Tippecanoe River Run celebrates 50 years serving as campground in Fulton County

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 12:00 PM

By Shelby Lopez

It's been nine years of adventure for Sarah Straeter-Tackett since her family took over Tippecanoe River Run, 1417 W 375 N, outside of Rochester, a small campground located on the banks of the Tippecanoe River.

First opened in 1975 by Robert and Barb Bryant, the campground soon turned into a tight-knit community of summer campers creating family memories for generations. Sarah said there's been many occasions visitors have came to the campground to remanence about childhood memories when they came with their families in the 1970's and 1980's. Since taking over the business Sarah strives to keep the vision the Bryant family started five decades prior.

In 2019 campground reservations became available online only and the campground popularity grew. Sarah said Tippecanoe River Run hosts around 35 seasonal campers each year from April to October. Spending weekends together each season, Sarah said their frequently returning campers form a community that become more like family and friends. The campground has a limited amount of space and Sarah said this year is already completely booked out for the season.

“We are small and keeping it that way is very important to our seasonal campers. I want people to feel like they're in nature. It's a very safe-knit community. I think the most rewarding part each season is watching this community out loving nature. Whether it is a $50 tent or $50,000 RV, everyone is there for the same thing. The goal is nature and enjoying it,“ Sarah said.

Carrying a lifetime passion for camping and exploring nature, Sarah said she was honored when her family was allowed to purchase the campground in 2016. Her husband, Jared Tackett, and their five children, help as a family with the maintenance of the campground, a job Sarah say is not always easy, but rewarding.

“It's been amazing to watch the kids love for nature blossom by enjoying the outdoors. Owning the campground has taught them hard work pays off and the memories make it worth it,“ Sarah said.