away. This small 0.5-hectare site offers 15 tent pitches right in the middle of nature.

Camping on the Veluwe with train and bus

The Veluwe has several nature campsites that you can reach by public transport. You take the train to a nearby station and continue your journey by bus or with an OV-fiets (public transport bike). The OV-fiets is a rental bike from Dutch Railways (NS) that you collect at the station. This is a good option if your luggage is compact and your bag with tent fits under the luggage straps.

A few practical tips for the Veluwe:

• Travel to Ede-Wageningen, Ermelo or Putten station. From there, take a bus or OV-fiets towards the site.
• Use cycle junctions or an app such as Komoot to plan your route. Many sites are located along well-known cycle routes.
• Woodland routes usually take between 20 and 60 minutes. For the Veluwe, allow a bit more time because of the distances.
• Check in advance whether OV-fietsen are available at the station. You cannot reserve them, but you can see availability in the app.

The combination of train and bike makes it possible to get deep into nature without a car. You start with a short train ride and finish with a peaceful cycle through the forest.

Benefits of travelling by public transport to a nature campsite

Travelling by bus and train to a nature campsite has several advantages. It is sustainable and you avoid the stress of traffic jams or looking for a parking space. What’s more, your holiday already starts on the train, where you can relax or go over your route again.

What makes this way of travelling appealing:

• Convenience: Many sites have a bus stop on the doorstep or are at most a 15-minute walk away. You don’t have to search for a route through unfamiliar areas.
• Affordability: Train journeys within the Netherlands are often cheaper than fuel and tolls. An OV-fiets only costs a few euros per day.
• Peace on the way: You don’t have to stay focused on the road the whole time. Read a book, enjoy the scenery or plan your walks.
• Exercise: Cycling to the site is already an outing in itself. You combine transport with experiencing nature.

What to prepare for a nature campsite without a car

For a stay at a nature campsite, you need a Nature Camping Card. This card, also known as the Green Booklet, gives access to all participating sites in the Netherlands and part of Belgium and France. You can buy the card online or on site at the campsite.

In addition, it is useful to bring the following:

• A compact tent that is easy to carry in a rucksack or pannier.
• An OV-fiets subscription, which you activate via the NS app or at a ticket machine at the station.
• Any luggage that you can attach to the bike with luggage straps or bungee cords.
• A map or app with walking and cycling routes in the area for trips during your stay.

Most nature campsites are open from April to September. Check in advance whether the site is open and whether there are pitches available. The sites often work without reservations, but in high season it can be busy.

Combine camping with day trips in the area

Nature campsites are usually located in areas with walking and cycling routes. This makes them ideal for active holidays where you explore the area during the day and return to your tent in the evening. Most sites do not have extensive facilities, which fits the peaceful and small-scale character.

Examples of activities near the sites mentioned:

• De Grutto is close to Rotterdam and The Hague. A day of fresh sea air on the coast or a visit to one of the cities is easily arranged.
• Landgoed Quadenoord offers access to the Ginkelse Heide heathland and a sculpture garden nearby.
• Near Landgoed Geijsteren you can swim in the Maas or walk along the river.
• Natuurkampeerterrein Drie is a base for walks in the woods around Boshuis Drie.

The combination of a small campsite and the opportunity to explore the surroundings on foot or by bike creates a holiday full of tranquillity. You consciously slow down and experience more.