Kampgrounds of America, or KOA, is a network of privately-owned campgrounds that offer a variety of camping options, including RV camping. The first KOA campground was established in Billings, Montana in 1962, and since then, the network has grown to include over 500 locations across North America. Each KOA campground is independently owned and operated, but all are part of the larger KOA network and adhere to certain standards and quality guidelines. We camp a lot at many KOAs around the country and are a member of the value club. KOA campgrounds have become a popular choice for travelers who are looking for a fun and affordable way to explore new areas and enjoy the great outdoors. In addition to RV camping, KOA campgrounds offer a range of other camping options, such as tent camping and cabin rentals, all of which we will explore in this article.
Key Features Of KOA Campgrounds
One of the benefits of staying at a KOA campground is the consistency of RV park amenities and services across the network. It has been our experience that you can expect to find similar standards of quality and hospitality at each KOA location. KOA campgrounds boast an array of amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. From full hookups for RVs to clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi, you’ll find everything you need to make your camping experience convenient.
Consistency
As I mentioned earlier, one of the benefits of staying at a KOA campground is the consistency of amenities and services across the network. Whether you’re traveling across the country or staying close to home, you can expect to find similar standards of quality and hospitality at each KOA location. This can be particularly helpful for RVers who are looking for a reliable and comfortable place to stay while they’re on the road.
Location
Many KOA campgrounds are situated in scenic areas near national parks, lakes, and forests. This can provide RVers with a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and explore new areas while still having access to modern amenities and services.
Amenities
KOA campgrounds offer a wide range of amenities, including full hookups for RVs, clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and recreational facilities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and game rooms. In addition, many KOA campgrounds offer organized activities such as movie nights, scavenger hunts, and themed weekends, which can be a great way for RVers to connect with other travelers and have fun while they’re on the road.
Pet-friendly
KOA understands that your furry family members are an important part of your life and wants to make sure they feel just as welcome as you do. That’s why they offer KampK9, a dog-friendly fenced area where your pets can play and run off-leash while you relax in the seating area. There are cleanup stations and fresh water available, and some KOA locations even have separate areas for large and small dogs. Not only does this make your camping experience more enjoyable, but it also provides a sense of security knowing that your pet is safe and within your reach. Plus, with the many pet-friendly amenities such as spacious sites, designated pet shower areas, and plenty of activities to do with your furry companion, KOA makes it easy for you and your pet to make unforgettable memories together.
Discover Three Types of KOA Campgrounds
There are three main types of KOA campgrounds: Holiday, Journey, and Resort. Here’s a brief description of each type:
Holiday
KOA Holiday campgrounds are typically larger and offer a wide range of amenities and activities. These campgrounds are often situated in popular vacation destinations or near major attractions, and they cater to families and groups who are looking for a fun and relaxing vacation experience. Some of the amenities you can expect to find at a KOA Holiday campground include swimming pools, hot tubs, playgrounds, bike rentals, and organized activities such as scavenger hunts and pancake breakfasts.
Journey
KOA Journey campgrounds are designed for travelers who are looking for a convenient and comfortable place to stay while they’re on the road. These campgrounds are typically located near major highways or interstates, and they offer easy access and pull-through RV sites for quick and easy set-up. While Journey campgrounds may not offer as many amenities or activities as Holiday or Resort campgrounds, they still provide essential services such as clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi.
Resort
KOA Resort campgrounds are the most luxurious and feature-packed of the three types. These campgrounds are often situated in beautiful locations such as beaches, lakes, or mountains, and they offer a wide range of upscale amenities and services. Some of the features you can expect to find at a KOA Resort campground include deluxe cabins, on-site restaurants, golf courses, spas, and fitness centers. Resort campgrounds are designed to provide a high-end vacation experience for families and groups who are looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway. These resorts allow you to fully immerse yourself in the campground experience without ever leaving the site. For those seeking extra comfort and luxury, KOA Resorts offer RV Sites with KOA Patios and Deluxe Cabins.
KOA Campgrounds Have a Variety of RV Sites
KOA campgrounds offer a variety of RV camping options to suit different needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common types of RV sites you can find at KOA:
Full Hookup Sites: Full hookup sites are the most popular type of RV site at KOA. These sites offer water, electricity, and sewer hookups, as well as a level parking pad for your RV. Full hookup sites may also include a picnic table and fire pit or grill.
Water and Electric Sites: Water and electric sites offer access to potable water and a 30- or 50-amp electrical hookup, but do not have a sewer hookup. Guests using these sites typically have access to a dump station within the campground for waste disposal.
Pull-Through Sites: Pull-through sites are designed for larger RVs and motorhomes. These sites are typically longer and wider than other sites and provide ample space for maneuvering and parking your RV. Pull-through sites are popular with travelers who want easy access to their site without having to back up or maneuver their RV in tight spaces.
Back-In Sites: Back-in sites require you to back your RV into the site, which can be more challenging than a pull-through site. However, back-in sites may offer more privacy and seclusion than other sites, as they often have trees or shrubs surrounding them.
Premium Sites: Premium sites are larger or more secluded sites that may offer additional amenities, such as a patio area, private fire pit, or a view of a scenic area. These sites are typically more expensive than standard sites.
KOA Campgrounds Offer Cozy Cabins
KOA campgrounds offer cabin rentals as an alternative to RV or tent camping, providing comfortable accommodations for travelers who prefer a more home-like experience. Cabins range from basic rustic cabins to deluxe cabins with all the creature comforts. Here are some of the most common types of cabins you can find at KOA:
Basic Cabins: Basic cabins are small, rustic cabins that typically offer a simple, no-frills camping experience. These cabins may include basic furnishings, such as bunk beds, a table and chairs, and a mini-fridge. Guests using basic cabins typically use nearby restrooms and shower facilities.
Deluxe Cabins: Deluxe cabins are larger and more comfortable than basic cabins, and often feature additional amenities such as private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and air conditioning. Deluxe cabins may also have separate sleeping areas, a living room, and a porch or deck. These cabins can be a great option for families or groups who want a more comfortable and convenient camping experience.
Camping Cabins: Camping cabins are similar to basic cabins, but may offer a few additional amenities such as electricity, a heater, or a ceiling fan. Guests using camping cabins typically use nearby restrooms and shower facilities.
Unique Cabins: Some KOA campgrounds offer unique or themed cabins, such as teepee cabins, treehouse cabins, or cabooses. These cabins provide a fun and unique camping experience and can be a great option for families or groups who want something a little different.
Cabin rentals are often less expensive than hotel rooms and can provide a more unique and memorable vacation experience. We’ll explore more of that in the next section of this article.
KOA Campgrounds Offer a Budget-Friendly Alternative to Hotels
The cost of staying at a KOA campground can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as location, time of year, and the type of camping site or accommodation you choose. Take a look at our in depth article about RV campsite costs to learn more about these factors. In general, camping at a KOA is often less expensive than staying in a hotel, but it really depends on your individual circumstances. If you’re traveling in an RV or tent camping, staying at a KOA campground can be an affordable option. RV sites typically cost less than hotel rooms, and tent camping can be even more budget friendly. Many KOA campgrounds offer amenities and services that can help you save money, such as laundry facilities, grills for cooking your own meals, and free Wi-Fi. However, if you’re looking for more luxurious accommodations or are traveling during peak season, staying at a KOA Resort campground can be more expensive than a standard hotel room. The deluxe cabins and high-end amenities that are available at some KOA Resort locations can come with a premium price tag.
KOA Tent Sites Prices
Tent sites at KOA campgrounds can range in price from around $20 to $80 per night, depending on the location, time of year, and amenities offered. Basic tent sites with no hookups or additional amenities tend to be the most affordable, while sites with electricity, water, and other amenities may cost more.
KOA RV Sites Prices
RV sites at KOA campgrounds typically range in price from around $30 to $120 per night. Full hookup sites with water, electricity, and sewer tend to be more expensive than sites with only water and electricity, and pull-through sites designed for larger RVs may also cost more.
KOA Cabins Prices
Cabin rentals at KOA campgrounds can range in price from around $50 to $300 per night, depending on the type of cabin, location, and time of year. Basic camping cabins tend to be the most affordable, while deluxe cabins with additional amenities and services may cost more.
Discount Option: KOA Value Kard Rewards (VKR):
KOA offers a memberships and discount program that can help travelers save money on camping and related expenses. KOA Value Kard Rewards (VKR) is a loyalty program offered by Kampgrounds of America (KOA) that provides a range of benefits to members who frequently camp at KOA campgrounds. We here at Vacation Travel Blog love this program and the point features. We camp at a KOA at least a few times a year and continue to add points to our balance. The program offers members a wide range of rewards and perks, including discounts on camping fees, exclusive access to special offers and promotions, and a free night of camping every year. It’s fee is only around $35 per year and usually I save my membership fee on a single stay. Members of the program receive a 10% discount on camping fees at any KOA campground, which can add up to significant savings for frequent campers. Additionally, members can earn points on every dollar spent on camping fees, which can be redeemed for free nights of camping or other rewards. The program is open to anyone who enjoys camping at KOA campgrounds, whether they’re RVers, tent campers, or cabin renters.
Give the Gift of Adventure with KOA Gift Cards
The KOA Gift Card program provides customers with an easy and convenient way to purchase gift cards for friends and family. The company offers several options for gift cards, including physical gift cards and e-gift cards that can be sent via email. Customers can choose the amount of the gift card, ranging from $10 to $500, and can also add a personalized message to the recipient. The page also provides information on how to redeem the gift card, including instructions on how to use the card for online reservations or at the campground. Additionally, the page highlights the benefits of purchasing a KOA gift card, such as the flexibility to use the card at any KOA location and the ability to use the card for camping fees, cabin rentals, and other campground purchases. Overall, the KOA Gift Card page provides a convenient and flexible gift-giving option for those who love camping and the great outdoors.
Long Term Stays
If you’re planning on taking a long camping trip, KOA campgrounds offer a variety of options for extended stays. Most KOA campgrounds allow guests to stay for up to 28 days at a time, but some locations offer extended stay options that can save money on the cost of the site. Monthly or seasonal rates are available at many KOA campgrounds, providing a effective way to enjoy an extended vacation. It’s important to note that availability and policies may vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check directly with the campground to confirm their extended stay options. By taking advantage of extended stay options at KOA campgrounds, you can enjoy a longer and more budget-friendly camping vacation while experiencing all the great amenities and activities KOA’s offer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, KOA campgrounds offer a fun and affordable way to explore new areas and enjoy the great outdoors. I like the fact that most places we travel, we can find a KOA. I know that I am going to usually get consistency and I have found most KOA to be a great stay.
Do you enjoy staying in KOA campgrounds? What are some of your favorites? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!
You can learn more about KOA at koa.com.
