After ten years, Mark and Karla Lemoine, owners of the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday in Benton Harbor, Mich., have announced through an email to campers that their park has been acquired KCN Campgrounds, an investment group that owns and operates a portfolio of premier campgrounds across the United States.
KCN is the second-largest franchisee multi-park owner within the Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) system.
“As this community knows, we have poured our hearts, our souls, and yes — even our life savings — into revitalizing our campground,” said Mark Lemoine. “We thank God for blessing that journey and for allowing us to build something special alongside an incredible team, serve thousands of wonderful guests, and become part of this community.”
Arthur Havlicek, president and CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, praised the Lemoines’ impact on the region.
“The Lemoines demonstrated the perfect balance of entrepreneurial grit and civic responsibility,” Havlicek said. “We thank them for their outstanding stewardship of this gem in our community and appreciate the care they took in finding the right buyer to preserve and build upon their legacy of exceptional hospitality, guest service, and community involvement.”
With eleven campgrounds across the country, including great destinations such as the Wisconsin Dells, Hot Springs National Park, Hershey, Pennsylvania and Gettysburg battlefield, the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday will become KCN Campgrounds’ first property in Michigan.
Richard Burlingham, who has worked as the operations manager for the past five years, has been hired to continue to serve as the General Manager of the campground.
“We are honored to become only the third owners of the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA since it opened in 1974,” said Kevin Thueson, founder and Managing Partner of KCN Campgrounds. “We’re excited to work with Richard and the team as we establish a presence in southwest Michigan and explore future investments that strengthen both this campground and our growing portfolio while creating memorable camping experiences for generations of families.”
Part of Kampgrounds of America — the world’s largest system of privately owned campgrounds — the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday has become one of the flagship properties within the KOA network. Located just minutes from the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan, it has earned a reputation for exceptional guest experiences and innovative outdoor hospitality, stated the email.
“Mark and Karla Lemoine have been exceptional KOA franchisees and have earned tremendous respect throughout our system,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “Their story is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through entrepreneurship, dedication, and partnership with KOA. We’re proud to celebrate all they have built and accomplished, and are also excited that KCN Campgrounds will carry their legacy forward and continue delivering outstanding outdoor hospitality in Michigan’s Great Southwest.”
Since September 2024, Mark has also served as Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for KOA, headquartered in Billings, Mont. Following the sale of the campground, Mark and Karla have announced plans to retire at the end of the year. They look forward to spending more time traveling, caring for Mark’s elderly mother, and enjoying life with their adult children and grandchildren.
Reflecting on the journey, Karla Lemoine shared the couple’s deep connection to West Michigan.
“West Michigan will always hold a special place in our hearts,” she said. “I was born and raised in Zeeland. Mark and I met while attending Calvin University; we began our careers together in Grand Rapids, and we concluded this chapter of our lives here at the campground. Our connection to this community will continue through our family as well, as our two youngest daughters both married young men they met while attending Coloma High School.”
She concluded, “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who encouraged us, supported us, and gave us a place to belong. The friendships and memories we’ve made here will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”
Their final day at the campground will be Tuesday, Sept. 8.
