Kampgrounds of America (KOA) ranked No. 61 overall in Franchise Business Review’s 2026 Top 200 Franchises list and placed among the top brands in multiple size and category segments, reflecting high franchisee satisfaction across its campground system.
The recognition, announced Feb. 10, positions KOA as No. 24 out of 50 brands in the Enterprise size class and No. 2 in the Recreation category. Franchise Business Review’s annual rankings evaluate franchise opportunities across North America using independent survey data from franchise owners rather than brand size or financial performance alone.
The Top 200 list is based on third-party research gathered from more than 26,000 franchise owners representing over 330 franchise brands. Participating franchisees rated their systems across 33 benchmarks, including training and support, operations, leadership, culture, franchisor-franchisee relations and financial opportunity.
“We are especially encouraged by what the FBR ranking represents, which is strong satisfaction from the owners and operators who bring KOA to life every day,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA.
“Our focus will always remain on supporting franchisees with the tools and operational resources they need to grow thriving businesses and provide great outdoor experiences for campers,” O’Rourke said in a press release.
KOA supports campground owners and operators through marketing, technology, education, design and system resources intended to improve operational efficiency and guest experience as the brand expands nationwide.
Michelle Rowan, president of Franchise Business Review, said the highest-ranked brands outperformed industry averages in several key measures.
“Franchisee satisfaction is one of the most reliable indicators of long-term franchise performance,” Rowan said. “This year’s Top Franchise winners significantly outperformed industry averages, demonstrating strength in the areas that matter most to franchise owners: leadership, support, innovation, culture, and financial opportunity. These brands are not just growing, they are building healthy, resilient systems.”
KOA has operated in outdoor hospitality for more than 60 years and includes the KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts brands. The KOA system includes more than 500 franchised and company-owned campgrounds, while Terramor Outdoor Resorts operates as the company’s glamping brand, which opened its first property in Bar Harbor, Maine, in 2020.