In the spring of 1966, a new chapter began in the history of De Heigraaf. On May 28 of that year, during the Pentecost weekend, the very first campers were welcomed. It was an exciting moment, as the first restroom building was completed just in time.

What began as a modest start quickly blossomed into something wonderful. Amid the hustle and bustle of farm life, our first campers immediately brought a lively atmosphere to the farmyard. That first summer was filled with new experiences, hard work, and, above all, many wonderful moments together.

During the fall and winter of that same year, hard work went into further developing the campground. The campsites were laid out, so that starting in 1967, the first seasonal sites could be rented out. Thanks to enthusiastic stories from guests—true word-of-mouth advertising—more and more people found their way to De Heigraaf.

From the very beginning, the campground was listed in the ANWB guide, and road signs pointing to it began to appear. Its popularity grew, and with it, the number of guests. In 1967, the first caravans were stored there, and the years that followed were marked by continued growth and development.

The campground underwent its first expansion in 1970. Not long after, in 1972, part of the farmhouse was converted into an office, a store, and a laundromat—amenities that made the guests’ stay even more enjoyable. In 1973, a new house was built next to the farmhouse, bringing the entire complex closer to completion.

The developments continued. In 1975, part of the campground was converted for mobile homes. Electricity, water, and sewer lines were installed at each site—a massive undertaking that turned the entire grounds upside down. Everyone pitched in that winter to get everything ready on time. Even Martien, who was 10 at the time, enthusiastically helped out.

And as was often the case back then: just before summer, everything was ready. Ready for another new season full of guests, stories, and memories.