Over the last 60 years, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has made a significant impact in the outdoor hospitality industry, connecting people and providing an outlet for families to connect and enjoy the great outdoors.
Today, during its annual KOA Convention & Expo in Orlando, Florida, KOA recognized its campgrounds with the Campground of the Year, Rising Star, Partnership Recognition, and Darrell Booth Lifetime Achievement awards.
With their commitment to providing the KOA experience, the company recognized 20-year partners, which include Shelby Mansfield KOA and Rochester KOA holiday. While 30-year partner recognition goes to Watkins Glen KOA, Astoria Warrenton Seaside KOA, Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, and Placerville KOA Journey. The Yellowstone Park West Gate KOA Holiday and Herkimer Diamond KOA Resort, meanwhile, received the 40-year partner recognition.
Ted Bell, patriarch of Kampground Enterprises, Inc., and Al Johnson, executive Vice president of Recreational Adventures Company (RAC), bagged the Darrell Booth Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Darrell Booth Lifetime Achievement Award was established to recognize individuals who dedicated a significant part of their lives to advancing the KOA system and camping lifestyle in North America.
Previous winners of the Darrell Booth Lifetime Achievement Award include Richard Cutler, founder of Recreational Adventures Co.; Don Lowe, KOA Holdings Board Member and CEO of Franchise Services, Inc.; Loren Smith, president of Prairie Kraft Specialties; Jim Rogers, former KOA, Inc. president CEO; and Pat Hittmeier, former KOA, Inc. president and CEO.
Coshocton KOA Holiday (Ohio), owned and operated by Ryan and Camille McPeek, bagged the Rising Star award, a recognition given to an exemplary campground that has been a part of the KOA system for less than five years.
As per a release, the 43-site campground has seen incredible growth. In the past five years, the campground has seen a 183% increase in registration revenue. The McPeek’s campground is ranked 12th in the KOA system for guest satisfaction.
The couple has added 18 sites to the original campground, including RV sites with KOA patios and six deluxe cabins. Focusing on glamping, the campground features a deluxe cabin with a custom canopy window, geo domes, vintage trailers, and canvas tents.
The star of the night, Bellefonte/State College KOA Holiday (Pennsylvania), owned and operated by Barbara Saulsbury and Rick Dillon, bagged the 2023 Campground of the Year award, the KOA system’s highest honor.
Bellefonte/State College KOA’s most significant innovation, a solar field added in 2019, generates about 100% of the electricity at the campground year-round. According to a release, the campground features 569 panels, saving them roughly $35,000 in electricity costs annually.
In an effort to level up the camping experience, the family plans to add 21 new sites to the campground, including pull-thrus with KOA patio, back-in sites, and multi-use sites. The campground also plans to undertake Infrastructure upgrades which will allow for EV chargers on the campground in the near future.
It’s genuinely inspiring to see KOA campgrounds recognized for their long-standing dedication. Their unwavering commitment to sustainability and creating exceptional experiences speaks volumes. Hearing campers’ stories further highlights the meaningful legacy of KOA. Do you have any tips for making the most of a KOA camping experience?
Did you hear about the big celebration at the KOA Convention in Orlando, Florida? It was a blast! Campgrounds and individuals were showered with awards, recognizing their hard work. And hey, there were cool workshops and camping gear on display too. Such a fun and informative event!