camping de Reeënwissel

Camping de Reeënwissel in Hoogersmilde presents itself as a versatile destination, deeply rooted in the Drenthe countryside. The company focuses primarily on families and outdoor enthusiasts, with its combination of a fully-equipped riding school providing a unique selling point. This specific offering creates a unique type of hospedaje that goes beyond a standard camping experience. Its location directly on the Drents-Friese Wold National Park offers guests direct access to extensive hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails, significantly increasing its appeal for nature lovers.

The Facilities and Strengths

The most distinctive feature of De Reeënwissel is undoubtedly the FNRS riding school. Guests can take riding lessons, and there's even the option to bring their own horse. The campsite facilitates this with spacious stables and paddocks. Reviews from visitors who have taken advantage of this option are overwhelmingly positive. They praise the excellent guidance and affordable lessons, making it an ideal destination for riders of all levels. For a complete experience, the campsite offers special "Horse Lodges," a form of glamping where the accommodation directly borders a private paddock with stables.

In addition to horseback riding facilities, the campsite offers a wide range of accommodations . There are traditional camping pitches (basic and comfort), but the range of rental accommodations is remarkably diverse. Guests can choose from modern chalets, various glamping tents, and even a unique XXL treehouse. This extensive selection allows the campsite to compete with various types of holiday accommodations, from simple albergue -style tents to luxury cabañas and apartamentos vacacionales . The presence of a brasserie with a terrace, a bread service, and play facilities such as a water playground and a climbing forest contribute to the comfort and entertainment for families. An entertainment team is active during the school holidays, making the campsite especially attractive for young children.

Points of Criticism and Areas of Attention

Despite the many positive aspects, there are significant concerns that potential visitors should consider. A recurring theme in guest experiences concerns the organization and customer service. There are very concerning reports of serious booking problems, where guests were told upon arrival that their reservation was unknown and no staff was available to assist. In one documented case, this resulted in a family having to search for an alternative hotel late at night, without any solution or refund offered in a timely manner. These types of incidents point to potential weaknesses in the booking and reception processes.

Other guests note that the reception staff isn't always adequately trained and often can't answer questions. Technical issues, such as a malfunctioning barrier, have also caused frustration. Furthermore, some consider the price to be relatively high, especially for campervan pitches. One guest paid €155 for three nights on a comfort pitch that offered little shade and wasn't level, making it difficult to level the campervan. The lack of a camping shop is also considered a drawback, although a supermarket is a five-minute drive away.

A Company in Development

Many of the mixed experiences can be explained by the campsite's recent change of ownership and its transition. This "build-up phase" brings visible changes and improvements, such as the development of new annual pitches and innovative, sustainable projects. At the same time, this sometimes leads to a cluttered environment due to the ongoing work. This transition can explain the inconsistencies in service: on the one hand, there's the ambition to become a top-notch resort with unique facilities, while on the other, there are the growing pains of an organization that hasn't yet been fully streamlined.

For those seeking a unique holiday that combines camping with a passion for horses, Camping de Reeënwissel offers a nearly unparalleled experience. The diversity of accommodations and the beautiful location are definite pluses. However, potential guests should be aware of the reported organizational issues. While it's a hostería that can offer a fantastic experience, there's also the potential for service-related problems. Choosing this campsite depends on the visitor's priorities: those who prioritize unique horseback riding and nature experiences may be willing to accept the potential inconveniences of a developing business.