The people and stories behind LeadingCampings
Behind every LeadingCamping there are people who shape a place
Get to know the people, their visions and the stories that make LeadingCampings so special.
Stories of founders
A family history dating back to 1970
The story of the Südsee-Camp began in 1970, in the heart of the Lüneburg Heath, between Hamburg, Hanover and Bremen. From the very start, the site was conceived as a family-run business, with the aim of creating a place where families could spend time together, feel at home and make special memories.
Over the decades, what began as a small venture has grown into a 90-hectare holiday paradise. Today, the third generation is already helping to run Südsee-Camp, whilst the fourth generation is discovering the site as children.
What makes it special is the close bond with the guests: some families are now in their third generation of visiting. Over five decades, Südsee-Camp has thus become not only a family-run business but also part of many families’ histories.
A tradition that lives on
In 1977, Josef Happacher founded the Caravan Park Sexten in Sexten, which at the time was simply a campsite nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. A few years later, his son Hans took over the business and continued to develop it. Today, Andreas Happacher – representing the third generation – runs the family business together with his wife Riccarda.
Over the decades, the original campsite has evolved into a high-quality, year-round establishment. What has remained is the connection to their homeland and the commitment not simply to preserve tradition, but to develop it further.
A family saying sums up this attitude particularly well: tradition does not mean preserving ashes, but keeping the flame alive. This is precisely what characterises Caravan Park Sexten to this day – with respect for history and always looking to the future.
A legacy that continues to flourish
The story of L’Océan Breton began in 1989, when Kayleigh’s grandparents took over the estate in southern Brittany. Today, the campsite is run by Kayleigh and her aunt Elisa, marking the next generation at the helm.
The family has a particularly close connection to the historic estate and its gardens. The Manoir de Kerlut dates back to 1894, but it was above all the flowerbeds, plants and trees, lovingly tended by her grandmother, that gave the place its special character. To this day, the family tends these gardens with great care, continuing her legacy.
Nestled between the sea, the waterways and the Breton countryside, a special place has emerged over the decades, shaped by a family that preserves its history whilst continuing to develop it.
Connected to the North Sea since 1976
The history of Hvidbjerg Strand Feriepark began in 1976 on Denmark’s wild west coast. The campsite has been run by the Slaikjær family from day one and, over the decades, has become far more than just a place of work: it has become part of their lives.
With great passion and an eye for their guests’ wishes, the family has continuously developed the original campsite. What began as a simple venture has now become an exceptional holiday park right on the North Sea, whilst retaining its personal and family-friendly atmosphere.
The bond with the guests is particularly close: many families have been returning time and again for decades. The hosts have watched as children grow into adults and eventually bring the next generation with them. Over the years, this has created not only holiday memories, but genuine connections – from generation to generation.
The hosts
Catha – Head of Animation at the Südsee-Camp
If good humour had a face, at Südsee-Camp it would surely be Campino and Catha. Catharina Herbst has been part of the Südsee-Camp family since 2019 and now heads up the entertainment team. With great passion, creativity and organisational skills, she develops programmes that delight guests of all ages, from colourful activities for children and family programmes to special events during the peak season. It’s important to her to bring people of all ages together and create shared holiday memories. Catha also leads her team with dedication, team spirit and a willingness to listen. With her passion, she shapes the leisure programme at Südsee-Camp and ensures that fun, a zest for life and that special Südsee-Camp holiday feeling are never in short supply.
Monique – 40 years of warmth and hospitality at the restaurant at Camping Le Brasilia
For over 40 years, Monique has been the heart and soul of the restaurant at Camping Le Brasilia. With her warm smile and friendly manner, she welcomes guests as if they were stepping into her own home. Her special gift is that she makes people – and their four-legged friends too – feel welcome straight away. As a great dog lover, she often knows the dogs’ names before their owners do and greets them with just as much enthusiasm as she does their owners. Over the years, Monique has become a familiar face to several generations of guests. And when people leave the restaurant, they sometimes take not only lovely memories with them, but also a small jar of her homemade apricot jam. Because at Monique’s, you don’t just come for a meal – you come to see Monique.
Doreen – 20 years of dedication and hard work at Les Criques de Porteils
Doreen has been an integral part of Les Criques de Porteils for 20 years. Originally from Berlin, she has found a home between the sea and the mountains and has long since made the campsite more than just a place of work. In summer, she welcomes guests at reception with warmth, attentiveness and a willingness to listen. In winter, Doreen continues to work behind the scenes, meticulously preparing the accommodation for the coming season. In this way, she ensures that guests feel at home from the moment they arrive. With her reliability, dedication and natural hospitality, Doreen embodies what makes a campsite special: people who shape their place with heart and passion.
Aymeric – the man who makes things happen behind the scenes at L’Océan Breton
In 2026, Aymeric will be starting his 19th season at L’Océan Breton. Since his early days working alongside founder Joëlle Furic, he has been part of the campsite’s development and, as Technical Director, has played a key role in shaping many projects, from the large aquatic park to the first premium accommodation units. A true hands-on professional, he finds a solution to almost every problem, thereby playing a key role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly for guests. It’s no surprise that he’s nicknamed ‘MacGyver’. For Aymeric, L’Océan Breton has long been more than just a place of work: he lives on site with his family. His favourite moment? When, after months of preparation, the lights come on and a new season begins.
Sara – With heart and a keen sense for those special holiday moments
For Sara, the holiday experience at Fornella Camping & Wellness Family Resort begins right from the very first point of contact. From the moment a booking enquiry is made, she looks after guests personally and attentively, striving to ensure that everyone finds exactly what suits their needs. For Sara, her work is far more than just a job: it’s about genuine connections, personal development and the belief that kindness makes all the difference. She is particularly passionate about treating nature and the environment with care and sustainability. She wants to help create a place where people from different cultures and backgrounds come together and are connected through nature. What Sara creates endures – in the memories and the feeling of being welcome and valued.
The restaurant team – the heart of Alpencamping
Behind every successful holiday are people who give their all every day with passion and a smile. The restaurant team at Alpencamping is a fine example of this. Many of the staff have been part of the team for years – some for over 30 years. Loyalty, team spirit and personal commitment characterise their day-to-day work and ensure that guests feel welcome and are happy to return. Whether in the kitchen or front of house, the team works every day with humour, passion and professionalism to ensure that a visit to the restaurant becomes a wonderful holiday memory. A team outing was organised as a special thank-you for this long-standing commitment. A strong team that has helped shape Alpencamping for many years.
Thank you for bringing LeadingCampings to life!
Stories for Life
When holiday moments become memories
And then there was that very special holiday guest: a horse. Its owners didn’t want to leave their long-standing companion at home and asked if he too could enjoy the Breton coast. Without further ado, a nearby meadow was made available. This led to an unusual sight: a horse on holiday, right in the middle of Morlaix Bay.
Two very different stories, and yet both illustrate what Les Mouettes is all about: being a place where people and their companions are welcome, and where small moments turn into great memories.
Where a holiday becomes home
And this is exactly what the owners experience time and time again: for many families, Ostsee Camping Heide has become a second home over the years and across generations. Children who spent their holidays here return later with their own families. Friendships formed at the campsite last a lifetime. People know one another, meet up again and feel at home from the very first moment.
Perhaps that is precisely the most wonderful story of Ostsee Camping Heide: holidays become memories, encounters become friendships, and a campsite becomes a little piece of home.
Where nature writes its own stories
And stories also unfold between people that last for many years. Many of the guests keep coming back; some families have even been doing so for generations. What begins as a family holiday together gradually becomes a lasting bond with this special place. Children experience their first camping adventures here; years later, they return with their own families.
It is precisely these two aspects that define De Wildhoeve: the small, magical encounters with nature and the lasting memories that bind people together across generations. Amidst the woods, heathland and campsite life, moments are created that will stay with you forever.
Where an old countryside setting became a holiday home
What began back then with around 150 pitches has grown over the decades into a special holiday destination and has remained in the family’s hands to this day. Many guests have now been coming to Feddet for generations. For them, the site has long been more than just a holiday destination: it is part of their summer, their shared memories and their own family history.
That is surely the most beautiful story of Feddet: a place changes, but its special magic remains and is passed down from generation to generation.
What unites us
They bring generations, hosts and guests together, and turn extraordinary campsites into places people love to return to. It is precisely this sense of connection that has defined LeadingCampings for more than 30 years.
Stories that stay with you
What makes LeadingCampings special cannot be summed up in stars or facilities. It’s the places. The people. The stories.
This is exactly what our coffee-table book series is all about. Featuring extraordinary landscapes, inspiring design, nature-inspired retreats and the people behind LeadingCampings.
Volume 1, ‘Northern Escapes’, is already available. Volume 2 will follow in autumn 2026, and Volume 3 in spring 2027.
A visual journey through Europe and through what makes LeadingCampings so special.
