Kampgrounds of America (KOA), the world’s largest privately owned campground system, celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in Billings, Montana. During the celebration event, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) awarded the building a LEED Gold certification, recognizing KOA’s commitment to sustainability. USGBC President and CEO Peter Templeton presented the honor.
LEED, developed by the USGBC, is a green building rating system worldwide. The Gold certification highlights the building’s commitment to water conservation, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.
KOA’s president and CEO, Toby O’Rourke, expressed pride in the company’s Montana roots, stating, “KOA is very proud of our Montana roots and thrilled to complete our new headquarters in Billings, where we welcomed our first campers in 1962.”
O’Rourke emphasized that the new space was designed with KOA’s mission in mind, promoting both outdoor connections and community engagement. “Partnering with local firms that share our commitment to sustainability was essential, and we are proud of the award-winning, eco-friendly space we have built,” O’Rourke explained.
The new headquarters, completed in 2023, was designed to create a “high-performance working environment” while integrating sustainable features. The building’s design embraces KOA’s legacy, blending modern elements with nature.
Key features include native landscaping, which eliminates the need for irrigation, and building layouts that maximize natural daylight. Additionally, the outdoor spaces were designed to encourage interaction with the surrounding natural environment.
KOA’s new headquarters includes a curated art collection featuring contemporary Indigenous art, reflecting the local and regional ties of the area. The headquarters also incorporates advanced technology within its collaborative workspaces, allowing seamless connection with KOA team members across North America.
With over 500 franchised and owned campgrounds, KOA, established in 1962, remains the largest system of privately owned campgrounds in the world. KOA’s mission to connect people to the outdoors and each other is reflected in its continued investment in sustainability and innovation.
KOA’s corporate strategy also extends beyond hospitality. The company uses 1% of its pre-tax profits to support the Kampgrounds of America Foundation, which focuses on increasing outdoor access for all.
For more information about KOA, visit koa.com.
