The Buffalo KOA Journey, owned and operated by Paul and Anita Peoples and family, has been named Kampgrounds of America, Inc.’s (KOA) 2026 Rising Star. KOA’s Rising Star is awarded to an exemplary campground that has been a part of the KOA campground system for less than five years.
When Paul and Anita Peoples first packed up their five kids for cross-country camping trips, they never imagined they would one day own a KOA, let alone build one of the most admired parks in the system. Those unplugged family adventures through national parks, lasting 10, 14, or even 17 days off the grid, became more than just getaways. They marked the start of a dream.
After years of cabin camping and conversations with KOA owners, Paul and Anita attended a Campground Buyer’s Workshop in Nashville and started searching for the perfect campground.
Their search for their dream location led them north. In 2020, during the quiet of the COVID shutdown, Paul and Anita boarded a nearly empty flight to Billings, Montana. They rented an economy car, upgraded to a convertible Mustang, and drove along the Front Range, planning to visit campgrounds on the way to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The campground in Buffalo, Wyoming, wasn’t even for sale when they stopped by. But they knew it felt right.
“We met the previous owners, stayed two nights, and by the time we returned to Texas, we knew Buffalo was home,” said Paul Peoples.
Since purchasing the property, the Peoples have expanded the campground by five acres along Clear Creek, creating a serene 22-site addition with stunning views of the Bighorn Mountains. Working with KOA’s Campground Design Services team, they upgraded all RV sites with full hookups, added streaming-capable Wi-Fi, installed solar panels, and achieved KOA Green certification.
“I could see it in my mind,” Anita says. “We raised the floodplain, added soil, and created this beautiful, private area. It’s special.”
The results speak for themselves. The park now spans 81 RV sites, including a serene new 22-site expansion over Clear Creek. The project turned out beautifully, and the Peoples haven’t slowed down since. They continue making improvements, big and small, always focused on the guest experience. Thoughful touches include upgraded furniture, commercial-grade fire pits, and a restored two-story log cabin office. Guest satisfaction has soared, with campers returning often.
“Our guests aren’t just travelers; they’re part of our story,” said Anita. “We’ve built a place where people feel at peace, like they belong.”
“The Peoples family embodies the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and warmth that define KOA’s next generation of campground owners,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “Their passion for hospitality and their deep investment in their campground, guests, and community make Buffalo KOA Journey a shining example of what’s possible within our system.”
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
