By Fletcher Word
The Truth Editor
Retired Toledo Police Officer Floella Wormely has had a recreational vehicle for more than 10 years and during that time has searched for ideal sites to park her RV and enjoy the scenery, the like-minded community, the amenities that the outstanding campgrounds can offer.
Several years ago, she took a look at The Big Sandy Campground in Swanton. She drove in and immediately made a u-turn, she recalls – the campground was so unappealing.
But that was before Nate and Alicia Lawson took over two years ago and turned the eyesore into the Superior Made RV Resort.
The site that Wormely saw some years ago has undergone a significant upgrade – the campground is clean and orderly, the amenities for campers have increased, entertainment, swimming and boating area is more accessible, the efficiency of services has improved. And Wormely is now a camper there herself, so impressed has she been with what the Lawsons have accomplished in such a short time.
The Lawsons completed their purchase of the Big Sandy in December 2024 but they are not new to campground ownership and management. The longtime Toledo residents – Macomber and Woodward graduates, respectively – first became involved in the campground business back in 2019 when they purchased a campground in Talladega, Alabama and turned it around over the next few years – using their sales and marketing expertise to increase membership opportunities; clean and upgrade the 20-acre site and transform an eyesore into a neighborhood gem.
Having repeated that experience in Swanton, the Lawsons were ready to celebrate and welcome in a new season.
Superior Made RV Resort held this season’s grand opening ceremony on Friday, June 12, with a ribbon cutting in front of the new entertainment facility which sits on the shore of the campground lake, Harmony Beach. The Friday celebration was but a small part of this June’s grand opening month activities.
The first part of June’s activities was the first seasonal monthly social gathering on June 6 – an opportunity for campers to meet the food sponsor – Schlotzsky’s – and to hear guest speakers.
On June 12, after the grand opening, a band entertained into the evening and food trucks an vendors also graced the scene. The next day was a day of giving – a blood drive, yoga with Self Love Movement and more entertainment at night with a DJ.
On June 20, campers were able to attend a business seminar, designed for entrepreneurs.
The official opening month activities will conclude on June 27 with a day of relaxation and a chance to enjoy the natural setting. The campground’s connection with Metroparks Oak Openings will enable campers to have access to over 5,000 acres of nature and outdoor recreation.
