By camper through North Brabant: close, versatile, and cozy
That you don’t have to go far to find adventure and a change of culture, nature, and coziness is brilliantly proven by the Dutch province of Brabant. “Is it less than an hour’s drive?”, ask the children excitedly. Yes, from Antwerp, you’re really there in no time, and your (short) vacation begins before you even realize it. Lovely, right?
Travel blogger and journalist Sylvie from Get Out Of Town and her two children, Vic (12) and Emile (10), take you on a few days of camper travel through North Brabant.
The fact that it’s so close is why I love coming here. No hassle with stopping on time for a break, paying tolls, or the big chance of traffic jams. We just fill up our beloved Chausson, step on the gas, and moments later, you’re already there. And in a completely different environment. The local vibe is different, the bike paths are much tighter (hallelujah!), the cities are bursting with energy, the villages are charming, and the nature is magnificent. The people are friendly too. Brabant is simply “super cozy,” to put it in the most Dutch way.
Base in Rucphen
Convinced? Great! And wait, it gets even better because if you choose the Rucphense Weide as your base, you’re really set. This is a camper stop, but not just any stop. It’s more than just parking and staying the night. Rucphense Weide is a camper site with all the cozy vibes of a campground. Think beautiful spots in the grass and between trees, clean facilities, a pétanque court in the middle, bread service, a pizza night every Friday, occasional campfires, and a shared space with a bar for watching a football game on a big screen. Really a top spot!
Moreover, Rucphen is perfectly located for bike trips. You can be in the city of Oudenbosch in just 20 minutes, which is definitely worth a visit due to its mega-impressive basilica. It will really feel like you’re in Rome – unbelievable! A bit closer, you’ll find Splesj, a water park with a big pool, diving boards, and 7 adrenaline-pumping slides. Definitely a must-do if you have kids with you.
On foot, the center of Rucphen and the Rucphense forests are easily accessible. At the entrance of the forest, you’ll find a sign with colorful walking routes ranging from 4 to 10.5 km. Ideal for starting the day.
We enjoy our trips but also the doing nothing in and around the camper. We throw a ball, eat fruit in the sun, sleep in, take it slow in the mornings, and chill under the stars, each in our own way with all the comfort we need. Everything’s allowed, nothing’s required, blissful!
More to do in North Brabant
I’d understand if you don’t want to leave Rucphense Weide, but there are still a few Brabant sights I don’t want to miss telling you about.
- Tilburg: a vibrant city, especially near the station. Climb the Kempentoren, discover the Lochal – an architectural masterpiece that houses the city library, eat at Gourmet Market Central Station, and stay at the city campsite next to the park.
- Fort de Roovere: this historic fort, part of the West Brabant waterline, recently restored, offers beautiful views from the Pompejus lookout tower. A unique experience is the “sunken bridge,” where you walk through the water without getting your feet wet.
- Hike or bike through the Loonse and Drunense Dunes, the largest drifting sand areas in Western Europe, and take plenty of time to marvel. This natural area is truly phenomenal!
- Willemstad, a charming fortified town by the water. On a summer day, it’s pure joy to enjoy a sunny terrace. Want more of that? Then visit Heusden (with a camper spot by the water!).
- Discover National Park De Biesbosch on the water in a whisper boat and next to the water by stopping at Biesbosch Museum Island. You’ll take a short walk, visit the museum, explore the water playground, and realize it’s no wonder this building has won several architectural awards.
Thanks Sylvie for the inspiring trip report and beautiful photos !
