The Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), running November 10212 in Louisville, Kentucky, celebrated industry innovation and leadership during its 2025 Awards of Excellence program.
The awards, recognizing achievements across park operations, environmental sustainability, supplier innovation, and advocacy, were announced throughout the event, with the Celebrate Innovation: OHI Awards of Excellence Luncheon on November 10 serving as the main ceremony.
In a press release, David Basler, chief strategy officer for OHI, noted the awards’ role in setting benchmarks for excellence.
“It’s truly inspiring to see the dedication and innovation our members bring to the Outdoor Hospitality Industry,” Basler said. “These awards celebrate the people and parks who are setting new standards and making a real difference for guests and communities alike.”
Entries were reviewed by industry peers and leaders, with judges recognizing a high level of quality and creativity across all categories.
Unlike previous years, the 2025 awards were distributed across multiple OHCE sessions, giving attendees several opportunities to celebrate honorees.
The Celebrate Innovation: OHI Awards of Excellence Luncheon on November 10 highlighted many of this year’s winners.
River’s End Campground in Tybee Island, Georgia, was named Plan-It Green Environmental Innovator of the Year for small to medium parks. Lakewood Camping Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, earned the same distinction for large or mega parks.
Supplier Innovator of the Year awards recognized App My Community for small businesses and CRR Hospitality for large businesses for contributions advancing campground operations and guest services.
Park Innovator awards for corporate parks were distributed by size: Sugarloaf Key RV Resort & Cottages in Summerland Key, Florida (small), Leelanau Pines Campground in Cedar, Michigan (medium), Jellystone Park Glen Ellis in Glen, New Hampshire (large), and Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country in New Braunfels, Texas (mega).
LCRA Parks was also recognized as Park Portfolio Innovator of the Year for Corporate Portfolios, while independent parks honored included Anvil Campground in Williamsburg, Virginia, as Park Innovator of the Year for small parks, Yogi Bear Jellystone Park at Pine Lakes in Pittsfield, Illinois, for medium parks, and Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort in Foxboro, Massachusetts, for large parks.
“The Awards of Excellence highlight the innovation, leadership, and dedication that propel Outdoor Hospitality Industry forward. Congratulations to all winners for their achievements and contributions to advancing excellence across the sector!” OHI announced in a press release.
The association also recognized notable individuals with the Trailblazer, Above & Beyond, Outdoor Hospitality Industry Leadership awards, and more.
Modern Campground is at the site of OHCE 2025, providing on-the-ground coverage of the conference, awards, and sessions.