Tuesday, Nov. 5, was an award-winning day for the Carolinas camping industry, as OHI, the national association for the outdoor hospitality industry, announced the winners of its annual Awards of Excellence during a special luncheon in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The luncheon was part of OHI’s annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo. Formerly known as the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds, OHI is a member-driven organization that has been advancing the nation-wide outdoor hospitality industry for nearly 60 years.
Dee Witting, the executive director of the Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CARVC), was honored by OHI with the 2024 state leadership award, presented to the individual who has demonstrated commitment to their professional growth and contributed significant time and talent to their association and OHI.
CARVC is a trade association that promotes the use, growth and improvement of privately operated campgrounds and RV parks in the states of North Carolina and South Carolina. The association boasts active memberships of 142 RV parks and campgrounds and over 70 industry suppliers.
Witting became CARVC’s executive director in 2016 after owning Murphy KOA in Murphy, North Carolina, for eight years. Reporting to CARVC’s board of directors, she is charged with carrying out the association’s mission and day-to-day operations including promoting camping in the Carolinas; member recruitment, retention and education, governmental relations; and annual events such as the CARVC conference and expo.
In recent months, Witting has been helping campgrounds damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene connect with available resources and informing the public about their post-storm Carolinas camping options, with a goal of minimizing the economic hit faced by the campgrounds and the tourist destinations they support in North Carolina and South Carolina.
“I had no idea I was going to be receiving this award; I was so surprised!” said Witting. “I am just very honored to be recognized for the work I’ve done to help CARVC move forward, but it takes a team. I couldn’t do it without our loyal members and incredibly dedicated and active board of directors.”
Upon hearing the news David Seaborn, owner of Myrtle Beach Travel Park and chairman of CARVC’s board of directors said, “I cannot express properly how proud the CARVC board is in Dee Witting for receiving this award at the OHI 2024 conference. She is so deserving of this award. Dee works tirelessly for the CARVC membership, and we are all so honored to work with her! Congratulations Dee!”
For more information about CARVC and camping in the Carolinas, visit www.campingcarolinas.com.
Lakewood Camping Resort, located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and a member of CARVC, was honored by OHI as 2024 Mega Park of the Year.
Lakewood Camping Resort was the first privately owned campground on the Grand Strand strip of Myrtle Beach oceanfront when it was opened in 1959 by founders Carl and Marion Perry. Today the year-round resort, owned by the children and grandchildren of the founders, boasts over 1,000 sites, a square-half mile of beachfront property, its own full-featured water park, indoor and outdoor pools, sports courts, a beachfront amphitheater, multiple on-site dining options, and numerous other amenities and activities.
Kevin Strickland, park manager at Lakewood Camping Resort, said, “This award is a testament to our team’s commitment to providing guests with a memorable experience. We’re truly honored to be recognized by leaders in the outdoor hospitality industry. It’s a privilege to be selected from so many exceptional resorts for this distinction.”
CARVC’s Seaborn also had glowing praise for the award-winning resort. “Lakewood Camping Resort, a member of CARVC, is so deserving of the Mega Park of the year award! Lakewood owners and staff are some of the most generous people I’ve met. Congratulations to Lakewood on a job well done!”
For more information about Lakewood Camping Resort, visit www.lakewoodcampground.com.
