Camping De Elzenhof

Camping De Elzenhof, located at Horloseweg 14 in Harderwijk, offers a unique type of accommodation in the province of Gelderland. For potential guests seeking a peaceful respite, this location offers an alternative to more traditional urban hotels or the luxury of villas and resorts. Unlike the many apartments or rental rooms found elsewhere, De Elzenhof primarily caters to campers and motorhome owners, which results in a fundamentally different experience. It's important to objectively weigh the facilities offered and the feedback received before deciding to book your accommodation here.

The Location: A Base for Rest and Recreation

The geographical location of Camping De Elzenhof, right on the border of Harderwijk and Ermelo, makes it an excellent starting point for nature lovers. The proximity of Lake Veluwe, only about 3 kilometers away, makes water sports and beach trips easily accessible. This is a significant advantage over many urban accommodation options. The area is renowned for its numerous cycling and hiking trails, making the campsite an ideal base for those who want to experience the Veluwe's natural beauty, an activity that is less readily available in a standard resort or city hotel.

Moreover, cultural and recreational attractions are nearby. The famous Harderwijk Dolphinarium is only a 4-kilometer bike ride away. A petting zoo and a deer park are also within a ten-minute walk. For daily necessities, there's a shopping center just a few minutes away by bike. While the campsite itself exudes tranquility, the immediate surroundings offer plenty of entertainment, which benefits the balance between serenity and accessibility. For those looking for more than a simple Posada or Hostelry , but without the full luxury of an organized resort, this offers a happy medium.

Comparison with Other Forms of Shelter

When considering the options, it's helpful to compare De Elzenhof to other types of accommodations. While a hotel or rental apartment offers permanent rooms and a higher level of privacy and service, De Elzenhof offers 25 spacious tourist pitches. It's not a place to look for a rental apartment or a traditional albergue, but rather a place to pitch a tent or caravan. While the information doesn't mention permanent cabañas or rental villas, the camping experience, essentially a temporary shelter, is a unique choice in the spectrum of accommodations .

The Core of the Stay: Plus Points and Facilities

The most consistently positive feedback focuses on the atmosphere and basic amenities. Visitors repeatedly praise the campsite as exceptionally quiet and clean . This implies that the managers deliver on their promises regarding the basic quality of the stay. The availability of excellent free Wi-Fi is specifically mentioned as a modern plus that isn't always guaranteed at smaller campsites, and it is a welcome addition to the natural surroundings, especially for guests who need to be reachable during their stay.

Friendliness of the Owners and Space

The owners are often described as very friendly and helpful , offering tips about the surrounding area. This personal touch is a characteristic often sought in small-scale accommodations or Posadas, and it stands in stark contrast to the sometimes anonymous atmosphere of larger holiday parks or resorts . The pitches themselves are spacious and divided over three fields, contributing to the feeling of space. Some pitches are even paved, which can be an advantage for campers who require stability, although there seems to be a difference in perception between caravan pitches and camper pitches.

Furthermore, the hygiene of the sanitary facilities, despite being somewhat dated, is often highly rated. Daily cleaning between 9:30 and 10:00 AM is mentioned, indicating a clear routine from the campsite management. Even recent assessments from 2025 give high marks for both hygiene and the general condition of the facilities, suggesting that recent efforts are paying off.

The Points of Attention: Areas for Improvement and Conflicting Experiences

An objective assessment requires an in-depth analysis of the aforementioned drawbacks. The bathroom facilities, while clean, are described as somewhat dated . This is a direct concern for guests accustomed to the modern amenities of a 4- or 5-star hotel or resort . Specific problems with the showers have been reported:

• A maximum shower duration of 5 minutes.
• Having to wait for hot water.
• The temperature of the hot water is not adjustable and is experienced by some as too hot .
• The shower height is insufficient for taller people, which leads to discomfort when washing the head.

These points are crucial for comfort during an extended stay and can be a deal breaker for travelers who expect more comfort than a basic Albergue offers.

Inconsistency in Reception and Policy

Perhaps the most troubling points concern the service and flexibility of the owners, as this strongly influences the subjective experience. While many guests praise the friendliness, there is a clear outlier of a negative experience where a guest received an unfriendly welcome . This involved the refusal to stay for just one night at a campsite that was less than half occupied, and the strict enforcement of the 1:30 PM check-in time. Another serious incident involved a guest who, due to circumstances beyond their control (coronavirus), requested a lenient arrangement for a week already paid for; this was refused and they were advised to leave the campsite immediately. This lack of empathy, especially in unforeseen circumstances, is at odds with the hospitality one would expect, even from a simple hostel or lodging.

Furthermore, there's a difference in experience between different types of guests. Campervan owners sometimes reported a less appealing view, with a view of barns and noise from the nearby A28 exit, while the caravan sites were perceived as neat and inviting and apparently inaccessible to campervans.

Practical Considerations for Your Booking

Camping De Elzenhof operates within a clearly defined season, from April 1st to October 31st. This means it's not a year-round accommodation like many hotels or larger apartment complexes. Reservations are also strictly required: bookings can be made from Monday to Saturday, with fixed opening hours that include a lunch break (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM, with an evening break from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM). Arrivals are not possible on Sundays.

The campsite is affiliated with SVR (Friends of Outdoor Life Foundation), which means members may benefit from reduced rates. These rates are specifically for tents and caravans and include basic amenities such as 6A electricity, tourist tax, showers, hot water, and the aforementioned free Wi-Fi. Please note: electric heaters are explicitly not permitted , which is important for comfort in the cooler seasons when you might need a heated room or cabin .

Accessibility and General Impression

A significant advantage is the wheelchair-accessible entrance , a crucial aspect for guests with limited mobility, a feature not every small-scale accommodation can offer. The mixed reviews—ranging from an overall score of 3.9 in a broad database to recent high scores of 9.7/10 on specialized websites—require potential guests to make a well-considered choice. De Elzenhof excels in tranquility, cleanliness, and location for outdoor activities. It is an excellent choice for campers who value basic amenities and seek proximity to nature, perhaps as a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle of a large resort or bustling city center.

However, guests expecting absolute flexibility, guaranteed unlimited hot water, or a guaranteed empathetic attitude in the event of unforeseen circumstances should be aware of the reported shortcomings in service and the limitations of the outdated, but clean, sanitary facilities. This is not a place that emulates the luxury of a holiday apartment or the full service of a modern resort; it is a functional, quiet campsite with welcoming owners, but with clear operational frameworks and, historically, some service issues. For those who are satisfied with the simplicity of a good campsite and embrace the charm of simple accommodation in nature, De Elzenhof can offer a very satisfying stay .

In summary, Camping De Elzenhof offers a quiet, clean accommodation option near Harderwijk, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet and nature lovers who bring their own tent or campervan. While the facilities offer basic comfort (including excellent Wi-Fi), there are clear drawbacks regarding shower facilities and a history of inflexible service. This objective review will help you determine whether this small-scale camping accommodation meets your expectations, compared to, for example, a hostel or a rental cabin elsewhere.