John T Hatfield Campground (Seasonal)

For many Hoosiers, summer in Indiana evokes images of warm evenings, community gatherings, and perhaps, a deep-rooted sense of faith. While camping often brings to mind recreational vehicles and outdoor adventures, some campgrounds serve a more specific and deeply cherished purpose. John T. Hatfield Campground in Greenfield, Indiana, stands as a unique and long-standing institution, known as a seasonal, conservative holiness campground that has welcomed families and individuals for generations.

Unlike conventional recreational campgrounds that might feature extensive water parks or commercial amenities, John T. Hatfield Campground offers a distinct experience focused on spiritual enrichment and fellowship. It operates primarily for its annual camp meeting, a tradition that brings together a community dedicated to conservative holiness principles. This specific focus creates an atmosphere unlike any other, where visitors can immerse themselves in worship, teaching, and communal living for a concentrated period each summer.

The essence of John T. Hatfield Campground lies in its history and its mission. It’s a place where faith is at the forefront, fostering an environment for spiritual growth and renewed commitment. For those familiar with "camp meetings" as a form of religious revival and gathering, this campground offers an authentic and impactful experience. It’s a testament to enduring traditions and the power of communal faith, providing a dedicated space for reflection, connection, and spiritual rejuvenation.

For Indiana locals who are part of or interested in conservative holiness traditions, John T. Hatfield Campground is not merely a place to stay; it is a spiritual home away from home. It represents an opportunity to step away from daily distractions and engage deeply with their faith alongside like-minded individuals and families. The very nature of its seasonal operation – specifically in mid-July each year – underscores its purpose as a dedicated time for this significant annual gathering, drawing people back year after year to strengthen their faith and forge lasting bonds within the community.

John T. Hatfield Campground is conveniently located at 137 N 850 E, Greenfield, IN 46140, USA. This address places it within Hancock County, just east of the bustling Indianapolis metropolitan area. Greenfield itself is a charming city known for its small-town feel, rich history (including being the birthplace of poet James Whitcomb Riley), and community spirit, offering a welcoming backdrop to the campground.

The campground's location provides excellent accessibility for residents throughout central Indiana. It is situated off a major east-west thoroughfare, U.S. 40 (National Road), near its intersection with County Road 850 East. This direct access from a well-traveled highway makes it relatively easy to reach from Indianapolis, which is approximately 20-30 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. For those coming from other parts of Indiana, the straightforward road network connecting to U.S. 40 ensures a smooth journey.

While the campground maintains a somewhat rural setting, providing a peaceful environment for its spiritual focus, it remains close enough to the amenities of Greenfield. Residents can easily access local services such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and dining options within a short drive. This balance allows visitors to immerse themselves in the campground's unique atmosphere while still having the convenience of nearby urban facilities should the need arise.

For individuals and families attending the annual camp meeting, the accessibility of John T. Hatfield Campground means less travel burden and more time to engage in the scheduled activities and fellowship. Its location in Greenfield, a welcoming community that blends historical charm with modern conveniences, further enhances its suitability as a seasonal destination for spiritual gatherings for Indiana locals.

John T. Hatfield Campground operates as a specialized, seasonal campground primarily for its conservative holiness camp meeting. Therefore, the services offered are tailored to support this specific function, providing a conducive environment for worship, fellowship, and temporary communal living during its operational period in mid-July each year. While it may not offer the typical recreational amenities of commercial campgrounds, it provides essential facilities for its attendees.

Based on available information from community reviews and historical accounts, the services typically provided include:

• Trailer Hookups: The campground offers "trailer hookups," indicating that sites are available for RVs or travel trailers. While specific details on the type of hookups (e.g., water, electric, sewer) are not universally publicized, standard practice for such facilities suggests at least basic electrical connections.
• Dormitory Accommodations: For those who prefer not to bring their own camping units, the campground features a "long dormitory building, where some of the worshipers gathered for this week have reserved one of the dozen or so rooms." This provides an indoor, shared living option for attendees.
• Restrooms and Showers: Located at the "south end" of the dormitory building, there are "men's and women's restrooms and showers," ensuring necessary hygiene facilities are available for all guests.
• Dining Facilities: A separate building houses a "kitchen and large dining room," suggesting the capability to prepare and serve meals for the community during the camp meeting. This is a vital service for attendees who spend an extended period at the campground.
• Snack Bar: A "window with awning near the southeast corner of the building serves as a snack bar and gathering place after evening services," offering refreshments and a social hub.
• Meeting House/Tabernacle: The central focus of the campground is its large meetinghouse (often referred to as a "pole barn" due to its construction), where religious services and gatherings take place. This facility is equipped with "ceiling fans and by propped-open windows and doors" for comfort.

These services are designed to support the immersive experience of the annual camp meeting, providing comfortable and practical accommodations for a large gathering focused on spiritual activities and community bonding.

John T. Hatfield Campground in Greenfield, Indiana, offers unique features and highlights that set it apart as a significant seasonal destination, particularly for those within the conservative holiness tradition. Its essence lies in its historical roots and its dedicated purpose. Here are some of its key features and highlights:

• Conservative Holiness Camp Meeting: This is the defining feature of the campground. It hosts an annual camp meeting, typically held in mid-July, which serves as a central gathering point for the conservative holiness community. This focus creates a specific, spiritually enriching environment.
• Historical Significance: The campground is tied to the legacy of the late Hoosier evangelist, John T. Hatfield, who preached revival meetings there for decades. The "pole barn" meetinghouse itself is over 100 years old, imbuing the site with a deep sense of history and spiritual heritage. Generations have "encountered God through the decades" in this very place.
• Community and Fellowship: Reviews highlight the strong sense of community, with visitors motivated to come "just being with God's people." This fosters a welcoming atmosphere where attendees, including families like "My family had a great time," can bond, share faith, and create lasting relationships. The presence of individuals like "Luther Cole & Mark Avery" suggests a tight-knit and familiar community.
• Variety of Accommodations: The campground offers flexibility with "trailer hookups" for RVs/trailers and "dormitory" rooms for those preferring indoor lodging. This caters to different preferences while maintaining the communal aspect.
• Dedicated Facilities for Worship and Fellowship: Beyond camping, the presence of a large meetinghouse for services, a dining room with a kitchen, and a snack bar demonstrates the intentional design of the campground to facilitate spiritual gatherings and communal meals. The meetinghouse itself is described as having "broad stage" and seating areas for large congregations.
• Focus on Spiritual Renewal: The primary purpose of the camp meeting is "to contend for the fire" and encourage spiritual growth. Attendees engage in prayer, singing hymns (often from "yellow paperback hymnals"), and listening to sermons from evangelists, providing a powerful opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal.
• Organized Religious Programming: Daily services and music programs (e.g., "The Praise Singers of Penn View Bible Institute") are central to the experience, offering structured opportunities for worship and learning.

These highlights demonstrate that John T. Hatfield Campground is not a typical recreational site but a cherished spiritual retreat, deeply embedded in a specific faith tradition and offering a unique form of community and spiritual enrichment.

Given the specific nature of John T. Hatfield Campground as a seasonal, conservative holiness campground primarily focused on an annual camp meeting, it does not typically engage in the kind of commercial promotions or special offers seen at recreational campgrounds. Its purpose is rooted in faith and community gathering rather than attracting tourists through discounted rates or amenity packages.

The "reservation fee" mentioned in one review concerning a canceled 4th of July booking, suggests a standard administrative process rather than a promotional offer. Such fees are common in many booking scenarios to secure a spot, particularly during high-demand periods like holiday weekends or specific seasonal events (in this case, the annual camp meeting).

Instead of "promotions," the value proposition of John T. Hatfield Campground lies in its unique offering: a dedicated, welcoming environment for spiritual revival and fellowship within the conservative holiness tradition. For its target audience, the opportunity to participate in this annual event and utilize the provided facilities (trailer hookups, dorm rooms, dining hall, meetinghouse) is the primary draw, rather than specific financial incentives.

Therefore, prospective attendees should expect the general costs associated with reserving a spot (if applicable) and any fees for meals or donations that support the ongoing operations of the Eastern Indiana Holiness Association, which owns the grounds and seeks offerings to cover expenses like insurance. Direct inquiry about any attendance costs or contribution expectations would be the most appropriate way to understand the financial aspects of participating in the camp meeting.

For those interested in learning more about John T. Hatfield Campground, particularly regarding its annual camp meeting, opportunities to attend, or any specifics about accommodations, direct communication is the best approach. As a seasonal campground with a specific mission, inquiries are best handled by reaching out to the organizing body.

While a general public phone number for direct campground inquiries wasn't universally listed in the provided information, the address serves as a primary point of contact for geographical location. For administrative inquiries related to the John T. Hatfield Camp Meeting itself, the information points to the leadership of the Eastern Indiana Holiness Association.

Address: 137 N 850 E, Greenfield, IN 46140, USA

Additional contacts for the annual camp meeting often include: President (Rev.) J. C. Phillips (as mentioned in reviews)

It is recommended that individuals interested in attending the camp meeting search for the official website or contact details for the "Eastern Indiana Holiness Association" or the "John T. Hatfield Camp Meeting" directly. Religious organizations typically have specific contact persons or departments for annual events. This will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the camp meeting schedule, any registration requirements, and details about services or accommodations during the mid-July period.

For Indiana locals, particularly those connected to or interested in the conservative holiness movement, John T. Hatfield Campground in Greenfield is more than just a place to stay; it is a vital spiritual hub and a cherished annual tradition. Its suitability for residents stems from its unique focus and the invaluable experience it offers.

Firstly, its deeply rooted history and specific mission cater directly to a segment of the Indiana population. This isn't a generic recreational park; it's a dedicated space for profound spiritual engagement. For families and individuals seeking an environment where faith is central, where generations have gathered for revival and fellowship, John T. Hatfield Campground offers an authentic and impactful experience. As one reviewer noted, their "family had a great time at Camp," underscoring its ability to provide a positive and meaningful experience for those aligned with its purpose.

Secondly, the seasonal nature of the campground, specifically opening in mid-July each year, creates a predictable and anticipated annual event. This consistent timing allows locals to plan their visits, making it a reliable fixture in their yearly calendar for spiritual renewal and community connection. The continuity of leadership, with figures like "Luther Cole & Mark Avery" and President (Rev.) J. C. Phillips mentioned, further speaks to the stability and established nature of this gathering, fostering trust and familiarity among returning attendees.

Moreover, the communal aspect is a strong draw. The presence of dormitory rooms and trailer hookups, alongside shared dining facilities and a central meetinghouse, promotes a close-knit environment. This fosters opportunities for genuine fellowship, mutual support, and the building of lasting relationships within a faith-centered community—qualities highly valued by many Hoosiers. It’s a chance to "contend for the fire" together, sharing in worship and spiritual growth away from everyday distractions.

In essence, John T. Hatfield Campground serves as a unique and essential gathering place for a specific local community in Indiana. It provides a consistent, purposeful, and spiritually enriching environment that caters precisely to the needs and desires of its attendees, making it an irreplaceable part of their annual rhythm and a truly suitable destination for locals seeking profound spiritual and communal experiences.