Camping de Koeksebelt

Camping de Koeksebelt, officially recognized as a 5-star campsite by the ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club), presents itself as a luxury destination with a unique location. Since the construction of the Koeksegeul in 2018, the site has been situated on an island, completely surrounded by the Vecht River. This location, within walking distance of Ommen's town center, combines direct access to nature with urban amenities. While the campsite generally receives very high ratings, there are several aspects potential visitors should consider for an optimal stay.

A diverse range of alojamiento

The Koeksebelt offers a wide range of hospedaje options. In addition to the 304 spacious tourist camping pitches, which are equipped with water, drainage, electricity, and TV connections as standard, there is a considerable selection of rental accommodations. These range from simple hiker's cabins to very luxurious options that surpass the experience of a traditional hotel . For those seeking unique accommodations , there are special accommodations such as tree houses, the "Stork's Nest," and various River Lodges and Cottages with water views. These options can be considered modern cabañas or even small-scale villas . For larger groups, a departamento is available, and the luxury of the accommodations gives the campsite the allure of a small-scale resort . A highly praised option is the possibility to book a camping pitch with private bathroom facilities, which significantly increases comfort.

Points of interest at the camping sites

Although the pitches are described as spacious and well-maintained, some guests note that the demarcation between them isn't always clear. A more significant point of criticism is the policy of parking cars next to caravans or tents. Several guests find this disruptive and feel it diminishes the atmosphere of camping in nature, making the field feel more like a parking lot. A car-free policy, with exceptions for guests with disabilities, is seen by some as a desirable improvement. Furthermore, the proximity of the Zwolseweg can cause noise pollution in certain parts of the campsite.

Facilities for young and old

The campsite offers extensive facilities. The heated outdoor pool, open from the May holidays until the end of September, is a major attraction. It's equipped with a family slide, a lazy river, and a children's area. One point of concern is that some guests find the pool a bit small during peak season, considering the number of visitors. Besides the pool, the direct location on the Vecht River offers numerous water sports; guests can swim, fish, or rent a canoe, kayak, SUP, or electric boat. For children, there are several playgrounds and a play beach with a pirate ship. During school holidays, a professional entertainment team organizes activities for all ages. However, experiences vary; while some praise the team and the variety, others found the entertainment in peak season to be limited.

The catering industry: convenience with caveats

There's a brasserie and a snack bar on site. The quality of the food is generally considered good. A significant drawback experienced by guests during peak season was the restaurant's limited weekday opening hours, which meant that even takeout pizzas weren't possible. The camp shop also didn't always meet expectations, with the lack of fresh bread early in the morning being a particular drawback. These inconsistencies in service are a significant concern for guests who rely on the available amenities.

The strengths of De Koeksebelt

• Location: The location on an island in the Vecht, within walking distance of Ommen and opposite the Het Laer estate, is without a doubt the biggest advantage.
• Cleanliness: The hygiene, especially of the restrooms, is described as excellent by almost all visitors. The buildings are modern, spacious, and kept exceptionally clean.
• Dog-friendly: The campsite is dog-friendly. There's a designated dog beach where dogs can swim off-leash, a great benefit for dog owners.

Critical considerations

In addition to the points mentioned above, there are a few other things to consider. Some guests find the price-quality ratio unsatisfactory; the rates, which can be substantial during peak season, are not always justified by the level of service and entertainment offered. Finally, the presence of mole traps in the fields is a detail that may be relevant for families with small children or pets. While the choice of accommodations, from camping pitches to luxury vacation apartments , is impressive, the ultimate holiday experience depends heavily on personal priorities and the time of year.