The Florida RV Park and Campground Association has awarded Zachary Taylor Waterfront RV Resort in Okeechobee, Florida, the Best Park Award in the medium-size category.
The 210-site park is located along Taylor Creek, a tributary to Lake Okeechobee. It offers a range of water activities, including canoe, kayak, pontoon, and bass boat rentals. The park also features a lighted 100-foot fishing pier, a fitness center, and planned activities.
Gary Wright, who manages the park with his wife, Diana, expressed his satisfaction with the award. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition,” Wright said, reflecting on the efforts to transform the park. Originally built in the 1970s, the campground operated as a fish camp with basic amenities.
The transformation began in 2016 when a new owner purchased the campground and invested nearly $850,000 in upgrades over the past four and a half years. Improvements included upgrading RV utility connections to 50-amp electrical service and reconfiguring campsites to accommodate larger rigs.
The park’s aesthetics have also been improved with new landscaping, including 35 foxtail palms, fruit trees, and flowers. “We upgraded everything and we made larger pull-through sites,” Wright noted.
Another feature of the park is the various facilities that enhance the guest experience, including a bathhouse with en suite bathrooms, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Recreational amenities were expanded with the addition of pickleball courts and an outdoor entertainment pavilion. Additionally, the 12 cabin rentals complement the RV sites, providing more accommodation options for guests.
During winter, the park continues to cater to snowbirds, many of whom invite their grandchildren to visit. Zachary Taylor Waterfront RV Resort is fully booked for the next winter season, with a waiting list of 50 people. While the summer months offer more availability, they are becoming busier, attracting families from Florida’s east and west coasts.
According to a press release, award recipients for Best Park must showcase standards in their business operations, staff conduct, and customer service, as reflected in the park’s reviews and ratings. These parks are expected to be well-maintained, offer quality facilities, amenities, and guest services, and demonstrate a consistent track record of guest satisfaction and increased occupancy rates.
Furthermore, award-winning parks must use new technology, innovations, or recent updates and improvements that enhance both the park and the guest experience.
To learn more about Zachary Taylor Waterfront RV Resort, visit flrvresort.com.
Featured image by Zachary Taylor Waterfront RV Resort