Kampgrounds of America has added the Virginia City KOA Journey in Montana to its network of campgrounds under new ownership by the Brooke family, whose ties to Madison County span multiple generations.
The campground, located above Virginia City, will operate as part of the KOA Journey brand and is scheduled to remain open from May 1 through Sept. 30.
The property is owned by Peter, Susan, Will and Kat Brooke, who previously worked with the KOA brand and said they plan to expand the campground’s connection to the area’s history and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Virginia City KOA Journey is positioned near the historic communities of Virginia City and Nevada City, two preserved Montana gold rush destinations known for historic landmarks, living history attractions and outdoor tourism. The campground overlooks the Ruby Mountains and provides access to nearby public lands and trail systems.
“Our family’s roots run deep in Madison County,” Peter Brooke, owner of the Virginia City KOA Journey, said. “Both sides of our family grew up here, and as we looked further into our family history, we found that our families also crossed paths in Virginia City during the height of the gold rush in the late 1860s.”
Brooke said the family views the campground as both a business investment and a continuation of its historical connection to the region.
“They came here hoping to strike gold, and now, six generations later, our family has returned hoping to strike gold with KOA,” Brooke said. “We’re excited to be part of this community and to create a campground experience that feels connected to the history, character and adventure that make Virginia City so special.”
The campground includes RV and tent sites and offers amenities such as Wi-Fi, propane service, a pavilion, cornhole boards and a nature trail.
According to KOA, the property also provides access to hundreds of miles of dirt roads and trails for ATV and off-highway vehicle riding, mountain biking, hiking and backcountry recreation.
KOA said its annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report found campers contributed $61 billion to local economies in 2024, with average daily camper spending reaching $200. The report also found that 27% of campers expressed interest in visiting small towns, while another 27% cited food tourism as a travel motivation.
The Virginia City KOA Journey is one of more than 500 KOA campgrounds operating across the United States and Canada.