Mt. Gilead KOA Holiday achieves the highest award out of hundreds of campgrounds throughout North America SAN ANTONIO , Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mt.
Gilead KOA Holiday, owned and operated by Chip and Bambi Hanawalt , has been named Kampgrounds of America, Inc.'s (KOA) Campground of the Year for 2025. The award is the highest honor in the KOA campground system and was announced on Wednesday, November 20 , during KOA's annual Convention and Expo held this year in San Antonio, Texas .
After stumbling upon a campground for sale in Columbus, Ohio , the Hanawalts first became campground owners in 2000, and joined the KOA system in 2017. The couple sold that park to KOA, Inc. and embarked on a new greenfield development venture in Mt.
Gilead, Ohio , breaking ground on the site in late 2019. They opened just in time for July Fourth weekend in 2020 amid the challenges of COVID-19. The 150-acre property, located about 40 miles north of Columbus , offers ample green space and modern amenities.
The Hanawalts are committed to making the campground a family legacy with their children and grandchildren helping with operations. The Hanawalts' daughter, Haley, has grown up on her family's campgrounds since the age of nine and now helps with daily operations. "Joining the KOA system has been the greatest decision for our business," said Haley Hanawalt , daughter of Chip and Bambi.
"The high standards help us strive and strengthen our relationships with fellow KOA owners. The resources.