Kampgrounds of America (KOA)
Lodging & Hospitality · Other Lodging Businesses
Description
What is Kampgrounds of America (KOA)?
KOA campgrounds offer diverse accommodation options to suit every type of outdoor enthusiast, from traditional tent camping sites to full-service RV hookups and deluxe cabin rentals. Each location is thoughtfully designed to provide a perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary comfort, featuring amenities such as swimming pools, Wi-Fi connectivity, cable TV, bike rentals, and recreational facilities like mini-golf courses and fishing spots.
What sets KOA apart is their unwavering commitment to creating memorable outdoor experiences while maintaining consistent quality standards across all locations. Franchise owners benefit from KOA's time-tested business model, comprehensive training programs, and powerful brand recognition that has been cultivated over six decades.
The franchise opportunity is ideal for entrepreneurs who are passionate about hospitality and outdoor recreation, offering the chance to be part of a growing industry while helping families connect with nature and each other. KOA's proven systems and ongoing support enable franchisees to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences while building a sustainable business in the expanding outdoor tourism sector.
As the camping and outdoor recreation industry continues to grow, KOA remains at the forefront of innovation, consistently adapting to meet evolving consumer preferences while maintaining its core mission of connecting people to the outdoors and each other.
- 62-year proven franchise system since 1962
- 483 established campgrounds across North America
- Diverse accommodation revenue streams (cabins, RV sites, tent sites, unique lodging)
- Comprehensive operational support systems and infrastructure
- Strong post-pandemic outdoor recreation market positioning
- Gross revenue significantly exceeding subsector average ($736,708 vs $194,832)
Location Analysis
Where Kampgrounds of America (KOA) wins
Operating within the lodging industry's outdoor hospitality subsector, KOA's presence extends from coastal states to New England territories. This geographic spread enables the franchise to capitalize on diverse seasonal camping markets - from beach tourism along the Atlantic coast to mountain recreation and fall foliage experiences in the Northeast. The Vermont market exemplifies KOA's site selection strategy, featuring proximity to scenic areas and major travel routes.
Successful KOA locations typically require substantial acreage (20+ acres), highway accessibility, and proximity to natural attractions or tourist destinations. Key success factors include year-round operability, diverse recreational opportunities within a 30-mile radius, and strong local tourism infrastructure.
Growth opportunities exist in underserved markets, particularly in mid-Atlantic states that could bridge the franchise's northern and southern presence. While current ratings data is unavailable, expansion potential should focus on areas with robust outdoor recreation trends and proven tourism demand.
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Financial Analysis
The numbers behind Kampgrounds of America (KOA)
Financing partners
Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees
Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.
FranFund
CRF USA
Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.
First Bank of the Lake
Pension Pros
FDD Item 7
Initial investment range
Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $440,650 to $15,174,425. The midpoint $7,807,538 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.
FDD Item 19
Average gross sales
According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has an average gross revenue of $737K. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)
Growth over time
Franchise footprint
2024 Franchise Disclosure
FDD documents
Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Kampgrounds of America (KOA)'s 2024 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.
Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.
Buyer FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The initial investment for a Kampgrounds of America (KOA) franchise typically ranges between $440,650.00 and $15,174,425.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.
Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
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