KOA is a privately held company owned by the Tang family since 1988. As a franchise operation headquartered in Billings, Montana, KOA owns and operates 26 large resorts. The rest of the 500+ campgrounds are individually owned. The largest franchisee owns 10 locations. KOA requires an initial franchise fee up to $30,000 with a total investment of $210,950 to $4,455,425. Open 365 days a year with sites tailored for every camping experience, KOA aims to connect people to the outdoors. Founded in 1962 by Dave Drum and John Wallace after seeing travelers heading to the Seattle World’s Fair, the first KOA campgrounds were located on Drum’s property along the Yellowstone River in Billings, Montana.
Chinese-born American financier Oscar L. Tang and his family have owned KOA since 1988. KOA became a public company in 1969 after a successful initial public offering, and enjoyed steady growth, with campgrounds opening in Mexico and Canada by 1972.
Dave Drum got the idea to start KOA while walking his property along the Yellowstone River and seeing travelers heading to the Seattle World’s Fair. The first campsites were located on Drum’s property north of the Yellowstone River in Billings, Montana. For $1.75 per night, campers could pitch their tent on a site that included a picnic table and fire ring.