Last Chance to Camp: Make the Most of the Wildhoeve final week before 25 October
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to unwind in the Veluwe, the Wildhoeve final week is your last chance to camp before the gates close on 25 October 2026. Fewer crowds, golden forest trails, and cozy, family‑friendly facilities make late season a smart pick. In this guide, you’ll find what’s open, when to go, what to do on site and nearby, and the practical details that make a short autumn break smooth and memorable.
Key dates and fast facts
- Final operating date (2026): Camping de Wildhoeve is open up to and including 25 October 2026.
- Location: Hanendorperweg 102, 8166 JJ Emst (Veluwe, Netherlands).
- Booking: Reserve via the on-site “Zoek & Boek” system or contact reception by phone or email.
- Car‑free grounds: Park centrally after set‑up; handcarts are available at the barrier.
When does Camping de Wildhoeve close in 2026?
- The campsite remains open until 25 October 2026, inclusive.
Why the Wildhoeve final week is special
Late season at Wildhoeve brings quieter paths and a calmer pace—ideal for short getaways. Campsite life remains vibrant, yet the woods feel more intimate. Because the campsite lies in the Veluwe forest, guests often spot wildlife such as squirrels and hares near their pitch, and the dedicated ‘Wild op de camping’ activities help you observe animals responsibly. With a heated swimming paradise and the brand‑new indoor playground ‘De Dassenburcht’ (open from summer 2026), you’re covered whatever the weather decides.
What’s open and when
Wildhoeve’s facilities are designed for comfort and simple fun, even as the season winds down.
Swimming pools and water play
- Multiple pools, including a heated swimming paradise.
- Outdoor water playground for children.
- Pool opening hours vary by season:
- Low season: Sunday–Thursday 09:30–12:30 and 14:00–17:00; Friday–Saturday 09:30–12:30 and 14:00–20:00.
- High season: Monday–Saturday 09:30–12:30 and 14:00–20:00; Sunday 09:30–12:30 and 14:00–17:00.
Indoor fun and recreation
- Indoor playground ‘De Dassenburcht’ (new in 2026) for covered play and climbing.
- Tennis court, jeu‑de‑boules lane, and a BMX track.
- During every official school holiday, a full recreation programme is offered.
- Year‑round, children can explore nature via the ‘Discover the Little Wonders’ quest.
Dining, essentials, and practicalities
- Brasserie de Houtvesterij for meals and drinks on site.
- Reception and campsite shop for daily necessities.
- Laundry and dishwashing facilities.
- Free WiFi (Wildhoeve 1, 2, or 3), suitable for general use.
- Electric vehicle charging: Four Shell Recharge stations; please move your vehicle once charging is complete.
Must‑do activities before the gates close
Explore the Veluwe from your doorstep
- Hiking: Step straight onto the trails into Koninklijke Houtvesterij Het Loo from just outside the campsite.
- Cycling: Wildhoeve borders the regional cycle‑route network; ask reception for curated routes that start right at the gate.
Guided nature experiences
- Join wildlife tracking, wild‑boar treasure hunts, and nature discovery tours led by a nature guide. These activities add depth to the late‑season atmosphere and are a perfect complement to self‑guided walks or rides.
Day trips within about 30 minutes
- Theme parks: Julianatoren and Walibi.
- Towns and culture: historic Elburg, the city of Apeldoorn, several Hanseatic towns, and local museums.
Practical planning for the Wildhoeve final week
Booking, arrivals, and departures
- Check‑in (pitches): from 14:00; check‑out: before 12:00.
- Check‑in (rental accommodations): from 15:00; check‑out: before 10:00.
- How to reserve: Use the online Zoek & Boek system or contact reception by phone or email.
- Cancellation insurance: Available; see the on‑site policy terms (Voorwaarden annuleringsverzekering).
Pitch features and motorhomes
- All comfort pitches include: individual water tap with drain, 8‑amp electricity, CAI TV connection, and campsite‑wide WiFi.
- Motorhomes/campers are welcome on all comfort pitches; a chemical toilet disposal point is available on site.
Quiet, safety, and on‑site rules
- Quiet hours: begin at 11:00 PM.
- Pets: not allowed (dogs and other animals cannot be brought onto the campsite).
- Extra small tent: one additional tent up to 5 m² is permitted per pitch.
- Barbecues and fires:
- Charcoal barbecues permitted only when the regional fire‑risk level is code green.
- If Phase 2 applies, all barbecuing is forbidden.
- Status is posted at the entrance and car park, and can be checked at www.natuurbrandrisico.nl.
- Open fires/campfires: strictly prohibited at all times.
Accessibility and family comforts
- Sanitary facilities are cleaned continuously throughout the day.
- Each block includes children’s areas, such as the playful tree‑shaped shower.
- Near Reeënweide, there’s an accessible children’s restroom and a wheelchair‑accessible playground structure.
Payments and contact
- Payment methods: iDEAL and Wero for both on‑site and online bookings.
- Contact: +31 (0)578 66 13 24 • info@wildhoeve.nl
Prices and what to expect
- Camping pitch (standard): from €39.50 per night for two guests in low season and €64.50 per night in high season; tourist tax €1.00 p.p.p.n.
- Rental accommodations: from €554.50 up to €1,735.50 in high season; tourist tax €1.50 p.p.p.n.
- Prices may vary and cover accommodation only.
Tip: For current availability and rates in the Wildhoeve final week, check the Zoek & Boek planner, explore the interactive 360° tour, and download the brochure and campsite map (Plattegrond) to choose your ideal spot.
Smart packing for a late‑season stay
Late‑season camping is all about comfort and flexibility. Pack to enjoy sunny spells and be ready for a change in conditions.
- Layered clothing and a rain jacket for variable weather.
- Water‑resistant footwear for woodland trails.
- Swimwear for the heated swimming paradise and towels that dry fast.
- Headlamp or lantern for car‑free evening strolls back to your pitch.
- Binoculars for wildlife watching (squirrels and hares are frequent visitors).
- Reusable water bottle and a small daypack for rides and hikes.
- Charcoal BBQ kit only if the fire‑risk status is code green.
- Bike lights and a basic repair kit if you plan to cycle.
- Power bank for phones and cameras.
Quick answers for the Wildhoeve final week
Is the indoor playground open?
- Yes. The indoor playground ‘De Dassenburcht’ is open from summer 2026.
Can I start hiking and cycling from the campsite?
- Yes. Trails through Koninklijke Houtvesterij Het Loo begin just outside, and the campsite borders the regional cycle‑route network with curated routes from reception.
Are pets allowed?
- No. Pets are not allowed on the campsite.
Are barbecues allowed?
- Charcoal barbecues are allowed only at code green; during Phase 2 all barbecuing is prohibited. Check signs or www.natuurbrandrisico.nl.
What are the pool hours?
- Hours differ by season: low season (Sun–Thu 09:30–12:30, 14:00–17:00; Fri–Sat 09:30–12:30, 14:00–20:00) and high season (Mon–Sat 09:30–12:30, 14:00–20:00; Sun 09:30–12:30, 14:00–17:00).
How do check‑in and check‑out work?
- Pitches: in from 14:00, out before 12:00. Rentals: in from 15:00, out before 10:00.
Is there EV charging?
- Yes. Four Shell Recharge stations are available; please move your car after charging.
How do I pay?
- iDEAL and Wero are accepted for on‑site and online payments.
Is the campsite quiet at night?
- Quiet hours begin at 11:00 PM.
Practical takeaways
- Book now for stays up to and including 25 October 2026; use Zoek & Boek for live availability.
- Plan for flexible weather: layers, waterproofs, and swimwear for the heated swimming paradise.
- Maximize your time with gate‑to‑trail hikes and on‑site cycling routes from reception.
- Add a guided wildlife activity and the ‘Discover the Little Wonders’ quest for an easy nature‑first itinerary.
- Review BBQ rules at the entrance and be mindful of quiet hours (from 11:00 PM).
- Keep it simple: car‑free grounds, EV charging, WiFi, laundry, and a shop on site.
Conclusion: Your late‑season Veluwe reset awaits
The Wildhoeve final week blends quiet woodland energy with family‑ready comforts: a heated swimming paradise, a new indoor playground, car‑free tranquility, and doorstep access to the Veluwe’s trails. Make the most of the season’s last days—choose your pitch or accommodation, sketch out a simple plan around nature and play, and arrive ready to unwind.
Ready to secure your spot before 25 October 2026? Book via Zoek & Boek, call +31 (0)578 66 13 24, or email info@wildhoeve.nl. See you on the Veluwe.