The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) recognized the achievements of top private park operators, state associations and industry volunteers during its annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo this week 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.
Big Meadow Family Campground of Townsend, Tennessee was recognized as National Small RV Park of the Year during a banquet and gala Thursday, November 7, 2013.
“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.”
This is the latest in a string of awards won by Big Meadow. After a recent high ranking from the organization, Trailer Life Directory’s publisher Cindy Halley noted, “It takes a special commitment by the management of a park to consistently maintain high standards in all areas of their operations. Attainment of a high rating in each of the three categories of the Trailer Life Rating System takes ongoing hard work and dedication, and it is an honor for Trailer Life to again recognize your park.” Big Meadow has been a recipient of this award annually since 2009. The Award of Excellence goes to the top 300 parks out of 16,000 through out the U.S. and Canada
Big Meadow won the Tennessee Campground of the Year Award in 2005 and again in 2013 from the Tennessee Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. Herb Handly, executive vice president of tourism for the Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau said “having a nationally recognized campground in Townsend is a tremendous asset to our visitors and our community. Families return to camp year after year and Big Meadow consistently provides an exceptional experience for our visitors. In addition, they are active members of our community — they deserve recognition and we congratulate them.”
Co-owner Greg Johnson, son of Malcolm and Barbara agrees. “We not only work here, we live here. We love it here and our customers do too. That is why so many of our customers come back year after year.”
About Big Meadow Family Campground
Big Meadow Family Campground opened on May 22, 1995. The park was developed, built and continues to be operated by Malcolm, Barbara and Greg Johnson. More information can be obtained through the website or on the Big Meadow Family Campground Facebook page.
About the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds
Based in Denver, Colo., the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds provides private park operators with marketing support services; public affairs advocacy; educational enrichment and networking opportunities as well as major discounts on products and services needed by campgrounds, RV parks and resorts across the United States.