The R-Field Experience: Why Grass Pitches Remain a Camper’s Favourite at Het Lorkenbos
Looking for a camping spot that feels soft underfoot, close to nature, and far from the rush? The R-Field Experience at Het Lorkenbos shows why grass pitches continue to win campers’ hearts. Set in Otterlo in the forest-and-heath heart of the Veluwe, these grassy places embody peace, space and personal attention—everything that makes Het Lorkenbos a 9.5-rated favourite on Zoover.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the R-Field is, how grass pitches elevate your stay, how it compares with other on-site options, and practical tips to make the most of camping on the Veluwe—less than three kilometres from the entrance to National Park De Hoge Veluwe and the world-famous Kröller-Müller Museum.
What is the R-Field at Het Lorkenbos?
The R-Field at Het Lorkenbos refers to the dedicated option for camping on grass ("Kamperen op gras R-veld"). It sits within a small-scale, family-run holiday park that has welcomed guests since 1954. Surrounded by woods, heath and sand, the park is designed for tranquillity and nature-first stays—without large parties, and with thoughtful, personal service.
- Location: Mosselsepad 64, 6731 SM Otterlo, on the Veluwe
- Nature: Expect forests and heathland, with a good chance of spotting red deer, foxes and wild boar in and around the park
- Open year-round: The park is always open, making every season a worthy time to visit
- Dogs: Dogs are welcome
- Support: Reception happily shares tips for beautiful walking and cycling routes
Featured snippet: What is the R-Field at Het Lorkenbos?
The R-Field is Het Lorkenbos’s grass camping field in Otterlo on the Veluwe, offering tent-friendly, nature-focused pitches with peace, space and personal attention.
7 Reasons Campers Love Grass Pitches (The R-Field Experience)
Why do grass pitches remain a classic choice for campers? Beyond tradition, they deliver comfort and a natural feel that’s hard to beat.
- Comfort under canvas: Grass provides a softer base for sleeping, sitting and barefoot strolls.
- Tent-friendly setup: Pegs anchor easily in grass, helping with stable, tidy pitching.
- Cooler surface: Compared with hardstanding, grass tends to warm more slowly, which can feel more comfortable on bright days.
- Natural look and feel: Green surroundings blend your camp into the landscape for that outdoorsy, back-to-nature vibe.
- Quieter ground: Footsteps and children’s play are naturally muffled on grass, supporting the park’s restful atmosphere.
- Family appeal: Open grassy space invites simple play and shared moments, from picnic blankets to skelter rides elsewhere on the park.
- Versatile layouts: Grass pitches make it easy to adjust tent orientation for wind, shade or views.
These are time-tested benefits that make the R-Field a magnet for tent campers, nature lovers and families seeking simplicity and peace.
Nature on Your Doorstep: The Veluwe Advantage
Staying at Het Lorkenbos places you in the largest contiguous nature area in the Netherlands where wildlife roams freely. The entrance to National Park De Hoge Veluwe—home to the Kröller-Müller Museum—is less than three kilometres away.
- Spot wildlife: Red deer, foxes and wild boar may be seen in and around the park
- Walks and rides: The reception team offers tailored tips for walking and cycling routes
- Surroundings: Otterlo is a charming Veluwe village with cosy shops and restaurants
The park’s ethos is simple: peace, space and personal attention. Children can play freely in the playgrounds or hop on free-to-borrow skelters, while adults unwind among woods and heath.
R-Field vs Other On-Site Camping Options
Het Lorkenbos offers several camping choices to match your style. Here’s how the R-Field compares at a glance.
| On-site option | What it offers |
|---|---|
| R-Field (grass pitches) | Classic grass camping for a soft, nature-forward tent experience |
| Camper places | Dedicated spots for motorhomes |
| Westveldje (small spot) | A small-pitch alternative for compact stays |
| Winter camping | A way to embrace the quiet beauty of the colder months |
| Seasonal pitches | Reserve for an entire season to return often |
| Youth camping | Dedicated arrangements for camping for young people |
Each option reflects the same guiding principles: small-scale hospitality, respect for nature and a calm, unhurried pace.
Facilities and Atmosphere That Enhance Your Stay
A great pitch is only the start. The park’s setting and thoughtful facilities elevate everyday camping moments.
- Swimming pool: Take a refreshing dip between forest walks
- Playgrounds & skelters: Kids can explore, play and ride free-to-borrow skelters
- Brasserie Roekel on site: Enjoy a relaxed bite without leaving the park
- Recreation programme: A low-threshold programme for (small) children runs at selected times of the year
- Dogs welcome: Bring your four-legged companion along
- Personal attention: The team knows many guests by name and loves to share route suggestions
- Always open: Each season has something new to offer on the Veluwe
- Guest acclaim: Guests rate Het Lorkenbos 9.5 on Zoover
Together, these create a calm, family-friendly atmosphere that makes the R-Field Experience feel effortless.
Practical Tips for a Smooth R-Field Stay
Make your grass-pitch camping as comfortable and carefree as possible with these simple, field-tested practices.
Pitching and comfort
- Orient your tent to catch morning sun and buffer prevailing wind
- Use a footprint/groundsheet to protect your tent floor and improve comfort
- Pack a peg mix: Straight steel for firm holding, and broader-profile pegs for softer ground
- Bring a rubber mallet for quick, quiet staking
- Ventilate well to reduce condensation overnight
Gear and organisation
- Headlamps and lanterns make evenings hands-free and cosy
- Compact drying line helps with towels and swimwear after the pool
- Doormat or boot tray keeps grass outside your sleeping space
- Lightweight camp chairs preserve the grass and improve posture around the table
Nature-first habits
- Tread lightly: Keep to paths where possible and respect the park’s quiet focus
- Wildlife etiquette: Observe from a distance and never feed animals
- Leave no trace: Pack out litter and keep your pitch tidy for fellow campers
Planning your days
- Ask reception for tailored walking and cycling routes on and around the park
- Explore the Veluwe: The National Park De Hoge Veluwe and the Kröller-Müller Museum are under 3 km away
- Check the “Plattegrond Lorkenbos” to visualise your surroundings
- Travelling with kids? Time your visit with the recreation programme for extra fun
- Travelling with a dog? Bring a mat or blanket and a light lead for shared paths
Booking smart
- Use “Zoek & Boek uw vakantie” to select Kamperen op gras R-veld and choose dates
- Prefer spontaneity? Check “Lastminutes” for current availability
- Love returning often? Consider Seasonal pitches for a whole season
- Off-season explorer? Look at Winter camping for quieter trails and starry nights
Quick Answers about the R-Field (FAQ)
What is the R-Field at Het Lorkenbos?
The R-Field is the park’s grass camping field for nature-focused, tent-friendly stays in Otterlo.Who is it ideal for?
Nature lovers, families seeking tranquillity, and campers who prefer grass pitches underfoot. Dogs are welcome.Is the park open year-round?
Yes. Het Lorkenbos is always open.How close is it to National Park De Hoge Veluwe?
Less than three kilometres from the park entrance and the Kröller-Müller Museum.Are there camper van spaces?
Yes. The park offers Camper places for motorhomes.Is there a swimming pool?
Yes. A Zwembad is listed among the facilities.Is there dining on-site?
Yes. Brasserie Roekel is located at Het Lorkenbos.Do you run activities for children?
Yes. A low-threshold recreation programme for (small) children is offered at selected times of the year.Can I see last-minute availability?
Yes. Check the Lastminutes section.Where can I view a park map?
Visit the “Plattegrond Lorkenbos” link.
Prefer a Roof? Mix Camping with a Stay in the Bungalows
If you’d like to combine nights under canvas with a few nights in a bungalow or plan a future visit with friends and family, consider:
- Bungalow Type Berken (2 p) – a cosy tiny house right on the edge of the heath field: Berken
- Familiehuis De Spar (16 p) – wheelchair-friendly, with one high-low bed, floor heating, three kitchens and a heath view: Spar
- Bungalow Type Korhoen (4 p) – the (new) Korhoen for four: Korhoen 4p
These options keep you close to the same woods and heaths that make R-Field camping so special.
Conclusion: Settle Into the Grass and Let the Veluwe Slow You Down
The R-Field Experience is about simple pleasures done well: grass pitches, quiet surroundings, and sincere hospitality in the Veluwe’s forests and heath. With wildlife nearby, a pool for a quick dip, Brasserie Roekel on site, and a reception team ready with route tips, it’s easy to unwind and make lasting memories.
Ready to camp on the grass? Use “Zoek & Boek uw vakantie” to select Kamperen op gras R-veld and choose your dates. Prefer to speak to someone? Call the reception at +31 318 591 567. See you on the Veluwe.