Dutch campers on VW: Tonke Basecamp and eVentje on ID.Buzz

Tom from the Netherlands lost the reduced road tax rate for his 1986 Volkswagen LT-31 converted into a camper because the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) delayed sending invoices. Due to a new system implementation at the end of 2025, about 400 vehicle owners did not receive timely notifications to pay a quarter of the standard rate (around €120 per year). Tom received neither a letter nor a reminder call, while his friends were called. As a result, the tax authority charged him the full rate, and he now faces higher bills, including a recent €331 assessment. Tom filed an objection in February 2026, but the tax authority missed its response deadline (by May 26), citing workload. The authority refuses to reinstate the reduced rate, stating that the obligation to pay lies with the owner even if the invoice is not received.

Frieda Vuur, who lives in her camper van, regularly stays overnight on private driveways through the Welkom op mijn Oprit (WOMO) group. The group has 22,000 members and about 400 available spots across Europe, including Canada and Ecuador. Founder Lieke Kooyman says the concept helps motorhome travelers find free and safe parking, while hosts enjoy meeting new people.

The new Papillon camper site in Zaandam, Netherlands, is already receiving guests, though official reservations were set to begin July 1. Seven campers were spotted early morning at the Willem Prinsplein location. The site features 56 pitches, charging stations, a sanitation station, and toilet facilities. Overnight stay costs €32.50 for a camper up to 10 meters. Construction costs rose from €475,000 to €612,000 due to traffic adjustments and additional work.

From September 30 to October 4, the Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs in Utrecht will feature an indoor camping area called 'Het Utrechtse Kampeerdorp'. Visitors can join cooking sessions, yoga classes, workshops, and even try an ice bath. The initiative aims to attract both seasoned campers and those curious about outdoor living. Other halls will display the latest motorhomes, caravans, folding trailers, and tents.

In the Grolloërveen nature reserve (Drenthe), a campervan crashed through a wooden cycle bridge meant for pedestrians and cyclists. The driver followed GPS directions and turned onto a closed route. Staatsbosbeheer is seeking a way to recover the vehicle without harming the fragile ecosystem.

The Christelijke Caravan Club (CCC) celebrates its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1986, the club brings together about 182 couples and single members from various Protestant denominations, from Old Reformed to Pentecostal churches. Members do not travel on Sundays and hold no activities that day, but organize church and singing services. The CCC organizes six multi-day trips annually in the Netherlands and abroad, plus spring and autumn camping weeks.