Awards

2020

BIG MEADOW FAMILY CAMPGROUND
NAMED SMALL CAMPGROUND OF THE YEAR – 2020

2015

SMOKY MOUNTAIN PREMIER RV RESORT
NAMED SMALL CAMPGROUND OF THE YEAR – 2015

SMOKY MOUNTAIN PREMIER RV RESORT in COSBY was named small Tennessee Campground-of-the-Year by members of the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (TNARVC). The campground was so recognized for its accomplishments in campground operations, marketing, management and industry unity.

Smoky Mountain Premier RV Resort is owned by Kelly Williamson. “I can’t even describe the emotions that it brings out when I think about us winning this award. All I can do is thank everyone who’s been involved from the beginning process of this Campground and I want to especially thank Jessica Brooks for all that she did getting us entered for this award. I hope this is just the beginning of what is to come in our beautiful resort’s future. Again thank you to everyone.” he said.

Smoky Mountain Premier currently has 55 sites with more on the way in a scenic mountain setting in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. They cater to Big Rigs and offer the best in amenities for the serious camper. With home-like comforts such as WiFi, laundry facilities, exercise room, playground and even gated access it’s truly a great place to enjoy the great outdoors.

2015

TRUE WEST CAMPGROUND, STABLES & MERCHANTILE
VOTED #1 HORSE CAMPGROUND- 2015

For the 2nd year in a row, True West Campground, Stables and Mercantile of Jamestown, TN is voted the #1 Horse Campground in the USA by customer review. In 2014, True West received nearly one hundred 5-star reviews from their guests who stayed there over the course of the year. This year, they share the #1 spot with another Campground from Alabama showing that it pays to work hard and listen to your customers. “We are incredibly pleased to know that our customers truly enjoy their stays with us.” said, Shawn Martin, owner of True West. “Having a horse oriented campground, you meet a lot of great people. The horses are our guests just as much as the campers are. We love what we do, and it shows” added his wife, Donna. “We are really looking forward to 2015; it’s going to be a great year for everyone.” Check out the Press Release.

2014

TRUE WEST CAMPGROUND, STABLES & MERCHANTILE
NAMED SMALL CAMPGROUND OF THE YEAR – 2014

TRUE WEST CAMPGROUND in JAMESTOWN was named small Tennessee Campground-of-the-Year by members of the Tennessee Campground Association during its Annual Conference held August 7-9th. The campground was so recognized for its accomplishments in campground operations, marketing, management and industry unity.

“It is hard to believe that we’ve received this great honor with so many great campgrounds out there. We have been working so hard at improving the hospitality – and horsepitality – of our campground since we purchased it in 2011, and it is really beginning to show. Our customers inspire us every day to be better and we have to thank them for getting us to the place we are today.”

“Shawn and I also want to thank TNARVC for reaching out and showing us the benefits of working together with other campgrounds. The combined knowledge alone is outstanding and has really helped us get to this point and we are more than happy to pay it forward. Being the best is not an individual achievement. It is a combination of effort, ambition, knowledge and team work. True West is proud to be a member of TNARVC and a team player. Thank you for this great honor.”

2013

LAKEVIEW RV PARK – Bluff City
NAMED LARGE CAMPGROUND-OF-THE-YEAR

LAKEVIEW RV PARK in BLUFF CITY was named large Tennessee Campground-of-the-Year by members of the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (TNARVC). The campground was so recognized for its accomplishments in campground operations, marketing, management and industry unity.

“Things were pretty tough when we first got started,” Fain said. “It was right in the middle of the worst economy since the Great Depression.”

“I was quite happy to win, I was hoping that that would be the case.” Fain said about winning the award.

BIG MEADOW FAMILY CAMPGROUND- Townsend
NAMED SMALL CAMPGROUND-OF-THE-YEAR and NATIONAL ARVC PRESENTS TOP CAMPGROUND INDUSTRY AWARDS

BIG MEADOW FAMILY CAMPGROUND in TOWNSEND was named small Tennessee Campground-of-the-Year by members of the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (TNARVC). The campground was so recognized for its accomplishments in campground operations, marketing, management and industry unity.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 12, 2013 — The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) recognized the achievements of top private park operators, state associations and industry volunteers Thursday during its annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Park of the Year awards were given to RV parks and resorts based on several criteria, including customer service, employee training, operational excellence, national directory ratings and community service. Winners included:

— Small Park of the Year: Big Meadow Family Campground, Townsend, Tenn.

“We are honored to receive this outstanding recognition,” said Malcolm Johnson, co-owner of the campground. “To win the coveted ‘Park of the Year’ award against such excellent competition means so much to us.”

Barbara Johnson, wife of Malcolm and also a co-owner concurred. “We strive to provide the very best camping experience for our customers. We’re a family operated campground and our customers are like members of our family. We are very grateful to them for their support over the years.”

Tennessee Campground is the only in State to receive
“A” rating Six Years in a Row!

The top parks were announced Nov 12, 2013 during the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo, which took place in Knoxville, TN. this year. Misty River Cabins & RV Resort, located in Walland, TN was one of only 5 RV parks in the nation and the only campground in Tennessee to receive this award six years in a row.

“We are beyond words,” said Jimmy Felton, Vice President and General Manager for Misty River Cabins and RV Resort. “The is just amazing and to receive it for the sixth time is simply extraordinary!”, he said.

2012

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RV PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS (ARVC) NAMES STATE PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) recognized the achievements of top performing campground association executives during its annual industry awards competition last week in Las Vegas, NV. The highest honor, called “President of the Year” award, was given to the most outstanding State President for their efforts to promote and the camping industry.

This years’ recipient of the award is Jimmy Felton, State President for the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (TNARVC). Jimmy says, “I want to thank all the board members that recommend me for the award. I want to tell everyone now, that without Rob our Executive Director and all of the hardworking board members who put in many hours of unpaid work for this association, I would never have qualified for the award. So the award really should say to all the Board Members of the TNARVC”.

ADVENTURE BOUND RESORT – GATLINBURG
NAMED LARGE CAMPGROUND-OF-THE-YEAR

ADVENTURE BOUND RESORT in GATLINBURG was named large Tennessee Campground-of-the-Year by members of the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (TNARVC). The campground was so recognized for its accomplishments in campground operations, marketing, management and industry unity.

Adventure Bound offers 207 camping sites just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. The campground is Owned by H. Wayne Klekamp, Inc. and Operated by Donna Williams.

Donna states, “This award is a big honor for the staff and I, it validates the hard work we have put into the park over the past several years.  We are proud to represent camping and campgrounds in Tennessee! “

“We continue to work on all areas of the park; it’s a work in progress… if anything this award will push us harder to make the park better each year.  There are always going to be bumps along the way, it’s how we work through them that counts and this past season was quite a challenge!  But we came away from it with resort-wide improvements including, an amazing Inflatable Fun Zone area for the kids”, said Donna.

2011

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RV PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS (ARVC) NAMES 2011 STATE EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) recognized the achievements of top performing campground association executives during its annual industry awards competition last week in Savannah, GA. The highest honor, called “Executive of the Year” award, sponsored by Good Sam, was given to the most outstanding State Executive for their efforts to promote and the camping industry.

This years’ recipient of the award is Rob Halcrow, Executive Director for the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (TNARVC). Rob says, “I am delighted and humbled by this honor”. “We have come such a long way in a short period of time, I can’t wait to see what next year has in store for us”, he added.

WOODALL’S ANNOUNCES
“TOP 100 FAVORITE PARKS IN NORTH AMERICA 2011”

Three Tennessee Campgrounds were named one of the “Top 100 Favorite Parks in North America 2011” as part of Woodall’s “Vote for Your Favorite Campground Sweepstakes”. This contest was held in celebration of Woodall’s 75th birthday, and the selection was based solely on a nationwide vote by camping guests who voted for their favorite campground among more than 8,000 in North America. The three campgrounds receiving the award are Big Meadow Family Campground in Townsend, Great Smoky Jellystone in Cosby and Misty River Cabins and RV Resort in Walland.

NASHVILLE COUNTRY RV PARK
NAMED 2011 STATE AND NATIONAL PARK-OF-THE-YEAR

The campground owners, Jim and Mary Zaborowski of Nashville Country RV Park in Goodlettsville, recently named Tennessee Large Campground-of-the-Year were overwhelmed with tears of joy when National ARVC announced that they were also the ARVC Small “Park of the Year”.

“Our three generations of family at Nashville Country RV Park are excited and
honored to receive the TNARVC and ARVC National Park of the year award for 2011/2012.Through constant improvement, our goal is to give every guest a “Taste of Tennessee for a Lil’ touch of Heaven”. We accomplish this with Tennessee foods, Southern Hospitality, Nashville Entertainment and local attractions. We want to be your home away from home. Yee Ha!”, said Jim Zaborowski

Nashville Country offers 100 full hook-up camping sites on 8.5 acres and is located just 11 miles north of the downtown Nashville loop. The campground is owned by Jim and Mary Zaborowski and managed with the help of their children; Jean, Michelle, and Craig. Jim and Mary developed the campground and opened April 2002. Nashville Country has overcome major obstacles in the past few years. They had to rebuild not once, twice due to flooding and have come back stronger each time. Most recently, being upgraded to a “green” park that includes, rain barrels, rain gardens, energy and water conservation plus FREE charging for electric cars and becoming a class I Tennessee Arboretum.

Tennessee Campground is the only in State to receive
“A” rating Four Years in a Row!

The top parks were announced Dec. 2, 2011 during the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo, which took place in Savannah, Ga. this year. More than 30,000 camping and RV enthusiasts participated in the online survey, which evaluated guest experiences at campgrounds, RV parks and resorts. Misty River Cabins & RV Resort, located in Walland, TN was one of only 12 RV parks in the nation and the only campground in Tennessee to receive this award four years in a row. Forty-four Campgrounds and RV Resorts earned all around “A” grades in the nation’s fourth annual consumer satisfaction survey of independent parks in 2011. What is even more impressive is that it places Misty River Cabins and RV Resort in the top 2% in the camping industry for customer satisfaction.

“We are truly honored to receive such outstanding recognition,” said Jimmy Felton, Vice President and General Manager for Misty River Cabins and RV Resort. “The award is unsolicited. GuestRated.com “A” Grade is based totally on surveys about our guests’ experience, and to receive it for the fourth year in a row, well, it is overwhelming”, he said.

BLUEWATER RV RESORT & MARINA
NAMED TENNESSEE SMALL CAMPGROUND-OF-THE YEAR.

Bluewater RV Resort and Marina in Dayton was named small Tennessee Campground-of-the-Year by members of the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (TNARVC). The campground was so recognized for its accomplishments in campground operations, marketing, and management and industry unity. Bluewater offers tent sites and 36 full hook up RV camping sites on the water, as well as one and three bedroom cabins. The campground is owned by Doug and Angela Whitaker and managed by Todd Josselyn. Doug and Angela closed the campground in 2010, completely refurbished the park, and reopened in January 2011.

Doug states “my uncle Ed Whitaker acquired the campground in 1980. When he retired in 2001, we purchased the property to preserve all the great memories our family made camping there. The refurbishing will allow Angela and I to share this great place with other families for years to come. ”

Bluewater offers wide concrete roads for easy site access, spacious concrete campsites with new 50 amp connections, WiFi, campground and bait store, laundry room, cable TV, a playground, a newly remodeled bath house, a 50 seat pavilion, boat docks, and a private boat launch. Guest reviews have been overwhelming positive.

2015

TRUE WEST CAMPGROUND, STABLES & MERCHANTILE
VOTED #1 HORSE CAMPGROUND- 2015

2014

TRUE WEST CAMPGROUND, STABLES & MERCHANTILE
VOTED #1 HORSE CAMPGROUND- 2014

Tennessee Small Campground of the Year – 2014

“It is hard to believe that we’ve received this great honor with so many great campgrounds out there. We have been working so hard at improving the hospitality – and horsepitality – of our campground since we purchased it in 2011, and it is really beginning to show. Our customers inspire us every day to be better and we have to thank them for getting us to the place we are today.”

“Shawn and I also want to thank TNARVC for reaching out and showing us the benefits of working together with other campgrounds. The combined knowledge alone is outstanding and has really helped us get to this point and we are more than happy to pay it forward. Being the best is not an individual achievement. It is a combination of effort, ambition, knowledge and team work. True West is proud to be a member of TNARVC and a team player. Thank you for this great honor.”

2013

True West Campground, Stables & Mercantile, adjacent to The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Jamestown, Tennessee beat out more than 1,000 campgrounds to win the coveted 2013 “Five-Star” Award given annually by HorseTrailDirectory.com. In only its third year in business, True West Campground received 113 Five-Star ratings out of a total 119 trail riders’ review putting it as the #1 Horse Campground in the US.
Here’s a link to the Press Release.

2012

True West, in its second year of new ownership has again been rated a “Five-Star” campground by their customers according to horsetraildirectory.com. Owner Donna Martin, said “We are Beyond Words to have received this honor for the second year in a row!

2011

True West under its first year of new ownership were recently voted a “Five-Star” campground by their customers according to horsetraildirectory.com. Owner Donna Martin, said “We are THRILLED to have received this honor and can proudly post this on our website, rack cards and Facebook page!

It is great to receive 5 out of 5 stars from our customers, but it is AWESOME when out of 329 different campgrounds, we received the 3rd most 5-star votes after just one year of taking over the business. The people that visit our campground are not likely to visit the review areas that most typical campgrounds have because of the “specialty” we have in catering to horses.  Horse people are very particular about where they will bring their horses (almost more so than parents with their kids!!! lol).  The hard work and determination has really paid off!”

According to John Thurow, proprietor of HorseTrailDirectory.com, the winning campground must receive the most Five-Star ratings from trail riders, who post their ratings on HorseTrailDirectory.com during the year.  In 2011, trail riders wrote reviews and recorded more than a thousand ratings on 329 different horse campgrounds, with 134 campgrounds receiving at least one 5-Star rating.  For a complete listing of Five-Star campgrounds and trails, visit http://www.horsetraildirectory.com/fivestars.

For more information on this award winning campground please visit
www.truewestcampground.com

2013

Tennessee Large Campground of the Year – 2013

2013

The Only “A” Rated Campground in Tennessee SIX Years in a row 2008 – 2013

2012

The Only “A” Rated Campground in Tennessee Five Years in a row 2008 – 2012

2011

The Only “A” Rated Campground in Tennessee Four Years in a row 2008 – 2011

A Rated 2011 – One of 44, Independent RV Parks & Campgrounds to receive
this from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds
annual consumer satisfaction survey of 30,000 consumer reviews.

Camper Voted “Woodalls Top 100 Campground”
Misty River Cabins & RV Resort is one of only six to receive this honor in the entire State of Tennessee. Woodall Publications Corp. searched for North America’s preferred 100 campgrounds and RV parks through the launch of the “Woodall’s Vote for Your Favorite Campground Sweepstakes.” Actual Campers voted for their favorite campground and RV park. The top 100 campgrounds and RV parks were revealed on November 2, 2011 at the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) annual trade show in Savannah, Ga.

Woodalls
Select group of 8% of all of the privately owned parks in the 2011 edition.
5 stars for facilities In recognition of Time and Investment in Attaining the Highest Woodall’s 5WWWWW Rating

2010

A Rated 2010 – One of 32, Independent RV Parks & Campground to receive
this from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds
annual consumer satisfaction survey of 3,700 independent parks.

2009

A Rated 2009 – One of 31, Independent RV Parks & Campground to receive
this from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds
annual consumer satisfaction survey of 3,700 independent parks.

2008

Tennessee Small Campground of the Year 2008-2009

A Rated 2008 – One of 21, Independent RV Parks & Campground to receive
this from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds
annual consumer satisfaction survey of 3,700 independent parks.