KOA Campgrounds: Origins and Ownership

Where did KOA Campgrounds start?
KOA was founded in 1962 in Billings, Montana by businessmen Dave Drum, John Wallace and 2 other partners. Drum got the idea to start the campgrounds while walking his property along the Yellowstone River and seeing travelers heading to the Seattle World’s Fair.
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A network of independently owned campgrounds spread out over North America is known as KOA Campgrounds, sometimes known as Kampgrounds of America. Since its founding in 1962, the business has expanded to rank among the greatest global networks for camping. In this article, we’ll look into the company’s history and ownership while also responding to some frequently asked questions.

Entrepreneur Dave Drum established KOA Campgrounds in 1962. Drum discovered a dearth of top-notch campgrounds while traversing the nation with his family. He saw an opportunity to establish a nationwide network of campers that provided the same facilities and services. Drum envisioned a community of campers who might share in outdoor recreation while also having access to contemporary conveniences like electricity and hot baths.

The first KOA campground operated by Drum was in Billings, Montana. Soon after, he added many additional facilities across the nation, and the KOA network grew quickly. KOA Campgrounds now boasts more than 500 facilities across North America, including ones in Mexico and Canada. The company has about 1,300 employees and is based in Billings, Montana.

The Franchise Group, a publicly traded company that owns a number of other franchise businesses, now owns KOA Campgrounds. KOA Campgrounds was purchased by The Franchise Group in 2018 along with other companies like Liberty Tax Service and The Vitamin Shoppe. KOA Campgrounds is still dedicated to giving its visitors top-notch camping experiences despite the ownership shift.

You might be interested in the company’s rewards program, KOA Value Kard Rewards, if you frequently camp at KOA Campgrounds. With this program, you can accumulate points at KOA Campgrounds that can be exchanged for free camping nights and other benefits. Visit the KOA website or mobile app, log into your account, and then redeem your KOA points.

And finally, if you want to open your own campground, you might be asking if you can acquire land and build a campsite. Yes, it is conceivable, to put it succinctly. However, there are a lot of legal and practical issues to think about. You will have to learn about the zoning regulations in your area, get the required licenses, and make investments in utilities like power and water. Additionally, things like geography, competition, and demand should be taken into account. Opening a campsite can be a lucrative venture, but it demands careful planning and getting ready.

In summary, KOA Campgrounds has developed significantly since it was established in 1962. In North America today, the business operates a successful network of more than 500 campgrounds. KOA Campgrounds continues to be a preferred option for campers of all ages and backgrounds thanks to its dedication to high-quality amenities and services.