Best Campervan Routes in the Netherlands
The Essentials
The Netherlands is flat. This makes it perfect for campervan travel - no mountain passes, no hairpin turns, just smooth roads and endless horizons.
Most rental companies are based around Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Pick up from any of these cities and you can reach the coast in under an hour.
Route 1: The Frisian Islands
Duration: 5-7 days
Distance: 350 km total
Best for: Beach lovers, birdwatchers
Start in Leeuwarden and work your way along the Wadden Sea coast. Take the ferry from Harlingen to Terschelling - campervans are allowed on most ferries for around 80-120 EUR return.
On Terschelling, wild camping is prohibited but there are three campsites. Camping De Kooi has the best ocean views.
From Terschelling, you can day-trip to Vlieland by passenger ferry. No cars allowed on Vlieland, so leave the van at the campsite.
Campervan parking tip: The village of Midsland has free 24-hour parking near the beach. Technically no overnight stays, but enforcement is relaxed.
Route 2: Tulip Country in Spring
Duration: 3-4 days
Distance: 150 km
Best for: Photography, spring trips (mid-April to early May)
The Bollenstreek region between Haarlem and Leiden turns into a color explosion in late April. Keukenhof gets 7,000 visitors per day - skip it.
Instead, drive the back roads around Lisse and Hillegom. Park anywhere you see a flower field (ask permission if someone's working). The best fields are often not marked on maps.
Where to stay:
Route 3: The Delta Works
Duration: 4-5 days
Distance: 200 km
Best for: Engineering nerds, quiet beaches
The massive storm surge barriers in Zeeland are worth the drive alone. The Deltapark Neeltje Jans has the best exhibition, plus you can drive across the Oosterscheldekering.
The beaches at Domburg and Zoutelande are some of the cleanest in the country. Late September is ideal - warm enough to swim, empty enough to park.
Free overnight spots:
Practical Tips
Fuel: Diesel is around 1.90 EUR/liter. Shell stations are everywhere.
LPG: If your campervan runs on LPG, fill up in Germany or Belgium - it's 30% cheaper.
Speed limits: 100 km/h on highways (some sections 130), 50 in towns, 80 on rural roads. Speed cameras are everywhere and fines are brutal (160 EUR for 10km/h over).
Best apps: