Camping in Drenthe is a Unique Experience
Drenthe is home to many campsites, making it a favourite destination for a holiday within the Netherlands. The landscape is perfect for walking and cycling trips. The province is ideal for a relaxing camping holiday and offers plenty of attractions for family outings. Visit the famous hunebedden (prehistoric stone tombs), explore one of the three National Parks, or take the kids to Plopsaland Indoor in Coevorden—they'll love it. The mix of nature and culture is a wonderful way to spend your holiday. You'll return home completely refreshed.
What Types of Campsites Can You Find in Drenthe?
Drenthe offers a wide variety of campsites, with over a hundred to choose from. Many are located on the edge of the National Parks, so you can step straight from your pitch into nature. There are family campsites, campsites for seniors, and nature campsites. Want a pool on site or an entertainment team to keep the kids busy? Drenthe has it all. You can camp with your caravan or tent, or choose to rent a chalet, static caravan, or hikers’ cabin. Fancy a bit of luxury? Try a safari tent or a hayloft hut for a unique stay!
Highlights of Drenthe
Drenthe offers breathtaking natural beauty, but there’s also plenty to see and do. Here are some of the highlights:
The Hunebedden
Drenthe is famous for its 52 hunebedden—prehistoric stone tombs built by the Funnelbeaker people between 3450 and 3250 BC. These impressive structures are made from giant boulders left behind after the Ice Age. In Borger, you’ll find the Hunebed Centre, located near the largest hunebed in the Netherlands.
The Drents Museum in Assen
This museum features a large permanent collection and rotating exhibitions. The permanent displays focus on the prehistory of Drenthe, including famous bog bodies such as the Yde Girl and the Weerdinge Couple. The museum also houses the world’s oldest boat, the Pesse canoe. Art from the Northern Realism movement can also be admired here. Special temporary exhibitions have included the Terracotta Army from China, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Golden Age of China. Well worth a visit!
Kamp Westerbork
A visit to the former Kamp Westerbork is a moving experience. Today, it is home to a memorial centre. The site served as a transit camp during World War II, where Dutch Jews and Roma were deported to concentration and extermination camps. The memorial centre is located a few kilometres from the camp itself, which now also houses radio telescopes. A shuttle bus and walking route are available for visitors.
Wildlands Adventure Zoo in Emmen
The former Emmen Zoo was transformed into Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen in 2016. The park is divided into three themed climate zones: Jungola, Serenga, and Nortica. There’s also a large indoor play area, Animazia. It’s guaranteed to be a fantastic day out with the kids.
Museum Village Orvelte
Orvelte is a traditional village dating back to the Middle Ages where you can see how people used to live and work. Visit the sawmill, blacksmith, clog maker, grocer’s shop, and various workshops. No cars are allowed in the village, preserving its authentic atmosphere.
Charming Towns in Drenthe
Drenthe is also home to several charming towns, each with its own character.
Assen
Assen is the capital of Drenthe. It’s especially lively during the TT motorsport event at the end of June. The Brink area is worth a visit, with its beautiful buildings and weekly market.
Meppel
Meppel’s historic city centre features picturesque canals and old warehouses, reminiscent of Amsterdam. In summer, the Donderdag Meppeldagen (Thursday Meppel Days) take place here.
Coevorden
Here you can visit Coevorden Castle and Plopsaland Indoor. The Stedelijk Museum is also an interesting stop.
Orvelte
This village lets you experience life as it used to be and see demonstrations of traditional crafts.
Frederiksoord
This village was founded by the Society of Benevolence in the 19th century, where poor families from the cities were given land to become farmers. The De Koloniehof museum shows what life was like here.
Book a Campsite in Drenthe
Feeling inspired? It’s easy to see why. Book your campsite today and enjoy everything that Drenthe has to offer this summer!
