2011 Campground Award Survey

I just voted on the campground award survey. There are so many good ones that it's a difficult choice. I decided to go with a couple of the smaller CGs this time since it appears that each year the same larger ones keep making the list.

I do not want to take away the merits of the first class CGs that always make the list. But for the last couple years, I have stayed at smaller, out of the way places that are also deserving of recognition. I am wondering if it might be more fair, as well as informational, to make another category under the Eastern and Western choices for 2012? Perhaps based on size.

I understand what you're saying, as the larger winter campgrounds are more popular, because they are busier. I'll take your suggestion under consideration and see what can be done for next year.

I'd like to second that Larry - some of the smaller MCGs really work hard for us, and are fine installations.

In addition, it might be an idea that the same CG can't win over and over again - because, they get the most campers and the most votes, even if the campground is not truly "the best" ...

IF you have 400 sites, you get 400 campers, if you have three sites (like in WV, it will never even be in the running.

ON that same subject Larry - what do you do with the results??

I assume you notify the MCG manager, it might be a good idea to notify the base command as well. Command should know that we appreciate how the MCGs are run when they are run well. Will let them know we care about that issue too -

Matter of fact, why not a category of the "worst run" and notify that command as well. Might make a command take notice if it wins a "you suck" award from the people that use it.

I'd volunteer to write and mail the "award' letters (subject to your approval), in both cases. indicating why each award was given.

I agree with what has been said and that we possibly need three categories to cover all sizes of campgrounds in four geographical areas. It would make them all strive to make for a better experience and we could also identify those that are just plain poor.

Before we do the voting next year, I'll see what is feasible. I can see 4 awards, but 12 may be stretching it. I'm not sure it's fair to "not allow" a campground to win two years in a row. That's something else we would have to discuss.

I do notify the campground or MWR managers for the top 5 winners in each zone. The first place winner for each zone gets an award plaque. Visit Agave Gulch and you'll see all of then displayed. When I notify the managers of their winning (placement), I ask for contact info for those in their chain of command who should also be notified. Not all of the winners get back with me. I do know that Eagle Hammock, Agave Gulch, and Wateree fully embrace this award. (Of course, they are winners).

One year, I tried to get the Campers Choice Awards results published in the Army Times, Air Force Times, etc. But I never heard back from the newspaper publisher. But a year or so ago, they contacted me for an article on "tent camping" at military campgrounds.

At Agave Gulch, they have a ceremony for presenting the award and it's published in the base paper. At Eagle Hammock, I know an article of their award is published in the local town paper. They probably all receive more recognition, but this is what I'm aware of.

The first year of voting, I did have a "worst" campground award. I think I was being political and awarded it to the campground with the "most opportunity for improvement". After that year, I decided to emphasize the positive and not the negative. Perhaps in the middle of the year, there can be a "survey" of the worst campgrounds and publish the results. But not a formal "award".

Monkey, I may take you up on your offer to write the "award letters". I'm not real good at the "Public Relations" or "Marketing" aspect of this website. Part of the problem is getting the addresses (or email addresses) of the proper people to contact.

I appreciate the suggestions and I do want to make this award more meaningful and fair.