Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) congratulates Gerry and Clarissa Hodges, as well as Jeremy and Irene King, on the acquisition of the Willcox/Cochise AZ KOA Holiday. The Kings have a longtime background in hospitality services while the Hodges bring prior ownership experience as the former owners of the Santa Fe KOA Holiday, as well as a passion for hospitality and community connection. Wanting to be closer to family in Goodyear, Arizona, and inspired by the region’s warmer winters and convenient high-traffic location along I-10, the Hodges and the Kings saw Willcox as the ideal place to continue their KOA journey.
Located just off Interstate 10 at Exit 340, the Willcox/Cochise AZ KOA Holiday offers an inviting stopover with easy access to historic Tombstone, Chiricahua National Monument and the area’s renowned wine country, according to a KOA press release. With expansive desert skies and a reputation as one of the cleanest campgrounds in the area, this KOA Holiday is a welcoming basecamp for travelers and snowbirds alike.
“We were inspired to acquire this KOA campground because of its location and the opportunity to be closer to our home and family in Arizona,” said Gerry Hodges, one of the owners of the Willcox/Cochise AZ KOA Holiday. “We’re excited to partner with local organizations and businesses to help the city of Willcox grow as we continue to upgrade and expand the park.”
Campgrounds have a significant economic and cultural impact on local communities, KOA said. According to KOA’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, campers injected $61 billion into local economies in 2024, with the average camper spending $200 daily while camping. Campers are looking to experience the culture of local regions, with 27% of campers saying they are interested in visiting small towns, and another 27% drawn to food tourism.
KOA Holiday campgrounds are ideal base camps for exploring the area, or simply enjoying a fun-filled stay with plenty of activities. Whether for a longer getaway or an overnight stop, KOA Holiday campgrounds offer amenities and services that make every stay memorable. Each KOA Holiday offers full-service RV sites with a KOA patio and deluxe cabins with full bathrooms.
The Willcox/Cochise AZ KOA Holiday features a full-service restaurant, the Willcox Roadrunner Kafe, a year-round pool and hot tub, state-of-the-art Wi-Fi, a KampK9 dog park, laundry facilities and an on-site camp store. The campground is widely recognized for its cleanliness and high-quality guest experience, setting it apart from others in the region, the press release said. Looking ahead, Hodges plans to add nearly 30 new long-rig RV sites, paw pen sites, additional deluxe patio sites, a new playground, and a pickleball court to attract more winter visitors. Plans also include adding a horse stall area for guests to board their horses during local rodeo events.
“We chose to partner with KOA because of their incredible team and the knowledge base they provide campground owners,” Hodges continued. “It’s great knowing we have such strong support behind us as we work to succeed.”
The Willcox/Cochise AZ KOA Holiday is one of more than 500 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. Located at 700 N. Virginia Avenue, the Willcox/Cochise AZ KOA Holiday is open year-round.
