We Quit Our Jobs To Buy A Campground — Now It Brings In $1.2 Million

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Mark Lemoine, 53, took a leap of faith in 2016 when he resigned from his government job to pursue his lifelong dream of owning a campground. Alongside his wife, Karla, also 53, they acquired the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Campground located in southwest Michigan for $1.6 million. Since then, through numerous renovations, new additions, and dedicated care, their campground's value has skyrocketed to an impressive $6 million.

Correction: This story has been updated at 4:05 to correct that the campground was 42 years old at the time when it was purchased by the Lemoines.

Produced by: Lauren Shamo
Senior Managing Producer: Eric M. Clark
Supervising Producer: Jessica Leibowitz
Camera: Devin Lieberman
Editor: Marisa Forziati
Animator: Elham Ataeiazar
Reporter: Megan Sauer
Additional Footage: Mark & Karla Lemoine, Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

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We Quit Our Jobs To Buy A Campground — Now It Brings In $1.2 Million

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Good for them. Taking such a big risk wouldn't be my cup of tea, but I admire people like that. They deserve to be successful

asavannah

KOAs can be hit or miss, it all depends on the owners. This couple looks like they're doing a great job!

maryblakley

This is so inspirational. I love that they took an aging site and turned it into their own vision/dream. I"m rooting for them to succeed and I hope they continue to feel good about the sacrifices they've made. Also, the videos of this camp ground actually made me want to go camping, and I despise camping, so they're doing something right!

portalomus

I hate when people talk about gross revenue and keep the expenses a secret. The net is what matters.

georgewashington

I admire this family for taking their future into their own hands. It looks as though they truly understand their customers and provide an exceptional service to families. I would love to see this beautiful KOA and what they’ve been able to build. Excellent job!

mikepetrocchi

They deserve to be applauded. They worked hard to get to a comfortable point. Then put it all on the line to follow a dream and didn’t take their foot off the gas. Well done.

JMc.D

He really had a good mentor! I think what is mentor said is one of the best part of the video:

1) If you could do anything in the world what would it be?
2) Fast forward to when you're 80 years old looking back at life and ask the question: what do you regret not trying?

The answer to these questions needs be the same!

fabios.

Honestly, they picked the perfect time to buy and renovate a campground because ever since Covid and the recession more people are going camping than ever and it's a trend that is likely to stick. Lockdowns encouraged more people to try outdoor activities. The recession took away a lot of disposable income from people so many are opting for visiting campgrounds instead of going on an expensive vacation. I wish this couple success on their campground. While I myself prefer more primitive amenities, for families or inexperienced campers (which is a large share of campers these days), I could see it being very popular and profitable.

bananaboat

so happy for these folks. I LOVE KOA. I've often driven far from home, pulling my Airstream and have always found a clean KOA to do laundry, take a break, fill my propane and so much more. I must say. by the looks of their camp in the video, I need to make this KOA a must stay.

NotThatBob

I am glad they survived the Covid lockdowns. Many small businesses did not, especially tourist operations in Canada, who saw their businesses repossessed. I worked in tourist camps during the summer as a teenager, and I certainly see the attraction of that type of life and business. Well done!

dilvishpa

My sister really didn’t want to continue our family business of running a pharmacy, but she changed her mind after soul searching after college. Sometimes if the business is successful enough it could sway the children’s minds about continuing the legacy.

saynotopw

I know they probably have a lot more work now that they have their own business but they are super happy which tells me that key to happiness is not to work less but to work more on what you truly enjoy doing.

JujuGurgel

Wow this place looks awesome. Good for these folks. They’re an inspiration

rtroybal

Seeing those before-and-after pics is like magic - you can really see just how aged and neglected the campsite was previously and how modern it looks now. It's a whole new experience :)

AJR-zgpy

This couple understand business. You have to invest money into the business to make money for years to come. Improvements in your business are a must to get returned customers. It's just part of doing business. Great job to this couple.

jansmith