Evergreen Campsites and Resort, Wild Rose, named National Park of the Year and Green Park of the Year

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) named Evergreen Campsites & Resort in Wild Rose, its Park of the Year and Plan-It-Green Park of the Year at the 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), held Nov. 2-5. The Park of the Year Awards are a signature part of ARVC’s Awards of Excellence, which are presented annually to the standout parks and individuals in the outdoor hospitality industry.

Evergreen Campsites & Resort was notified of the Park of the Year Award in the Large Park Category (250-499 sites) and the Plan-It-Green Friendly Award in the Large/Mega category (250+ sites) on Nov. 4th.

“The parks that receive the Park of the Year Award and the Plan-It-Green Park of the Year are at the pinnacle of the industry, and it is incredible to see a park that is able to excel in both categories,” says Paul Bambi, president and CEO of ARVC. “The park is not only wonderful destinations with fantastic amenities, but more important aptly the owners and staff are focused on creating experiences that are sustainable for generations to come. To win two ARVC Awards of Excellence in the same year shows that rapidly Evergreen Campsites & Resort truly belongs at the top of the industry!”

Evergreen Campsites & Resort, owned by Jim Button, is a family-oriented campground that has been growing every year in a steady climb on the path to the top of the industry.  Judges praised the park for its “campers first” philosophy that comes through in every action, spearheaded by management that is “very proactive and involved in the industry, which is reflected i the park.” Not content at just being one of the best, Evergreen Campsites & Resort has put in the extra effort, amenities and processes to earn its first designation as ARVC’s Large Park of the Year.

The park also stands out as a leader in the Plan-It-Green Friendly Park program, winning that award for the second time. According to one judge, the park has “continually sought to improve its commitment to running a Green Park. Every year they demonstrate new ideals - some Large, and some small- but always with thoughtful commitment to the end goal of energy efficiency.” Evergreen Campsites & Resorts goes above and beyond what is necessary to make sure it adds green solutions and is truly committed to stay “every green”arch its name.

Jim and Dawn Button and their dedicated management team, Hannah Eihlen, manager, and Brandee Christensen and Erica Lueptow are so thrilled to receive this award and know that it will put Wild Rose, population 712, in the heart of Wisconsin, on the map.  This is the first time any campground in Wisconsin has received the national award and to have it located in Waushara County is just amazing.   Jim is a humble man and yes he and his wife Dawn, own Evergreen, but they are quick to add that it is their management staff and the team that surrounds them that makes this award one Jim is quick to give credit to his staff and he is happy to share the accolades.

Evergreen has known for a while that they were one of the final three campgrounds in the running for the award, but to actually know they won it is just icing on the cake. Jim believes what sets them apart in addition to his great staff is the rich family history and creating family history for their campers. “Campers have been coming here since the 1960’s and they now bring back their children and grandchildren,” Jim said.

Evergreen is a gem in Waushara County and it is open to the public and we invite the public to visit and enjoy what we have to offer.  We are happy to be located in Waushara County where there are so many awesome campgrounds and we work together - we have a networking and that makes all of us better.

Hannah said that in 2020 the numbers skyrocketed and they were prepared to meet the demand. She is looking forward to 2021 and believes there will be more and more families turning the camping industry.  Jim said it is great to see family basics coming back through this pandemic.  Families are spending more quality time together and it is so great to see, he added.

In addition to having a great year, Evergreen always believes in giving back and this past year they gave back $10,000 to charity including local schools, HEROES, children in need, the Sheriff’s Department and more. “I believe in supporting the community that supports you,” said Jim.

Jim also said he believes through the pandemic Service is coming back.  “We all want to be loved and we want to be treated special,” he said.

As Evergreen Campsites & Resorts in the heart of Waushara County grasps the fact that they won the Park of the Year and the Plan-It-Green Park of the Year, they realize that they got there with their staff, community support, support from the Chamber, the Health Department and of course friends and family.

Evergreen has 482 campsites, 280 seasonal, 9 cottages, 21 cabins, and a newly added caboose, but they are they first to tell anyone that their most valuable assets include their staff and their campers.  Manager Hannah says it best, “ It is an honor to work here, I have so much passion, there is such a feeling as we all care so much and that feeling trickles down to the people we serve.”

Evergreen Campsites and Resort has put Wild Rose, Waushara County, and Wisconsin on the map.  The team that Jim Button at Evergreen has put together is an A-Team and the reason this award was presented to Evergreen last week.  Their hard work and dedication to the industry has been noticed and be assured they will continue to be forerunners in the camping world taking care of their staff and customers like they are family - a winning combination.