Exploring the Ontmoetingsplein: The Heartbeat of Camping Bakkum
Looking for the liveliest spot at the coast where great food, family fun, and practical conveniences come together? Meet the Ontmoetingsplein at Camping Bakkum—the central square where days flow from fresh breakfast to live music, and where kids sprint from the water fountain to the playgrounds while you unwind on a sunny terrace. In this guide, you’ll discover everything the Ontmoetingsplein offers, how to make the most of it, and where to find related experiences across the campsite.
What is the Ontmoetingsplein at Camping Bakkum?
The Ontmoetingsplein is Camping Bakkum’s central square and social hub. It brings together diverse restaurants, the SPAR supermarket, a kinderboerderij (children’s farm), the camping store, and playful water features. It’s designed for relaxing, playing, and meeting—after a beach day or any time in between. Learn more on the official page: Ontmoetingsplein.
Why the Ontmoetingsplein feels like the campsite’s living room
- It’s home to multiple eateries, including the campsite’s own restaurant, Bakkum Bites, at the heart of it all.
- The SPAR Supermarkt keeps daily essentials and fresh bakery items close at hand.
- Around the central fountain, water jets soar through the air—kids play with sand, water, twigs, and shells amid a flower-filled setting.
- There’s a kinderboerderij and dedicated play areas, so little ones can bond with animals and burn off energy.
- Practical services—like the camping store and bike rental—are right on the square.
- A wooden boardwalk links directly to Openluchttheater de Pan, where seasonal events take place.
Eat, sip, and stay a while: all the flavors on the square
Bakkum Bites: the campsite’s social center
With a relaxed terrace overlooking the playgrounds, Bakkum Bites is where families linger over lunch and friends gather for drinks and bites. The team hosts weekly live music on the terrace, and—good to know—everyone is welcome, even if you’re not currently staying on the campsite. Explore the vibe and menu highlights: Bakkum Bites.
Restaurant Op de Hoek: Italian favorites
At the corner of the square, Restaurant Op de Hoek serves Italian classics—think pizza, pasta, and tiramisu—paired with quality Italian wines. It’s a go-to for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a drink, with a spacious terrace offering both sun and shade.
De IJswinkel: soft-serve made on site
It’s always a good time for ice cream—especially when De IJswinkel churns its own soft-serve. Beyond vanilla, you might find flavors like black cherry, butterscotch, apple, or pistachio. Top it with whipped cream and a crunchy dip, or grab a water ice. In summer, an ice cream cart regularly tours the grounds.
Your on-square essentials: shop, fix, rent, repeat
SPAR Supermarkt: fresh starts and easy restocks
The SPAR Supermarkt anchors your daily routine with fresh-baked rolls and croissants each day the store is open, plus produce, snacks, pantry staples, and smart non-food items for camping life. SPAR also collaborates with local suppliers to broaden the range. During the season, the supermarket is open daily from 08:30. Plan your provisions: SPAR Supermarkt.
Kampeerwinkel Zeldenrust: gear, gas, and bikes
Right on the square, Kampeerwinkel Zeldenrust has the things you meant to pack—and the ones you didn’t. Find technical products, gas and electrical items, bolderkarren and skelters, and all sorts of camping essentials. They also offer gas bottle refills, bike rental, and flat-tire service. If you’re looking to discover the dunes on two wheels, Zeldenrust handles bike rental on Bakkum.
Play meets plaza: water, gardens, animals, and more
- Fountain & water play: In the middle of the square, water jets shoot into the air as kids craft dams and channels with sand, sticks, and shells. Around it, you’ll find vibrant flowers that set a cheerful scene.
- Moestuinen (kitchen gardens): Tucked around the square, these gardens add a green, hands-on touch to the play experience.
- Kinderboerderij (children’s farm): The square includes a small animal area for curious young campers.
- Direct link to Openluchttheater de Pan: A wooden boardwalk connects the square to this unique open-air theater, where seasonal events make evenings extra special. Get a feel for programming and atmosphere via the facilities overview.
For a broader look at play spaces around the campsite, see: Spelen.
Nearby action: sports and activities beyond the square
Just a short stroll from the Ontmoetingsplein, the sports field brings energy to your itinerary:
- Padelbaan: A beautiful outdoor court sits in the middle of the sports field. You can reserve online or via reception, where you can also pick up the key, rackets, and balls.
- Tennis court: Recently renewed and located just behind the padel court.
Explore active options: Sportveld. Looking for what’s on right now? Browse the current activities program and seasonal events: Activiteiten.
At a glance: what you’ll find on the Ontmoetingsplein
| Venue/Service | What you’ll find | Need to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bakkum Bites | Drinks, bites, lunch, weekly live music, terrace with playground views | Everyone is welcome |
| Restaurant Op de Hoek | Italian kitchen: pizza, pasta, tiramisu; Italian wines; terrace | Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a drink |
| De IJswinkel | House-made soft-serve (e.g., black cherry, butterscotch, apple, pistachio), water ices, summer ice cart | Seasonal variety |
| SPAR Supermarkt | Fresh-baked rolls and croissants, produce, snacks, pantry, camping-friendly non-food | Daily from 08:30 during the season |
| Kampeerwinkel Zeldenrust | Camping gear, gas & electrical items, bolderkarren, skelters; gas bottle refills; bike rental; flat-tire service | Bike rental on Bakkum via Zeldenrust |
| Kinderboerderij & play | Children’s farm, fountain water play, kitchen gardens, playgrounds | Flower-filled setting around the fountain |
| Openluchttheater de Pan | Seasonal events in an open-air setting | Linked via a wooden boardwalk |
Quick answers for fast planners
Where is the Ontmoetingsplein located on the campsite?
It’s the central square of Camping Bakkum and a natural gathering point. To orient yourself, open the interactive site map: Plattegrond.
What time does the SPAR supermarket open?
During the season, the SPAR Supermarkt opens daily from 08:30.
Can I visit Bakkum Bites if I’m not staying on the campsite?
Yes. Everyone is welcome at Bakkum Bites, including day visitors.
Where can I rent bikes?
At Kampeerwinkel Zeldenrust on the Ontmoetingsplein. They handle bike rental on Bakkum and offer flat-tire service.
Is there entertainment near the square?
Yes. The open-air theater, Openluchttheater de Pan, is connected to the square by a wooden boardwalk and hosts seasonal events. Bakkum Bites also features weekly live music on the terrace.
Practical takeaways to elevate your visit
- Start early at SPAR: Swing by from 08:30 during the season for fresh-baked rolls and croissants to kick off your day.
- Pack water-friendly playwear: Kids will gravitate to the fountain and water features—quick-drying clothes make turnarounds easy.
- Time your evenings: Check the Activiteiten schedule and look out for weekly live music at Bakkum Bites. For seasonal shows, stroll over the boardwalk to Openluchttheater de Pan.
- Rent bikes on the spot: Head to Zeldenrust on the square for bike rental and any last-minute gear.
- Use the map to plan routes: The Plattegrond helps you navigate from the square to the sports field, playgrounds, and beyond.
- Make it a full family circuit: Combine the kinderboerderij, play areas, the fountain, and a treat at De IJswinkel for an easy, joy-filled afternoon.
- Explore more nearby: When you’re ready to venture out, the sports field (Sportveld) and broader activities (Activiteiten) lineup are a short walk away.
- Keep everything in one place: Download the Camping Bakkum App to keep your reservation details and on-site info handy.
Beyond the square: make it a Bakkum day (or stay)
The Ontmoetingsplein sits within a campsite that blends dunes, beach life, and a packed roster of facilities. When you’re ready to expand your plans:
- Book your spot or browse stays via Camping & Accommodations: Kamperen or Accommodaties.
- Discover the surrounding natuurgebied and beach options: Natuurgebied.
- See everything that’s available on-site, from eateries to wellness and sport: explore the sections under Wat we hebben and the Ontmoetingsplein overview.
Conclusion: let the Ontmoetingsplein set the tone for your trip
From fresh morning rolls to evening live music, playful fountains to Italian comfort food, the Ontmoetingsplein captures the spirit of Camping Bakkum in one lively square. It’s where you’ll meet, eat, play, and plan your next adventure—on-site and beyond.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Start with the Plattegrond, check what’s on via Activiteiten, and swing by Bakkum Bites on your way. Planning an overnight? Explore Kamperen or Accommodaties and make the Ontmoetingsplein your daily meeting point.