Kampgrounds of America (KOA) presented several awards to member campgrounds during its annual Convention & Expo, recently held in Raleigh, North Carolina.
2026 Campground of the Year
The San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA Resort, owned and operated by Chris and Pauline Wood and family, has been named Kampgrounds of America Inc.’s (KOA) 2026 Campground of the Year.
Celebrating more than 50 years of continuous family ownership, the San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA Resort has evolved from an 84-site campground into one of KOA’s top-performing resorts, renowned for its innovative amenities, industry-leading practices, scenic location near Sonoma and Napa wine country, and multigenerational legacy.
“The San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA Resort exemplifies the spirit of KOA,” said O’Rourke. “The Wood family’s passion for outdoor hospitality and commitment across generations has built something truly extraordinary.”
Over the decades, the Woods transformed the property from its early days into a 312-site destination resort, adding premium RV sites, luxury lodging, and signature recreational amenities. From redesigned playgrounds and fiber-optic Wi-Fi to themed weekends and a popular on-site food truck, every detail has been thoughtfully curated.
“When we took the campground over from Chris’ parents, we made a decision not to grow out, but to grow up,” said Pauline Wood, owner of the San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA Resort. “We focused on making the campground truly exceptional.”
Now, under the leadership of Chris and Pauline’s children, Caitlin Wood (HR and marketing) and Tyler Wood (operations), the campground continues to reach new milestones. “They’ve broken every record this year,” said Chris. “It’s incredible to see the next generation take what we built and make it even better.”
Located just 30 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County’s wine country, the resort has become a hub for both local families and international travelers. The Woods remain active members of Sonoma County Tourism and other regional partnerships, reflecting their commitment to the local tourism community along with providing an exceptional campground experience.
The San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA Resort is at 20 Rainsville Road, Petaluma, California. For more information, please visit the campground’s website.
2026 Rising Star
The Buffalo KOA Journey, owned and operated by Paul and Anita Peoples and family, has been named Kampgrounds of America, Inc.’s (KOA) 2026 Rising Star. The award, presented to KOA campgrounds with current owners in place for less than five years, recognizes exceptional achievements in guest experience, facility development and community connection.
Since purchasing the property, the Peoples have expanded the campground by five acres along Clear Creek, creating a serene 22-site addition with stunning views of the Bighorn Mountains. Working with KOA’s Campground Design Services team, they upgraded all RV sites with full hookups, added streaming-capable Wi-Fi, installed solar panels and achieved KOA Green certification.
“The Peoples family embodies the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and warmth that define KOA’s next generation of campground owners,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “Their passion for hospitality and their deep investment in their campground, guests, and community make Buffalo KOA Journey a shining example of what’s possible within our system.”
Years ago, after attending KOA’s Buyer’s Workshop in Nashville, the couple took the leap, purchasing their first campground in Abilene, Texas. That early experience solidified their dream and prepared them for the work they would do at their “forever park” at the base of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains.
“We met the previous owners, stayed two nights, and by the time we returned to Texas, we knew Buffalo was home,” said Paul Peoples, owner of the Buffalo KOA Journey.
Beyond the expansion, the Peoples have added thoughtful touches, including upgraded furniture, commercial-grade fire pits and a restored two-story log cabin office. Guest satisfaction has soared, reflected in a Net Promoter Score of 89 — among the highest in the KOA system.
“Our guests aren’t just travelers; they’re part of our story,” said Anita. “We’ve built a place where people feel at peace, like they belong.”
The family-run campground continues to grow with the next generation: their oldest daughter, Rowan, manages daily operations alongside her husband, while daughters Caitlin, Alyssa and Morgan contribute to the family’s lasting legacy.
The Buffalo KOA Journey is at 87 U.S. Highway 16 E. in Buffalo, Wyoming. For more information, please visit their website.
OAK Campground of the Year
The South Padre Island KOA Holiday, a company-owned and operated campground within Kampgrounds of America, Inc.’s (KOA) portfolio, has been named the Owned Asset of KOA (OAK) Campground of the Year.
This honor recognizes an OAK property that demonstrates exceptional operational performance, outstanding guest experience, and strong alignment with KOA’s mission to connect people to the outdoors and each other.
Managed by General Manager Kristi Cline and Assistant Manager Randy Stene, the South Padre Island KOA Holiday has set the standard for excellence among KOA’s company-owned parks. In 2025, the campground posted record results across nearly every metric.
“Kristi and her team have created a true coastal oasis for KOA guests,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “Their commitment to quality, innovation, and guest experience exemplifies the KOA standard of hospitality. They continually exceeded guest expectations, even while managing large capital projects at the campground. This team’s energy and leadership set the bar for operational excellence across our owned portfolio.”
Located at the southern tip of Texas, the South Padre Island KOA Holiday features views of the Laguna Madre Bay, direct access to the island’s beaches, and proximity to local attractions like the South Padre Island Birding Center and Sea Turtle, Inc. With modern amenities and attentive guest service, the campground is a premier destination for campers.
In addition to impressive financial growth, the South Padre Island KOA Holiday completed several major development projects that further elevated the guest experience and long-term operational success:
- 22 New Waterfront KOA Patio Sites: Premium waterfront RV sites featuring spacious patios, upscale outdoor furnishings, lush landscaping, and full hookups, offering some of the most beautiful stays in the KOA network.
- New Recreation Building: A guest hub including a modern bathhouse, full kitchen, guest laundry, and a small fitness center, creating an enhanced community space for campers.
- New Maintenance & Office Building: Expanded operational facilities with dedicated staff offices, maintenance areas, and a new commercial laundry, increasing efficiency and team capacity.
- New Sea Wall: Reinforcing and beautifying the waterfront, this major project both protects the shoreline and enhances the campground’s long-term sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
Guests continue to praise the park for its friendly staff, clean facilities, and welcoming atmosphere. One recent reviewer called it “the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure,” noting that “the staff treats you like family.”
The award also recognizes the broader OAK team members who have supported South Padre Island KOA Holiday’s success throughout the year:
- OAK Regional Vice President: Robyn Koromhas
- OAK Regional Revenue Manager: Corey Wilkinson
- OAK Regional Marketing Manager: Makenzie Peter
- KOA Development Project Manager: Eric Koromhas
“Even while undertaking a major development project, the South Padre Island KOA Holiday team drove growth in camper nights and improved guest satisfaction,” said Jill Currier, senior vice president, OAK operations at KOA. “Their focus on service excellence and performance ensures every guest enjoys the high-quality experience KOA is known for.”
The South Padre Island KOA Holiday features over 200 sites, including spacious pull-thru RV sites, Deluxe Cabins, and premium tent options. Guests enjoy resort-style amenities such as a year-round heated pool, fishing pier, pavilion for group events, and direct access to the island’s scenic bayfront. Campers can make the most of the waterfront with kayak, Aqua-Cycle, and Hydrobike rentals, or simply relax and take in the beauty of the area. The campground’s atmosphere captures the essence of South Padre living: sun, sand, and exceptional service under the KOA sign.
The South Padre Island KOA Holiday is at 1 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, Texas. For more information, please visit the campground’s website.
