Camp Margaritaville Once Again Named #1 RV Luxury Resort
Like a great record, the luxurious Camp Margaritaville RV Resort in Auburndale keeps topping the charts, once again being named the No. 1 RV Luxury Resort by USA Today. It was the second time the camp has topped that list.
The resort was founded by Randy Knapp, CEO of RLK Real Estate & Development, an Auburndale firm focused on improving sites within Central Florida. He’s called Camp Margaritaville, a 66-acre site near Lake Myrtle, one of his favorite projects.
So far, 2025 is “shaping up to be a banner year for us,” said Beth Wiley, Director of Park Strategy. “In addition to being named USA Today’s Best Luxury RV Resort for the second year in a row, we were honored with two more major awards. The Large Park of the Year from the Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association, and one of Spot2Nite‘s All Ages RV Resorts of the Year. These recognitions reflect not only our commitment to excellence, but the passion of our entire team.”
It was first developed as the Cabana Club RV Resort in spring 2021. A year later it rebranded under the Camp Margaritaville umbrella in 2022. In 2024, the Central Florida Development Council awarded it with one of its two highest honors — the George W. Harris Jr. Economic Development Award for Success in Large Business.
“It’s an incredible honor and a true testament to the passion our team pours into every guest experience,” Wiley said. “At Camp Margaritaville, our Fins Philosophy (a nod to Jimmy Buffett) is ‘Every Guest, Every Time’. This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering just that.”
Vision & Consistency
The recognition is a huge compliment to the team, but it’s also a lot more, she said. “It’s also a nod to the vision our owners brought to life here in Central Florida: A destination that redefines what an RV resort can be, not just for travelers, but for locals, too. Over the past four years, our team has worked hard to elevate the guest experience, enhance our amenities, and push the boundaries of what’s expected. Being named Best Luxury RV Resort two years in a row tells us our guests feel that difference and that means everything to us.”
Camp Margaritaville has been nominated for four years in a row, placing second the first two years before being named No. 1 for the last two.
“That kind of consistency shows just how much our guests value their experience here,” Wiley said. “We believe it comes down to our commitment to creating an exceptional escape for every type of guest. Whether it’s a family vacation, a couple’s getaway, a youth sports team in town for a tournament, a local celebrating a birthday or a corporate retreat, we tailor the experience to make it memorable.”
The resort offers the “perfect blend of Margaritaville’s laid-back vibe and the thoughtful touches that take a stay from good to unforgettable,” she said. “From luxury RV sites to our Cabana Cabins, guests enjoy top-tier amenities, year-round entertainment and warm, attentive service. But above all, it’s the feeling — we say guests arrive as visitors and leave as family. That connection is what brings them back and keeps the votes coming in.”
Looking Back
Last year brought about more recognition and change.
“2024 was a standout year for us, packed with achievements, innovation and continued growth,” Wiley said. “We were honored with nine awards, including the prestigious George W. Harris Success in Large Business Award from the CFDC, which was a huge milestone for our team.”
“We expanded our partnerships with both local and national organizations, launched new themed weeks and seasonal promotions, and continued to grow our event calendar to keep guests engaged year-round. Behind the scenes, we invested in strengthening our team and infrastructure to support even bigger ideas and an elevated level of service.”
At the resort, the team opened “new amenities, added more accommodation types and enhanced our food and beverage offerings to give guests more options and convenience. 2024 truly set the stage for everything we’re building in 2025 and beyond,” she said.
What’s New at Camp Margaritaville
In the last two years, Camp Margaritaville has expanded its offerings. They have “new RV site types and guest add-ons, like splashpad cabanas and regular bike rentals, perfect for exploring the nearby TECO trail. Our event calendar continues to grow, including the introduction of adult-only pool parties. Also, enhanced holiday experiences that make Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s even more unforgettable for our guests,” Wiley said.
The team is also giving back to the community.
“We’ve deepened our community connections. We host OneBlood blood drives for our team members, guests and local residents. It’s a great way to give back while staying true to the Margaritaville spirit. And as always, we’re constantly looking for new ways to surprise and delight our guests, whether they’re staying for the weekend or the season.”
Looking Forward
The progress made in 2024 has rolled into 2025. Special events and themed weeks continue to keep the calendar busy. Along with this, there are also “signature experiences” that keep visitors coming back for more, Wiley said.
“We’re hitting the ground running and keeping the momentum going strong,” she said. “Guest loyalty continues to grow, and the best part is they’re bringing friends and family along for the ride. That kind of organic, word-of-mouth growth speaks volumes about the experience we’re delivering.”
There’s always something exciting happening, Wiley said, “and the energy around the resort is contagious.”
Not everything is visible to guests. “Behind the scenes, we’re making meaningful investments in our team, our technology and every touchpoint of the guest journey,” she said. “Our focus is on making every stay effortless, fun and memorable. And 2025 is already shaping up to be a great year.”
Challenges
“Like many in the industry, staffing and rising operational costs are always on our radar,” she said. “But we’ve made it a priority to invest in our team, streamline our systems and stay nimble when it comes to shifting demand. We’re also focused on continuing to differentiate ourselves within the industry.”
The Future
The future is bright for Camp Margaritaville.
“We’re planning new resort enhancements, continuing to build partnerships and exploring more exclusive experiences that elevate guest stays,” Wiley said. “Our goal is to keep pushing boundaries while staying true to the laid-back spirit that makes this place so special.”
What sets the camp apart is its heart, she said.
“Camp Margaritaville Auburndale is more than just a place to stay; it’s a vibrant community hub. We’re proud to give back through local partnerships like kidsPACK, host school field trip days and help guests celebrate life’s biggest moments, from birthdays and weddings to retirement parties, galas, corporate retreats and charitable events.
We believe in making every stay meaningful and every visit special. So, if you haven’t been to Camp Margaritaville Auburndale yet, consider this your sign.”
