Camping De Midden Veluwe

Camping De Midden Veluwe, located on Palmenhuizerweg in Harskamp, is a large recreation park offering a wide range of holiday options. The site features a large number of permanent pitches, creating a vibrant and established community, but there are also spacious tourist fields for campers with tents, caravans, and campervans. The campsite also offers a variety of rental accommodations, ranging from simple chalets to luxury glamping tents . This diversity makes it an option for all types of holidaymakers, from traditional campers to families seeking more comfort.

Facilities and Recreation: The Heart of the Campsite

One of the most praised features of De Midden Veluwe is its central recreational lake, affectionately known as "Playa del Harskampo" by both guests and the campsite itself. This natural swimming pool with a sandy bottom, complete with a sandy beach, sunbathing areas, and a large waterslide, is the social and recreational hub during the summer months. It's a significant draw for families with children. Besides water fun, the campsite offers a restaurant, a snack bar, a multi-court, a panna court, and several playgrounds, including a striking play boat called the "SS Adventure." During the school holidays, an entertainment team organizes activities for all ages, giving the campsite the feel of a full-fledged resort .

Different Forms of Shelter

Accommodation options are extensive. For those traveling with their own means, there are designated tourist pitches on grassy fields. For those who prefer to rent, there's a diverse selection of holiday apartments and chalets. A guest who stayed in a "Mol" chalet praised the comfortable beds and the complete inventory. This suggests that these more basic cabins offer a solid base for a holiday.

At the other end of the spectrum are the luxury glamping tents, such as the 'Moeflon,' a 7-person safari tent. These tents are equipped with considerable luxury, including a private shower, toilet, dishwasher, and even a play area with a slide inside the tent for children. However, experiences with these tents are not entirely positive. One reviewer noted that the specific location of their tent was unfavorable, with a view of other guests and a lot of shade in the afternoon, which quickly made it chilly. A noticeable difference in outdoor furniture was also noted: while the 5-person tents had a lounge set, the 7-person version had to make do with only a picnic table. These kinds of details can affect the luxury experience, especially considering the higher price point of this type of accommodation.

The Practice: Service, Atmosphere and Cleanliness

The service at De Midden Veluwe receives mixed reviews. There are positive comments about the prompt response to technical issues in rental accommodations. However, cleaning seems to be a concern. One guest reported having to vacuum an expensive glamping tent themselves upon arrival and found items from the previous occupants, suggesting a superficial cleaning. Other visitors, on the other hand, describe the sanitary facilities as very clean. This indicates a varying quality or experience.

The campsite's atmosphere is strongly influenced by the large number of regular guests. This creates a "we know each other" atmosphere. For returning visitors, this can contribute to a sense of belonging, but for new guests, it can be difficult to connect. One reviewer noted that you "don't fit in" if you're not open to interaction. Weekends can get extra busy with visitors from the regulars, which, according to one review, sometimes leads to the presence of "foul-mouthed" guests. Another practical inconvenience is that the campsite shop is closed, forcing guests to drive to the supermarket in Harskamp for every small purchase.

Important Considerations for Potential Guests

The Reality of the Location: Military Training Ground

A factor that cannot be ignored when staying at Camping De Midden Veluwe is its location. The campsite is located directly next to the Harskamp Infantry Shooting Range (ISK), an active military training area of the Ministry of Defence. This means that there is regular and unavoidable noise from shooting exercises. Reviews confirm that this noise, sometimes lasting until late at night (11:30), can be a significant part of the experience. The campsite itself is transparent about this on its website. For those seeking absolute peace and quiet in nature, this accommodation is probably not the right choice. For others, this disadvantage may outweigh the advantages, but it is a crucial point to be aware of beforehand.

A Worrying Signal About Inclusivity

Besides the practical pros and cons, there's a very serious complaint that deserves attention. A visitor gave the campsite the lowest possible score after a negative experience involving her daughter, who is mute and sometimes makes involuntary noises. According to the review, her daughter was labeled "noise pollution" and "scary" by the owners, while screaming children were considered normal. The guest accused the owners of double standards and a disappointing lack of empathy. Such an experience, although a single report, raises important questions about the campsite's inclusivity and its approach to guests with disabilities. For families in a similar situation, this is a potentially crucial point of concern.

A Campsite with Two Faces

Camping De Midden Veluwe presents itself as a destination with clear pros and cons. The recreational facilities, with the swimming pond as its crowning glory, are undoubtedly its greatest asset and make it an attractive option for active families. The selection of various accommodation options, from camping pitches to luxury chalets , is extensive.

However, there are significant drawbacks. The constant noise from the nearby military training ground is a significant factor. The social structure, with many regular guests, can be perceived as exclusive, and the reported inconsistencies in cleaning and the details of the rental accommodations detract from the overall experience. Most concerning is the complaint about the treatment of a child with a disability. Potential visitors should carefully weigh these factors. Those seeking a lively, active holiday and who are not sensitive to noise can have an excellent time here. However, those seeking peace and quiet, a guaranteed clean room , or an environment that has been proven to be sensitive to special needs should consider alternative options, such as the many other hotels , villas , or a quieter apartment in the Veluwe.