Travelers who prefer a tent to a hotel room are in luck when visiting green, camping-friendly Amsterdam. Cheap, clean, safe, and relaxing, the city’s campsites serve as a haven for those who wish to indulge in Amsterdam’s city life by day, but retreat to a peaceful, natural setting by night.
Here are my top four picks for pitching a tent in Amsterdam:
Camping Zeeburg
Zuider Ijdijk 20
+(31)(0) 20 6944430
Email: info@campingzeeburg.nl
website: www.campingzeeburg.nl
Situated just east of Amsterdam, Zeeburg (“Seacastle”) is unique for its beachy location on the nearby island of Ijmeer. Camping Zeeburg is open year-round and serves as a trailhead for a number of hike and bike routes.
Facilities: Supermarket (with fresh baked goods), sanitary facilities, bar, restaurant, washer/dryer facilities, phone booth, bike rental, canoe rental, pool, internet, night security, and BBQs allowed.
Perks: During the high season, the campsite offers a range of daily activities and excursions (including a trip to the petting zoo for the kiddies).
Cost: From €6,50 per person per night. Two or four person furnished (bunk bed , chairs, table, heating) cabins or wagonettes (with small private veranda) are also available. Extra charge for parking.
To Amsterdam: Trams 7, 14, 26 and bus 37 run frequently and are a 10-15 minute ride from the campground to the heart of Amsterdam. There is also a nightbus 359 which runs at night. By bike it will take 20 minutes to reach the city center.
Camping Het Amsterdamse Bos
Kleine Noorddijk 1
+(31)(0) 20 6416868
email: info@campingamsterdamsebos.com
website: www.campingamsterdamsebos.com
Located inside Amsterdam’s largest protected park, Amsterdamse Bos sits peacefully within 900 acres of natural lakes, canals, and greenery just south of the city. Open year-round.
Facilities: Camping shop with fresh baked rolls, guest kitchen, dining room, lockers, washer, dryer, canoe rental, and BBQs allowed.
Perks: A natural playground for families, the park has unlimited recreational possibilities: canoe and kayak rentals, picnic areas, cafes, and even a woodsy section where buffalo roam!
Cost: From € 5 per person. A variety of cabins and hostel rooms are also available to rent. Parking is free.
To Amsterdam: Bus 172 and 171 runs daily to Amsterdam Central Station, and bus 271 runs through the night. Bus 199 heads from Schipol Airport directly to the campground. Metro 51 stops at Amstelveen, plus a 15-minute walk to the campsite. Biking from the city center takes about 30 minutes.
Vliegenbos
Meeuwenlaan 138
+(31)(0) 20 6368855
website: www.vliegenbos.com
Nestled between 62 acres of woodlands and small fishing harbors to the north of Amsterdam, Vliegenbos is a blend of parks and forests, just a stone’s throw away from the city center. The campsite is seasonal, open from early April through late September.
Facilities: Camping shop, sanitary facilities, lockers, dishwasher, bar, restaurant, washer/dryer, phone booth, bike rental, canoe rental, internet, night security, and BBQs allowed. No dogs.
Perks: Affordable “Dirk van de Broek” supermarket is a short walk away. Nearby parks offer tennis courts, swimming pool, sport fields, and more.
Cost: From €8.30 for a one-person tent. Extra charge for parking.
To Amsterdam: Bus 32 and 33 run daily and are direct to Central Station, and bus 361 runs through the night. By bike, a five-minute ride and a quick trip on the ferry will bring campers to the North end of Central Station.
Gaasper Camping
Loosdrechtdreef 7
+(31)(0) 20 6967326
website: www.gaaspercamping.nl
Located in southeast Amsterdam, Gaasper is Amsterdam’s largest campsite, offering more than 400 plots in scenic spots, including lakes, parks, and woods. Gaasper is open annually from March 15 to November 1.
Facilities: Supermarket, dishwasher, bar, restaurant, phone booth, night security, and BBQs allowed.
Perks: The restaurant provides a cafeteria-style food selection and outdoor terrace.
Cost: From € 5 per person. Parking fees apply.
To Amsterdam: Central Amsterdam is about 20 minutes away via public transportation. Bus 53 runs daily to Amsterdam’s Central Station, as well as Metro 53 and night buses 355 and 357 (weekends) to Gaasperplas Station. A bike ride to the center takes about 20 minutes.