South Padre Island KOA Holiday Named KOA’s 2026 OAK Campground of the Year
South Texas campground earns KOA’s top recognition for operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and innovation across its owned portfolio
Raleigh, N.C. — 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. The award was announced during KOA’s annual Convention & Expo held in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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.
###
ABOUT KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA, INC.:
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. has been the definitive leader in outdoor hospitality for more than 60 years. United under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” the company consists of two unique brands: KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts. KOA, the world’s largest system of privately-owned, open-to-the-public campgrounds, consists of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds. With unrivaled brand visibility, KOA also offers campground owners and operators unparalleled support in campground education, design, recruitment, marketing and technology. Terramor Outdoor Resorts, a glamping venture, opened its first flagship property in Bar Harbor, Maine in 2020. Literally meaning ‘Love of Land,” the brand focuses on delivering a refined and upscale outdoor experience. For more information, visit KOA.com and TerramorOutdoorResort.com.