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4 Reasons That KOA Campgrounds Are Great for Family Trips

Let the kids be kids at a KOA.

By: Sara Sheehy + Save to a List


Camping is a way to spend time outside with your kids, allow them to learn new skills, and is an experience the whole family can treasure for years to come. 

If you have a family camping trip in your future, know that KOA is there for you. From offering the largest network of private campgrounds in the world to making life easier with online reservations and easy cancelations for life's unknowns, KOA makes planning a trip a breeze. Plus, with their clean, comfortable campsites and facilities, you can feel confident in a great experience.

Why else are KOAs so great for families? Here are four reasons:

1. Enjoy Kid-Friendly Activities


Some of my fondest memories of growing up are weeks spent camping with my parents, making friends with the kids in nearby campers, and enjoying hour after hour of fun. Campgrounds are places where kids can be kids!

KOA understands this, and many of their campgrounds offer kid-friendly amenities for non-stop enjoyment. These amenities include pools, bike rentals, arts & crafts, jump pads, mini-golf courses, and playgrounds. Check out the "Amenities" tab on any campground to see what is available.

2. Camp Near Major Attractions


Though there is plenty to do inside the campground, why not venture out? With over 500 locations in the United States in Canada, there are KOAs near many major attractions. 

From Yellowstone to Niagara Falls, and the US Capitol to Disney World, you'll find a KOA nearby that will help you mix the fun of amusement parks, museums, and cities with the outdoor experiences of camping. Most KOA owners are parents themselves, so when you check-in, be sure to ask them what is nearby for the family to do!

3. Check Out a Theme Weekend


A new trend at KOAs across the country is hosting theme weekends — and it's a trend we can absolutely get behind. If you loved summer camp, this is perhaps as close as you're going to get as an adult. Oh, and your kids will love it, too!

Call your favorite KOA to ask if they have any themed events planned this year. Examples from past years include a Splashtastic Water weekend, a Pajama Party weekend, family-friendly Octoberfest, and a Halloween Spooktacular. Many parks also host events around more traditional holidays like Thanksgiving and the 4th of July.

4. Have a Multi-Generational Family Reunion


KOA's are popular destinations for family reunions, and it's no wonder why. A family meetup at a campground allows generations young and old to share memorable outdoor experiences like roasting s'mores by the campfire and going on short hikes. Apart from the amenities and activities for all ages, KOAs are particularly well-suited to accommodate different styles of camping.

In addition to tent sites and RV sites, many KOAs also offer alternative lodgings like deluxe cabins and rental Airstreams. Do you love to sleep under the stars, but your grandmother prefers the comfort of a warm bed? Not a problem! The KOA campground search allows you to filter by lodging type to make this easy.

Note: when planning a family reunion, make sure you plan ahead! KOAs book up quickly, especially during the busy summer months and around holidays.

All photos courtesy of KOA

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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