Leave No Trace: Sustainable Camping Practices at Caitwickerzand

Looking for a quiet forest escape without leaving a mark? Leave No Trace is your simple, practical guide to enjoying the Veluwe while protecting it for others. At Caitwickerzand — a small, family-run holiday park nestled in the woods between Kootwijk and Garderen — it’s easy to blend comfort with care. The homepage displays the Groenekoepel and Green Key Silver logos, and this guide shows you how to match that spirit with everyday choices on the trail and at your pitch or accommodation.

Caitwickerzand borders one of Staatsbosbeheer’s most beautiful nature areas. Forest walking and cycling routes start right outside the park, and riders can explore extensive horse routes, including the 300 km Veluwe Trail. Whether you’re camping, staying in a trekkers’ hut, booking the Bungalow Veluwe or the spacious Chalet, these Leave No Trace habits help you protect the paths, wildlife and woodlands you came to enjoy.

What is Leave No Trace?

Leave No Trace is a set of common-sense habits that minimize your impact outdoors. In practice, it means planning well, staying on durable paths, disposing of waste properly, leaving natural things as you found them, and being considerate of wildlife and other visitors. It’s not about perfection — it’s about consistent, mindful choices that add up.

Quick answer: How do I practice Leave No Trace at Caitwickerzand?

• Plan your routes and pack reusable essentials.
• Stay on marked walking, cycling, and horse trails.
• Carry out all litter and leave natural objects in place.
• Respect wildlife; observe quietly from a distance.
• Keep noise low and share trails courteously with others.

Why it matters on the Veluwe — and at Caitwickerzand

• Caitwickerzand sits directly beside a treasured Staatsbosbeheer nature area on the Veluwe. Forest soils, plants and wildlife thrive when we keep to paths and avoid trampling.
• The park is intentionally small and family-run, with a personal welcome from Bert and Yvonne Lenderink. A considerate, low-impact stay preserves the peaceful character guests value here.
• Trails are plentiful: numerous walking and cycling routes start right outside the park, and riders have access to extensive horse routes including the 300 km Veluwe Trail. Staying on these durable, designated routes protects surrounding habitats.

Low-impact choices for every type of stay

Caitwickerzand offers spacious camping pitches, four types of trekkers’ huts (Standard, Plus, Comfort and Comfort +), the Bungalow Veluwe, a spacious Chalet, and a Verhuurcaravan. Whichever you choose, the following best practices keep your footprint light.

Camping pitches (tents, caravans, campers)

• Pitch on the designated spot to avoid damaging vegetation around your area.
• Use a footprint or groundsheet no larger than your tent base.
• Keep food secure and sealed to avoid attracting wildlife.
• Pack an efficient lighting setup and switch lights off when not needed.

Trekkers’ huts (Standard, Plus, Comfort, Comfort +)

• Arrive ready to minimize packaging waste; choose reusable containers and refills.
• Ventilate briefly and effectively rather than leaving windows open for long periods in cool weather.
• Keep outdoor areas tidy; store gear off vegetation and on paths or hard surfaces.

Bungalow Veluwe and Chalet

• Be energy-aware: turn off lights when leaving a room and close doors and windows when heating or cooling.
• Reduce water use with shorter showers and full dishwashing basins.
• Manage food thoughtfully: plan meals to cut leftovers and bring reusable shopping bags.

Verhuurcaravan

• Travel light to reduce transport emissions and on-site wear.
• Consolidate device charging and unplug when charged.
• Keep floors and outdoor mats free of soil and plant matter to avoid spreading seeds.

At-a-glance: Choose your stay, keep your impact light

For details on each option, explore Kamperen, Trekkershutten, Bungalow Veluwe, the Chalet, or the Verhuurcaravan pages. If you plan to stay long-term, the site also features a Chalets en jaarplaatsen section under Verkoop.

Walk, cycle and ride the right way

The Veluwe rewards careful travelers. Trails begin right outside the park, and the region is linked to the Fietsnetwerk for cyclists. Equestrians can ride extensive routes across the forest, including the 300 km Veluwe Trail. These habits keep routes in great shape for everyone:

Walkers and hikers

• Stay on marked forest paths to protect plants and soils.
• Step through puddles rather than around them to avoid widening trails.
• Keep group sizes moderate and let the quiet of the forest be part of the experience.

Cyclists

• Follow the official cycling routes; yield to pedestrians and communicate when passing.
• Brake early on soft surfaces to reduce skidding and erosion.
• Keep bikes clean before and after rides to avoid transporting invasive seeds.

Riders (Vakantie met paard)

• Use existing ruiterroutes and the well-known Veluwe Trail; avoid cutting new lines.
• Horses can stay overnight in the on-site pasture — use this to rest your animal without impacting forest edges.
• Spread out manure away from watercourses when you’re off-route, and use designated areas when available.

For inspiration and planning, see Wandelen en fietsen, Vakantie met paard, Verken de Veluwe, and Omgeving.

Wildlife and nature etiquette

Caitwickerzand’s forest setting is home to many animals. The best sightings happen when you blend into the landscape.

• Observe quietly from a distance; dawn and dusk are most active times.
• Do not feed wildlife — human food changes natural behavior and can be harmful.
• Keep dogs under close control to protect ground-nesting birds and other wildlife; always remove pet waste.
• Leave natural objects as you found them: flowers, antlers, feathers and interesting stones belong to the place.

Smart packing and waste-free habits

A little prep makes Leave No Trace automatic.

• Use a reusable water bottle, coffee cup and lunchbox.
• Bring a small waste bag for litter and a separate bag for recyclables when you return to town or reach disposal points.
• Choose concentrated or refill products for toiletries and cleaning.
• Pack a lightweight towel and quick-dry layers to reduce laundry.

Food and cooking

• Plan meals to finish what you cook; store leftovers safely for the next day.
• Prefer bulk snacks in reusable containers over single-use packets.
• Cook on established, low-impact methods appropriate to your accommodation.

Courtesy and quiet in a family-run park

Caitwickerzand is not a large holiday park but a small family business where guests receive a personal welcome. Help keep the atmosphere peaceful:

• Keep voices and music low, especially early and late.
• Share facilities and paths with patience and a smile.
• Give neighbors space and pass on good trail etiquette to younger explorers.

Plan with the right information

Good planning reduces last-minute trips and stress, and it cuts your footprint.

• Use the Plattegrond (park map) to familiarize yourself with the layout before you arrive.
• Check English information or Deutsche Informationen for details in your language.
• Review the RECRON General Terms and Conditions linked on the site so you know what applies to your stay.
• Remember: the site notes that the displayed price is based on two persons.

Practical takeaways you can apply today

1. Before you go

   • Read Wandelen en fietsen and Verken de Veluwe to choose marked routes.
   • Pack reusables and a small waste kit.
   • Decide whether you’ll camp, choose a Trekkershut (Standard, Plus, Comfort, Comfort +), the Bungalow Veluwe, the Chalet or the Verhuurcaravan.

2. On arrival

   • Park and pitch only where designated; keep your footprint compact.
   • Walk or cycle from the park on marked trails right outside.

3. During your stay

   • Keep noise low and observe wildlife respectfully.
   • Carry out all litter and minimize packaging.
   • Follow ruiterroutes if you’re riding; your horse can overnight on the on-site pasture.

4. Before departure

   • Do a final sweep of your pitch or accommodation: no litter, no micro-trash, nothing left behind.
   • Share your favorite low-impact routes with fellow travelers.

Frequently asked (fast) questions

Where is Caitwickerzand located?

Hennepstede 50, 3888 NT Uddel (Nieuw-Milligen), between Kootwijk and Garderen on the Veluwe.

What accommodation options can I book?

Spacious camping pitches, four types of Trekkershutten (Standard, Plus, Comfort, Comfort +), the Bungalow Veluwe, a spacious Chalet, and a Verhuurcaravan.

Are dogs and horses welcome?

Yes. Dogs are welcome. Guests can bring their horses, and horses can overnight on the on-site pasture.

Are there marked routes nearby?

Yes. Numerous walking and cycling routes start right outside the park, and riders have access to extensive horse routes, including the 300 km Veluwe Trail.

How do I make a reservation?

Book directly via Reserveren or the Boek je vakantie buttons on the website.

Conclusion: Enjoy more, impact less

Leave No Trace at Caitwickerzand is straightforward: plan well, stay on marked routes, tread lightly at your pitch or accommodation, and respect the wildlife and the quiet of the forest. You’ll have a richer experience — and you’ll help keep this “best-kept secret of the Veluwe” just as you found it for the next visitor.

Ready to put these tips into action on the Veluwe? Book now via Reserveren or Boek je vakantie, call +31 (0)577-456295 (0577 - 456295), or email info@caitwickerzand.nl. We look forward to welcoming you.