Truck stops are often conveniently placed for a good quick overnight, but RVers are often nervous about parking among all the big rigs — and it’s nice to leave our 18-wheeling heroes good spots to rest. But Love’s locations are looking to bring RVers into the fold with on-site camping.
Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores has entered into a Franchise Agreement with KOA, North America’s largest campground chain to become a major campground developer.
Which doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll start seeing campgrounds attached to some of Love’s 550 locations in 41 states. The press release didn’t go that far. Love’s is a big company that has been expanding in recent years further into the hospitality world, including a growing network of hotels and storage rental locations, most of which, but not all, are on the same land as a Love’s Travel Stop.
I wouldn’t expect these to be just small campsites attached to a truck stop if Love’s portfolio of hotels is any indication. Love’s operates full-service Holiday Inn Express, Microtel, and Fairfield Inn accommodations that most people wouldn’t realize have any affiliation with the neighboring trucker’s oasis.
“As we began to consider adding camping to our portfolio of hospitality offerings, KOA just made sense,” said Kevin McCarthy, director of special projects for Love’s. “Both Love’s and KOA have a nearly 60-year track record of being at the forefront of their industries. We really think the combined expertise of these brands makes for a powerful partnership.”
The McComb KOA Journey in McComb, Mississippi will be Love’s first entrance into the campground market. It’s expected to open by the end of the year. “Journey” campgrounds are KOA’s convenient, low frills parks, offering pull-through sites and well-lit after-hours check-in along major highways.
“We are thrilled to have Love’s Travel Stops join the KOA Family of Campgrounds,” said Larry Brownfield, KOA senior director of franchise development. “We know that with the power of the KOA brand and Love’s history of proving quality amenities and services to motorists, this new campground will be a resounding success.”
