KOA
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) franchises the development and operation of recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds that provide camping facilities and services under the KOA brand. Franchisees must offer camping sites for RVs, travel trailers, and tents, adhering to minimum quality standards and amenities specified by the franchisor. The business model relies on franchising to a broad target market of campers including families, singles, young and old individuals across various income levels, with sales often seasonal based on location.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
8% royalty + 2% ad fund + $1,750/yr administrative fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 67 Converted Campgrounds operating as KOA franchised campgrounds as of December 31, 2024, reporting registration revenue from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2024.
* Calculated average and median 2024 registration revenue from the 'GROSS REGISTRATION REVENUE HISTORY FOR CONVERSION CAMPGROUNDS' table for 67 converted franchised campgrounds. Revenue of top quartile is the average of the top 17 (approx. 25%) performers' 2024 revenues. Revenue of bottom quartile is the average of the bottom 17 (approx. 25%) performers' 2024 revenues.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How KOA Compares to Other Specialty Lodging Franchises
Key Insights
- One of the lowest investment costs in Specialty Lodging (ranked #1 of 3)
- #1 largest franchise system in Specialty Lodging
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
KOA Current | $109K - $957K | $15K | 8.0% | 427 |
| Camp Jellystone | $324K - $2.4M | $75K | 4.5% | 77 |
| RADISSON INDIVIDUALS | $2.9M - $56.2M | $75K | 6.0% | 1 |
Specialty Lodging Average 3 franchises | $1.1M - $19.9M | $55K | 6.2% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+31 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for KOA franchisees (2010 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a KOA franchise?
The total initial investment to open a KOA franchise ranges from $109,000 to $957,000. This includes a franchise fee of $15,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 8.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a KOA franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a KOA franchise is $707,151. The median revenue is $501,821.
How many KOA franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, KOA has 427 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1963.
Can you get an SBA loan for a KOA franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for KOA franchises. Historical data shows 54 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for KOA franchisees, with an average loan amount of $1,076,952. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is KOA a good franchise to buy?
KOA shows several positive indicators: established brand with 427+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in KOA?
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