Kampgrounds of America (KOA) announced its ranking as No. 1 in its category in Entrepreneur’s 45th Annual 2024 Franchise 500.
With 1,389 brands competing, KOA’s top spot underscores its commitment to quality and excellence, the company said.
Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 is renowned as the most comprehensive and respected ranking in the franchise industry. Placement on this list is highly coveted, reflecting a brand’s performance in areas such as growth, financial strength and brand power. The 2024 edition, celebrating its 45th anniversary, is set to be the most significant and widely publicized ever.
“Our success at KOA is driven by the commitment of our team and the strength of our franchise relationships. We focus on delivering value and innovation, which is essential for our growth and the satisfaction of our franchise partners,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America. “Being recognized in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 highlights the effectiveness of our approach and the solid foundation we’ve built at KOA.”
KOA’s brand strength is unrivaled. It has been recognized as the premier name in camping by campers for many years, with unaided brand awareness at 62% of the camping market according to the brand’s most recent Marketing Effectiveness Survey. This reputation is further validated by KOA’s franchisees, with an impressive 95% renewal rate in 2023.
Moreover, KOA’s appeal isn’t limited to existing franchisees; it’s also attracting new interest. In 2023, the company expanded significantly, welcoming 12 conversion properties and initiating seven new build contracts. These developments demonstrate the brand’s vibrant growth and underscore the extensive support and value KOA offers to its franchise partners, marking it as a leader in the industry.
“We have a deep understanding of the individual needs of our franchisees,” said Bill Gottwals, senior vice president of Franchise Operations. “We strike a balance between nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit and guiding them within the framework of KOA’s proven operational strategies – an approach which is instrumental in driving our growth and maintaining our position for over 60 years.”
As KOA continues to innovate and expand in the outdoor hospitality industry, the company remains committed to delivering exceptional camping experiences and offering robust support to its franchisees. This latest accolade in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 reflects KOA’s enduring commitment to excellence and innovation in the franchise landscape.
