Pole camping site Avelingen

Avelingen, a pole camping site on Baanhoekweg in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, was once a well-known name among enthusiasts of simple, nature-oriented camping. This location offered a form of alojamiento that stood in stark contrast to the luxury of hotels or resorts . The concept of "paalkamperen" (pole camping) was the only legal form of wild camping in the Netherlands, an initiative that gave campers the opportunity to stay in the heart of nature for a short period free of charge. However, it is important to know that Staatsbosbeheer, the then-manager, permanently closed all its pole camping sites, including Avelingen, as of June 1, 2020. The reasons for this were increasing nuisance, vandalism, and non-compliance with the rules. This article looks back at what this site once offered, with its unique advantages and disadvantages, and paints a picture of a vanished form of hospedaje.

The appeal of simple accommodation

The main reason visitors came to Paalkampeerplaats Avelingen was its location. Nestled in a nature reserve and directly on a tributary of the Merwede River, it offered a sense of seclusion and tranquility. Unlike a commercial campsite or an organized apartamento vacacional , this was a place where one had to be self-sufficient. The experience was that of a pure albergue in the open air. Visitors appreciated the shelter of the pollard willows and the opportunity to picnic right by the water. For the adventurous traveler who didn't need the facilities of a hostería or posada , this was an ideal base. The rules were simple: a maximum of three trekker tents within a ten-meter radius of the pole, a maximum stay of 72 hours, and no open fires. It was the ultimate minimalist camping experience.

The positive aspects of Avelingen

• Secluded and peaceful: A key advantage was the distance from the public road. Visitors had to walk a short distance to reach the site, which created a natural barrier to excessive crowds and traffic. This offered a level of tranquility not easily found in standard cabañas or villas .
• Natural setting: The waterfront location and the presence of trees created an idyllic camping scene. It was a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the simplicity of nature.
• Free accommodation : The fact that there were no costs associated with the stay made it a very accessible option for hikers and cyclists passing through, who did not need full accommodation in a hostel .

The reality and the disadvantages

Despite its charm, Paalkampeerplaats Avelingen also had clear drawbacks, which ultimately contributed to the closure of such locations. These problems paint a more realistic picture than the idyllic photos alone.

Critical points of interest

• Water quality: One of the most frequently mentioned problems was the water pump. Although the presence of a pump seemed convenient, according to several user experiences, the water was not potable. It smelled of iron and contained particles. This meant that visitors, unlike guests in a departamento , had to be completely self-sufficient in their own drinking water supply.
• Maintenance and accessibility: There were complaints about the maintenance of the access paths. One visitor reported that the path had become so narrow that it was only possible to walk single file. This lack of maintenance by the administrator was a significant drawback.
• Limited space and crowds: The venue was small and could fill up quickly. While its remote location suggested tranquility, it was a popular spot, which sometimes led to a lack of space and privacy.
• Light and noise pollution: The idyllic setting was somewhat disrupted by the nearby A27 motorway. The traffic was clearly audible, and the bridge's lights meant it never got completely dark at night. This detracted from the "wild" camping experience.

The end of an era

The closure of Paalkampeerplaats Avelingen and the other sixteen sites owned by Staatsbosbeheer (the Dutch Forestry Commission) marks the end of a unique Dutch camping concept. The problems of nuisance, waste, and non-compliance with regulations became too great to ignore. This demonstrates the vulnerability of a model based on trust and respect for nature. For those seeking a comparable experience, the options are limited to a few private initiatives. Paalkampeerplaats Avelingen remains a reminder of an adventurous, but ultimately unsustainable, form of hospedaje , far removed from the organized world of hotels and vacation apartments .