The Montana Roots of KOA: America’s First Campground

If you’ve ever pulled into a KOA campground on a family road trip, you might be surprised to know that the very first one started right here in Montana.

In 1962, a Billings businessman named Dave Drum had an idea that would completely change the way Americans camped. What began as a simple, practical solution for road-weary travelers turned into the world’s largest privately owned campground network.

Montana Travel Boom and the Seattle World’s Fair

The summer of 1962 was a big one for travel. Families packed into their cars and early RVs, heading west toward the Seattle World’s Fair. Roads were busy with excited travelers, but there was one big problem and the problem was that they didn’t have many good options for where to stay along the way.

READ MORE: Driving the Beartooth Highway: Montana’s Most Beautiful Road Trip

Montana’s Lack of Camping Facilities

Back in the 1960s and years before, people often ended up camping on roadsides, in city parks, or anywhere they could find a patch of open ground. Organized camping facilities with reliable amenities just weren’t a thing yet, and travelers had to make do with whatever they could find.

KOA’s Montana Founder Had a Vision

Dave Drum, who owned property along the Yellowstone River in Billings, noticed this growing wave of travelers passing through. He realized he could offer more than just a place to pitch a tent, he could create a campground designed for convenience, safety, and comfort. It was a simple but groundbreaking idea.

The First KOA in Billings, Montana

So Drum opened what was first called the Billings Campground. For just $1.75 a night, campers got a picnic table, fire ring, hot showers, and even access to a store. It wasn’t just a patch of land, it was a place designed for families to rest, refresh, and enjoy their trip. This little spot on the banks of the Yellowstone became the blueprint for every KOA that would follow.

Montana’s KOA Idea Goes National

Word spread quickly about the Billings Campground. By the summer of 1963, Drum and his partners realized they had something special on their hands. They officially named the company Kampgrounds of America (KOA) and began selling franchises. Within a decade, KOA grew from one humble Montana campground to hundreds across the U.S. and Canada.

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KOA’s Montana Roots Still Run Deep

Today, KOA is headquartered in Billings, with more than 500 campgrounds across North America. The company still prides itself on providing the same essentials that Drum offered back in 1962 which are clean facilities, friendly service, and a welcoming place for travelers. From roadside stopovers to deluxe cabins, it all started with one man’s Montana vision.