Twin Lakes Camp Resort in DeFuniak Springs, Fla., has received a Best Park Award from the Florida RV Park and Campground Association, which hosts CampFlorida.com, the travel planning website, according to a press release.
Pat O’Neill, who worked with his five Millennial children to transform Twin Lakes into a glamping resort, was also presented with the association’s inaugural “Alan R. Wallace Mark of Excellence Award,” recognizing O’Neill’s many years of service to promote the growth and development of the Florida association, which represents over 500 campgrounds, RV parks and resorts across the Sunshine State.
The awards were announced on May 10 at the Florida and Alabama Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo awards dinner in Daytona Beach.
The O’Neill family acquired Twin Lakes Camp Resort in 2013 and has transformed the park into one of Florida’s premier RV and glamping resorts. The park currently has 66 campsites, plus three tiny homes, nine glamping tents, two lake houses and five cabin suites.
Each of the glamping tents are furnished with a king-size bed with a large decorative 100-year-old sinker pine wood frame, fine linens, a full bathroom and kitchenette with hot water on demand, a small refrigerator and a microwave oven. The units also come equipped with heating and air-conditioning, ceiling fans, indoor and outdoor dimmable LED lighting, as well as a heavy gauge metal grill.
Campground amenities include boat and kayak rentals, an activity center with kitchen facilities, a swimming pool, and a bathhouse with wine barrel sinks with copper basins.
O’Neill said he plans to expand Twin Lakes Camp Resort next year with 40 additional campsites, including one lake house and three furnished glamping tents.
O’Neill has been an active member of the RV park business since 1995, gaining experience in all aspects of RV park management and development. He managed Camp Gulf in Miramar Beach for many years before acquiring Twin Lakes Camp Resort and he is currently developing another campground in Paxton.
O’Neill is widely known for sharing his knowledge and experience to help others. He has served on the boards of both the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds and the Florida RV Park and Campground Association. He served six years on the national board, from 2006 to 2012, including stints as treasurer and as a member of the association’s Council of Delegates, representing Florida and Alabama.
He 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. He currently serves as treasurer.
