KCN Campgrounds to acquire Michigan KOA Holiday

Source: KCN Campgrounds to acquire Michigan KOA Holiday

What It Says

KCN Campgrounds has reached an agreement to acquire the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday located in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The transaction, expected to close on September 9, 2026, marks the group’s first venture into the Michigan market. The 40-acre wooded property currently hosts roughly 15,000 guests per year and offers a diverse inventory including RV sites, tent sites, cabins, and glamping accommodations.

KCN, led by founder and managing partner Kevin Thueson, is the second-largest multi-park owner in the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) system, with 11 other locations across states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. The sellers, Mark and Karla Lemoine, are exiting after a decade of ownership; Mark Lemoine currently serves as senior vice president of franchise operations at KOA.

Why It Matters

This acquisition is a clear indicator of the accelerating consolidation within the outdoor hospitality sector. As independent "mom-and-pop" campgrounds reach retirement age, institutional-grade operators like KCN are rolling these assets into larger portfolios. For the short-term rental (STR) industry, this represents a convergence: campgrounds are increasingly competing for the same guest pool as traditional STRs by expanding their "deluxe cabin" and glamping offerings, backed by the professional management and marketing power of a large-scale operator.

Useful Signals

• Expansion Target: KCN is actively looking for "future investments" to strengthen its portfolio, specifically in the Midwest.
• Inventory Diversification: The property highlights the value of mixed-use sites that combine traditional RV spots with high-margin glamping and cabin units.
• Market Consolidation: Professional multi-park owners are replacing independent operators, leading to more standardized guest experiences and sophisticated tech stacks.
• Key Personnel: Kevin Thueson (KCN Campgrounds) and Mark Lemoine (KOA) are central figures in this transaction and the broader KOA franchise ecosystem.

STR Tech Report Take

For technology vendors, the growth of groups like KCN Campgrounds signals a shift in the buyer profile. These operators need unified platforms capable of managing complex, high-volume inventory—ranging from "dirt" sites to luxury cabins. As these portfolios scale, their demand for professional-grade revenue management, automated guest communication, and specialized outdoor hospitality PMS tools will increase. Operators should watch this space as a benchmark for how to scale outdoor hospitality assets through professional branding and diversified stay types.

According to Kevin Thueson, the group is "excited to establish a presence in southwest Michigan and explore future investments that strengthen both this campground and our growing portfolio."

Original Source

KCN Campgrounds to acquire Michigan KOA Holiday