A Hancock County (Indiana) campground was recognized as 2022 Campground of the Year by its parent company, and local owners are delighted that the efforts and improvements they’ve made in the last 17 years have been noticed.
As per a report, Indianapolis KOA Holiday, located at Mt. Comfort Road and Hancock County Road 200, was honored by KOA, a network of more than 525 campgrounds across North America.
Camp director Rachael Vaughan said that when she and her parents–the owners, Lori and David Vaughan – were told of their honor, they were humbled.
“We had to give God all of the credit; we worked very hard the last 17 years to make this park what it is, and we have an amazing team,” Rachel said.
The Vaughans were campers themselves and had a dream of one day owning a campground of their own. They saw an opportunity 17 years ago to let go of their shipping and logistics company in Ohio and relocate to Hancock County and purchase the Indianapolis KOA Holiday.
The campground was clean with updated water, sewer, and power, allowing the Vaughans to work hard to make camper amenities available to campers.
“Our mantra has always been upgrade, upgrade, upgrade,” David Vaughan said.
They tore up the traditional pool and added a hybrid pool/water park feature.
A gem mining experience is available on-site, and what Rachel Vaughan describes as sites that appeal to glampers, with large hard-surfaced patios, grills, and patio furniture plus swings and pergolas, and freestanding fireplaces. Campers can also choose to stay in private cabins.
Traditional camping items can still be found in the camp store as well as pizza, wings, ice cream, and treats.
The family lives in Greenfield, and she said Hancock County residents are welcome to stay with them as gas prices rise; she suggested that now might be a good time to consider a staycation.
“We have a very young team, so working here gives us an opportunity to prepare them for the world,” she said.
“We are very tight-knit; we do become like a family.”
She also said she’s happy with the progress they’ve made, as well as the award.
For more information, visit koa.com/campgrounds/indianapolis.
This story originally appeared on Greenfield Reporter. Featured image from Indianapolis KOA Holiday.