Kultivating Happy Kampers: KOA and Camping in the Late 20th Century

MHS Research Center director Molly Kruckenberg and state archivist Jodie Foley discuss the evolution of KOA—Kampgrounds of America. In 1962 the thousands of Americans driving through Montana en route to the Seattle’s World Fair caught the attention of Dave Drum, a Billings resident and entrepreneur. He set up campsites on his land north of the Yellowstone River, offering hot showers, restrooms, and a store. The idea caught on, and by 1969 there were KOAs across the country serving this new generation of vacationers who wanted the experience of camping while retaining some comforts of home. Today KOA’s familiar bright yellow signs can be found all across North America.