#ELECTRIC/EVSE: KOA Announces Plans For Camper-Friendly EV Charging At Campgrounds Across North America

BY Kampgrounds of America—At their annual Convention, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) announced a program to implement Level 2 EV Chargers designed by Jamestown Advanced Products at select campground locations across the United States and Canada. 

Campground owners within KOA’s network of 520 campgrounds are now eligible to purchase KOA-branded electric vehicle (EV) chargers for their properties with the intent to roll out at campgrounds in early 2022. The Level 2 EV Charging stations will be produced in partnership with Jamestown Advanced Products, supporting KOA’s goal of promoting sustainable transportation and infrastructure at KOA campgrounds.

EV Charger

According to KOA’s latest research, one in five campers have an EV in their household, compared to 12% of non-campers. The national average for EV ownership is around 7%. KOA is excited to bring this amenity to campers and RVers who own electric vehicles at a higher rate than the national average.

“We’re thrilled to partner with KOA to introduce the first fully integrated RV and EV power outlet to campers who want to travel with their electric and hybrid vehicles. Our EV chargers will be fast and reliable, solving for the common problem of finding enough chargers on the road when you leave major urban areas. Best of all, the camper will never need to leave their campsite to charge.”

Josh Lodestro, Director at Jamestown Advanced Products
Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday/ PHOTO: KOA

This program is an innovative way to bring power and efficient vehicle charging to guests with electric vehicles who enjoy the great outdoors. Each unit will be able to charge one electric vehicle while also providing amperage for RVs through an available outlet. The Level 2 chargers utilize a 240-volt electric supply and can charge the vehicle up to 10 times faster than a Level 1 (120-volt) charger.

“KOA is always looking for innovative ways to make our properties more environmentally friendly and reduce our carbon footprint. This amenity is a first-of-its-kind for a campground network, and we could not be more excited to offer EV chargers as an amenity to campground owners and guests alike. It’s an important step in promoting sustainability in the outdoor industry and making it easy for electric vehicle owners to enjoy their favorite activities such as camping, road tripping and RVing.”

Toby O’Rourke, President and CEO of Kampgrounds of America

Each EV charging station will allow for added 50, 30, or 20-amp receptacles to make on-site installation a one-stop solution for all power needs. No prior knowledge of EV charging is required for installation, as each unit arrives pre-wired and installs in a similar fashion to standard RV power outlets campground owners are familiar with. Each unit will also include universal access charging plug and twenty-five feet of cable. Registered campers will receive priority access to the charging stations.

(SOURCES: KOA and RVIA)