Tents And Cabins

KOA (Kampgrounds of America)

When I first traveled cross country, I discovered KOA (Kampgrounds of America). These are often where I stay on my travels for many reasons. Depending on the lodging type, it can be significantly cheaper than a hotel. Also, I really love not having to carry a big bag or suitcase into a hotel which usually involves long hallways and such. The convenience factor of walking two feet to your car, popping the trunk, and getting what you need when you need it cannot be understated. I LOVE hotels, but also love these campgrounds for different reasons. I mean, you can’t sit on a porch swing and stare up at that dark night sky in a hotel. KOA has really grown in offerings since that first trip as far as lodging types (some even have yurts) and I’d like to share why they’ve worked so well for me! Well, maybe this paragraph just described it, but I’d love to show you what they offer. And no, they are not paying me. I just want to tell you about them!!

The first examples below are from tent sites. Yes, tents. If you are trying to save cash, these are DEFINITELY the way to go. Tent sites are a very inexpensive way to travel. Now, the first photograph is a borrowed tent I used on that first cross country trip back in 2011. I have certainly upgraded since then! My Kelty tent is super easy to put up and I absolutely love it. And no, they are not paying me to say that. If you are wondering about the bathroom situation, KOAs have bathrooms and showers which are included in your site price and they are usually pretty clean. Sometimes the bathrooms are like a dorm bathroom, and some of the KOAs have single lockable rooms that have a toilet, sink, and shower.

If tenting isn’t your style, or you need a more restful sleep, these camping cabins are perfect. Normally, there is a single bed and a bunk bed. There are camp style mattresses in them, so you need a sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow. There is electricity, usually heating and cooling, and sometimes a tv, but usually no bathroom facilities in the cabin itself. They have cabins with bathrooms, though, that are in this style. I’ve stayed in those as well and they are great, too. However, to save a buck without having to sleep in a tent, these do the trick. And look at that porch swing, which many cabins have!

If you prefer to not share bathrooms, or want a little extra comfort, KOAs have deluxe cabins. These tend to have multiple beds with bedding included, kitchens, full bathrooms with showers, tv’s, and heating and cooling. They tend to be more in line with hotel prices, but again, if you want a different vibe than a hotel, it’s worth it. Sometimes, you can’t put a price on being able to sit outside in the evening or having your car two steps from your front door.

So, there you have it. I’ve often had friends ask about these KOA campgrounds so I thought it would be worth its own post! KOA offers a rewards program with a percentage off each stay. There is a small fee for the reward card, but you still tend to save money if you stay more than a few nights per year. Staff members are nice, too. KOA has an app that makes it super easy to plan stays, also. So, if you’re looking for a cheaper stay than a hotel, the cabins and tent sites are good. If you don’t mind hotel prices, and want to be close to your car and also to sit outside in the evening under the stars, KOAs are a great choice. Also, KOAs sometime have pancake breakfasts and other amenities. I don’t usually take advantage of these because of timing and usually just looking for a sleep spot, however. I hope this post offered some new information for you! Safe travels, friends!

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