Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has selected the San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA Resort as its 2026 Campground of the Year, recognizing the California property’s longstanding family leadership and extensive investments in outdoor hospitality.
The announcement was made during KOA’s annual Convention & Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina, on November 19.
The award highlights more than 50 years of continuous family ownership.
Established as an 84-site campground, the property has grown into one of KOA’s leading resort destinations under the stewardship of Chris and Pauline Wood and their family.
According to a press release, KOA President and CEO Toby O’Rourke said the Woods’ commitment reflects the values at the core of the organization. “The San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA Resort exemplifies the spirit of KOA,” O’Rourke said. “The Wood family’s passion for outdoor hospitality and commitment across generations has built something truly extraordinary.”
Over several decades, the Woods expanded the property to 312 sites and introduced amenities that helped define its resort-style experience.
Additions include premium RV sites, luxury lodging, upgraded recreational areas, and new digital infrastructure.
Pauline Wood said the family made a strategic decision early on to focus on enhancing the existing property. “When we took the campground over from Chris’ parents, we made a decision not to grow out, but to grow up,” she said. “We focused on making the campground truly exceptional.”
The resort’s evolution includes redesigned playgrounds, fiber-optic Wi-Fi, themed weekends, and an on-site food truck that caters to guests seeking convenience and variety.
As the business continues to expand, a third generation has assumed key leadership roles. Caitlin Wood oversees human resources and marketing, while Tyler Wood manages operations across the property.
According to Chris Wood, their involvement has driven the campground to new performance levels. “They’ve broken every record this year,” he said. “It’s incredible to see the next generation take what we built and make it even better.”
Located 30 miles north of San Francisco, the resort benefits from its position in Sonoma County’s wine country, attracting both regional visitors and international travelers seeking a central Northern California base.
The San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA Resort is located at 20 Rainsville Road in Petaluma, California.
Featured image by San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA