Pedal & Trek: Cycling and Hiking Routes Starting Right from Camping Bakkum

Step out of your tent or cabin and onto a trail: Pedal & Trek: Cycling and Hiking Routes Starting Right from Camping Bakkum is your guide to dune walks, beach strolls, and unforgettable bike rides that begin at the campsite gate. Here you'll find the best nearby routes, how to arrange maps and bike hire, where your Duinkaart applies, and practical tips to make the most of North Holland’s coastal nature.

Why start from Camping Bakkum?

Nestled on the edge of the vast Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Camping Bakkum blends seamlessly into a landscape of dunes, forest, beach, and sea. From here you can:

• Walk straight into one of the largest nature areas in the Netherlands, stretching from the coast at Wijk aan Zee to the Schoorlse Duinen.
• Spot local wildlife, including Schotse Hooglanders (Scottish Highlanders), Koniks (horses), Exmoor pony's, and in places sheep and Hollandse landgeiten.
• Follow an extensive network of paths for hiking, cycling, and even horse riding.

A Duinkaart (dune access pass) is required for visiting the reserve. As a Bakkum guest, you’ll receive your Duinkaart prior to arrival. Day visitors can obtain a pass via PWN. For route ideas and detailed maps, stop by the reception—walking and cycling maps are available, and the team is happy to advise on current conditions and family-friendly options. Want to learn more about the dunes—how they filter drinking water and protect the coast? Visit De Hoep visitor center for deeper insight.

Signature routes you can do today

Below are highlight outings that truly begin from Camping Bakkum. Choose your pace—stroll, hike, or ride—and set off.

1) Dune-to-beach stroll to Bakkum Noord (quiet beach)

Prefer a tranquil shoreline? Head to Bakkum Noord—a “secret spot” recommended by reception—reached on foot via a beautiful dune route. Expect a serene beach day framed by rolling sand and sea breezes. The walk is as lovely as the destination, with open views and the chance to spot grazers along the way.

• Start: From the campsite, follow the dune paths toward Bakkum Noord.
• Good for: Calm beach time, gentle walking, photography, and nature spotting.
• Tip: Carry your Duinkaart when entering the reserve.

Learn more about beach access: To the beach

2) Castricum aan Zee: active beach day by foot or bike

Craving amenities and activity? Castricum aan Zee has it all—multiple beach pavilions, surf schools, and parking. From the entrance road you can walk, cycle, or drive to the beach. The coast is about 950 meters from the campsite as the crow flies, so it’s perfect for a quick stroll or easy ride.

• Why go: Food and drinks by the sea, tournaments and events on the sand, and a full menu of water sports.
• Bonus: Camping Bakkum works with Surfschool Castricum—ask at reception for details and book directly via their website for lessons and strandcamps.

Plan your seaside outing: To the beach

3) The Pontjesroute by bike: ferries, dikes, and classic Dutch landscapes

For a full-day pedal, start near the campsite on the famous Pontjesroute. This varied cycling route is 51 km and includes four ferry crossings—two of which you power yourself by turning a winch. Along the way you’ll pass nature areas, dikes, windmills, pumping stations, and the charming villages of Castricum, Akersloot, and De Woude—great places to pause for a snack.

• Make it yours: You can also ride a half-route if you’re with younger riders or want a shorter day.
• Why it’s memorable: Hands-on ferry fun, classic waterland vistas, and plenty of photo stops.

4) Wildlife and dunes loop (choose your length)

Set off on a self-guided loop into the Noordhollands Duinreservaat. The path network is extensive, with rolling dunes, pockets of woodland, and open sand plains. Keep your distance from the grazers, move calmly, and you’ll often be rewarded with sightings of Highlanders and ponies ambling through the landscape.

• Good for: Early morning or late afternoon when light and wildlife activity are often best.
• Tip: Pick up a walking map at reception and decide your loop length based on energy and weather.

Explore the area: Noordhollands Duinreservaat

5) On-site heritage walk: “Wandel de historische route”

Stay on (or close to) the campsite and journey through time. Pick up the historic route at reception for a relaxed walk filled with stories and nostalgia about the oldest campsite in the Netherlands. It’s a refreshing, low-effort way to stretch your legs on arrival day or when the weather is changeable.

• Start: Reception
• Good for: Families and history lovers

More info: Walk the historic route

Maps, bike hire, and what to bring

• Walking & cycling maps: Available at reception. Staff can suggest route variants for families, wildlife spotting, or beach days.
• Bike hire on-site: Rent from Kampeerwinkel Zeldenrust at the Ontmoetingsplein. They arrange bicycle rental on Bakkum, with different bike types to suit your plan.
• Duinkaart (dune pass): Required for the reserve. Guests of Camping Bakkum receive a Duinkaart prior to arrival; day visitors can obtain one via PWN.
• Essentials to pack:
  • Water and light snacks (or plan a stop at beach pavilions)
  • Sun and wind protection (coastal weather changes fast)
  • A light extra layer (dune microclimates can be breezy)
  • Charged phone and map (printed or digital)
  • Respect for wildlife and fragile dune flora: stay on marked paths and give animals space

Getting to the trailhead without a car

Arriving by public transport? Take the train to Station Castricum. In high season, bus 868 runs for free from the station to the beach and the campsite (halte Provinciaal Kampeerterrein Bakkum). Outside of the season, a taxi is an easy option.

Need assistance or local pointers? Contact the team: Contact & directions

Quick answers (optimized for fast look-ups)

• Do I need a pass for the dunes?
  Yes. A Duinkaart is required for the Noordhollands Duinreservaat. Guests of Camping Bakkum receive one before arrival. Day visitors can obtain a pass via PWN.

• Where can I rent a bike?
  At Kampeerwinkel Zeldenrust on the Ontmoetingsplein; they handle bike rental on Bakkum.

• How close is the beach?
  The beach and sea are about 950 meters away as the crow flies. Go via the main road at the entrance by bike, foot, or car—or take the footpath next to the accommodations.

• Any family-friendly cycling day trips?
  Yes—the Pontjesroute starts close by, features four ferry crossings (two self-operated by winch), and passes scenic waterland and villages. You can also ride a half-route.

• Can I book surf lessons?
  Camping Bakkum works with Surfschool Castricum. Ask at reception for details and reserve via their website.

• Where can I learn more about the dunes?
  Visit De Hoep to discover how the dunes purify drinking water and protect the coast.

Practical takeaways for a perfect Pedal & Trek day

• Start early for quieter trails, wildlife sightings, and calmer beach conditions.
• Carry your Duinkaart—checks can occur, and it supports conservation.
• Choose your route at reception with a current map; staff know the best seasonal highlights.
• For a relaxed end, plan your loop to finish at the campsite and unwind at Bakkum Bites—many menu items are available “to go” for a picnic-style reward.
• If you’re mixing activity types (e.g., morning hike + afternoon surf at Castricum aan Zee), keep your layers simple and quick-drying.
• With kids, turn the outing into a discovery quest: look for hoofprints of Highlanders or shells along the beach; the landscape itself becomes the playground.

Refuel afterwards: Bakkum Bites

Make it a mini-itinerary (simple planning steps)

1. Pick your day’s theme: quiet Bakkum Noord walk, lively Castricum aan Zee, long Pontjesroute, or a wildlife-focused dune loop.
2. Stop by reception for route suggestions and buy a map.
3. Rent bikes (if cycling) at Kampeerwinkel Zeldenrust on the Ontmoetingsplein.
4. Pack essentials and your Duinkaart.
5. Set off directly from the campsite and adjust your loop based on time, weather, and energy.
6. Close the day with a beach sunset or a relaxed bite back at the campsite.

Responsible trekking: enjoy and protect

• Stay on marked paths to protect delicate dune vegetation and prevent erosion.
• Keep a respectful distance from grazers and all wildlife; observe quietly.
• Leave no trace: pack out litter and minimize noise.
• Follow any posted guidance in the reserve; conditions can change with seasons and conservation work.

Conclusion: Your next adventure starts here

With dunes, forest, beach, and a cycling route network right outside your pitch, Camping Bakkum is the ideal base for Pedal & Trek adventures. From the serene sands of Bakkum Noord to the energy of Castricum aan Zee, and the ferry-filled fun of the Pontjesroute, everything you need—maps, bike hire, and your Duinkaart—is easy to arrange on site.

• Explore ideas: Hiking & Biking
• Learn about the reserve: Noordhollands Duinreservaat
• Plan your beach day: To the beach

Ready to Pedal & Trek? Book your stay at Camping Bakkum today and start planning routes you can walk or ride right from your door. Book online