Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) capped its 60th year of business with record revenue surpassing 2021, the company’s previous highest-grossing year, by 1.3%. Registration revenue in 2022 grew by 34.3% over 2019.
The growth indicates that camping and outdoor hospitality have reached a new level of popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, KOA said.
“To finish our 60th anniversary with record-setting revenues is monumental,” said Toby O’Rourke, KOA president and CEO. “The numbers point to the strength of our long-standing brand and the continued preference for KOA by campers. We appreciate the partnership with our franchisees, their confidence in our vision and the dedication and focus of our employees.”
According to the organization, advanced deposits are a key indicator of consumer preference for camping as well as confidence in the brand and customer experience. KOA’s end of fourth quarter advanced deposits were 3.4% improved over the same time period in 2021.
“Especially with fluctuating economic conditions, it is great to see another year of growth in advance deposits as we enter 2023,” O’Rourke said. “Camping, and KOA camping, continues to be a cornerstone of leisure travel for many North Americans.”
More than a dozen new campground partnerships launched in 2022 with KOA’s support, the organization said. Over the year, nine independent campgrounds joined the KOA system. Additionally, five construction contracts for new campgrounds were signed.
In 2022’s fourth quarter, KOA welcomed three new conversion campgrounds and two new construction contracts. These franchise contracts added KOA campgrounds in Minnesota, New Mexico and Michigan. The two new-build campgrounds are planned for Arizona and New Mexico. There are 29 KOA campgrounds currently being constructed, including three that are corporately owned.
“We are seeing an exciting shift between converting and building campgrounds,” said Ann Emerson, KOA senior vice president of franchise operations. “Over the last few years, there has been an explosion of growth in campground construction and these new players are choosing to partner with KOA to help them deliver a top-of-the-line experience that is trusted among campers and travelers.”
KOA expanded its campground and land holdings in 2022. Last year the company added eight campground locations to its portfolio and two land acquisitions for future development.
In 2022’s fourth quarter, KOA acquired two campgrounds in Texas and Georgia and converted them to KOA. The company also sold Naples KOA Holiday in Maine to a franchise partner.
“We have an ongoing interest in increasing our owned locations as part of our overall brand growth,” said Darin Uselman, KOA chief operations officer. “This allows us to grow our knowledge of campground ownership while expanding the KOA brand in key markets.”
