Part of the fun of camping is the discovery factor when you roll up, and seeing the unknown. The unexpected lake town. The roadside stop you end up talking about over the years. The campground you book “just for one night” but it ends up being the cornerstone of a core memory with your family or friends that you laugh about later.
And this year, there are a handful of new KOAs joining the map that deserve a spot on your radar before summer planning kicks into full gear.
From Canadian escapes to lake weekends, mountain refreshers and family-friendly ranch stays, these new KOAs are bringing plenty of reasons to start plotting your next road trip.
Cadillac KOA Holiday
Northern Michigan in the summer is elite, honestly. With lakes, trails and that unmistakable Up North feeling, Cadillac, Michigan has long been a favorite for outdoor lovers. Now, you can camp in the middle of the action at Cadillac KOA Holiday.
This campground offers a more destination-style camping experience with amenities built for longer stays and family vacations. Guests can enjoy RV sites, cabins and tent camping, along with amenities designed to make campground downtime just as fun as the off-site adventures.
The surrounding area is packed with opportunities for boating, paddling, hiking and ORV exploration, while the campground itself gives travelers a comfortable home base with room to unwind after full days outside. Envision evening campfires, bike rides through the campground and cool northern Michigan nights that practically require a hoodie by sunset.
Emlenton / Allegheny KOA Journey
For campers who love drives, river views and small-town charm, this new KOA Journey checks a lot of boxes. Situated near the beautiful Allegheny River region, Emlenton / Allegheny KOA Journey offers easy access to hiking, biking, kayaking and exploring western Pennsylvania’s outdoor spaces without feeling overcrowded.
This campground is especially appealing for travelers looking for a simple stop along a road trip route, with amenities geared toward convenience and easy overnight stays. Pull-through RV sites, pet-friendly options and wooded surroundings make it an ideal recharge point before continuing on to the next destination.
Kimbolton / Rocky Fork Ranch KOA Holiday
This campground leans fully into classic family vacation mode. Located close to Salt Fork State Park, Kimbolton / Rocky Fork Ranch KOA Holiday in Kimbolton, Ohio combines wide-open spaces with plenty of recreation for campers who like to stay active. Guests can enjoy a mix of RV sites, tent camping and cabins, plus access to activities that make it easy to fill an entire weekend without ever hearing the words “I’m bored.”
Horseback riding, fishing, swimming, hiking and outdoor games all help create that classic summer-camp feeling, while the campground’s pace still leaves plenty of room for slow mornings and campfire nights.
Milford Lake KOA Holiday
If you’re envisioning a camping trip that includes early morning kayaking, lake days and sunsets that somehow feel extra peaceful over Midwest water, this one’s for you.
At Milford Lake KOA Holiday, guests can choose from RV sites, tent camping and cabin accommodations, making it an easy fit whether you’re rolling in with a fully packed rig or planning a simpler weekend.
The campground offers access to boating, fishing, hiking and swimming nearby, while on-property amenities help keep things comfortable between adventures. Expect family-friendly features like a playground, recreational space and the kind of campground atmosphere where kids quickly make friends riding bikes through the park while adults settle into camp chairs for the evening.
Shelby / Broad River KOA Holiday
Mountain views? River access? Friendly small-town energy? Say less.
Located in the Mooresboro, North Carolina area, Shelby / Broad River KOA Holiday makes a strong case for a North Carolina camping trip this year. The setting offers a little bit of everything: water, trails, cozy campfire nights and easy access to local towns and attractions, with accommodations ranging from RV sites to cabins and tent camping.
Campers can spend their days exploring nearby hiking trails, paddling local waterways or relaxing around camp with family and friends. On-site amenities are designed to make longer stays easy and enjoyable, creating the kind of atmosphere where you settle in quickly.
Webster / Douglas Forest KOA Journey
This KOA feels tailor-made for campers who love New England scenery and road trips. Located in central Massachusetts, Webster / Douglas Forest KOA Journey offers easy access to hiking trails, lakes and the kind of charm that makes summer in the Northeast feel like the best.
As a KOA Journey campground, it’s convenient for road trippers looking for a comfortable stop with amenities like pull-through RV sites, clean facilities and pet-friendly accommodations. But the setting itself still feels tucked away, giving campers space to unplug after travel days.
Start Planning Your Next KOA Stay
Everyone has their favorite travel spots. But try out one of KOA’s new campgrounds, and you might just discover a new campground favorite in an unexpected location! These new KOAs bring a little bit of everything to the 2026 camping season: from lakeside views to horseback rides, each campground brings something unique to the KOA family of campgrounds.
Whatever your plans and desires this year, these campgrounds are ready to welcome campers for their very first season as part of the KOA family!
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
