Rider & Camper Weekend: Combining Forest Camping with Horseback Adventures at Caitwickerzand

If you dream of a weekend where your tent faces the forest and your horse grazes peacefully nearby, a Rider & Camper Weekend at Caitwickerzand delivers exactly that. This small, family-run holiday park on the Veluwe blends spacious forest camping with immediate access to extensive riding routes, including the renowned 300 km Veluwe Trail—so you can roll out of bed and into the saddle.

In this guide, you’ll discover why Caitwickerzand is ideal for riders and campers, where to stay, the trails to explore, a simple weekend itinerary, and practical tips to plan your trip with confidence.

Why Caitwickerzand is perfect for a Rider & Camper Weekend

A small, family-run park in the heart of the Veluwe

Vakantieoord Caitwickerzand is intentionally small and family-owned, so you can expect a personal welcome rather than a mass‑tourism feel. Owners Bert and Yvonne Lenderink personally greet guests, adding a warm, human touch to your stay.

Camp beside the forest, ride straight out

The park sits hidden in the woods on the Veluwe and directly borders one of Staatsbosbeheer’s most beautiful nature areas. Numerous forest walking and cycling trails start right outside, and riders can access several extensive horse routes without lengthy transfers.

Bring your horse—overnight pasture on-site

Guests may bring their horses and use Caitwickerzand’s on‑site pasture for overnight stays. That makes a Rider & Camper Weekend seamless: settle your horse comfortably, then relax at your pitch or accommodation knowing the next day’s ride is steps away.

Ride the Veluwe Trail

From Caitwickerzand, you’re ideally placed to enjoy the well‑known Veluwe Trail—an approximately 300 km route network that criss‑crosses the Veluwe. Whether you sample a short segment or plan a longer loop, it’s a rewarding way to experience varied forests and open landscapes.

Dog-friendly stays

Dogs are explicitly welcome at Caitwickerzand, so the whole pack can join your forest escape.

Quiet nature, practical touchpoints

• Located between the picturesque villages of Kootwijk and Garderen, at Hennepstede 50, 3888 NT Uddel (Nieuw‑Milligen).
• The homepage displays the Groenekoepel and Green Key Silver logos.
• The site shows a connection to the regional cycle route network (Fietsnetwerk) for off‑saddle exploration.

Trail highlights for riders

The Veluwe Trail (300 km)

The Veluwe Trail is a classic for a reason: it strings together long forest stretches with sandy paths and heaths typical of the Veluwe. A Rider & Camper Weekend at Caitwickerzand makes it easy to sample sections that suit your time and fitness.

Tips for choosing segments:

• Start with manageable loops so both you and your horse finish fresh for day two.
• Use waypoints that align with your preferred ride time; forest terrain and soft footing can be kind to hooves yet still ask for steady pacing.
• Build in grazing breaks—and enjoy the quiet of the woods while your horse relaxes.

Forest routes from the park

Several extensive horse routes branch from the forest edge by the park. This saves time and logistics: you can mount at your pitch or accommodation and be on trail within minutes, then return directly to your base afterwards.

Where to stay: Camping and more

Caitwickerzand offers a range of stays that fit a Rider & Camper Weekend—from classic camping to simple huts and comfortable holiday homes.

• Camping pitches: Spacious forest pitches for tents, caravans or campers.
• Trekkers’ huts: Standard, Plus, Comfort and Comfort + options.
• Bungalow Veluwe: A fully equipped bungalow.
• Chalet: A spacious chalet.
• Rental caravan: A fully equipped rental caravan is available.

A quick overview to help you choose:

Note: You can consult the park map under “Plattegrond” to see the site layout before booking.

Sample Rider & Camper Weekend itinerary

Use this adaptable outline to structure your time without rushing your horse—or yourself.

• Day 1 — Arrival and forest warm‑up

  • Arrive at Caitwickerzand (Hennepstede 50, 3888 NT Uddel). Check in with the friendly team.
  • Settle your horse in the on‑site pasture for the night.
  • Take a short late‑afternoon ride from the park to get your bearings on nearby forest routes.

• Day 2 — Veluwe Trail taster

  • Enjoy a longer morning ride that includes a segment of the Veluwe Trail.
  • Midday rest and grazing break; return to your pitch, trekkers’ hut, bungalow, or chalet.
  • Optional gentle evening loop to unwind—forest pathways make for a peaceful golden‑hour outing.

• Day 3 — Easy miles or local culture

  • Opt for a relaxed forest loop or explore nearby day‑trip attractions such as Apenheul, Julianatoren or Paleis Het Loo.
  • Pack down calmly and head home refreshed.

Practical tips for a smooth horse‑and‑camp stay

Booking and pre‑trip planning

• Reserve directly via the “Reserveren”/“Boek je vakantie” buttons, or contact the park at +31 (0)577‑456295 or info@caitwickerzand.nl.
• Browse camping, trekkers’ huts, Bungalow Veluwe and Chalet to choose your base.
• Check the downloadable park map under “Plattegrond.”
• Stays follow the RECRON General Terms and Conditions as linked on the site.
• International guests can consult English and German information pages.

What to pack (essentials)

• Rider and horse: approved riding helmet, reflective gear for low‑light, grooming kit, halter and lead, appropriate feed and supplements, buckets, basic first‑aid items.
• Camping: weather‑appropriate layers, compact drying towels, headlamp, reusable water bottles, power banks.
• Navigation: charged phone with offline maps, paper backups if preferred.

Trail etiquette and safety

• Keep to designated riding routes and posted guidance.
• Moderate speed on shared paths; announce your approach kindly when passing others.
• Give wildlife space, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Hydrate and schedule rests so your horse finishes each day comfortably.

Make the most of the location

• Alternate riding days with forest walks or cycling—numerous routes start right outside the park.
• Extend your weekend into a short break by upgrading to a trekkers’ hut or the Bungalow/Chalet for added comfort between rides.

Quick answers for planners

• Can I bring my horse to Caitwickerzand?

  • Yes. Guests can bring their horses and use the on‑site pasture for overnight stays.

• Are there riding trails from the park?

  • Yes. Riders have access to several extensive horse routes, including the 300 km Veluwe Trail, with immediate access from the park’s forest edge.

• Are dogs welcome?

  • Yes. Dogs are explicitly welcome.

• What accommodation options are available?

  • Spacious camping pitches; four types of trekkers’ huts (Standard, Plus, Comfort, Comfort +); a fully equipped bungalow; a spacious chalet; and a rental caravan.

• Where is Caitwickerzand located?

  • Hennepstede 50, 3888 NT Uddel (Nieuw‑Milligen), between Kootwijk and Garderen.

• How do I book?

  • Direct via the site’s “Reserveren” or “Boek je vakantie” buttons, or by phone at +31 (0)577‑456295, or email info@caitwickerzand.nl.

• Is there a park map?

  • Yes. A downloadable map is available under “Plattegrond.”

• Any nearby day‑trip attractions?

  • Apenheul, Julianatoren and Paleis Het Loo are popular choices.

• Are camping pitches spacious?

  • Yes. The park advertises roomy forest camping pitches ("ruime kampeerplaatsen").

Conclusion: Saddle up for a quiet forest escape

A Rider & Camper Weekend at Vakantieoord Caitwickerzand combines the freedom of spacious forest camping with the joy of riding straight onto extensive Veluwe routes—including the famed Veluwe Trail. With a personal welcome from a small, family‑run team; an on‑site pasture for your horse; dog‑friendly policies; and a range of stays from classic camping to comfortable huts and holiday homes, it’s an easy choice for nature‑loving riders.

Ready to plan your weekend? Book directly via the site’s reservation buttons or contact us:

• Phone: 0577 - 456295
• Email: info@caitwickerzand.nl

Or explore your options here:

• Camping pitches
• Trekkers’ huts
• Bungalow Veluwe
• Chalet

Pack the essentials, pick your trail segment, and enjoy the Veluwe at your own pace—both in the saddle and by the campfire.