North Holland is a narrow province with two very different sides. To the west lies the North Sea, with dunes and wide beaches. To the east lie the IJsselmeer and the Markermeer, two large inland lakes with harbours and old fishing villages. Sometimes only thirty kilometres separate them, but the difference in holiday is considerable. Here is how to choose.
The coast: dunes, wind and short distances
Of the 38 North Holland parks we track, 19 sit within three kilometres of the beach. Schoorl and Julianadorp aan Zee are the densest spots: Schoorl with 5 parks between 1.3 and 3.3 kilometres from the sea, in the highest dune area of the Netherlands, and Julianadorp with 4 between 1.2 and 2.5 kilometres. Closest to the water is Kustpark Egmond aan Zee, at 200 metres.
Julianadorp aan Zee has the largest coastal park in the province, Beach Resort Ooghduyne, with 23 accommodations and houses sleeping up to 22. That is unusual: most coastal parks here are smaller and aimed at couples and families.
4 holiday parks in Julianadorp aan Zee
What the coast asks of you: expect wind. The dune ridge stops the worst of it, but a terrace on the seaward side is a different proposition in September than in July. Parks in Schoorl and Egmond sit behind the dunes and are therefore more sheltered than the beach houses at Wijk aan Zee and Julianadorp.
Between the North Sea and the IJsselmeer there is sometimes only thirty kilometres, but on holiday the difference is considerable.
The IJsselmeer: water without surf
To the east lies a second row of parks, and they are of a different kind. Medemblik, Enkhuizen, Uitdam and Volendam sit on the IJsselmeer or the Markermeer, thirty to forty kilometres from the North Sea. No surf, no salt water, but harbours, sailing schools and historic towns within cycling distance.
The parks on the water side are larger. EuroParcs Poort van Amsterdam in Uitdam has 23 houses, EuroParcs IJsselmeer in Medemblik 22 and EuroParcs Enkhuizer Strand 19. On the coast, eleven of twenty-two parks publish their houses individually, with a median of seven; on the water side thirteen of fifteen, with a median of sixteen, measured on 12 October 2026. That means more choice in house type.
If you want to combine Amsterdam with a park, this is the side to look. Uitdam is a twenty-minute drive from the city, and Amstelveen sits inside the ring road. EuroParcs Het Amsterdamse Bos in Amstelveen has 16 accommodations with houses sleeping up to 16, and you are on Dam Square in half an hour.
Visiting North Holland with a group
Large parties have more choice in this province than you might expect. Beach Resort Ooghduyne in Julianadorp goes up to 22 people, EuroParcs Poort van Amsterdam up to 18, and EuroParcs Het Amsterdamse Bos up to 16. In Schoorl the group houses are smaller: Berger Duinen goes up to 8 and Duynvallei up to 8.
Bear in mind that a house for twelve is not the same as a park set up for groups. Check with the provider whether house rules apply to group bookings, particularly in high season.
When to go
The coast is busiest and most expensive in July and August. May, June and September are cheaper, and the water is warmer in September than in June. If you are coming for the quiet, book outside the Dutch school holidays.
On the IJsselmeer the pattern differs. There the watersports season sets the rhythm, so May to September, peaking around the summer holidays. Outside those months the parks are quieter and prices lower, but not all facilities are open.
In short
- Beach within walking distance: Egmond aan Zee, Callantsoog, Wijk aan Zee, Schoorl
- Large parks with facilities: Uitdam, Medemblik, Enkhuizen, Amstelveen
- Groups of twelve or more: Julianadorp aan Zee, Uitdam, Amstelveen
- Combining with Amsterdam: Amstelveen, Halfweg, Uitdam
- Watersports: Medemblik, Enkhuizen, Volendam, Bovenkarspel
Parkzie lists all 38 holiday parks in North Holland side by side, showing for each park which providers you can book with. Prices and availability are with the provider itself; Parkzie charges no booking fees.
Parks that fit
Recreatiepark De Watersnip
- Outdoor swimming pool and surf school on site.
- Bungalows and chalets sleeping up to six people.
- North Holland coastal dunes at Petten within cycling distance.
EuroParcs Poort van Amsterdam
- Park has an indoor pool and wellness facilities.
- Waterfront location on the Markermeer near Uitdam.
- Amsterdam city centre is 15 km away.
Vakantiepark De Beemster
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pool with wellness facilities
- Detached vacation homes for two to fourteen guests
- Zaanse Schans and Volendam within cycling distance
Beach Resort Ooghduyne
- NGF A-status links golf course on site.
- Villas and apartments near the North Sea coast.
- Julianadorp aan Zee borders the Noordhollands Duinreservaat.
EuroParcs Enkhuizer Strand
- Outdoor pool available for guests on site.
- Beach houses and cubes located along Enkhuizen waterfront.
- Zuiderzeemuseum in Enkhuizen within walking distance.
EuroParcs Het Amsterdamse Bos
- Bike rental available for park and forest exploration.
- Cabins and lodges border the Amsterdamse Bos forest.
- Amsterdamse Bos offers walking and cycling near Amstelveen.
