Camping ‘t Wieskamp

Camping 't Wieskamp, now operating under the banner of the French chain Capfun, is a holiday park in Winterswijk Henxel, Gelderland, that explicitly profiles itself as a family destination. The acquisition by Capfun has led to a transformation that has generated both positive and negative reactions. The park offers a wide range of accommodations, from traditional camping pitches to luxury chalets, appealing to a diverse clientele looking for a fully catered stay.

A Paradise for Children? Facilities and Entertainment

One of the most praised aspects of 't Wieskamp is its focus on children's entertainment. Guests with children of various ages, such as families with children aged 5 and 8, indicate that there is more than enough entertainment to keep them occupied. The staff, and especially the entertainment team, are described as very friendly, enthusiastic, and helpful, which contributes to a positive holiday atmosphere. The facilities are fully geared towards this. The park has both an indoor and an outdoor pool, and the addition of water slides is a clear hallmark of the Capfun concept. This makes the park a kind of mini- resort where water fun takes center stage. In addition to the swimming fun, there is a natural playground and an indoor playground, ensuring children can have fun even in inclement weather. These amenities are crucial, as evidenced by the experiences of guests who still had a wonderful holiday despite the inclement weather.

The Quality of the Hospedaje : From Camping to Chalet

The diversity of the alojamiento is a strong point of the park. For traditional campers, there are spacious pitches offering a unique luxury: each pitch has private sanitary facilities. This is a significant advantage compared to many other campsites and is highly appreciated by visitors. For those seeking more comfort, there are various rental accommodations. Experiences with these are predominantly positive. For example, a cottage for eight people with four bedrooms, two toilets, and two bathrooms is very much appreciated by a large family. The cleanliness and state of maintenance of these cabañas and villas are often praised. Visitors report that the accommodations are clean and tidy, which promotes a carefree stay.

• Camping pitches: Spacious (125-150m2) and all equipped with private sanitary facilities, 16 amp electricity and cable TV.
• Rental accommodations: Ranging from Finnish bungalows and Woodlodge tents to modern chalets, often suitable for 4 to 8 people and fully furnished.
• Accessibility: There is a special chalet available that is fully wheelchair accessible.

These options offer something for everyone, from a basic albergue feel in a safari tent to the comfort one would expect from a better hotel in the most luxurious chalets.

The Downside: Criticism and Room for Improvement

Despite the many positive comments, the picture isn't entirely rosy. An analysis of guest experiences reveals significant drawbacks. The most striking is an extremely negative review from a family who felt compelled to leave in the middle of the night, just hours after arriving. While specific details are lacking, such a drastic decision indicates a very serious problem with the assigned accommodation or the overall condition of the park at that time. This contrasts sharply with the many positive comments about cleanliness and suggests that the quality of accommodations and housekeeping can be inconsistent.

Another, more nuanced criticism concerns the swimming pool. While the pool complex as a whole is considered enjoyable, some find the toddler pool too simplistic for children just out of toddlerhood, such as five-year-olds. It offers too little challenge for them, which can somewhat dampen the fun. This detail is important for families with young children who have specific expectations of the water facilities.

Unrest among Regular Guests

A deeper problem arose after the takeover by Capfun, which led to unrest among regular annual guests. Reports and news items from late 2023 paint a picture of a conflict between the new owner and residents of holiday homes. Regular guests felt "bullied out" by the large-scale renovation plans, the park's communication, and the uncertainty about their future on the property. There was also a preliminary injunction concerning access to the park during the winter months. Although this conflict primarily affects long-term guests, such a tense atmosphere can also impact the overall holiday experience of tourists.

Final verdict: Who is 't Wieskamp suitable for?

Camping 't Wieskamp, owned by Capfun, is a destination with two faces. It's an excellent choice for families with children looking for an active holiday packed with fun, featuring swimming pools, slides, and an enthusiastic entertainment team. The quality of the accommodations, from holiday apartments to luxury chalets, is generally rated as high, particularly for cleanliness and the availability of private sanitary facilities on the pitches. The friendly staff contributes to an enjoyable experience.

Potential visitors should also be aware of the potential drawbacks. Experiences are not uniformly positive; there is a risk of a disappointing experience, as the very negative review demonstrates. Due to the many activities and the focus on children, the park is probably less suitable for those seeking peace and quiet. Those looking for a serene hostería or a quiet posada may be disappointed. The mixed reviews and previous conflicts with regular guests suggest that while the "hardware" (facilities, accommodations) is largely sound, the "software" (consistency in service, communication) sometimes leaves much to be desired. It is a fully-fledged holiday park that offers a complete package, but it is advisable to book with realistic expectations.