Autumn always brings a special atmosphere to Kasterlee, and in October this becomes even more pronounced thanks to Pumpkin Month. During this period, the entire municipality revolves around pumpkins, with a varied programme of activities spread across the weekends. From competitive events to cosy markets and creative pumpkin initiatives, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Camping Houtum is located just a short distance from all these festivities, allowing guests to fully enjoy both the lively pumpkin activities and the beautiful autumn colours of the surrounding Kempen forests.
A stay with us offers the best of both worlds: you experience the energy of Pumpkin Month and then return to the calm of nature to truly unwind.
Pumpkin Month is known for its friendly atmosphere and wide range of activities. It is a perfect way to celebrate the autumn season, combining events with scenic walks and cycling routes, as well as seasonal culinary highlights.
Camping Houtum is the ideal base from which to experience Pumpkin Month up close.
In this article, we guide you through the main events of October and explain why a stay at Camping Houtum makes your visit to Kasterlee even more enjoyable.
Would you like to stay overnight with us during Pumpkin Month? We offer various accommodation options, including spacious camping pitches, paved camper pitches and comfortable rental accommodations.
3 October – Belgian Pumpkin Weighing Championship
Location: Boekweitbaan 43, Kasterlee
Pumpkin Month officially kicks off with the Belgian Pumpkin Weighing Championship. Growers from all over the country bring their giant pumpkins to Kasterlee to see which one is the heaviest. A perfect start to the month for anyone fascinated by impressive pumpkins. More information can be found at pompoenengenootschap.be.
4 October – Harvest Festival at the Pompoenerie
Location: Camping Houtum, Houtum 39, Kasterlee
On this Sunday, our neighbours at the Pompoenerie organise their harvest festival. Everything revolves around pumpkins, with tasty food, drinks and various activities. The festivities start at 1.30 pm and promise a warm and friendly afternoon.
The Pompoenerie is a work-experience centre for people with a disability. For our campers, this is a great opportunity to experience the pumpkin atmosphere up close. More information is available at www.depompoenerie.be.
Curious about the background of the Pompoenerie and their valuable work? ou can read more about it in our detailed blog about the Pompoenerie >>
A beautiful place to visit
We spent a few autumn days at this campsite. We were warmly welcomed by the staff and found it a wonderful place for cycling and walking.
O. Codreanu – Bicchielli
11 October – Belgian Pumpkin Shooting Championship
Location: Vorsel, behind the crossing Vorsel / Gruneweg, Kasterlee
If you enjoy action, pumpkin shooting is an event you should not miss. Teams compete to launch pumpkins as far as possible using self-built catapults. The spectacle runs from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm and is great fun for all ages. More information can be found at www.pompoenschieten.be.
18 October – Pumpkin Market in the centre of Kasterlee
Location: Market Square, Kasterlee
The annual Pumpkin Market in the heart of Kasterlee is always a highlight of Pumpkin Month. From 10.00 am onwards, you can stroll past stalls filled with pumpkin products, enjoy seasonal treats and admire the largest pumpkins.
For just €3, you receive access to the market as well as a voucher booklet with discounts. Combine a visit to the market with an overnight stay at Camping Houtum to fully enjoy this atmospheric autumn day. More information can be found at www.visitkasterlee.be.
Relaxing week with great outings
Overall, we felt very comfortable at the campsite and would certainly return if we are in the area again. Let’s start at the beginning 🙂 The reservation process was easy, and questions were answered quickly, kindly and professionally by email. Booking itself went very smoothly.
A late arrival was no problem after consultation, and check-in was very friendly. Just be mindful of the length of your power cable, or ask about it in advance (which we fortunately did ^^), so there was no issue at our basic pitch. The washing-up areas are spacious and modern, just like the shower and toilet facilities. Clean and pleasantly heated, which is very welcome in autumn 🙂 The Kleine Nete river is only a three-minute walk away, perfect for beautiful walks, kayaking or SUP trips, which can be rented nearby if needed.
In autumn, there is a wonderful pumpkin festival in the area with many activities throughout October. We watched how far pumpkins were launched using different homemade catapults and enjoyed delicious pumpkin dishes on site.
As mentioned, we would happily return. Kind regards,
C. Nayda
25 October – Pumpkin Regatta
Location: Ark van Noë, Arkstraat 6, Lichtaart
Pumpkin Month concludes with the legendary Pumpkin Regatta. During this entertaining race, participants paddle hollowed-out giant pumpkins along the Kleine Nete. The day starts with hollowing out the pumpkins at 9.30 am, and from midday onwards the spectacle begins. From Camping Houtum, you can easily cycle to Ark van Noë, where the event takes place. Coming by bike is recommended, as parking can be limited. More information is available at www.pompoenregatta.be.
Visiting a pumpkin event and staying overnight in Kasterlee?
With comfortable camping pitches, heated sanitary facilities and our convenient location close to the events, Camping Houtum is an ideal place to stay during Pumpkin Month. Whether you come for a weekend or plan a longer stay, we ensure your visit is relaxed and enjoyable. Ready to experience the unique pumpkin atmosphere of Kasterlee?
Book your stay today and make sure you do not miss this special month filled with pumpkin atmosphere and autumn cosiness.
If the sanitary facilities are nicer and better than at home and the surroundings are full of great activities like the pumpkin season, you know you are at your favourite campsite.
L. Lens
A lovely autumn weekend away, enjoying the pumpkins in the region. This is certainly a place we would love to return to.
M. Van Riet
A campsite where peace and friendliness are key. During the pumpkin season, you truly lack nothing in Kasterlee.
J. Van Ransbeeck
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Looking for inspiration for a relaxing camping holiday or enjoyable activities in Kasterlee? Read our blog for tips about life at Camping Houtum and in the surrounding area. Do you have ideas of your own or feel something is missing? Send us an email at info@campinghoutum.be.
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FAQ - Frequently asked questions about staying overnight at Camping Houtum
Also in October, you can rely on all essential facilities at Camping Houtum. The sanitary buildings are heated, so showering and washing dishes remains comfortable even on cooler days. During this period, the campsite is well organised and quieter, which contributes to a pleasant stay.
When it comes to camping pitches, you can choose between different types: basic pitches, comfort pitches, paved camper pitches and a tent field. Thanks to this variety, you can also choose a pitch in October that suits your way of travelling, even when the weather is a bit changeable.
Yes. In October, you can stay in one of our accommodations at Camping Houtum. These are comfortable holiday homes suitable for an autumn stay, with good insulation and heating.
You can choose from:
The Rowan – for 2 persons
The White Linden – for 4 persons
The Poplar – for 4 persons
The Silver Birch – for 6 persons
Most pumpkin activities are located very close to Camping Houtum. The fields of the Pompoenerie are directly next to the campsite, and the centre of Kasterlee can easily be reached on foot or by bike. There is no need for long trips or using the car.
In addition to the pumpkin activities, October is an ideal month for walking and cycling in the area. Forests and fields show their autumn colours, and it is quieter than in summer. There are also cosy places to eat, Domein De Putten for families, and at weekends Café de Congé for a relaxed end to the day.