Camping Vliegenbos Amsterdam
BackCamping Vliegenbos: A Green Oasis in Amsterdam-Noord
Camping Vliegenbos, located on Meeuwenlaan in the bustling Amsterdam-Noord district, presents itself as a unique option for those who want to experience the capital without constantly being in the hustle and bustle of the city center. This urban campsite offers a captivating blend of natural tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an attractive choice for a wide range of travelers. It's a place that breaks with the conventions of traditional hotels and offers a more adventurous and communal approach to Alojamiento . Its overall rating of 4.4 out of thousands of reviews reflects a predominantly positive guest experience. However, as with any accommodation, it's important to highlight both the strong points and potential drawbacks.
The Various Forms of Hospedaje
One of Camping Vliegenbos' greatest assets is its variety of accommodation options. The site is spacious, with separate fields for tents, caravans, and campers. This creates an organized and pleasant atmosphere. For visitors traveling without their own camping equipment but still wanting to experience the camping atmosphere, there are several Cabañas , also known as hiker's cabins. These "City Cabins" are a popular alternative and offer a more secluded form of accommodation. One of the models, the City Cabin Noord, was even nominated for an ANWB award for most unique rental accommodation. These wooden cabins offer functional Habitaciones , ideal for those exploring the city during the day and preferring a comfortable bed to an air mattress at night. However, it's important to emphasize that this is not a luxury villa or a large resort . The atmosphere is relaxed and more reminiscent of an international Albergue or a cozy Posada than a formal Hostería . Apartamentos vacacionales or a Departamento with full hotel service are not offered; the focus is on the authentic camping experience.
Facilities: The Unexpected Luxury of a City Camping
Sanitary Facilities
One aspect that's reflected in almost every positive review is the sanitary facilities. Guests are exceptionally pleased with the cleanliness, spaciousness, and quality of the shower and toilet facilities. A frequently mentioned and highly appreciated detail is the underfloor heating, which makes a stay considerably more pleasant during the colder months. The showers are coin-operated, which contributes to the ease of use. This attention to clean and comfortable sanitary facilities is a significant plus and distinguishes Vliegenbos from many other city campsites, where this can sometimes be a sore point.
Other Facilities on the Site
Camping Vliegenbos is well-equipped to make its guests' stay as comfortable as possible. There's a camping shop for basic groceries and camping supplies, and a restaurant/bar where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, a toasted sandwich, or a full meal. A bread roll service provides a fresh breakfast. For those who prefer to cook for themselves, a covered camping kitchen is available, although guests must bring their own pots and pans. Other facilities include a laundry room, free Wi-Fi throughout most of the grounds, and bicycle rentals. The friendly and helpful reception staff are also frequently praised and contribute to the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Location and Accessibility: The Best of Both Worlds
The campsite's location in Amsterdam-Noord is strategic. Nestled in a forest, the campsite offers a peaceful and green setting. At the same time, Amsterdam's city center is surprisingly close. A short walk or bike ride of about 15 minutes will take you to the free ferry that takes you directly to Central Station. The metro is also within walking distance, taking you to the heart of the city in just a few minutes. This excellent connection makes the campsite an ideal base. Moreover, Amsterdam-Noord itself has developed into a hip and vibrant district with numerous interesting sights, such as the NDSM wharf and the EYE Film Museum, which are within cycling distance of the campsite.
The Points of Consideration: What Potential Guests Need to Know
Size of the Camping Pitches
The most frequently mentioned drawback in reviews is the size of the pitches, especially for campervans and caravans. Several guests indicate that the pitches are on the small side. Although the pitches are neatly laid out, often with wood chips to prevent mud, maneuvering a large campervan or caravan can be challenging. When the awning is extended, the distance to neighbors can be limited. This is an important point for campers who value space and privacy around their accommodation. It's wise to keep this in mind when booking and, if available, reserve a larger pitch.
Child-friendliness and atmosphere
While the campsite is suitable for families, it's good to know that there is no dedicated playground on the grounds. However, there are play areas directly outside the campsite and in the nearby Noorderpark. The campsite attracts a very international and diverse crowd, including many young people. While most visitors describe the atmosphere as peaceful and respectful, it can get busy during peak season. Those seeking absolute peace and quiet should keep in mind that this is a lively city campsite. One visitor also reported that the showers were sometimes not very hot, although this appears to be an isolated issue.
For whom is Camping Vliegenbos the ideal choice?
Camping Vliegenbos is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an affordable and charming alternative to a standard hotel room in Amsterdam. It's ideal for campers with a tent, campervan, or caravan who want to combine proximity to the city with the tranquility of nature. The campsite also offers a unique experience for backpackers, couples, and groups of friends staying in the hiker's cabins. The combination of excellent sanitary facilities, a friendly atmosphere, and a prime location makes the overwhelmingly high ratings understandable. The main drawback, the compact size of the pitches, is a trade-off for the unique opportunity to camp in the heart of the forest, just a stone's throw from one of Europe's most vibrant cities.
