Camping-Check Episode 44: Netherlands and Sea Released

Dutch municipalities set their own rules for parking motorhomes on public roads. In most areas, recreational vehicles may stay for a maximum of three consecutive days; exceeding this can result in a fine of 139 euros (130 euros fine plus 9 euros administrative costs). Motorhomes longer than 6 metres or higher than 2.40 metres are often banned from parking within built-up areas. Emmen allows caravans and motorhomes for up to five days, and from 1 May to 1 September for up to fourteen days, but large motorhomes over 6 metres or 2.40 metres high are limited to three days. Heerlen also applies a five-day limit. Diemen prohibits parking in one spot for more than three days, while Nieuwegein restricts only designated roads. Enforcement often starts after complaints from residents; towing at the owner's expense is possible. Exemptions can be requested in advance.

The new EU driving licence directive, in force since late 2025, allows motorhomes with a permissible maximum mass between 3,500 and 4,250 kg to fall under category B. However, drivers will need to complete additional training, pass a driving test, or both. The Netherlands must implement the main provisions by 26 November 2028 and apply the new rules from 26 November 2029. Until then, the current 3,500 kg limit for category B remains for petrol or diesel motorhomes; vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500 kg require a C1 licence. Since 1 July 2025, the Netherlands already has a national exemption allowing B licence holders to drive a truck or motorhome up to 4,250 kg, but only if the vehicle is not powered exclusively by petrol or diesel, the driver has held the licence for at least two years, no trailer is used, and the exemption applies only within the country.

Camperworld Maastricht and NKC (Dutch Motorhome Club) have entered a strategic partnership one year before the first edition of the show, scheduled for 10–12 September 2027 at MECC Maastricht. NKC, with 65,000 members and a reach of about 1 million motorhome enthusiasts, will act as content partner, hosting the NKC Camper HUB for independent advice and contributing to the Inspiration Stage with presentations on motorhome travel, routes and maintenance. Organisers report that a significant portion of exhibition space has already been reserved and exhibitor demand is growing.

Laura converted a 40-year-old camper, purchased for €6,000, into a roughly 14 m² living space. After discovering rot in the wooden structures, she completely stripped the interior and did almost all the work herself. She estimates conversion and subsequent repair costs at €12,000–15,000. When stationary for long periods, insurance, breakdown cover and road tax cost €250–300 per month; when driving extensively, fuel can push this to around €700. Laura has been travelling for about 18 months, favouring Portugal and southern Spain.

Elektroauto-News has published a review of a fully equipped electric camper based on the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, provided by Dutch company Outbase Campervans. The test drive took place in the Netherlands, covering 220 km between Utrecht and the North Sea coast. The ID. Buzz has a WLTP range of up to 458 km, while Outbase claims up to 500 km in real-world conditions; charging the 79 kWh battery from 10 to 80% takes 26 minutes. The Delta conversion includes an electric pop-up roof, two sleeping areas for four people, swiveling front seats, a pull-out kitchen with an induction hob and a 10-liter fresh water tank, plus a 5-liter grey water tank. Storage volume is stated at 1000 liters. The review notes drawbacks: small water tank capacities and the absence of a lid on the grey water tank.

Glaravans has refurbished a 1976 Biod Extase 2L camper, preserving its original fiberglass shell. The project was completed for a private owner and is not for sale. The camper has a GVWR of 750 kg (1,653 lbs) and can be towed in Europe without a special license. The interior features a bed, a modular dinette with a drop-down table, a galley with a sink and fridge, and a toilet. Glaravans, known for restoring vintage campers since 2019, shifted focus to its own camper model in 2026.