What is the KOA organization?

KOA is an association of at least 485 campgrounds across North America. KOA designates each location as Journey, Holiday or Resort based on the location and experiences offered, which range from tent and RV sites to Deluxe Cabins and Patio Sites, with a variety of amenities available.

KOA was founded in 1962 by Billings, Montana-businessman Dave Drum, who offered affordable camping to travelers along his property on the Yellowstone River. The original campground included sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings and access to laundry facilities, hot showers and a camp store. Due to its success, Drum opened the first KOA franchise just two years later, and by 1979, the company became public.