Winter Water Wisdom: How We Manage the Water Supply on Camping Fields During Frost Season

If you love quiet forests, starry nights and crisp air, winter camping is magical—until you wonder how to handle water when temperatures plunge. This guide explains our winter water management on camping fields, why field taps are closed in frost, what facilities remain available, and how you can prepare for a smooth, comfortable stay.

Quick answer: When are the field taps turned off?

From November through March, the water taps on the camping fields can be closed whenever frost is expected. After the autumn holiday, as winter begins, we shut off water on the camping pitches and the outdoor taps at the sanitary building. As soon as night frost no longer returns, we reconnect the water.

Why we close field taps in frost (and how that helps you)

Protecting exposed pipes and taps in freezing conditions prevents bursts, leaks and unnecessary water loss. In cold snaps, outdoor fixtures cool rapidly; closing them keeps the system safe and reliable so everything works as soon as the frost passes. It also ensures:

• Fewer disruptions to facilities during winter
• Faster reconnection once temperatures stabilize
• A consistent winter-camping experience with clear alternatives

What stays open in winter (and how to get water)

We keep essential facilities open and comfortable throughout the frost season:

• Sanitary building: open and heated with underfloor heating, so showers and toilets remain pleasant even on the coldest days. Inside, there is one indoor WC on both the men’s and women’s side.
• Indoor dishwashing area: wash up indoors; warm water is available via a coin-operated tap (€0.20 per token).
• Freshwater access for filling: when field taps are off, you can fetch water from the sanitary building with a watering can or jerrycan.
• Camper water refill: there is a dedicated tap for filling your camper’s fresh-water tank.
• Toilet cassette care: you can empty your chemical toilet in the toilet building; when rinsing, use your watering can if the rinse tap is off due to frost.
• Dump points for motorhomes: our paved camper places include a grey-water and a black-water disposal point.

Winter availability at a glance

Where you’ll be camping in winter

• Het Lorkenbos is open all year and our camping area (Het Lorkenbos Noord) welcomes winter campers 365 days a year.
• On the R-veld (grass field) you’ll find spacious pitches (about 10x10 m) at the edge of nature reserve De Planken Wambuis. Each has electricity (10A) and a water point—closed only during frost.
• We also offer paved camper places (no asphalt; paved with terrace) with electricity, water and on-site dump points for grey and black water—handy for a quick stopover or a longer stay. Suitable for motorhomes up to approx. 9.5 m.

Pricing note for winter stays

To reflect the seasonal setup, a standard camping pitch for two people costs €23 per night from November–March (when frost may require the water to be shut off). The standard price outside this period is €31 per night. Warm dishwashing water tokens are €0.20 per use.

Single-night stays are possible year-round, and you can choose flexible arrival days.

Important do’s and don’ts for winter water use

• Do bring a watering can or collapsible jerrycan. It’s the easiest way to fetch water from the sanitary building when field taps are off.
• Do fill your onboard tank in advance if a frost period is forecast, or use the dedicated camper tap on arrival.
• Do keep hoses dry and stored indoors between uses to prevent freezing and cracking.
• Don’t make a fixed water connection on your pitch. Fixed hook-ups are not permitted.
• Do use the indoor dishwashing area and plan for €0.20 tokens per warm-water session.
• Do empty and rinse your toilet cassette at the designated point in the toilet building; if the rinse tap is off, use your watering can.

Practical preparation checklist

1. Bring a 10–15 L watering can or jerrycan with a tight cap.
2. Pack a short food-grade hose and a funnel for controlled tank-filling at the indoor tap or the camper tap.
3. Carry a small tub or basin for transporting dishes to the indoor dishwashing area.
4. Stock a roll of €0.20 coins for warm dishwashing water tokens.
5. Keep towels, toiletries and a shower bag handy for warm, quick trips to the heated sanitary building.
6. Charge lights or headlamps for evening walks and late dishwashing runs.
7. Store hoses and connectors inside your vehicle when not in use.

Frequently asked questions about winter water management on camping fields

Why close water taps if it’s not freezing every night?

Weather shifts quickly. Shutting off vulnerable outdoor taps during the frost season avoids emergency repairs and makes it faster to switch back on once conditions stabilize.

Can I still get fresh water when the field taps are off?

Yes. Fetch water from the sanitary building with your watering can or use the dedicated camper tap to fill your onboard tank.

Is the sanitary building open all winter?

Yes. It remains open and comfortably heated with underfloor heating. Indoor dishwashing is available; warm water is provided via a €0.20 token.

Can I connect a hose directly to my pitch tap when it’s on?

No. Fixed water connections on pitches are not allowed.

Where can I empty my toilet cassette?

Use the chemical toilet disposal in the toilet building. If the built-in rinse is unavailable during frost, simply rinse with water from your watering can.

Are paved camper places available in winter?

Yes. Our paved camper places provide a solid surface with electricity, water and grey/black water disposal—ideal for winter stays.

Smart ways to stay comfortable in cold conditions

• Plan short, efficient water trips. Combine tasks—fill your tank, pick up dishwater, and visit the facilities in a single outing.
• Use onboard storage wisely. Keep a reserve of potable water inside your vehicle to reduce outdoor trips on icy evenings.
• Leverage our heated facilities. Showers and indoor dishwashing are warmer and more comfortable during cold snaps.
• Time your refills. Refill during the warmest part of the day for easier handling and less chill.

Related topics you might find helpful

• Winter camping on Het Lorkenbos Noord
• Camping rates and what’s included (Tarieven)
• Paved camper places and dump points
• Camping FAQ (Veelgestelde vragen kamperen)
• Whole-year opening (Hele jaar geopend)

Conclusion

Winter water management on camping fields keeps your stay reliable and comfortable when temperatures drop. When frost is expected, we close outdoor taps to protect the system—and keep the sanitary building open, heated and fully usable, with indoor dishwashing, a camper refill tap and proper disposal points.

Ready to enjoy the stillness of the Veluwe in winter? Book your pitch with flexible arrival days or even for a single night, check the latest rates, and contact our reception if you’d like help planning water logistics for your stay.

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Call to action: Book your winter camping stay now, check our Camping Tariffs page for current prices, and reach out to reception for any practical questions about water, facilities, or pitch selection.