Kampgrounds Of America, also known as KOA Campgrounds is the worlds largest privately owned campgrounds. It has 500+ franchises spread across America and Canada. KOA was established in 1962 by a businessman named Dave Drum on the banks of Yellow Stone River.
In May 2019, CEO Pat Hittmeier retired, completing his 38 years in the company. Toby O’Rourke was appointed as the new CEO for KOA.
There are more than 500 KOA campgrounds across America and Canada. Some are well suited for families, especially for kids. Here is a list of top 10 KOA campgrounds that are family friendly.
They not only help campers and families have a nice time but also give back to society. KOA Camp Cares initiative provides financial support to more than 125 nonprofit camping sites across the country. The initiative is to help children who have cancer forget their illness and focus on fun and friends at camps.
Here are the top 10 Best Kampgrounds of America (KOA Campgrounds):
1. Port Huron KOA (Michigan)
Port Huron is a water wonderland! Situated on St. Clair River and Lake Huron, you are certain to appreciate all it brings to the table. From angling for roost, walleye and salmon to “Craftsmanship in the Park” free week after week shows on the Black River throughout the late spring, there is certain to be something for everybody to appreciate.
Regardless of whether you and your family need to unwind and kick back or attempt and pack as much fun into your get-away – Port Huron KOA Camping Resort has what you need. Only a couple of enhancements include: hand plunged dessert, special bicycle rental, provided food breakfast, go-trucks, batting confines, and the rundown goes on!
- 70 acres filled with adventure, Port Huron KOA is a one hour drive from Detroit.
- Amenities include Gaga Ball Pits, Basketball Courts, Bike Rentals, Bounce Pillow, Gem Mining, Inline skating area.
2. Herkimer Diamond KOA (New York)
They’re wonderful, fun to discover and the entire family can dig at the Herkimer Diamond Mines, some portion of this KOA Resort. As a matter of fact quartz precious stones, the stones were faceted naturally a large portion of a billion years prior. Here, experience Upstate New York’s biggest gems store, a fossil-and-gemstone sluicing region, and a movement focus. Remain in themed cabins and hotels (windmill, tree-house, sun based fueled, space science and apply autonomy). Eat at Miners’ Table, a wood-terminated pizzeria and chophouse.
- A unique opportunity to dig and find Quartz Crystals in Herkimer Diamond Mine.
- Fun activities for children like Dye your own T-shirt and Make your own Ice Cream.
3. Ventura Ranch KOA (California)
The Ventura Ranch KOA is a 76-section of land campground settled at the foot of Ventura County’s most elevated mountain, Topa. Appreciate nature, untamed life, ravishing perspectives, and clear star-lit evenings. We are simply off the beautiful roadway, 7 miles between Santa Paula and Ojai.
Choose from the extremely natural to special living options:
- Tent locales (no power)
- RV locales (Full and fractional snare ups, no link for TV)
- Teepee’s (no power)
- Safari Tents
- Lodges (No link or TVs)
Check out some features:
- Located at the foothills of Topa Topa mountains, surrounded by the scenic marvel of the Ventura ranch mountain range.
- Movie night under the stars once a week,
- Rock Climbing tower. Talk about an adventure.
- Organized treks through the mountains.
4. Waterloo / Lost Island Waterpark KOA (Iowa)
This KOA is an island-themed campground, found behind Lost Island Waterpark and Adventure Golf and Go Karts, is ideal for a family escape. Remain in a Deluxe Cabin, RV or tent. Appreciate the on-location plate golf, hound park, paddleboats, and bikes. This area has gas, diesel and a fill station nearby. When you remain at this KOA, you can get markdown vouchers for Lost Island Waterpark! The South Hills Golf Course and Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo are directly over the street.
- Located behind the Lost Island water park.
- Discount coupons for water park while at stay as an additional perk.
- On-site gasoline, diesel and LP stations. Super convenient for long cruisers.
- Check out reviews of this campground on Campground Reviews.
5. Carlsbad KOA (New Mexico)
Relax with your family and companions at this excellent desert spring. This award-winning KOA is an enormous apparatus well disposed: Most destinations are immense 30/50-amp pull throughs with free Wi-Fi and free digital TV. The staff will ruin you as you appreciate the 2,000-square-foot network room, suppers conveyed to your site, a wonderful business clothing, extraordinary bathrooms, a fenced pooch park, and a pool.
- Nearby places to explore include the Carlsbad Caverns, Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park, Roswell’s International UFO Museum and White Sands National Monument.
- Once a week, free movie shows and community bonfires are organized.
6. Cape Hatteras KOA (North Carolina)
Cape Hatteras KOA Resort is a definitive oceanfront campground destination. The Atlantic Ocean on one side and Pamlico sound on the other, give you lovely water sees, unending water exercises and an excursion like no other. You can look over an assortment of facilities will fit each way of life and spending plan.
- The Atlantica ocean on one side and the Pamlico Sound on the other. A haven for water sports and beach activities.
- Socialize and dance around the campfires at night.
- Padal boards and kayak for rent. Maximum beach fun!
- Watch the YouTube video on Cape Hatteras KOA.
7. Astoria KOA (Oregon)
Appreciate the indoor pool and hot tub, outside pool, jumping pillow, small golf, play areas, rental bicycles, and canine park. The exercises building offers ball, family motion pictures, table games, Ping-Pong, pool tables and arcade diversions. Appreciate themed ends of the week consistently and sorted out diversions/creates throughout the entire summer. Venture outside your entryway and find the bait of beachfront nature at its best. Go through multi-day biking, kite flying, whale watching, shellfish burrowing, and beachcombing over the road in notable Fort Stevens. Find the rich nearby history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at Fort Clatsop.
- Located in Oregon Coast, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Columbia River.
- Beach activities like Kite flying, clam digging and whale watching.
- You can make a reservation here.
8. Yellowstone Park / West Entrance KOA (Montana)
Only 6 miles from Yellowstone national park! set in a beautiful location with a 360-degree view of the rocky mountains remain at the finest RV park and campground in West Yellowstone, Montana – the Yellowstone park koa.
- Fly-fishing, Horseback riding, whitewater rafting,
- Situated 6 miles from the Yellow Stone National Park.
- Savor the wild with Wolf and Bear Observing activities.
- Visit their website for inquiries and reservations.
9. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch (South Dakota)
The General Manager, Nathan Lail, is from Rapid City, South Dakota, and he has amassed an extraordinary supporting group to help run KOA predictably. Ben Larsen is our Guest Services Manager. He and his family have called the Black Hills home for a long time. Jennifer Karschnik is accountable for gathering deals and coordination. Hotel Manager, Billie Getman, returns for her 22nd year in 2018. Billie drives an incredible group at the Mt. Rushmore Lodge at Palmer Gulch. Another veteran is Retail Manager, Staci Anderson. Staci handles all the purchasing, setup and tasks of our GREAT retail outlets at the retreat. To wrap things up, Dean Karschnik is our Facilities Manager for the hotel. You will discover Dean out on the retreat ensuring our lovely hotel is sheltered and working appropriately.
Keeping up the rich legacy of Palmer Gulch, while giving a top of the line understanding to visitors, is a gigantic obligation that Nathan and his staff pay attention to very. In the event that there is anything that they can do to help make your stay progressively agreeable, kindly don’t falter to inquire.
- Situated in the heart of the Black Hills mountain range.
- Fun activities include horse wagon riding and trout fishing.
- Renting options for UTVs and motorbikes.
- Mount Rushmore KOA website.
10. San Diego Metro KOA (California)
It is the third generation welcoming visitors and helping campers gain enduring experiences at the campground. Search for Molly’s ceaseless smile at the exceptional exercises she arranges for you. Visitors love hearing Clint’s radio-voice as he conveys kindling or registers them with their locales. Culinary expert Courtney is turning out new, neighborhood Gourmet Pizzas at the San Castle Cafe. Josh is preparing for the most up to date attractions to bring to the recreation center. Nannette ensures you get the most recent camping news via web-based networking media.
You’ll see the fourth generation meandering around the play area, hopping pads, and inspecting kids meals at the Sand Castle Cafe to ensure it’s everything up to models. When they aren’t at the campground the Bell family wants to go hiking, go to the shoreline, volunteer in network associations, accumulate for family meals, and show the fourth generation the delights of camping.
- Discount tickets to Sea World, The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park are offered for the campers.
- Fun activities for kids like Laser tag game, movies under the stars, Horseshoe tournaments and Barrel train rides
- Make bookings and check guidelines on their website.
History of KOA Campgrounds
The year was 1962. Dave Drum was walking in his property, along the banks of River Yellow Stone when he noticed travelers heading to Seattle Worlds Fair in their wagons and RVs.
Dave interviewed traveler’s and understood the need for a secure place for traveler’s to spend a night and keep their belongings while visiting nearby parks and attractions.
The first commercial KOA campground was established in Daves property in Billings. The camp was equipped with hot showers, restrooms, and a general store.
After four years, the first KOA franchise was established in Cody, Wyoming. Owing to this success, franchises started popping all over the country.
By the end of 1980, KOA had established about 900 franchises. After 2002, due to strict quality standards, the number of franchises collapsed to 500. At present, KOA has about 508 campgrounds spread out across the United States of America and Canada.
KOA Campgrounds Rules
KOA is a place filled with fun and unlimited adventure. To maintain it that way, there are few rules and regulations that should be followed while at KOA Campgrounds. Failing to obey the rules might even lead to dismissal from the camp.
Things to Remember
- Check-in at 1:00 PM and checkout at 11:00 AM. Children below 18 must be at the camp by 9 PM. 10 PM to 8 AM is considered as Quiet hours.
- Only one vehicle and one camping unit per campsite OR one vehicle and one tent per tent site.
- No washing vehicles or RV in the camping site. All vehicles must have a KOA car tag.
- Climbing trees or plucking fruits is strictly prohibited.
- Always follow the camping etiquette guidelines.
- Suntan oil, glass containers, and food are not allowed in the pool area. No disposable napkins in the pool. No smoking in the pool area.
- Maximum 3 pets per campsite. Pets must be kept leashed at all times. Leaving dogs unattended is prohibited.
- Maximum 6 campers per camping site including visitors. Visitors must register at the office upon arrival.
- Firearms and crackers are strictly prohibited inside the camp. Smoking is prohibited in all buildings and the pool area.
Cancellation Policy
- RV/Tent: 48 Hours prior. Notify KOA by 4:00 p.m. two days prior to your arrival date.
- Kabin: 7 Days prior. Notify KOA at least one week prior to your arrival date.
- Monthly RV: Notify KOA at least one week prior to your arrival date.
- Cancellation amount of 10$ for cancellations before deadlines. For cancellations after deadlines, the deposit will not be refunded.
F.A.Q on KOA Campgrounds
It’s impossible to miss the yellow KOA sign while cruising down the highway. Everyone knows what KOA is. Apart from the fun-filled adventure hotspot, there are other things that make KOA unique.
What is the estimated cost for KOA Campgrounds?
KOA campground prices are not fixed and every campground has its own price range.
However, on average, a tent site would cost you around $23 to $45 per night and an RV site costs $35 to $60 per night. Additional costs may be charged depending on the amenities and activities.
Does KOA provide Cabins & Camping Sites?
KOA offers a wide range of stays to choose from including deluxe cabins along with RV & Tent sites, it is always best to call in first and make a reservation and also inquire about the availability of cabins.
- RV Sites –KOA offers RV sites up to 120 feet, equipped with WiFi and Kamp K9. RV parts and accessories are often available in onsite stores.
- Tent Sites – Tent sites are provided with picnic tables, fire pits, and clean restrooms and showers nearby. Cooking options are also available in some campsites.
- Deluxe Cabins –Accommodating up to 8 people, KOA Deluxe Cabins have luxury features like built-in bathrooms, kitchens, climate control and more.
- Camping Cabins: Cozy stay with beds, stools, mini fridges, TVs and more.
- Unique Lodging –Unique lodging options like Teepee, Airstreams, and Treehouses in select KOA campsites.
Some KOA campgrounds offer RV rentals. The price can vary from season to season.
Are pets allowed in KOA cabins?
Yes, pets are welcomed in the KOA campground cabins however you have to follow pet rules and it also advised to call in first and inquire on the rules as well. The basic pet rules are that you need to ensure that your pet does not show aggressive behavior and does not disturb other guests in any way, you should never leave your pet tied up in the cabin or to your equipment. It is also a policy that when you are out with your pet you should have a 6′ foot leash on them. Lastly, if your dog has a habit of continuous barking at night or even in the day, then it would be wise not to carry him along KOA officials may ask you to leave.
All in all, if your pet is on his best behavior and causes no trouble to the environment then it is all good.
Conclusion
Despite the digital age, camping and other outdoor activities are becoming more and more popular. The mark that KOA has created in the camping field can be attributed to its impeccable customer service, quality and a wide range of options to choose from. Be it a family vacation or a break from your long road trip, KOA offers the best service possible, taking care of your comfort and safety.