Camping Amsterdam. Ja!
Welcome to the city! Go ahead and pitch your tent.
Urban camping? Well, almost. Amsterdam boasts dozens of campgrounds just a short ride from the city centre. Heads Lifestyle joins the camaraderie of backpackers and city campers.
Ah, hostels! Just a single letter difference from being a hotel but far from actually embodying one. For decades, hostels have been the first choice for backpackers and Euro-trippers alike for their convenience and affordability. However, in recent years, hostel prices have spiked and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to visit Europe on a modest college student’s budget. Alas, despair not because a new and unlikely contender is in town—camping.
Camping has become a cheaper alternative to hostels, and one of the cities to fully embrace this transition is none other than the weed-loving capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam.
Camping has become a cheaper alternative to hostels, and one of the cities to fully embrace this transition is none other than the weed-loving capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam.
Camping Zeeburg, about a 10-minute tram or a 15-minute bike ride away from the centre of Amsterdam, is the perfect place to call home while you indulge in all the city has to offer. Located on an island under Amsterdam Bridge and surrounded by trees, wildlife and water, there isn’t a better place to sit back and rest your tired cycling legs after a long day of exploring.
During the summer months, Camping Zeeburg opens up Camping Zeeburg Too, an even more affordable campsite located 400 m from their main location catering to backpackers. Instead of BYOB, it’s BYOT (bring your own tent). Hauling a tent on your back is a small burden considering how budget-friendly this location is. With free WIFI, access to a pool and hot showers, Camping Zeeburg won’t set you back more than a fistful of Euros (€7 per person and €5 per tent).
Not only will you save money, you’ll also be contributing to the preservation of the planet. Camping Zeeburg holds a golden Green Key label. This means that all their decisions are guided by environmental and sustainable guidelines. From their locally-sourced organic burgers to their green roofs and solar panels to using only ecological and completely bio-degradable cleaning products and installing bat boxes.
If you’re seeking a little bit more comfort, Zeeburg offers colourful wagonnettes—like camping but without sleeping on the ground—and eco cabins smartly designed by local architects K3H Architecten. Or park up your camper if you’re living the van life.
Camping Zeeburg eco cabins designed by local architects K3H Architecten
More importantly, Camping Zeeburg is conveniently located just a short jaunt to Amsterdam’s attractions and a half-dozen coffeeshops so all your needs are covered.
If hotboxing while enjoying beautiful Dutch nature on a bargain sounds like bliss, consider forgoing hostels on your next trip to Amsterdam and opting instead for one of the many campsites in and around Amsterdam.
If hotboxing while enjoying beautiful Dutch nature on a bargain sounds like bliss, consider forgoing hostels on your next trip to Amsterdam and opting instead for one of the many campsites in and around Amsterdam. Zeeburg is by no means the only show in town; Amsterdam boasts dozens of camping options catering to different tastes.
Finally, while travelling, regardless of where you are in the world, it’s important to always be prepared. Stroopwafels, a skinny waffle with a caramel syrup filling, are the ultimate Dutch snack. Perfect for satisfying your munchies and found everywhere in the Venice of the North.
Useful Links:
Amsterdam Campgrounds
https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/plan-your-trip/where-to-stay/campsites
Camping Zeeburg
https://www.campingzeeburg.nl/en/
https://twitter.com/CampingZeeburg?lang=en
K3H Architecten
https://www.k3harchitecten.nl/project/cabins-camping-zeeburg-3/