The Economics of Everyday Things 112. Campgrounds
84 snips
Oct 27, 2025 Mark Lemoine, owner of Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday and senior VP at Kampgrounds of America, shares insights on campground ownership. He reflects on his career shift from politics to managing a campground, highlighting the unique challenges of private ownership amid fragmented industry dynamics. Mark discusses the economic impact of campgrounds, the importance of general stores, and seasonal staffing. He also covers strategies for pricing, revenue generation, and the cathartic experience of building a community through camping.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Midlife Pivot Into Campground Ownership
- Mark Lemoine sold most of his possessions and bought a campground, turning everything he owned, including his 401(k), into that business.
- He felt both exhilaration and terror after signing the paperwork and committing fully to the venture.
Public Campgrounds Are Subsidized Locally
- Public campgrounds typically recover only 50–75% of operating costs and rely on tax dollars to stay open.
- Governments accept the subsidy because parks generate substantial local spending; the Park Service estimates $10 returned per tax dollar.
Budget Realistically For New Campgrounds
- Expect to spend about $15,000–$25,000 per site when building infrastructure, so budget roughly $1.5–2.5M for a 100-site park plus land costs.
- Prepare for permits, campground licensing, and utility regulations across states before breaking ground.