Retie (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – About 200 campers at Camping Berkenstrand in Retie fear losing their community as owners plan to turn it into a chalet-only “Resort Berkenstrand.” A petition urges respect for current residents.
As VRT News reported, the people who signed the petition are worried about the changes at Camping Berkenstrand in Retie, a municipality in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. They fear that becoming a chalet resort will affect the long-time campers. Many worry about losing money because their old caravans can’t be moved.
Officials mentioned that these caravans are important investments, both financially and emotionally. Campers also fear that the close community they’ve built will disappear. They’ve formed strong bonds and see the campsite as a second home. They also worry about losing the site’s simple, informal charm. They think that the new chalets will make holidays more expensive.
“For 13 years, I have been ready every day, but you should know what I am now getting into”
Current operator Camping Berkenstrand
What will the Chalet-Only plans mean for camping at Berkenstrand?
The owner held a meeting to be open with the campers, hoping to be transparent. He admitted that running the campsite for 13 years has taken a toll on his health. He mentioned that buyers have made a good offer, but he assured that caravans won’t be removed right away; the change will be slow.
Despite this, many campers feel forced out. They are asking the new owners to keep some spots for caravans and consider the current community’s needs. The campsite will be handed over to the new owners in mid-December, which many fear will end an important chapter at Camping Berkenstrand.
The current and new owners of Camping Berkenstrand held a meeting on Sunday, June 1, 2025, to share their plans. About 200 campers came to hear about the changes. The main plan is to change the campsite into “Resort Berkenstrand,” a holiday park with only chalets, no caravans. This has made the regular campers worried. They are afraid the special feeling and community will disappear. Many people at the meeting were unhappy and started a petition.
“The plans would have major consequences for permanent campers and the unique atmosphere of the campsite.”
The permanent residents of Camping Berkenstrand
The owner said that caravans will be phased out slowly, not immediately. This is a common practice at other camp sites to modernise facilities. The owner said there is no plan to remove caravans quickly, but gradually over several years, giving campers time to adjust.
Despite these assurances, the campers are still worried that the change to only chalets will change the identity and welcoming atmosphere of Camping Berkenstrand, a place many have called home for years.
