While we were driving from Frankfurt toward the South end of the Netherlands we stumbled upon a children’s campsite called De Paal. When I say children’s campsite, I mean 100% tailored for children up to 12 years old.
Upon entering the grounds we noticed the line for check-in was very long, filled with RV’s and caravans. We didn’t have a reservation and started to worry there wouldn’t be any pitches available and it was getting dark. It got even more confusing when we saw clowns (yes, there were clowns walking to each vehicle) talking to each guest upon arrival. We thought this was unusual and since it was supposed to be “low season”.
Upon entering the reception we found out that it was King’s Day or Koningsdag in the Netherlands which is celebrated each year in May with parties, street markets, concerts and special events for the royal family. With this holiday they told us we were lucky to even find a campsite that had pitches at all. Luckily, they had 2 left and so we checked in for 2 nights. (Because it was a holiday, the rate per night was 50 Euros. Expensive yes, but after checking out their map and facilities we decided we would stay longer and enjoy a 4-day holiday)
The lots were spacious and each section had its own playground for the children. The sanitary facilities are nearby and had the coolest showers I’ve ever seen. They light up and change colors when you take a shower. The kids looked forward to taking a shower every day.
The indoor pool and water splash park was a huge hit with Lou Lou and Jaf since it was quite cold the first 2 days at the park. Although most of the locals there were at the outside pool using the water slides and enjoying the minimal sun that peaked through the skies once in awhile.
Each day, there was a program for kids at the theater where clowns and staff of De Paal would do shows, plays, arts & crafts, and dancing. Although the entire production was in Dutch, the kids still managed to have a good time watching and participating.
We spent most of our time at the very large sandpit playground, the indoor game room and the petting zoo. The campsite is so large – the kids couldn’t get enough of it. By the end of the day, they were so exhausted from all the activities going on and both hubby and I were pooped from just watching them.
Camping De Paal is also very close to De Efteling, a fairytale theme park in Europe that the kids loved. Unfortunately we didn’t get a photos because Mama left her iPhone back at camp that day. But definitely a must go to if you have young children.
Our kids wanted to stay longer at Camping De Paal, but it was time to drive back to Amsterdam.
One of the best campsites we’ve been to in the Netherlands for sure!
Camping De Paal
De Paaldreef 14
www.depaal.nl
Open: April 1 – October 25, 2015
Airport: Eindhoven, Aachen-Maastricht
Facilities:
568 Pitches for Rent (with TV, water, sewage)
42 Rental accommodations
Tennis and fitness centre, cycling, hiking, ball games, archery, riding
Outdoor and indoor water pools and water park
Restaurant, snack bar and supermarket
Laundry Facilities
Dogs allowed
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