Established
1962
Franchise Units
500
Minimum Investment
$1,000,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$5,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is one of the most iconic and trusted outdoor hospitality brands in North America. Known for its bright yellow signage and warm service culture, KOA has shaped the American camping experience for more than six decades. Today, the brand stands as the leading name in the campground and outdoor lodging sector, offering franchisees a rare opportunity to enter a high-growth, passion-driven industry backed by a powerhouse name and a loyal guest following.
The KOA franchise system goes far beyond traditional campgrounds. Franchisees operate full-service outdoor resorts that may include RV sites, cabins, glamping setups, tent sites, convenience stores, recreation facilities, digital booking systems, and value-adding guest experiences. Whether it’s families seeking a weekend escape, digital nomads looking for scenic remote-work locations, or road-trippers exploring cross-country routes, KOA has positioned itself as the gold standard for outdoor lodging.
With a massive footprint across the United States and Canada, KOA is one of the most recognized names in the travel and tourism sector. The brand’s franchise model is designed to help entrepreneurs build destination properties with strong year-round revenue potential, highly diversified income streams, and unmatched brand visibility in a booming travel category. KOA’s expertise, national marketing engine, booking technology, and ongoing support make it one of the most comprehensive franchise systems in the hospitality industry.
Why Invest in the KOA Franchise?
1. America’s Most Recognized Outdoor Hospitality Brand
KOA has built a reputation that spans over 60 years. Its strong brand trust and customer loyalty translate into consistent traffic, higher occupancy, and premium pricing compared to independent campgrounds.
2. A Booming Sector with Strong Demand
Outdoor recreation, RV travel, and domestic tourism are growing faster than ever. More Americans are choosing nature-based vacations, remote-work travel, and low-stress family getaways, making KOA properties perfectly positioned for sustained long-term demand.
3. Multiple Revenue Streams
KOA franchisees can earn through a wide variety of profit centers including RV sites, tent sites, deluxe cabins, glamping units, retail shops, food services, activities, propane sales, and premium add-ons.
4. A Flexible and Scalable Property Model
Franchisees can develop a new campground, convert an existing campground, or upgrade their current property under the KOA brand. This flexibility makes it attractive for both new investors and experienced operators.
5. Comprehensive Support & Industry Expertise
From site development to daily operations and technology tools, KOA equips franchise owners with everything they need to run a successful and guest-centric outdoor hospitality business.
Background
Established Year: 1962
Founders: Dave Drum and a group of visionary outdoor enthusiasts
Headquarters: Billings, Montana, USA
Franchise Active Units (Approx.): 500+ across the USA and Canada
Industry Category: Outdoor hospitality, lodging, travel, and tourism
Market Presence: Dominant nationwide presence across major travel corridors, national parks, scenic destinations, and suburban regions
Kampgrounds of America began in 1962 in Montana when Dave Drum developed the first KOA near the Yellowstone River to serve travelers heading west. What started as a simple idea to offer clean, safe, and enjoyable camping options quickly expanded across the United States as more families embraced road trips and RV adventures. Over the decades, KOA transformed from a basic campground format into a full-fledged outdoor hospitality brand known for comfort, consistency, modern amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Today, KOA operates three main campground types—KOA Journey, KOA Holiday, and KOA Resort, each tailored to different guest needs and travel behaviors. The brand continues to innovate with modern cabins, luxury outdoor accommodations, and digital booking tools that elevate the camping experience. KOA remains privately owned and proudly maintains a strong leadership role in the outdoor hospitality industry.
Support Training
KOA offers one of the most robust support systems in the outdoor lodging franchise category. Their training and operational support help franchisees build, manage, and grow a thriving property from day one.
Pre-Launch Support
• Site development and feasibility guidance including property evaluation, layout planning, zoning support, and campground design
• Brand standards and campground plan review to ensure compliance with KOA’s guest experience expectations
• Construction and renovation assistance for new builds and conversions
• Access to KOA’s proprietary campground design team
Operational Training
• In-depth training at KOA's headquarters covering operations, guest services, staff hiring, amenities management, safety standards, and technology
• On-site operational training before opening
• Best practices for RV site management, cabins, and glamping units
Marketing & Branding Support
• National marketing campaigns across digital, social media, advertising, and partnerships
• Inclusion in KOA.com, one of the largest camping reservation portals in North America
• Booking and reservation system training
• Brand-approved advertising templates and promotional materials
• High-visibility exposure through KOA’s mobile app, email list, and loyalty program (KOA Rewards)
Technology & Business Management Tools
• KOA’s proprietary K2 Campground Operating System
• Revenue management tools
• Accounting, reporting, and business analytics
• 24/7 operational support
• Guest satisfaction monitoring and feedback tools
Ongoing Support
• Annual franchise conventions
• Regional workshops and continuous training
• Dedicated franchise performance consultants
• Access to KOA’s vendor network for supplies, amenities, and upgrades
Ideal Candidate
The KOA franchise attracts individuals who are passionate about outdoor living, hospitality, and building destination-style experiences for travelers. While industry experience is helpful, many successful KOA owners come from unrelated backgrounds but share certain key qualities.
Who Is Best Suited for the KOA Franchise?
• Entrepreneurs who love hospitality and outdoor recreation
• Candidates with strong management skills and a desire to create memorable guest experiences
• Individuals or families looking to run their own property-based business
• Investors who appreciate asset-based businesses with long-term growth potential
• Owners with the financial capability to develop or acquire land
• Operators in rural, scenic, suburban, or high-tourism areas
• Current campground owners looking to convert into a KOA for stronger branding and higher occupancy
A KOA franchise is ideal for those who want to combine business ownership with a fulfilling lifestyle rooted in travel, hospitality, community, and nature.
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Cost / Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $1,000,000 – $5,000,000+ (varies significantly based on land, development, and amenities) |
| Minimum Investment / Liquid Capital | $500,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | Approx. $30,000 |
| Royalty Fees | Percentage of gross site revenue (varies by campground type and performance) |
| National Marketing Fund | Required contribution to KOA’s national advertising & branding programs |
| Infrastructure Costs | Land acquisition (if applicable), RV site construction, cabins/glamping units, utilities, recreation areas, signage, facilities |
| Construction & Development | Based on campground scale; includes grading, roads, landscaping, buildings, amenities |
| Technology & Systems | KOA K2 Operating System, reservation platform, POS installation |
| Initial Inventory | Store merchandise, supplies, maintenance equipment |
| Working Capital | Depends on seasonal market and staffing needs |
| Local Marketing Budget | Recommended spend for digital ads, community outreach, and seasonal promotions |
| Additional Fees | Insurance, permits, licenses, upgrades, maintenance contracts |
| Estimated ROI Timeline | Typically 3–5 years depending on occupancy and property scale |
| Potential Revenue Streams | RV sites, tent sites, deluxe cabins, glamping, convenience store, food services, rentals, propane, events |