Camping ‘It Wiid’

Located in Earnewâld, in the heart of De Alde Feanen National Park, Camping 'It Wiid' presents itself as a large, 28-hectare holiday park. It's a destination primarily geared towards water enthusiasts and families, offering a wide range of accommodations and facilities. The types of accommodation offered range from traditional camping pitches for tents, caravans, and campervans to the rental and sale of luxury holiday homes, which explains its dual role as a campsite and real estate agency.

A diverse range of accommodation options

The heart of It Wiid is the campsite, with over 360 spacious pitches. A significant number of these pitches are located directly on the water, allowing guests to enjoy the Frisian waterscape directly from their tent or caravan. The pitches are generally spacious and car-free, contributing to a peaceful and safe environment. For those seeking more comfort, the park offers a wide selection of rental accommodations. This includes various types of cabañas and villas, ranging in size from 4 to 8 people. These holiday homes, located both on the campsite and at the adjacent 'Buitenplaats It Wiid', often have a private jetty, allowing guests to moor their own or rented boat directly at their accommodation. While not a traditional hotel or hostería , the level of comfort offered by the most luxurious apartamentos vacacionales , with options for wellness facilities such as a private sauna or spa, does approach that experience.

Facilities for young and old

It Wiid boasts a wide range of facilities designed to create a complete holiday experience. The heated outdoor pool, with a long water slide and a separate paddling pool, takes center stage, making it a favorite spot for families. There are also several playgrounds, a play island with a small beach, and a soccer field. During peak season, a professional recreation team organizes activities for all ages.

The resort's water-focused nature is clearly reflected in its extensive water sports offerings. There's a boat rental service on-site, offering guests sloops, falcons, canoes, and motorboats. Sailing courses in Optimists are offered for children, providing an accessible introduction to sailing. Other on-site amenities include a supermarket with fresh bread rolls daily, a snack bar, and a café.

Excellent sanitary facilities

One of the most praised aspects of Camping 'It Wiid' is the quality and hygiene of the sanitary facilities. Several guests emphasize in their reviews the exceptional cleanliness of the toilet and shower facilities. Even during the busiest times of peak season, the cleanliness is considered "top-notch." This is a crucial plus for many campers and contributes significantly to a positive stay. The showers are free to use, which is a pleasant bonus. A minor, recurring point of criticism, however, is the relatively short time it takes to shower per button press, which some visitors find inconvenient.

Critical notes and points of interest

Despite the many positive aspects, there are also a number of recurring points of criticism and considerations that potential visitors should take into consideration.

Dog policy: welcome, but with restrictions

Dogs are welcome on the It Wiid camping grounds, but the policy and facilities for four-legged friends have generated mixed reactions. Guests note that the daily dog fee is rather high, especially considering the lack of dedicated facilities. There are no designated swimming areas for dogs, and there is a noticeable lack of waste bins for dog poop bags on the grounds. This causes inconvenience and is considered a clear drawback by dog owners. While dogs are allowed in some holiday homes on the Buitenplaats, they are not welcome in the rental accommodations on the campsite itself.

Social dynamics and rules of conduct

Another potential stumbling block is the social dynamics at the campsite, particularly the interaction between short-term visitors and regular seasonal campers. A detailed review describes an incident in which seasonal guests appropriated a public area of the campsite and obstructed other guests. The perception was that the campsite management did not respond adequately. This kind of territorial behavior, while possibly incidental, can negatively impact the holiday atmosphere for other guests.

Visitors also complain about the number of smokers in the park. Smoking occurs in areas where it's not allowed, such as the pool and playground, which is considered a nuisance by non-smokers and families with young children.

Other points of interest

Some other, smaller drawbacks mentioned include maintenance work such as pruning and leaf blowing that takes place at the end of the season while guests are still present, which can cause noise pollution. The fact that popular spots, especially those right on the water, are often fully booked well in advance is also something to consider when planning a stay.

Final judgment

Camping 'It Wiid' is undeniably a top destination for anyone looking for a water-based holiday in Friesland. The wide range of accommodations , from simple camping pitches to luxury villas , makes it suitable for a diverse audience. The excellent facilities, particularly the swimming pool, boat rentals, and the impeccably clean restrooms, are the park's strengths. The friendly staff is also frequently praised.

Potential guests, however, would do well to be aware of the drawbacks. The dog policy can be disappointing for four-legged friends. Potential friction with regular guests and the nuisance caused by smokers are factors that can affect the experience. Nevertheless, for those who focus on water sports, a lively family atmosphere, and a high level of hygiene, It Wiid offers a very complete and enjoyable holiday experience. It is a fully-fledged resort where you can enjoy the unique surroundings of De Alde Feanen.