Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), a leader in outdoor hospitality, has once again been named one of the Top Franchises for Women by Franchise Business Review, earning a spot among only 100 brands recognized on the annual list, according to a press release.
Franchise Business Review, a research firm that conducts independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ratings of franchise businesses based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes industry reports throughout the year that highlight research on the top franchises in specific sectors.
Kampgrounds of America is a network of more than 500 campgrounds across North America, most of which are individually owned and operated by franchise partners rooted in their local communities. Franchising has fueled KOA’s growth since the first franchise opened in 1964 in Cody, Wyo.
KOA was recognized among 320 franchise brands, representing over 8,550 female franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s 2026 research on the Top Franchises for Women. KOA’s franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their business, including leadership, training and support, financial opportunity, and work/life balance.
“We’re honored to be recognized as a Top Franchise for Women again this year,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “Women play an essential role across the KOA system, from campground owners and operators to leaders within our organization. Their contributions continue to strengthen the outdoor hospitality industry and the communities our campgrounds serve.”
KOA provides campground owners and operators with support across marketing, technology, education, design, and ongoing system resources, helping drive operational efficiencies while strengthening guest experiences. The corporate support helps create an environment where entrepreneurs, including many women across the KOA system, can build successful businesses while delivering memorable outdoor hospitality experiences. As the brand continues to grow, KOA remains committed to its mission of connecting people to the outdoors and each other.
“For women exploring the path to business ownership – whether full-time or part-time -franchising opens a world of real, achievable opportunity,” said Michelle Rowan, president of Franchise Business Review. “But with a vast landscape of options out there, due diligence is everything. Before committing to any brand, women should take a close look at what current female franchisees are actually experiencing: the quality of training and support, work/life balance, earning potential, company culture, and the strength of leadership. This year’s Top Franchises for Women list speaks for itself – 88% of female owners say they enjoy operating their business, and 3 out of 4 would recommend their franchise to others. That kind of peer validation is invaluable when you’re standing at the threshold of a major life decision.”
To learn more about joining the KOA family of campgrounds, visit www.ownakoa.com. To view the full list of 2026 Top Franchises for Women, visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com.
