Vakantiepark Hertenhorst

There are play areas and a swimming pool, and the forest setting is peaceful. Cars sometimes pass noisily, but not often. The beds could be more comfortable, and there's no air conditioning, though the place is well equipped for cooking and relaxing. Bring or buy your own towels and toilet paper. Jumbo supermarkets are nearby in Apeldoorn. Beekbergen has a supermarket that won't take foreign bank cards, plus a few cafes and a well-stocked bar on the main street, dorpstraat.

The location is nice, but after two nights at the campsite I came away thinking it was just OK. For the high-season price, I expected the reception to be fully staffed in the daytime, with people who spoke Dutch or English properly. The kids' pool had a lot of dirt on the bottom, and the sanitary building could have been cleaner and better maintained. WiFi only works near reception, and there's no restaurant or shop on site. It feels like the place is run on the lowest possible budget.

The cabins are set apart in pretty, forest-like surroundings, so you get some privacy. Each has a well-equipped kitchen and bathroom, and you can park close by. Washing machines are available near reception for a fee. If you're touring the Netherlands by car, this is a great base.

We had a good time here. The pool is fun, the playground has plenty to offer, and the little mini golf course is cute. The campsite has nice features, though the place dates from the 70s and the house in particular badly needs a makeover. Remember to bring tea towels and hand towels.