On 10 June 2025, PostNL will issue the stamp sheet Camping in the Netherlands, with 6 stamps in 6 different designs. The stamps bear the denomination 1 for mail up to 20 grams with a destination within the Netherlands. A postcard with summer greetings is attached to the stamp sheet with a perforation line. On the back of the sheet is a typical camping recipe for macaroni. The stamp sheet Camping in the Netherlands is designed by the agency álleburen from Arnhem. The price for a sheet with 6 stamps is €7.26.
Recreational camping originated in the late nineteenth century in Great Britain, with cyclists spending the night in tents set up at hotels. The first British camping club dates back to 1906, and our country followed 6 years later with the establishment of the Dutch Tourist Camping Club. In 1924, the Gelderland town of Vierhouten had the honour of the first official campsite in our country. Camping became increasingly popular in the 1930s, but the real breakthrough came after World War II, thanks to increased prosperity, leisure time, and mobility. The popularity of camping received an extra boost in the 21st century due to the coronavirus crisis. The growth continues. In 2023, 5.2 million guests stayed at campsites in the Netherlands, about 4 percent more than in 2022. The number of foreign guests increased to 1.7 million of the 5.2 million. Most foreign campers (1.2 million) came from neighbouring Germany. When Dutch people go camping, it is slightly more often abroad than in their own country. France is by far the favourite destination. Croatia has the most campsites per million inhabitants in the European Union, with 226 campsites, while the Netherlands is in second place with 151 campsites per million inhabitants. As of 1 April 2024, the Netherlands had a record number of 615,981 caravans and motorhomes, almost 2 percent more than a year earlier.
DESIGN
The stamp sheet Camping in the Netherlands contains 6 stamps in 6 different designs. On the back of the stamp sheet is a typical camping recipe for macaroni, with an illustration of the ingredients against the background of a typical Dutch campsite. A postcard with summer greetings is attached to the stamp sheet with a perforation line. The postcard features a sign with humorous camping tips, against the background of another typical Dutch campsite. All stamps on the sheet have a free form with cloud contours. The stamps feature photos of different camping equipment: caravan, static caravan, campervan, bungalow tent, motorhome, and trekking tents. Four of the six stamps also depict campers. The sheet border features an illustration of a wavy campsite with grass fields, sandy beach, and swimming water against a clear summer sky with clouds. The illustration continues onto the stamps, serving as the background for the camping scene. Details on the stamps continue over the cut lines to the sheet border. Various objects that can be found on a campsite, such as a barbecue, folding trailer, paddling pool, garden bench, flowerpot, football, and kites, are depicted on the sheet border. Birds, butterflies, and a dog are depicted on the stamp sheet and postcard.
