Camping Besten
BackCamping Besten, located at Oude Deventerweg 4b in Haarle, Overijssel, presents itself as a specific niche within the broader Dutch accommodation sector. While its name suggests it's primarily a traditional campsite, available data and reviews point to a highly specialized offering that differs significantly from more common options such as hotels, hostels , or luxury resorts .
The Positioning of Camping Besten: A Rest Home for Adults
A crucial feature that potential guests should immediately understand is Camping Besten's focus. This establishment explicitly positions itself as an adults-only campsite . This distinction is fundamental and influences virtually every aspect of the expected stay. While children's facilities are often considered when searching for holiday apartments or family-oriented villas, this is not the case here. While children are welcome as day visitors, which offers a degree of flexibility for guests who have visitors, they are not allowed to stay overnight. This makes it less suitable for travelers seeking complete family accommodation.
The location is an undisputed plus. The campsite borders the famous Sallandse Heuvelrug, an area known for its heathlands, forests, and rolling hills, such as the Haarlerberg and the Koningsbelt. For guests seeking peaceful accommodation and direct access to hiking and cycling routes, Camping Besten offers a unique base. This natural beauty is a key reason to choose this type of accommodation over the more urban or crowded apartments or resorts elsewhere.
The Quality of the Camping Pitches and Facilities
The positive experiences of visitors emphasize the attention to detail on the individual pitches. They mention tiled platforms, specifically designed so that caravans can be leveled immediately. This detail, though small, indicates a high level of attention to camper comfort, something not always found in standard Hostería or Posada-style setups. The presence of electricity (6A/4KW is mentioned as included free of charge) on the pitch itself, combined with a water tap on the pitch, ensures that the basic needs of the modern camper are well covered. Even the availability of Wi-Fi is mentioned, which bridges the gap to the modern expectations of rooms or holiday apartments.
Regarding the general facilities, the restrooms are consistently described as clean, despite being described as dated. This is an important distinction: beauty trumps novelty. For guests who prefer the tranquility of a campsite over the luxury of a resort, this is often an acceptable trade-off. The friendliness of the owner, Emiel, is also specifically mentioned, indicating a personal approach to hospitality often lacking in larger hotels or commercial apartment complexes.
The Disadvantages and Operational Restrictions of Staying
To present a balanced picture for potential guests, Camping Besten's limitations must be clearly highlighted. The fact that the site is no longer an SVR campsite (as one reviewer noted) may mean a change in status for some regular guests, although the current focus on tranquility and adults-only accommodations partially compensates for this.
Operational Restrictions: Time and Payment
One of the most significant operational drawbacks is the strict admission and payment structure. Arrival on Sunday is not possible, and opening hours are significantly shorter on Saturdays (until 5:00 PM) than on weekdays (until 8:00 PM). While this contributes to a peaceful evening, it requires planning. Furthermore, the fact that card payments are not accepted and payment must be made only in advance (the day before departure) via cash or bank transfer is a potential stumbling block in an era where digital payments are the norm, even for basic accommodations .
Sanitary and Pet Policy in Transition
As mentioned, the restrooms are dated. While clean, they won't meet the expectations of guests accustomed to the state-of-the-art facilities found in luxury villas or upscale resorts. It's important to note that a renewal application has been submitted to the municipality, suggesting that changes are on the way, but for now, it's a point of attention.
Pet policy is another area in flux. Reviews show some uncertainty or dissatisfaction about the abolition of dog permits, but official information indicates that dogs will be allowed on the large field from 2026 , provided they are kept on a leash. This is a positive development for dog lovers who would otherwise choose a campsite that does allow pets, such as some competitors in Overijssel.
Camping Besten versus Alternative Forms of Accommodation
Choosing Camping Besten should be considered in relation to the full spectrum of accommodations. If one prefers the privacy and self-sufficiency of a holiday apartment or the security of an albergue (although that term is less applicable), Camping Besten will fall short in terms of locked rooms or fully equipped indoor facilities. It is not a place where one will find a wide range of paid services, as in a full-fledged resort.
Its strength lies precisely in the absence of the distractions often associated with larger holiday complexes. There are no signs of extensive entertainment programs or large-scale sports facilities, guaranteeing tranquility. This is in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle one might experience in a busy hotel complex. The simplicity of a Hostería or Posada comes closer, but in the context of a camping experience, where guests bring their own mobile Hospedaje (caravan).
For those visiting the Sallandse Heuvelrug region and looking for a place that respects the tranquility of nature, this is an excellent option. The 4.4 rating, based on over one hundred reviews, confirms that the majority of visitors appreciate the campsite's intention: peace and quiet. It's a place that excels in what it *is*, by being very aware of what it *isn't*: it's not a children's campsite, not a luxury resort, and not a location where you can easily pay by card.
for the Potential Guest
Camping Besten is a highly specialized destination within the Dutch lodging and accommodation market. It's ideal for couples or individuals seeking absolute tranquility at the foot of a beautiful nature reserve and who prefer a small-scale, personal approach to the anonymous service of larger hotels or apartments . However, preparation is essential: bring cash, observe Sunday morning rest, and be comfortable with the current state of the sanitary facilities. Those who accept these conditions will experience a high-quality and peaceful stay at Camping Besten, far removed from the hustle and bustle one sometimes seeks to escape in a resort setting. The proximity of hiking trails and the well-maintained pitches make it a strong candidate for those seeking peace and quiet and an alternative to the traditional huts or villas nearby.
