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How do you become a Koa campground?

Home » How do you become a Koa campground?
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Constructing a campsite might be a challenging task. Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) has designed, developed and operated campgrounds in North America for almost 60 years, and we continue to grow the size and strength of the KOA franchise system. Partnering with KOA to design your campground ensures that your new facility is built to best-in-class specifications, offering the amenities and services the new generation of campers expect.

KOA New Construction Process

If you want to develop a campsite, the new building procedure is as follows:

  1. 1. Local approval
  2. 2. Complete and submit the KOA Review application, together with the $30,000 franchise fee (see what’s included in the franchise cost below).
  3. 3. Property inspection. KOA will visit your site and produce a facilities design and branding strategy if your application is accepted.
  4. 4. Execute franchise contract. Welcome to the KOA Family of Campgrounds!
  1. 5. KOA Training is available at KOA-U. A five-day training program to introduce you to KOA staff and KOA tools.
  2. 6. Checklist for New Owners. Complete property updates, branding and signage in preparation of opening as a KOA.
  3. 7. The first day of the season. This is the day you’ve been looking forward to! You have now become a KOA campsite.
  4. 8. A KOA Business Development Consultant will provide ongoing assistance.

New Construction Requirements

Before determining how to build a campground, it is essential to consider factors such as how much it costs to build an RV park and zoning requirements. Fees and other important items to consider while constructing a KOA RV park include:

Initial Franchise Fee*: $30,000

Includes:

  • Consultation on technical services and aid with campsite design
  • KOA sign package
  • Training for up to two persons is available at our KOA University in Billings, Montana.
  • A KOA Business Development Consultant will provide on-site training.
  • K2, KOA’s proprietary registration and reservation management software

Additional Fees:

Annual Administration Fee : $1,750
Royalty Fee : 8% of camping registration revenue
Advertising Fee : 2% of site registration revenue

KOA franchise fees are completely determined by site registration income. No fees are paid on store sales, propane, food service, etc.

New Construction Guidelines:

Net Worth : $1,000,000
Liquid Assets : $500,000
Initial Development 75 RV sites and 90 total sites are needed for the start-up.
Average Cost : $2,250,000 – $4,000,000

The average cost of building RV Sites excludes land and does not include additional site costs such as engineering and permitting fees. The preceding information is based on historical data and certain assumptions. Although our estimates are reasonable, actual expenses may vary significantly. These are simply provided as a starting point for determining the viability of constructing a new KOA Campground. We urge you to investigate and make your own determination as to your project costs and feasibility before beginning any construction.

KOA does not buy property, fund campground building, or construct campgrounds.

Building a Campground for the Future

KOA is always introducing new and exciting campsites to better serve the camping community. All newly-constructed KOAs offer a full range of camping experiences and multiple accommodation options, such as Deluxe Cabins and Camping Cabins.

By using campground designs that can grow and meet the demands of the future, KOA owners also have the opportunity to create a KOA Campground that reflects their personality while adhering to KOA construction requirements. KOA is charting the course for the future of camping and welcomes you to join them.

What Zoning Is Required for an RV Park?

Zoning is the process through which a government divides a land area in order to manage and define its uses. Building regulations and zoning rules vary by town, and zoning often comes under the control of each municipality or county. You must contact the local zoning office or board to find out whether exact restrictions apply to your campsite.

If you develop a campsite on property that does not have zoning rules, your campground is still subject to any state and county building requirements. If you are zoning your property for campground use, you may be required to get a Campground Development and Construction Permit from your state, county, or local agency before beginning construction. A permit is also required if you want to construct a facility with gravel sites, wastewater pumps, or campground service facilities.

You must submit an application with your proposed campground and other necessary information for a permit. You may need to add details such as property size, parking spaces, and leisure places. It is best to work with a licensed professional to develop a zoning plan and offer guidance on design and utility requirements. A expert may also inform you whether additional amenities, such as a swimming pool, need a permit.

After acquiring a license, you must also apply for a campsite license, regardless of whether your campground is seasonal or open all year. Before completing any applications, it is always best to check with your local government office to ensure you are completing the correct paperwork.

KOA Building Options

KOA provides three alternatives for constructing a campground and RV park. Whether you build a KOA Journey, Holiday, or Resort, you may add numerous facilities and activities to meet the demands of your campers. Before considering how to build an RV park, take some time to determine which type of KOA Campground best suits your and your potential campers’ requirements:

Journey

KOA Journey Campgrounds are perfect for road trippers and families seeking a fun and relaxed camping vacation. KOA Trips provide better comfort and convenience, making them an excellent choice for many travelers. Every KOA Journey Campgrounds are required to provide the following amenities:

  • Pull-Thru RV Sites
  • 50-amp electrical hookups
  • Premium Tent Sites
  • Clean bathrooms and hot water
  • Laundry facilities
  • Playground
  • KOA Store

Holiday

KOA Holiday Campgrounds offer campers a place to play, relax and explore local attractions. Several KOA Holiday sites provide the following amenities:

  • Premium Tent Sites
  • Patio RV Sites
  • Deluxe Cabins with full baths
  • Facilities for group meetings
  • Hot water and clean bathrooms
  • Laundry facilities
  • KOA Store
  • Playground

Resort

Creating a KOA Resort Campground gives campers with an excellent outdoor holiday experience. A KOA Resort offers campers the opportunity to participate in recreational and staff-led activities without needing to leave the campground. Your KOA Resort will provide the same basic amenities as a Journey and Holiday KOA, including clean bathrooms, Premium Tent Sites and additional perks. Based on your interests and region, you may provide other services such as:

  • KampK9® dog park
  • Horseback riding
  • Sports courts
  • Restaurants
  • Bike rental
  • Game rooms
  • Snack bars
  • Mini golf
  • Boat dock
  • Fishing
  • Hot tub
  • Pool

KOA Resorts also provide a variety of camping and hotel alternatives, such as Deluxe Cabins and unique housing options dependent on location.

Build With KOA Today!

Creating and maintaining a KOA is a wonderful experience that lets you to meet new people while enjoying nature. As you build your campground, you have numerous options for amenities to make your location truly one of a kind. KOA also offers full support for all builders to answer questions and provide resources to meet camper needs. To learn more about developing a KOA Campsite, fill out the KOA information request form!