Green Camping Checklist: Simple Guest Tips to Help Wildhoeve Maintain Its Green Key Gold
Want your holiday to feel good and do good? This Green Camping Checklist shows easy ways you can help Camping de Wildhoeve protect the Veluwe and maintain its Green Key Gold status. From mindful water use to wildlife-friendly choices, these simple actions fit naturally into your stay—and make a real difference.
What Green Key Gold Means at Wildhoeve
Green Key is an international sustainability quality mark for leisure companies. It has three levels—bronze, silver and gold. Camping de Wildhoeve has held the highest level, Green Key Gold, since 2002, and treats sustainability and corporate social responsibility (MVO) as an integral part of daily operations. Learn more on the Green Key page.
Concrete steps already in place at Wildhoeve
Wildhoeve invests continuously in environmental care and guest well-being. Highlights include:
- In the brasserie, as many regional and organic products as possible are used; the beer is brewed on the Veluwe, all wines carry a sustainability label, and tea and coffee are fairtrade.
- The recreation programme is inspired by the surrounding nature of the Veluwe.
- Eco‑label cleaning agents are used for housekeeping.
- Native planting across the grounds with trees and shrubs that belong to the Veluwe.
- 80 bird nest boxes installed to support local species.
- Annual sowing of a bee‑friendly flower mix near the BMX track.
- Ecological mowing along playfields and path verges.
- Ongoing measures to reduce energy use without compromising guest comfort.
- Waste separation wherever possible.
- The outdoor pool is heated by a heat pump.
- The indoor pool uses salt electrolysis for disinfection.
- The recreation hall roof hosts 165 solar collectors.
These efforts are guided by a balanced People–Planet–Profit approach, with safety and health for guests, staff and suppliers at the core.
What is Green Key Gold?
Green Key Gold is the highest tier of an international eco-label for sustainable hospitality. At Wildhoeve, it reflects long-term, verified actions to reduce environmental impact while delivering high-quality guest experiences.
The Quick Green Camping Checklist
Use this at-a-glance list to make your stay greener from day one.
- Sort your waste correctly.
- Follow on-site guidance for waste separation. Keeping recyclables clean and sorted maximises their reuse.
- Save water in showers and at the sinks.
- Keep showers short and turn off taps while brushing teeth or soaping dishes.
- Switch off and unplug.
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Unplug idle chargers.
- Choose local and fairtrade at the brasserie.
- Opt for regional/organic menu items, Veluwe-brewed beer, fairtrade tea and coffee, and wines with sustainability labels at Brasserie de Houtvesterij.
- Walk and cycle first.
- The campsite borders the regional cycle network; reception can provide curated routes that start at the gate. You can also use on-site bicycle rental to leave the car parked.
- Respect wildlife.
- Join the campsite’s responsible wildlife activities (such as “Wild op de camping”) and observe animals from a distance without feeding them.
- Protect native plants and pollinators.
- Stay on paths, avoid picking flowers, and appreciate the bee-friendly flower strip near the BMX track without disturbing it.
- Support pool sustainability.
- Shower before swimming and follow pool guidelines. It helps maintain water quality alongside salt electrolysis in the indoor pool and the heat pump that warms the outdoor pool.
- Follow barbecue and fire-safety rules.
- Open fires are prohibited. Charcoal barbecues are only allowed when the regional fire-risk is code green; during Phase 2, all barbecuing is forbidden. Check the entrance signs or visit www.natuurbrandrisico.nl.
- Embrace the car-free grounds.
- After setting up, park in the central car park and use the provided handcarts. It keeps the forest calm, safe and clean.
- Pack reusables.
- Bring a refillable water bottle, coffee cup, lunchbox and shopping bag to cut single-use waste.
- Ask if you’re unsure.
- The reception and campsite shop can guide you on recycling, routes, and sustainable options during your stay.
Getting Around the Veluwe, the Green Way
Exploring by bike or on foot is one of the simplest ways to reduce your footprint while enjoying the scenery.
- Wildhoeve sits directly between cycle-route junctions 42 and 44, making it easy to hop onto the network.
- Pick up printed routes at reception or explore suggested rides from the campsite gate.
- Consider a nature-focused day out via the curated ideas in In de buurt.
Tip: For families, mixing short rides with playtime at the campsite keeps days relaxed and low-impact.
Family-Friendly Sustainability in Action
Sustainability is more engaging when it’s fun and hands-on for children.
- The year-round programme Discover the Little Wonders gives kids an assignment booklet to explore the forest around the campsite. Each guest also receives a fold-out walking map with helpful information.
- Educational nature lectures are organised on site, helping all ages connect actions with outcomes in the local ecosystem.
- Child-friendly facilities—like dedicated areas in the sanitary blocks—make it easier for families to conserve water and keep routines simple.
How Your Actions Multiply Wildhoeve’s Efforts
Your choices reinforce the campsite’s long-term investments:
- Choosing local and fairtrade options complements the brasserie’s sourcing policy.
- Short showers and careful dishwashing reduce water demand, easing treatment and saving energy.
- Pool etiquette supports the efficiency of salt electrolysis and heat-pump heating.
- Respecting wildlife and native planting protects biodiversity that’s enhanced by 80 bird boxes and bee-friendly habitats.
- Proper sorting boosts the campsite’s waste separation outcomes.
Small steps from many guests quickly add up—especially across a full season.
Practical Packing List for a Green Stay
Bring a few items that make greener choices effortless:
- Refillable water bottle and lidded coffee cup
- Reusable shopping bag and produce bags
- Lightweight lunchbox for picnics on the trails
- Quick-dry microfibre towel to shorten dryer time
- Compact clothesline and pegs to air-dry when weather allows
- Headlamp or small torch with rechargeable batteries
- Mild, eco-friendly toiletries (travel sizes prevent waste)
- Reusable cutlery and plates for day trips
Helpful FAQs for a Low-Impact Visit
Does Wildhoeve have EV charging?
Yes—there are four Shell Recharge charging stations on site. Please move your vehicle when charging is complete.
Can I barbecue at my pitch?
Charcoal barbecues are allowed only when the fire-risk is code green. During Phase 2, barbecuing is not permitted. Open fires are never allowed.
Is the campsite car-free?
Yes. After setting up your tent, caravan or camper, you should park in the central car park. Handcarts are available for luggage and groceries.
Where can I learn more about sustainability at Wildhoeve?
Visit the Green Key page for details on measures and policies.
Can I rent bikes on site and start routes from the gate?
Yes—bicycle rental is available, and curated cycle routes start right outside the campsite. You’re directly between junctions 42 and 44 of the regional network.
Internal Links You Might Find Useful
- Sustainability at Wildhoeve: Green Key
- Family nature adventures: Discover the Little Wonders
- Cycling: Bicycle rental and BMX track
- Nearby experiences: In de buurt
- Campsite map: Plattegrond
Conclusion
Green camping is simple when small habits meet a place built for sustainability. At Camping de Wildhoeve, your actions—sorting waste, saving water and energy, choosing local, and respecting wildlife—help maintain Green Key Gold standards that have guided the campsite since 2002.
Ready to put the Green Camping Checklist into action? Explore dates and availability via Zoek & Boek on our website, read more about our Green Key approach, and plan your route with the campsite map. Enjoy the Veluwe—lightly and responsibly.