Rachel Vaughan, pictured here with camp horse Rain, manages Indianapolis KOA Holiday.
Submitted photo
GREENFIELD – A Hancock County campground was awarded 2022 Campground of the Year by its parent company, and the local owners are thrilled that the hard work and improvements they’ve made over 17 years are getting recognized.
Indianapolis KOA Holiday, located at Mt. Comfort Road and Hancock County Road 200 North, received the honor from KOA, a network of more than 525 campgrounds across North America.
Camp Director Rachael Vaughan said when she and her parents – owners Lori and David Vaughan – were told of the 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, campers themselves, dreamed of someday owning their own campground. They saw the opportunity 17 years ago to sell their shipping and logistics business in Ohio and move to Hancock County and purchase the Indianapolis KOA Holiday.
The campground had good bones with updated sewer, water and power, allowing the Vaughans to aggressively work on adding camper amenities.
“Our mantra has always been upgrade, upgrade, upgrade,” David Vaughan said in a company publication.
They tore out the traditional pool and added a hybrid pool/water park feature.
A gem mining experience is also on site, as well as what Rachel Vaughan describes as sites that appeal to “glampers,” with large hard-surfaced patios, grills and patio furniture plus swings, pergolas and freestanding fireplaces. Private cabins are also an option.
The camp store, which traditionally simply sold RV parts and necessities, now has a boutique feel with luxury candles, cosmetics, lotions, Indiana products and more.
Traditional camping items can still be found there, Rachel said, as well as pizza, wings, ice cream and treats.
The family lives in Greenfield, and she said Hancock County residents are welcome to stay as well – with gas prices high, she said now might be a good time for a staycation.
“We are having lots of returns and lots of new people – lots of first-time guests, which is super exciting,” Rachel said.
She added she’s proud of the improvements they’ve made and the award.
“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.”
For more, visit koa.com/campgrounds/indianapolis.
