We're looking into the feasibility of touring Belgium/Netherlands/Denmark/Germany and France next spring/early summer.
We've toured quite a bit in France so I'm happy with the routine there but we don't have much experience of touring the other countries particularly relatively early in the season.
If we were to go to France at that time of year we'd 95% of the time just book the crossing then make it up as we go along (usually using ACSI sites, aires and France Passion stops). The last time we went to the other countries it was 10 years ago and later in the summer, as our daughter was with us she absolutely insisted we had a booked site to go to which is not our preferred option these days.
Does anyone have any experience of touring Belgium/Netherlands/Denmark/Germany during May/June? Would we need to book or can we tour as we would in France at that time of year?
Also, I recall from my time in Germany with the RAF during the Cold War, Germany used to shut on Sundays, is that still the case and does it apply to campsites (e.g. would we be able to get onto a site if turning up on a Sunday or would the reception be closed)?
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I did FR and NL in May 2024 and nearly missed the return worm treatment for my dog as I did not check the list of their holidays!
As a planner by nature, winging it without booking is not in my nature, and I booked all the sites in advance.
I would advise booking ahead if you intend to go camping during their Whitsun equivalent in late May as it was very busy both in FR and NL. Other weekends could be busy too.
Not stayed in Germany yet, that is planned for 2026.
I just Googled the supermarkets near the German site where I shall be staying and it looks like Sunday closing is still the case. I would advise checking them yourself as it could vary from one region/area to another.
BTW, the FR and DE sites that I have in mind do not accept bookings until next year.
Hope this helps.
DK
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That’s Pentecost weekend aka Pinksteren in late May. Every campsite in NL will be booked solid Friday to Monday. Apart from that in NL it is generally just turn up. As well a ACSI sites it is worth looking at Holland mincampings website. These are small rural sites that are quite cheap.
Quote: Originally posted by Netherton on 16/10/2025
Take a phone. Call campsite.
That's a given.
What I'm after is more general information about whether travelling to a site on a Sunday is viable for general planning purposes. I'd like a rough idea of what I'm up against.
Quote: Originally posted by Swifty560 on 16/10/2025
That’s Pentecost weekend aka Pinksteren in late May. Every campsite in NL will be booked solid Friday to Monday. Apart from that in NL it is generally just turn up. As well a ACSI sites it is worth looking at Holland mincampings website. These are small rural sites that are quite cheap.
Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 16/10/2025
As a planner by nature, winging it without booking is not in my nature, and I booked all the sites in advance.
We enjoy the freedom of making up as you go along and not being tied to an agenda so we'll only book in advance if we feel we absolutely need to.
Quote: I just Googled the supermarkets near the German site where I shall be staying and it looks like Sunday closing is still the case. I would advise checking them yourself as it could vary from one region/area to another.
Hope this helps.
Thanks yes, that confirmed my previous experience.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: B/NL/DK/D site booking Spring 2026
via mobile 16/10/2025 at 1:05pm
