Kampgrounds of America (KOA)

Campgrounds and RV Parks
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Franchise 500 2023
2023 Franchise 500 Rank
N/R Ranked #459 last year
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Initial investment
$442K - $12.7M
Units as of 2022
504 Decrease 2% over 3 years

Was your childhood filled with family camping trips and s'mores around a fire? You're not alone. Travelers and thrill-seekers flock to Kampgrounds of America every summer. The company has been a top choice for campground recreation in North America since its founding in 1962. Year after year, Kampgrounds of America offers safety, fun, and innovation. 

There are over 500 Kampgrounds of America campgrounds scattered all over the United States and Canada. Over 450 of those are in the United States. Many of the locations are run by diverse, yet warm and welcoming, campground owners. As a franchise owner, you may run your business with full autonomy. Franchisees also help create cozy campfire memories for families and friends.

Why You May Want to Start a Kampgrounds of America Franchise

Kampgrounds of America has more than 50 years of experience in the campground industry. Its franchises are scattered in breathtaking locations all over the continent. These outdoor experts strive to have great systems in place to make sure campers are comfortable, potentially leading them to return to your franchise again and again. 

They have a proven three-tier public relations campaign (national, regional, and local) with access to a customer base of all types of campers. You may have access to an in-house system that easily measures your campaign results. 

Kampgrounds of America’s headquarters is located in Billings, Montana. They may give you information on all their exclusive benefits, from technology and marketing support to education and training. You might also have access to a peer support team as you operate your franchise. 

What Might Make Kampgrounds of America a Good Choice?

Kampgrounds of America is a consistent frontrunner on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500. This ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points, which include areas in costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

To start a Kampgrounds of America franchise, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising fees and royalty fees.

Many existing Kampgrounds of America franchise owners also enjoy the fact that the company has partnered with third-party financial institutions to help its franchisees cover expenses including the franchise fee, startup cost, and equipment.

How Do You Open a Kampgrounds of America Franchise?

After accepting your initial interest in being a Kampgrounds of America franchise owner, the company may check your requested business location to make sure it won't cause conflicts with any existing owners. Once they approve your area, the next step to undertake is filling out a Kampgrounds of America franchise application.

If they feel like you're a good fit, the Kampgrounds of America corporate team might create a facility and branding plan. You'll okay it before signing the contract and paying the franchise fee and startup costs. Then, they may sign you up for a Kampgrounds of America University course. Here you'll probably learn how to use the company's management software and all the training you need to run a successful Kampgrounds of America franchise.

As soon as you fulfill the requirements, Kampgrounds of America will generally give you all the marketing and operational materials they reserve for franchisees. You'll be a happy camper in no time!

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Company Overview

About Kampgrounds of America (KOA)

Industry Lodging
Related Categories Campgrounds, Recreation
Founded 1962
Parent Company KOA Holdings
Leadership Toby O'Rourke, President & CEO
Corporate Address 550 N. 31st St.
Billings, MT 59101
Social Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest

Business Overview

Franchising Since 1963 (60 years)
# of employees at HQ 103
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchisees throughout the US.

This company is offering new franchisees in the following international regions: Canada

# of Units 504 (as of 2022)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Kampgrounds of America (KOA) franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$10,000 - $30,000
Initial Investment Information Circle
$441,950 - $12,676,425
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
$500,000 - $3,000,000
Cash Requirement Information Circle
$500,000 - $3,000,000
Royalty Fee Information Circle
8%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
2%
Term of Agreement Information Circle
5 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes
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Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training 24 hours
Classroom Training 31.5 hours
Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? Yes
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
# of employees required to run 4-6
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
Yes
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Franchise 500 Ranking History

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022