5 Reasons to Love Camping at KOA

5 Reasons to Love Camping at KOA
Plus, our favorite KOA campgrounds in Florida.

By: Brian & Becca Roy

Whether you’re looking for a desirable destination, a unique spot, or just a family-friendly place to relax and unwind, Kampgrounds of America will have the right campground for you. You can always count on KOA to provide friendly service and a wealth of amenities to enhance your camping experience. 

Now that Winnebago’s GoLife Perks program includes a free KOA rewards membership, it makes it even easier to book that next special getaway. Here are some of the things we love most about KOA ...

1. Spotless Facilities & Helpful Staff

Whether it’s the public bathrooms and showers, laundry facilities, common areas, or sidewalks and pathways, the staff at KOA are always up to the task of keeping the grounds neat and clean. In addition, the friendly staff will direct you straight to your site, often even escorting you and acting as a second set of eyes as you back in.

2. Pet Friendly! 

The most important aspect when booking campgrounds for us is that they are accommodating to our four-legged friends. We always know that our furry CAMPanions are welcomed at any KOA that we go to. 

With K-9 specific activities in mind, KampK9 is found throughout the KOA network. KampK9 is a fenced in area for your pup to safely stretch their legs and often includes an enrichment area with structures for your dog to play around.

3. Fun Activities

All of the locations we’ve been to have had staff hosted activities like bonfires with s’mores, lunch-time cookouts, and even a pancake breakfast. These are great for meeting and mingling with fellow campers! 

4. Necessities Nearby

Need any last-minute items you may have forgotten? The majority of KOAs we’ve visited have well-appointed general stores on-site with everything from propane refills and firewood to drinks and food. Plus, RV-specific items such as power cords, sewer accessories, and more. You can even find some KOA-branded merchandise to remember the trip. 

5. EV Charging (at select locations)

For the fellow electric vehicle driver, KOA has begun installing EV charging stations at select locations. So, if you are like us and tow with an EV (or are an EV driver looking to enjoy the camp experience in a rustic cabin), be sure to keep an eye on that desired location to see if they too will be installing chargers!

Our Favorite KOAs in Florida

We’ve stayed at quite a few different KOA locations here in the sunshine state. If you are looking for your next adventure, let us tell you about a few of our favorites! 

Destination Relaxation: SugarLoaf Key / Key West KOA Holiday

The southernmost KOA, SugarLoaf Key / Key West KOA Holiday, is located just 20 miles from downtown Key West. This makes day trips to the historic and lively tip of Florida a breeze. 

However, to enjoy your Florida Keys vacation, you truly don’t even need to leave the campsite. This KOA features beachfront sites, a beautiful pool complete with tiki bar, and a variety of water activities from the campground-owned dock including boat rentals, guided tours, and kayaking. 

A Very Unique Find: Lion Country Safari KOA Journey

Lion Country Safari KOA Journey is one of our favorites that we’ve been to multiple times before. The numerous campsites, cabins, and tent sites are adjacent to the drive-through safari and adventure park. From the campground, you can hear monkeys playing and the lions roaring for their meal time! 

The drive-through safari allows you to get up close with some truly wild animals – over 900 live and roam in the park! If you want an even closer look, be sure to visit the petting zoo and giraffe feeding station in the park at the end of the safari. 

Rare Rural Retreat: Bradenton / Hunsader Farms KOA Holiday

Bradenton / Hunsader Farms KOA Holiday is pretty far off the beaten path, but the quiet, rural feel of this campground might just be what you are looking for. This KOA offers a variety of activities that are great for kids as well as those adults that are still kids at heart. A petting zoo, gem sluicing, and a miniature town all contribute to the draw of this rare campground. 

Be sure to check out the ice cream shop and produce stand on the working farm which also offers pick-your-own seasonal veggies and flowers! You can explore the grounds via the train or buggy rides offered on the weekends. At certain times of year, you can test your sense of direction in the corn maze and Halloween offers a special experience in the form of a giant pumpkin cannon!

Easy Park Access: Orlando Southwest and Kissimmee KOA Holiday

Orlando Southwest and Kissimmee KOA Holiday locations are a great spot to stay if you want easy access to the Orlando theme parks. Plus, these KOAs provide a place to recharge your EV as well as yourself after a long day at the park!

Each of these KOAs offer a plethora of games and activities, just in case the theme parks don’t tire you out, as well as a pool to cool off from the Florida sun!

While every KOA location is unique, each boasting a range of varying activities, there are staples you can always count on at each and every campground. In addition to the cleanliness, pet focus, and friendly staff, there is an easy-to-use, app-based reservation system so booking your next adventure is just a matter of finding the right location. And now that Winnebago’s GoLife Perks membership includes a free KOA rewards membership, you can get even more value out of your stay.

For more tips for using KOA, read this GoLife article from fellow Winnebago Ambassadors!