At OHI, we know it’s important to recognize and honor our members’ outstanding accomplishments and efforts. OHI’s Awards of Excellence program is among the most esteemed ways we do this. As the Outdoor Hospitality Industry continues to evolve and thrive, it is our honor to recognize exceptional individuals and outdoor hospitality businesses that raise the bar for us all. By recognizing these outstanding accomplishments, the OHI Awards of Excellence program encourages others to aim higher and consistently elevate the industry .
If you know a park, business, or individual deserving of recognition, now is the time to submit your nominations or celebrate your own wins and nominate yourself. Applications for each award can be found here. Ensure that you carefully review the criteria for each award category before submitting your nominations. The nomination period is now open, so don’t miss this opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who have made a significant impact in outdoor hospitality. Nominees must be current, active members of OHI that have been in business for at least one year.
All Awards of Excellence submissions are due September 12, 2024.
Now let’s hear from the parks that have previously had the spotlight and the impact their wins had on their teams and their outdoor hospitality businesses.
2016 Large Park of the Year Winner
“We received many benefits from receiving this recognition as Large Park of the Year in 2016, many that continue to positively impact our Park still today. We were very fortunate to receive this award during our 50th anniversary season so we included this recognition in our marketing in the year following the award presentation. We created a national press release, website blog entry and home page badge, social media posts and ads, direct mail promotions featuring the award and a special permanent banner we added to our main entry sign. The experience of applying for this award is a beneficial exercise in and of itself that allows management to fully critique every aspect of your business operations. The use of this recognition in marketing our resort is a benefit that money can’t buy. Earning this award shows that our peers in the industry recognize and admire our Park’s efforts and accomplishments while also projecting an outdoor resort industry dedicated to improving the camping experience for consumers. It has helped us to set our Park apart from many others in our region and industry as a whole.” – Dave King, President and CEO of Lake George RV Park
2021 Medium Park of the Year Winner
“Winning the Medium Park of the Year award was an extreme honor for our team. This prestigious award has pivoted us as a leader in the camping industry, and validates our staff’s hard work and dedication in creating unforgettable family memories. We continue to be inspired to raise the bar and provide one-of-a-kind camping experiences! Receiving the Medium Park of the Year title has solidified our reputation as a trusted campground, providing campers with confidence when selecting us as their vacation destination. This award has contributed to growth that we will always be grateful to OHI for.” Brynn Schwab, Performance Marketing Manager at Northgate Resorts, representing Jellystone Park™ Quarryville
Supplier of the Year 2019 & 2020 Winner
“It was an honor to be recognized as the Supplier of the Year for both 2019 and 2020. Each time, customers sought us out after the award ceremony to tell us that it was well deserved. And yes, that’s gratifying for us to hear and yes, it does build customer loyalty, but at the end of the day it’s validating for our customers. CampLife has become what it is because of listening to them and serving them well. The Supplier of Year award is a stamp of approval that they made a wise decision in their software and that they contributed to the community in a meaningful way.” Caleb Cook, Marketing + Creative Team Lead at CampLife
2021 Mega Park of the Year Winner
“We are thrilled to announce that winning the prestigious Mega Park of the Year award has had a transformative impact on our organization. This accolade has not only elevated our staff’s pride and morale but also catalyzed significant growth in our business operations. As a direct result, we have garnered national recognition within the outdoor hospitality industry, underscoring our commitment to excellence and reinforcing our position as a leader in the field. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team and sets a new standard for our continued success and innovation.” Stephanie Axtell, General Manager of Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park™.
2020 Large Park of the Year Winner
“Being recognized as the National Park of the Year in 2020 has been transformative for our family-run campground. It has allowed us to show our staff, family, and volunteers that their hard work is acknowledged and celebrated on a national level. This recognition has empowered everyone to continue striving to provide our guests with the best possible experience. We take pride in being a resort that stays on the cutting edge of industry trends. Our involvement with OHI has streamlined our efforts through all the educational opportunities that they offer. Attending OHCE yearly has ensured we have access to some of the best products and services from OHI vendors. Our other awards are green park of the year as well as partner of the year award, these awards just reaffirm that we are contributing back to the industry that has given so much to us. We are humbled to have received these awards and say you’re the next award winner!!” Jim Button, Owner of Evergreen Campsites & Resort
Beyond just recognition, the OHI Awards of Excellence program stands for the highest caliber of accomplishment within the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. By recognizing and appreciating the contributions made by OHI members to our industry, we promote an innovative and high-achieving culture. These honors encourage the community as a whole to strive for greater achievements and higher standards by showcasing the winners’ commitment and hard work. Anticipating the upcoming round of submissions, we are thrilled to witness our industry’s sustained growth and success, driven by the passion of OHI members.
