If you have an RV, you have undoubtedly noticed the bright yellow Kampground of America (KOA) signage along the highways and interstates indicating camping availability at the next exit. Since 1962, the highly-regarded KOA system has been providing campground facilities to weary travelers throughout North America. Catering to families, they typically offer plenty of activities and amenities to keep everyone happily engaged.

Whether you are looking for an overnight stay or a week-long vacation at your favorite destination, there is likely to be a KOA campground nearby.

What is KOA?

Per its website, Kampground of America (KOA) is the largest and most well-known system of privately owned campgrounds, with more than 500+ locations in the United States and Canada.

While each campground is different, they typically can accommodate tents, travel trailers, and motorhomes of varying sizes. Many places also offer cabins for vacationers that do not own an RV or glamping options for guests looking for a less rustic experience.

Basic amenities include water, sewer, and electric hookups for RV sites. Most campgrounds offer guests clean bathrooms and showers, outdoor cooking facilities, fire pits, a laundry room, a pool, playgrounds, a convenience store, and more. KOA is known for its traditional in-ground trampoline and low-rider bicycle rentals that kids of all ages can enjoy.

There is always something to do at a KOA campground, with an energetic activities staff that supervises daily activities such as arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, pie-eating contests, pool games, and so much more. KOA campgrounds train staff members, who are always wearing the uniform yellow shirt, to be knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly when helping campers secure a site for the night.

The pros and cons of staying at a KOA campground

If you are looking for a good time, spending your days enjoying activities with your family and nights sitting around a campfire making smores, then a KOA campground is for you.
 
KOA offers unique ways to enjoy your stay with unlimited activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, climbing walls, mini golf, pancake breakfasts, movie nights, horseshoe pits, dance parties, karaoke, and basketball courts. Pets are welcome at most KOA campgrounds, with many offering KampK9 pet parks, along with KOA Paw Pen Sites where guests can let their pets roam outside in a private, fenced-in area on their site without the need for a chain or leash.

While most KOA campgrounds provide non-stop fun, some guests don’t like the constant activity, preferring a quieter atmosphere. If you are looking for a peaceful poolside vacation without kids, noise, or a lot of people, then a KOA may not meet your needs.

Many people who just need a quick overnight stop don’t necessarily want to pay KOA rates if they don’t intend to utilize the facilities. The company has become aware of this phenomenon and has recently started listing their campgrounds based on amenities so guests know what to expect from each location.

KOA Journey campgrounds offer basic amenities and don’t offer activities. KOA Holidays campgrounds offer full amenities as listed above. At KOA Resorts, guests can enjoy a robust activity program and resort-style amenities.

What does it cost to stay at one of these campgrounds?

On average, the nightly rate ranges between $80 and $150 for RV campsites, $150 to $250 for cabins, and $40 to $80 for tent sites. The posted rate is for two adults. KOA typically charges an additional fee per person of $2 to $5 per night, which can add up quickly for large families.

Remember, campground costs vary greatly depending on factors such as type of site, time of year, length of stay, availability, number of people in your party, the size of your RV, and hookup requirements.

A KOA Rewards Program offers a 10% discount off the daily registration rate, and campers can accumulate rewards points for discounts on future stays. During KOA Rewards Weekend, guests can earn a free night of camping.

An easy-to-use online booking site allows campers to quickly locate a KOA campground, check availability, view the quoted price, and book or modify a reservation.