How Camping Works Here and Can You Do It for Free?
When you feel like changing up your environment for a weekend, camping could be the activity to check off your bucket list.
With summer approaching and the weather slowly getting warmer, more people want to spend time outside and in nature. Camping could be a fun and simple way to change your surroundings for a weekend, provided you are prepared to walk a short hike to the nearest bathroom.
Now, we have to preface this by saying that wild camping in the Netherlands is illegal and punishable with a fine of up to 500 euros. We are not legally responsible for any consequences in case you misinterpret this article.
There are plenty of campsites open all year round in and around Groningen which offer safety and comfort, including flushing toilets, hot showers, and shops selling food and drinks. You can even camp right in Stadspark at one of their many designated locations. You can also scout out places further from Groningen which can be cheaper and feel less like a picnic outing with an overnight stay, and more like traditional camping.
The only issue is that some campsites may be closed in the winter season. Another issue, is well, the cost. There are fees to access these campsites for trailers, cars, tents, and everything in between, and though they offer amenities, they can feel a bit restrictive.
However, there is, or was, a loophole — camping in designated areas, known as "pole camping," used to be allowed in the Netherlands until 2020. The Forestry Commission had set up several poles around the country and camping was allowed in the area surrounding these poles. These sites were likely closed due to Covid, however, there might be a possibility that they will reopen in the future.
Luckily, there is yet another loophole, but this one will require some charisma. You can camp out on private property, such as your own, or someone else’s backyard or land. A few camping enthusiasts claim that you can just ask a farmer or landowner if you could camp out on their property. There is a possibility of rejection. Nevertheless, if it does work out, you might gain a new friend and an interesting story to tell your coworkers the next Monday morning.
Be careful, respect nature (don’t leave trash or cigarette butts!) and have fun. If camping is not your thing, watch out for future articles on things to do in Groningen.