Quilly’s Big Fish RV Park in Rockport, recently honored with the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) Park of the Year Award, is expanding its capacity from 50 to 100 sites.
Katie McLeod, owner of Quilly’s Big Fish RV Park, spent eight years traveling the world before returning to the U.S. in 2021. Inspired by her father’s suggestion to enter the campground business, she purchased the Rockport-based park in December 2021.
“I’ve always liked people. I’ve camped my whole life, doing both tent camping and RVing with my parents,” McLeod said in a press release.
McLeod succeeded in managing and enhancing the park. Her dedication led to her winning the TACO award in the small and medium-sized park category, which considered consumer reviews, employee training, accreditations, certifications, and community involvement.
Quilly’s Big Fish RV Park, established 15 years ago, was in good condition when McLeod acquired it. The previous owners had created large retention ponds stocked with bass, catfish, and perch. “The previous owners had done a really good job of making it beautiful,” she said.
McLeod, along with her husband, Leo Venancio, an architect she met in China, has since made significant improvements. Recent enhancements include a new clubhouse, pool, and bathhouse with private family-style bathrooms.
The park’s expansion to 100 sites is scheduled for completion by August, emphasizing preserving as many trees as possible. Additionally, McLeod hired an activities director last year to organize onsite events, such as fishing competitions, outdoor games, and pool parties.
To enhance her knowledge of campground operations, McLeod attended The George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality on a scholarship in February.
“Going to that campground school was one of the most magical experiences of my life. They tell you the basics, even how to do your accounting on Quickbooks and how to design activities for your park,” she said.
Inspired by the O’Leary school, McLeod launched several green initiatives at her park, including a recycling program in partnership with the Girl Scouts. Due to the lack of recycling pickup services in Rockport, she purchased containers. She initiated her recycling efforts, donating collected bottles and cans to the Girl Scouts to support their youth programs.
The activities director also organized a poker run event at the park, with proceeds donated to the Humane Society of Rockport-Fulton. McLeod remains active with TACO and the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
These efforts have yielded positive results, with the park consistently fully booked and guests expressing high satisfaction. McLeod noted a significant number of rebookings and extended stays.
Katie McLeod’s success with Quilly’s Big Fish RV Park offers valuable insights to future campground operators or RV park owners. Upgrading campsites with amenities, such as a new clubhouse, pool, and family-style bathhouse, highlights the importance of enhancing guest experiences to attract a repeat customer base.
To learn more about Quilly’s Big Fish RV Park, visit quillysrvparks.com.
Featured image by Quilly’s Big Fish RV Park