Planning a multi-day hike or bike ride in Haspengouw? Then the five bivouac zones are highly recommended. You'll find them in green oases along the Streek-GR Haspengouw and the cycling network. The bivouac zones are basic, with wooden platforms and a composting toilet. Campfires are also permitted in some areas. Uniquely, these zones are only accessible on foot or by bike.
Camping is completely free, but you must adhere to a number of rules, which are contained in the regulations that you can find on site and which you can also read on the website of the municipality of the zone in question.
The main rules are:
- Advance reservation is required for the bivouac zones managed by the Agency for Nature and Forests: Eyckenbos, Grootbos and Hornebos;
More information and the reservation form can be found on the website: natuurenbos.be/kamperen - You do not need to make a reservation for the Hooilingen and Speelboomgaard bivouac zones;
- You maintain the silence and tranquility in a bivouac zone;
- You have respect for other campers;
- Keep the composting toilet clean for the next user. Don't throw any waste into it;
- You must adhere to local regulations. For example, you are not allowed to light a fire in all bivouac zones (but you are allowed in Hoeselt);
- You are traveling on foot or by bicycle. Cars are strictly prohibited;
- You leave no trace behind after your stay. So just take your trash with you!
- Dogs are allowed on a leash, but please clean up after them (dig them up or throw them in the nearest garbage bin).
Below you can download the free brochure, which includes the exact GPS coordinates and an overview of the facilities at each location. You can light a fire at the Hooilingen bivouac area in Hoeselt and the Speelboomgaard Borgloon playground, and you can borrow a camping kit in Sint-Truiden. The brochure also includes two suggested routes for a multi-day hiking holiday.