Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is a group of nearly 500 campgrounds around Canada and the United States. Each campsite is owned by a different person or group of people.
Some sites are close to state parks, with a good number conveniently located close to highways for easy locating. These camps allow pets and have dog parks.
They also offer guided seasonal activities and accommodate all the family members’ needs.
The different types of KOAs have different amenities, but almost all offer bathrooms, campsite tents, RV sites, and separate cabins.
What are KOA campgrounds?
KOA, or Kampgrounds of America, is a system of campgrounds owned privately, with over five hundred locations found across Canada and the United States. KOA is among the world’s most extensive systems.
The focus is to connect individuals to the outdoors and each other. The campgrounds make it easier to access and enjoy nature as well as share adventures with friends and family members.
KOA also ensures that people access amenities that provide perfect places outdoors and enjoy camping. It is for people who are looking for enjoyment outside of their typical environments.
Whether it is an ideal site you are looking for or you need a cozy spot than your familiar home environment, KOA provides ideal campsites for such people.
There are three different types of KOA campgrounds, each one targeting different types of campers, namely;
- KOA journey
- KOA holiday
- KOA resort
How to join KOA
To join KOA, one needs to get a KOA membership which means that one has to get a discount card. Ownership of this card gives you access to various benefits, with the current cost being $33 a year.
The $33 fee applies to every individual as yearly charges. With KOA’s membership, the members benefit from the 10% off daily registration rates at any campground.
They also earn rewards points toward future stays, coupons, and appreciation weekend free stays during the VKR.
However, any camper does not need to have a KOA membership to be allowed at any of the locations. The campgrounds are accessible to all public regardless of the person’s membership status.
KOA positions its campgrounds along main roads and travelling routes so campers can easily access them. This makes it convenient for travelers to access the campgrounds and have enough time to relax and enjoy the place.
Is it worth joining?
For campers who love camping frequently, joining KOA is worth doing. While camping with family members or a group of friends seems to be an inexpensive way to spend quality time with loved ones, it can be much more expensive when you don’t have a KOA membership.
KOA membership saves a great deal as it grants members access to many campsites across Canada and United States. It also allows for bonding and connecting with friends with the large cabins that accommodate about eight people.
To understand whether joining KOA is worth it or not, let’s take a look at the benefits one enjoys with a KOA membership.
Benefits of KOA membership
KOA offers a wide range of benefits for its members. They include;
Camping discounts
The main benefit of joining KOA is the 10% discount on every nightly camping rate at the KOA camping grounds.
Without a membership, one has to pay between $40 and $100 for one night of camping, but with a membership, one’s reward saves you about $4 to $10 daily.
Free camping night
Usually, when one is a member, they are entitled to a free stay with reward points. Additionally, the KOA rewards allow members to have one free night of camping.
The company hosts KOA rewards weekend, where the members are allowed to have free nights camping yearly. The campers who have bookings for Friday night can stay free on a Saturday night.
This free camping weekend is usually scheduled for early and mid-September, immediately after Labor Day weekend.
Reward points
The campers with KOA membership earn reward points for every night they are camping at the campground. The points can be redeemed for dollars off future stays.
The nightly points range from 600 to 1625 based on the price paid or the available points. The points do not expire as long one keeps their loyalty account active.
Campers also benefit from the 250 additional points they earn when making their reservation through the KOA website. Every $10, $25, and $50 reward, the camper earns 6500, 15000, and 25000 points, respectively.
Enjoy special RV and travel discounts
As a KOA member, you not only benefit from the KOA campgrounds discounts but also receive other special savings from companies such as KOA health, Goodyear Tires, RV Loan Center by Dish TV, and Allstate RV Road help.
In addition to the normal member benefits, the members who earn more than 20,000 points are automatically elevated to KOA VIPs and benefit from the VIP rewards. These members receive benefits such as;
Free membership renewal
Members with 20,000 reward points receive a free renewal of the KOA rewards membership. This benefit applies every year the member accumulates 20,000 points. This means that most campers pay for their first-year membership. Once they reach the VIP status, their membership is automatically renewed.
More points
The VIP members whose accounts have been promoted to VIP status earn 25% more reward points for every stay than the usual member. This means that the VIPS will earn more camping discounts fast.
Cancellation fees are waived
Sometimes, people would want to cancel their reservation at the last minute. The good thing about being a VIP camper is that you enjoy a 10% cancellation fee for the RV site or tent as long the cancellation call is done more than 48 hours in advance.
A discount to bring a friend
If the VIP KOA member comes with a friend, the friend also receives 10% off the regular campsite rate for up to four nights. However, for the discount to apply, the member has to be camping for the entire period at the same KOA.
KOA membership cost
The cost of KOA varies depending on the camping one intends to do and the time of the year.
For the KOA RVs campground, the average price for a night stay is $41 to $81.
The camping cabins range from $54 to $250 for a single night, and the tents cost about $24 to $80 a night. KOA determines the price depending on the number of nights spent at the camp.
The campers access up to 55% off for those who stay for long. If you are a long-term camper, the least you can pay for a month is $600.
The traveler should also pay a non-refundable fee of $100 to help preserve their spot for the one-month stay. This is because usually, these places are hotspots, and many people need their services; hence challenging to make a reservation the same day and get a place to stay.
What are the three levels of KOA campgrounds
There are different types or levels of KOA campgrounds, each with different amenities. However, these kinds provide restrooms, RV sites, showers, and tent sites. These campgrounds include; KOA journey, KOA Holiday, and KOA resort.
KOA journey
This category is the simplest of KOA, with many things to offer. They have cabins to accommodate families of different sizes and almost always include a place to sit outside and a fire pit.
The KOA Journey campgrounds are usually found between big destination cities, making them a suitable place to stop.
The campers are charged roughly $30 to spend the night while using cabins without a bathroom but are located near the amenities cost $55. The lucrative cabins charge $100 to use, with the cost of the RV spot being roughly $50.
KOA family holiday
These campgrounds are typically located close to significant cities allowing the campers to camp while exploring the cities. In these campgrounds, one will find renovated Deluxe cabins and huge patio sites for RV enthusiasts.
This campsite is an excellent option for families who want a family-friendly environment near major tourist destinations.
The tent sites cost as low as $30 for the night, but the huge cabins cost roughly $125. At this campground, you can find a cabin that can accommodate more than seven people, which is ideal for large families who travel together.
The RV enthusiasts will not miss something of their own as they are allowed access to a private patio for $95.
KOA resort
As the name suggests, this campground offers a luxury stay. These sites are, in and of themselves, destinations. The campers do not have to go outside the KOA looking for world-class amenities because everything is brought within your reach and access.
Amenities such as gyms, on-site restaurants, basketball courts, coffee shops, and tennis courts are within the KOA. However, it is advisable to book these RV sites and the Cabins in advance since they sell out fast.
Difference between KOA and KOA holiday
KOA stands for the Kampgrounds of America, a set of nearly 500 campsites spread through Canada and the United States. Each KOA campground is different and owned by a different group or family.
These campgrounds are usually located in convenient places, such as close to highways, allowing travelers to locate them quickly. Nevertheless, KOA campgrounds are built for different purposes and target other campers or, instead, customers.
This is where you find the different types of KOA campgrounds, one of them being the KOA holiday.
KOA Holiday campgrounds are typically located close to significant cities allowing the campers to camp while exploring the nearest cities. In these campgrounds, one will find renovated Deluxe cabins and huge patio sites for RV enthusiasts.
This campsite is a great option for families who want a family-friendly environment near major tourist destinations.
The tent sites cost as low as $30 for the night, but the huge cabins cost roughly $125. At this campground, you can find a cabin that can accommodate more than seven people, which is ideal for large families who travel together.
Within the KOA holiday campgrounds, RV enthusiasts or campers are granted access to a private patio for $95.
Some of the best KOA campgrounds
Finding the best campground feels like a second home for those who love camping. Finding a campground you can go to countless times makes packing, planning, and making reservations simple and easy.
With close to 500 campgrounds available and the sheer number of these campgrounds offering various amenities, one wonders: what is the best KOA campground? Here are a few to add to your bucket list;
Nashville KOA
This offers the camper tons of fun activities for the entire family. The campers also enjoy the famous swimming pool and a poolside movie. For the kids, the KOA offers a natural playground.
The rates go from $60 to $120 a night. It is one of the best since it offers an all-inclusive environment close to one kind of musical attraction.
KOA Myrtle Beach
This is most suitable for beach lovers. It is only walking distance to the most popular beaches. It also offers deluxe cabins, a pool, a pancake breakfast, and other fun activities like tournaments. Above all, the campers access a free shuttle to the beach. The rates range from $75 to $150 a night.
Ouray, CO KOA
The best part about this campground is that it is located between the San Juan mountains, the most beautiful set of mountains in the world. It offers a fantastic store, clubhouse, spacious site, and deluxe cabins.
The campers enjoy the ranging rivers, nature trails, and mountain views at the camping grounds. The rates go from $60 to $120 per night, which is favorable for a nice place like this campground.
Other best KOAs include;
- Pigeon Forge KOA
- St. George KOA
- Leavenworth or Pine Village KOA
- Mount Rushmore KOA
- Tucson Lazydays KOA
- Cape Cod KOA
- Palm springs KOA
Conclusion
Kampgrounds of America have helped people camp with little effort since they offer wonderful amenities. With the different types of KOA campgrounds, it has become easy for the campers to identify which KOAs are suitable for them and benefit from the excellent amenities offered. If you are a beginner wondering what KOA to choose, you can use the above list to find a KOA that suits your needs.
