Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

What Kampgrounds of America, Inc. does

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is a North American franchisor of campgrounds, operating a network of more than 500 privately owned locations across all 50 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces. Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Billings, Montana, KOA segments its properties into three tiers: KOA Journey (overnight/transit stops), KOA Holiday (destination campgrounds), and KOA Resort (premium destinations with deluxe cabins, RV sites, and tent sites). The network also includes the Terramor Outdoor Resort subsidiary for glamping and a limited number of company-operated parks.

The company's underlying technology stack includes the proprietary K2 platform (piloted in September 2025), the KOA AI Chat assistant (in open beta), CampMap, a Trip Planner, and the KOA mobile app, which together support reservation, itinerary, and franchisee operations workflows. KOA also publishes the annual Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, now in its 12th edition, which serves as both an industry benchmark and a marketing asset.

KOA's revenue model is a classic franchise structure: upfront franchise/conversion fees, ongoing royalties tied to park revenue, marketing fund contributions, and technology fees. Recurring consumer revenue is augmented by the KOA Rewards loyalty program at $39 per year per member, plus co-marketing and partnership income from brands such as Winnebago and AdventureGenie. Go-to-market is primarily direct-to-consumer through KOA.com and the app, with secondary distribution through RV manufacturer partnerships and travel ecosystem collaborations.

Name

Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

Legal name

Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

Website

https://koa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Kampgrounds of America franchises 500+ privately owned campgrounds across North America under KOA Journey, Holiday, and Resort tiers, offering cabins, RV sites, and tent sites through central booking, the KOA Rewards loyalty program, and its proprietary K2 technology platform serving franchisees and campers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Hospitality Services

NAICS

RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Campgrounds (721211), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212), Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

KOA/Chain & Franchise Campgrounds (THAMAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Family & Recreation Campgrounds (Amenities/Activities Focus) (THAMAJAJ), Eco/Nature-Based Campgrounds (Sustainable/Off-Grid) (THAMAJAK)

Keywords

• Campground franchise network
• RV park reservations
• Outdoor hospitality services
• Camping cabin rentals
• Camping loyalty program

Headquarters

HQ city

Billings

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Franchise Fees and Royalty Revenue: KOA generates revenue by franchising its brand, systems, and technology platform to independent campground owners. Franchisees pay ongoing fees for access to the KOA brand, centralized reservation system, K2 platform, national marketing, and operational support. The company reported total system revenue of $494 million in 2025, slightly below 2024's $500 million. New park conversions and new-build openings contribute additional franchise fee and ongoing royalty income.
2. KOA Rewards Membership: Annual loyalty program sold to campers for $39 per year, providing 10% discount on daily registration rates, free night during KOA Rewards Weekend, points accumulation for future stays, VIP status perks, and partner discounts. KOA donates $1 to Care Camps for each enrollment.
3. Campground Transaction and Resale Brokerage: KOA facilitates the resale and acquisition of KOA campgrounds through its KOA Resale Program, working with preferred brokers to match buyers and sellers of KOA franchise properties. Campground Brokers of America closed a three-park West Coast portfolio through this program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels15 records

Core offering

Kampgrounds of America operates the world's largest franchise network of privately-owned campgrounds with 500+ locations across North America. The company franchises its brand, centralized reservation system, technology platform, and national marketing infrastructure to independent campground owners who offer RV sites, tent sites, cabins, glamping tents, and unique lodging under three tiered brands: KOA Journey, KOA Holiday, and KOA Resort. KOA monetizes through franchise fees, royalties, the $39/year KOA Rewards loyalty membership, and campground resale brokerage services.

Product overview

Kampgrounds of America operates a franchise network of 500+ privately owned campgrounds across North America, organized into three tiers: KOA Journey (highway-adjacent gateway campgrounds), KOA Holiday (basecamp destinations with upgraded amenities), and KOA Resort (premium vacation destinations). The portfolio includes diverse accommodation types spanning RV sites with various hookups, tent sites, Camping Cabins and Deluxe Cabins with full bathrooms, Glamping Tents, and Unique Lodging (Airstreams, cabooses, teepees). Supporting infrastructure includes the KOA Rewards loyalty program, KOA Camping App for mobile trip planning, KOA Marketplace with insurance and RV rental partners, KampK9 pet parks, KOA Patio premium sites, KOA AI Chat for customer assistance, and KOA Trip Planner for route optimization. The company has invested in AI technology through partnerships with AdventureGenie for trip planning and internal AI chatbot capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KOA Journey: Gateway to adventure campgrounds offering perfect oasis after a day on the road with long pull-thru RV sites, premium tent sites, and after-hours check-in services.
• KOA Holiday
• KOA Resort
• KampK9
• KOA Rewards
• KOA Patio

Products and services

• KOA Journey Campgrounds KOA's entry-tier campground franchise positioned as 'Gateway to Adventure,' featuring highway-accessible locations with long pull-thru RV sites, premium tent sites, and well-lit after-hours check-in service for road-trippers seeking convenient overnight stops.
• KOA Holiday Campgrounds KOA's mid-tier campground franchise positioned as 'Basecamp for the Great Outdoors,' offering upgraded RV sites with KOA Patios, Deluxe Cabins with full baths, and group meeting facilities for families exploring local areas.
• KOA Resort Campgrounds KOA's premium campground franchise positioned as 'The Destination for Recreation,' featuring robust recreation programs, staff-led activities, resort-style pools, Deluxe Cabins with linens, and indoor/outdoor group facilities for carefree outdoor vacations.
• KOA Rewards Program Annual paid loyalty program ($39/year) providing 10% discount on daily registration rates at 500+ KOA locations, points accumulation for future stays (900–1,300 points/day base level), free night during KOA Rewards Weekend, VIP status at 20,000 points with accelerated earning and waived cancellation fees, and partner discounts through KOA's marketplace. KOA donates $1 to Care Camps for each enrollment.
• Deluxe Cabins Fully equipped cabin accommodations with private full bathrooms, kitchenettes, heating, air conditioning, and optional features like flat-screen TVs, grills, and fire pits, offering glamping-style comfort across KOA Holiday and KOA Resort campgrounds.
• Camping Cabins Log-style cabin accommodations with beds and electricity offering a roof overhead and basic amenities for novice campers seeking easier camping experiences, available at KOA Journey, Holiday, and Resort campgrounds.
• Glamping Tents Wall tents and safari tents combining traditional camping with added comforts including electricity, storage, and furniture for an elevated outdoor experience at participating KOA campgrounds.
• Unique Lodging Non-traditional accommodation offerings including Airstream trailers, cabooses, teepees, yurts, and treehouses providing one-of-a-kind camping experiences at select KOA locations.
• KOA Patio Sites Premium campsite option available across RV and tent sites featuring spacious patio areas with outdoor furniture, fire rings/pits, and picnic tables for an elevated camping experience.
• KampK9 Pet Parks Pet-friendly amenity program featuring fenced, off-leash dog parks with cleanup stations, fresh water, seating, and separate areas for large and small dogs at KOA Journey, Holiday, and Resort campgrounds. KOA Paw Pen sites add private fenced pet areas at the campsite level.

Quantifiable outcome

• 52 million North American households camped in 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic levels
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

AI capability6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Winnebago IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 July 2026Kampgrounds of America partnered with Winnebago Industries and other outdoor brands to co-produce 'Campfire Chronicles,' a documentary film celebrating America's camping heritage and its cultural influence. The film made its broadcast debut on local stations and will continue airing through summer 2026 before an online release timed to America's 250th anniversary.
• Beef Loving TexansminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 July 2026Beef Loving Texans and KOA launched the 'Savor the Texas Outdoors' summer campaign featuring free community events across Texas KOA campgrounds, including live grilling classes led by Beef Loving Texans Pitmaster Jerry McPherson at Austin East, Galveston Island, and Lake Conroe KOAs. The campaign targets beef lovers and outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
• Campground Brokers of AmericaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 May 2026Campground Brokers of America, acting as KOA's preferred broker, facilitated the closing of a three-park West Coast RV park portfolio through the KOA Resale Program. The portfolio included Boise/Meridian KOA Journey (ID), Pasco/Tri-Cities KOA Journey (WA), and Pendleton KOA Journey (OR). Cathy Reinard identified a buyer recognizing long-term value along key western U.S. travel corridors.
• Georgia State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2026KOA partnered with Georgia State University and AI platform provider Airia to complete an eight-week graduate innovation program in which 30+ students across six teams designed, built, and evaluated AI-powered agents addressing business challenges in outdoor hospitality. Student teams conducted stakeholder interviews, built prototypes, and presented recommendations to KOA leadership.
• AdventureGeniecoreTechnology or Integration · 4 March 2026KOA partnered with AdventureGenie, an AI-powered trip planning platform for RVers, to launch a Route 66 Centennial series with six curated road trip segments integrating KOA campgrounds with iconic landmarks and local experiences. The initiative was recognized by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission as a certified project. Additional themed itinerary collections are planned throughout 2026.
• MillerTech Energy SolutionsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 January 2026MillerTech partnered with KOA to co-sponsor the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race on June 13 at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, titled the MillerTech Battery 250 presented by KOA. This marked MillerTech's return for a second consecutive year and represented KOA's inaugural venue-level NASCAR partnership. Both companies co-sponsored the raceway's RV registration program.
• USA Bobsled & Skeleton (USABS)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 January 2026KOA announced the continuation of its premier sponsorship partnership with USA Bobsled & Skeleton, marking its 15th year since 2009. The KOA yellow logo continues to appear on USABS sleds as the team competes internationally. The partnership is framed around shared values of dedication, teamwork, and pursuit of excellence.
• JR MotorsportscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 November 2025KOA extended its partnership with JR Motorsports for the 2026 NASCAR season. KOA serves as a primary sponsor for one race, supports multiple teams, and maintains a year-long partnership to enhance brand awareness among motorsports and outdoor enthusiasts. This builds on KOA's broader motorsports marketing strategy.
• Blue WatercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2025Blue Water's managed property, Jetstream RV Resort at Med Center, joined the KOA network under the name Houston/Med Center KOA Holiday, featuring 146 RV sites and amenities including a heated pool, fitness center, and dog park. This was the 7th KOA property in Blue Water's portfolio. Blue Water operates as both a franchisee and property management partner.
• CampMapcoreTechnology or Integration · 4 February 2025KOA partnered with CampMap, a campground mapping platform, to provide interactive digital site maps across all 500+ KOA locations following a year-long beta test. The technology allows campgrounds to display photos and details directly on the map. Phase two functionality planned for late March 2025 enables campers to select and book sites directly from the digital map.
• GoodyearminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGoodyear is featured in KOA's marketplace, offering KOA Rewards members a 15% discount on tire purchases year-round. This partnership targets the RV and road trip demographic that comprises KOA's core customer base.
• ProgressiveminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProgressive is featured in KOA's marketplace as a preferred RV insurance provider, offering affordable RV coverage, top-notch service, and peace of mind for travelers. The partnership targets KOA's RV-camping demographic seeking insurance coverage.
• Co-operatorsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCo-operators is featured in KOA's marketplace for Canadian campers, offering convenient, tailored insurance for trailers, campers, and motorhomes. Supports KOA's Canadian franchise network and camper base.
• OutdoorsyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPeer-to-peer RV rental marketplace partnered with KOA, enabling renters who book RVs through Outdoorsy to easily discover and book KOA campground stays as part of their trip planning.
• RVshareminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPeer-to-peer RV rental platform featured in KOA's marketplace, driving bookings from RV renters who need campground accommodations during their trips.
• RVezyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPeer-to-peer RV rental marketplace featured in KOA's marketplace, complementing Outdoorsy and RVshare in serving the growing RV rental segment of outdoor travelers.
• Big4 Holiday Parks (Australia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKOA Rewards members receive a 10% campground discount at Big4 Holiday Parks' 180+ locations across Australia. This reciprocal partnership extends KOA's international presence for traveling campers.
• Discovery Parks (Australia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKOA Rewards members receive a 10% campground discount at Discovery Parks' 60+ locations across Australia, extending the international reciprocal discount network alongside Big4 Holiday Parks.
• Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFMCA is the world's largest nonprofit RV group. KOA Rewards account holders receive $10 off FMCA membership dues and a welcome gift when joining as a new member. FMCA provides relevant RV education, travel discounts, and rally events for its members.
• Care Camps FoundationminorOthersKOA has been a foundational partner to Care Camps since 1984. For every KOA Rewards enrollment, KOA donates $1 to Care Camps, which funds medically supervised pediatric oncology camps across the U.S. and Canada. KOA also holds annual Care Camps Big Weekend fundraising events.
• KOA FoundationminorOthersThe KOA Foundation is KOA's own charitable arm focused on giving back within local communities. The company raises funds annually to support Care Camps and other community initiatives.
• Outdoor Recreation RoundtableminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKOA participated in the inaugural National Executive Forum on Health and Outdoor Recreation, hosted by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable in Washington, D.C. on May 7, 2026. CEO Toby O'Rourke presented research on camping's mental health benefits. The forum brought together executives, policymakers, and thought leaders to examine outdoor recreation as a public health lever.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Discovery Parks: An Australian network of 60+ holiday parks offering RV and cabin stays. Comparable to KOA's tiered franchise model and reciprocal marketing partnership indicates overlapping customer experience and brand playbook.
• Big4 Holiday Parks: Australia's largest holiday park network with 180+ parks offering cabins, RV sites, and camping. Already a KOA reciprocal-discount partner and structurally analogous to KOA's franchise-based park system in a different geography.

Emerging players

• AutoCamp: A boutique outdoor hospitality brand operating Airstream-based glamping resorts in desirable destinations. Comparable to KOA's KOA Resort tier and Unique Lodging (Airstream) offering, but at a premium experiential positioning.
• Hipcamp: A digital marketplace for unique outdoor stays including camping, glamping, and cabin rentals on private and public land. Comparable to KOA as a discovery and booking platform targeting overlapping Gen Z and millennial camping demand.
• Tentrr: A curated network of glamping sites and signature tent camping experiences across the U.S. Comparable to KOA in addressing the same glamping/Airstream cabin demand, particularly from first-time and wellness-oriented campers.

Others

• Recreation.gov: The U.S. federal government's official reservation system for national park campgrounds and recreation areas. Comparable to KOA as a competing campground discovery/booking channel, particularly for travelers seeking public-land experiences.

Direct peers

• Sun Outdoors (Sun Communities): Owns and operates a large portfolio of RV resorts, manufactured home communities, and marinas across North America. Comparable to KOA through its RV resort network scale and franchised/managed campground operations.
• Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts: A franchise network of family-focused camp-resorts across North America with themed amenities, on-site activities, and cabin/RV/tent accommodations — directly comparable to KOA's franchise model and family-camping positioning.
• Thousand Trails / Encore RV Resorts: A membership- and resort-based network of RV parks and campgrounds across North America, comparable to KOA in network scale, RV/tent lodging, and tiered access models for outdoor hospitality consumers.

Broad incumbents

• Camping World / Good Sam: A dominant RV ecosystem player offering RV sales, service, insurance, and the Good Sam membership program. Comparable to KOA in serving the same RV camper base with cross-category products and loyalty infrastructure.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/koakampgrounds
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/KOAKampgrounds
• Facebookfacebook.com/koakampgrounds
• Instagraminstagram.com/kampgroundsofamerica
• Pinterestpinterest.com/KOAKampgrounds
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/277083

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kampgrounds of America, Inc.