Kampgrounds of America, Inc. Earns Number One in Category in Entrepreneur’s Annual Franchise 500
Within the “Campground Category,” KOA earns the top and only spot in the 45th annual ranking
BILLINGS, Mont. (Jan. 16, 2024) – Demonstrating excellence in the franchise and outdoor hospitality industry, Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) proudly announces its ranking as number one in its category in Entrepreneur’s 45th Annual 2024 Franchise 500. With an unprecedented 1,389 brands competing, KOA’s top spot underscores its commitment to quality and excellence.
Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 is renowned as the most comprehensive and respected ranking in the franchise industry. Placement on this list is highly coveted, reflecting a brand’s performance in areas such as growth, financial strength, and brand power. The 2024 edition, celebrating its 45th anniversary, is set to be the most significant and widely publicized ever.
“Our success at KOA is driven by the commitment of our team and the strength of our franchise relationships. We focus on delivering value and innovation, which is essential for our growth and the satisfaction of our franchise partners,” reflected Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “Being recognized in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 highlights the effectiveness of our approach and the solid foundation we’ve built at KOA.”
KOA’s brand strength is unrivaled. It has been recognized as the premier name in camping by campers for many years, with unaided brand awareness at 62% of the camping market according to the brand’s most recent Marketing Effectiveness Survey. This reputation is further validated by KOA’s franchisees, with an impressive 95% renewal rate in 2023.
Moreover, KOA’s appeal isn’t limited to existing franchisees; it’s also attracting new interest. In 2023, the company expanded significantly, welcoming 12 conversion properties and initiating seven new build contracts. These developments demonstrate the brand’s vibrant growth and underscore the extensive support and value KOA offers to its franchise partners, marking it as a leader in the industry.
“We have a deep understanding of the individual needs of our franchisees,” emphasized Bill Gottwals, senior vice president of Franchise Operations. “We strike a balance between nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit and guiding them within the framework of KOA’s proven operational strategies – an approach which is instrumental in driving our growth and maintaining our position for over 60 years.”
As KOA continues to innovate and expand in the outdoor hospitality industry, the company remains committed to delivering exceptional camping experiences and offering robust support to its franchisees. This latest accolade in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 reflects KOA’s enduring commitment to excellence and innovation in the franchise landscape.
For more information about franchising a KOA, please visit ownakoa.com.
ABOUT KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) has been the definitive leader in outdoor hospitality for more than 60 years. United under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” the company consists of two unique brands: KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts. KOA, the world’s largest system of privately owned, open to the public campgrounds, consists of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds. With unrivaled brand visibility, KOA offers campground owners and operators unparalleled support in campground education, design, recruitment, marketing and technology. Terramor Outdoor Resorts, a glamping venture, opened its first flagship property in Bar Harbor, Maine in 2020. Translated to “Love of Land,” the brand focuses on delivering a refined and upscale outdoor experience. For more information, visit KOA.com and TerramorOutdoorResort.com.