An Introduction to Kampgrounds of America

The Kampgrounds of America, Inc. operates the world’s largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds, with more than 520 locations across the United States and Canada. The campgrounds offer RV sites, tent sites, deluxe cabins, camping cabins, and some more unique experiences that vary by location.

Each KOA campground features a convenience store, pet park, laundry facilities, and playgrounds. Ours also featured a free mini golf course, a good-sized pool and deck, a communal fire pit area, and a large bouncy pad similar to an enormous trampoline (while my son loved it, my own knees told me to stop after approximately two minutes).

KOA separates its locations into three types: KOA Journey, KOA Holiday, and KOA Resort. KOA Journey campgrounds are usually located very close to highways and main roads, for maximum convenience, and are perfect for stopping after a long day on the road. The KOA Holiday locations are aimed at both relaxation and playing. They feature RV Sites with patios, deluxe cabins with full baths, premium tent sites, and group meeting facilities. The top-line facilities are called KOA Resorts, and visitors will find robust recreation and staff-led activities, pools, and food service.

KOA says that 9.1 million households went camping for the first time in 2021 — and one-third of those said the pandemic was the reason they tried camping. What’s more, urban residents have become one of the most avid camping segments, camping more frequently and for longer periods than people living in the suburbs or rural areas. Due to the increase in popularity, more campgrounds are being built and expanded. In fact, KOA opened 26 new franchise locations in 2021, and the company has new campgrounds in Virginia, California, Alabama, Nebraska, and Oregon coming soon.

Both RVs and campgrounds are getting greener. KOA is now implementing Level 2 EV Chargers at select campground locations across the U.S. and Canada. The company says that each unit will be able to charge one electric vehicle while also providing amperage for RVs through an available outlet. The Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt electric supply and can charge the vehicle up to 10 times faster than a Level 1 (120-volt) charger. These EV chargers are currently available at seven campgrounds in Michigan, Montana, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, with exponential growth expected in the future.