The Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association recently held its inaugural awards banquet during the association’s Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo in Daytona Beach. Twin Lakes Camp Resort in DeFuniak Springs was awarded the Best Park Award in the small size category, representing parks with fewer than 150 sites. Best Park Award recipients were selected based on their high standards for business operations, staff professionalism and exceptional customer service, all of which are reflected in their positive reviews and ratings.
These award-winning parks also demonstrated excellence in park maintenance, quality facilities, amenities and guest services, as well as a proven track record of guest satisfaction and increased occupancy. Furthermore, they showcased the implementation of new technologies, innovations and updates that enhance the overall guest experience.
Twin Lakes Camp Resort is a picturesque 66-site park nestled in the woods, offering a variety of rental accommodations, including luxurious glamping tents. The park features plentiful amenities such as boat and kayak rentals, an activity center with kitchen facilities, a swimming pool and a beautiful bathhouse featuring wine barrel sinks with copper basins. It has gained recognition from the Florida RV Park and Campground Association, which hosts CampFlorida.com, a leading travel planning website.
In addition to the Best Park Award, Pat O’Neill, the visionary behind Twin Lakes Camp Resort, was presented with the association’s inaugural Alan R. Wallace Mark of Excellence Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes extensive contributions to the growth and development of the Florida association, which represents over 500 campgrounds, RV parks and resorts across the Sunshine State. O’Neill, along with his five children, has transformed Twin Lakes into one of Florida’s premier RV and glamping resorts. Since acquiring the park in 2013, the O’Neill family has continually expanded and improved the facility. Presently, Twin Lakes Camp Resort offers three tiny homes, nine glamping tents, two lake houses and five cabin suites among its 66 campsites.
“Most of our guests already know what a nice place it is,” said O’Neill. “In fact, they would rather us not tell people how nice it is so they can keep it to themselves.”
The glamping tents at Twin Lakes Camp Resort provide guests with a luxurious experience. Each tent is furnished with a king-size bed featuring a large, decorative 100-year-old sinker pinewood frame, fine linens, a full bathroom, a kitchenette equipped with hot water on demand, a small refrigerator and a microwave. Tents are also equipped with heating and air-conditioning, ceiling fans, indoor and outdoor dimmable LED lighting, and a heavy gauge metal grill.
As part of their commitment to continuous improvement, Twin Lakes Camp Resort plans to expand further in the upcoming year. O’Neill envisions the addition of 40 more campsites, including a lake house and three furnished glamping tents. With extensive experience in the RV park business since 1995, including successful management of Camp Gulf in Miramar Beach, O’Neill’s expertise and dedication are evident in his contributions to the industry. He is currently developing another campground in Paxton.
O’Neill is dedicated to sharing knowledge and experience in the RV park community, serving on the boards of both the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds and the Florida RV Park and Campground Association. During his years on the national board from 2006 to 2012, he held positions as treasurer and as a member of the association’s Council of Delegates, representing Florida and Alabama. Additionally, O’Neill has served on the board of the Florida RV Park and Campground Association for over 20 years, including terms as chairman in 2013 and 2014. Currently, he holds the position of treasurer, continuing to contribute to the industry’s growth and success.