Tábory Ameriky (KOA) has added the Emlenton/Allegheny KOA Journey in western Pennsylvania to its network of more than 500 campgrounds across the United States and Canada, expanding the company’s presence along the Interstate 80 travel corridor.
The campground, located less than a mile from Interstate 80 in Emlenton, is operated by Benjamin Yount and Ugly Duckling Recreation Group, a family-run ownership group that already manages multiple KOA campgrounds.
The property is designed to serve both travelers seeking a short roadside stop and campers visiting the Allegheny region.
“When we first found the campground, we saw so much potential,” Benjamin Yount, owner of the Emlenton/Allegheny KOA Journey, said in a statement. “We have a habit of purchasing campgrounds that need some love, which is where the Ugly Duckling Recreation Group name comes from.”
Yount said the campground’s location near the highway, combined with its wooded setting, made it an attractive addition to the KOA system.
“This property was especially appealing because it’s so conveniently located off the highway, while still offering guests a quiet, peaceful experience tucked behind the hills and forest,” Yount said. “We’re excited to bring it into the KOA family and continue investing in a place that has meant a lot to the local community for years.”
The campground includes RV sites with 50-amp service and accommodations for rigs up to 130 feet long. Other amenities include WiFi, propane, firewood, a pavilion and KampK9 facilities. Recreational features include a heated swimming pool, fishing pond, rec hall and arcade, playground, basketball court, shuffleboard, cornhole and a Gaga Ball pit.
According to KOA, the property is continuing renovations intended to make short-term sites more accessible for larger RVs. Playground upgrades are also planned this summer.
KOA said campgrounds continue to generate economic activity for local communities. The company’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report found campers contributed $66 billion to local economies in 2025, with average daily spending exceeding $200 per camper. The report also found 33% of campers expressed interest in visiting small towns, while 38% said they were attracted to historic sites.
The Emlenton/Allegheny KOA Journey, located at 6297 Emlenton Clintonville Road, is scheduled to operate from April 1 through Oct. 31.