A Family Legacy

As a young family, the Arnold Family regularly traveled the country in their RV, exploring the great outdoors and spending quality time together. It was during these trips that they discovered their love for the camping industry and realized that it was more than just a hobby - it was a way of life. In 2018, Andy and Sandy turned their passion into a business by purchasing their first campground as part of a "retirement" plan. As they delved into the world of campground management, the Arnolds embraced every challenge as a chance for growth and improvement. In 2019, their daughter, Ariel, and her husband, Ben, joined them shortly after the acquisition of their first campground, the Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA. Together they poured their hearts into every aspect of their business, especially creating a warm and welcoming environment for their guests. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, they acquired two more campgrounds - the Mercer / Grove City KOA and the Streetsboro / Cleveland SE KOA - in 2020. In 2022, Andy and Sandy's son, Lee, also joined the ownership team. With each acquisition and increased family involvement, the Arnold’s continue to improve their skills and refine their approach to create not only a top-notch camping experience for their guests but also to perpetuate a generational family legacy of support, hard work, and service… all the way down to their four wonderful grandchildren.

It all comes down to this

The Ugly Duckling Recreation Group is more than just a business - it's a family affair. Together, they are committed to creating unique and memorable experiences for their campers that will last a lifetime. Their story is a true testament to the beauty of the campground lifestyle, built on passion, dedication, and the love of the camping lifestyle.