We Have Plenty Of Room For Big Groups

What’s your group’s camping style? Are you the rough-it type who only tent camps? Are you planning an RV rally with all your RV-owning friends? Or do you prefer a little less roughing it and more of the conveniences of home? No matter how your group likes to camp, KOA has an option for you.

While the specific lodging may vary from one KOA location to another, you can find the following types of large group campsites at KOA:

• Group Tent Sites: Pack up your tents for large group camping under the stars. Create your own tent city on our spacious, flat tent camping sites. You don’t have to completely rough it - you still have easy access to hot showers and clean restrooms. Gather the whole crew around the fire pits and picnic tables for chow time. Tent campsites offer an affordable way to stay while experiencing nature up close and personal.
• Glamping Tents: Certain KOA locations offer Glamping Tents, such as safari tents and wall tents, that provide a few more modern conveniences than regular tents. In a Glamping Tent, you and your group can enjoy the luxuries of electricity, comfortable furniture and lots of storage space. Make sure to check with your desired KOA location to find out what Glamping Tent options are available.

• Group RV Sites: Opt for RV friendly and family camping if your traveling companions all have their own RVs. Roll up in your rigs and into our RV campsites for groups. We have 30- and 50-amp service with full hookups on pull-thru and back-in sites. No matter what type of RV site you reserve, you'll appreciate the level sites that make it easy to set up your rig. Some KOA Campgrounds offer "buddy sites" for RV campers. Call the KOA nearest you to check if this group camping option is available.
• Camping Cabins: Want to get away with the gang but don't want to mess with camping gear? Or maybe you don't want to mess with the bugs, cold and rain at night. Whatever your group's needs, group Camping Cabins are the easy solution. Our basic cabins give you four walls and a roof over your head at night. Stretch out on the comfortable full beds and bunk beds inside the cabins. Available floor plans feature either one or two rooms, with space for four to six people. Camping Cabins are just a short walk away from bathrooms and showers, plus you get access to all the campground amenities.
• Deluxe Cabins: If you want even more convenient amenities, reserve Deluxe Cabins for your group. Some Deluxe Cabins feature kitchenettes along with gas grills and fire pits. Cook up a feast for the whole crew. Another big draw is the private bathroom inside our Deluxe Cabins. What could be better? Bond with the gang during the day, and retreat to your cabin for a hot shower and comfortable night's sleep, no matter what the weather is like outside. Some Deluxe Cabins also have TVs, porch swings and other great features.

 

Families and friends who camp together in the great outdoors can enjoy a number of benefits:

• Socialization: Although camping by yourself can be plenty of fun, bringing along a family member or friend will create a unique experience that keeps your relationship healthy and happy. Research shows that socializing can also prolong your lifespan and delay the onset of memory problems.

   

• Connection to nature: Sure, you could reserve a block of hotel rooms, but you would miss a unique outdoor experience. Together you can stretch your legs, go for a hike, catch fish and enjoy some fresh air during your stay.
• Discovery of new interests: Camping with other people can introduce you to new activities that you wouldn't have tried if you were on your own. On your group camping trip, you may discover a love for an activity like horseback riding, fishing or kayaking.
• Learning new skills: When camping with others, you may pick up new skills from another person in your group. For instance, you could learn how to tie a certain type of knot, set up a tent, start a fire or cook a new meal.
• Divide and conquer responsibilities: There are a number of tasks to do while camping. If you go with a group, you can split up camping chores.

You’re gathering a large group of your closest friends and family for a fun camping adventure. What could go wrong? When you reserve outdoor group campsites at KOA, we take a lot of the stress and worry out of the equation, but you can do your part to make the trip a success.

   

Add these tasks to your to-do list:

• Designate a point person: Cut down on the confusion of coordinating the trip by designating a point person to handle the reservations and to communicate information about the trip. If everyone does their own thing or too many people are making decisions on the trip details, the chances are good that you're going to end up with reservation mistakes, missed details and general confusion.
• Reserve early: Camping sites go quickly, especially during peak camping times. Call your selected site as soon as you choose dates for the best chance of everyone in your group being together.

   

• Check requirements: Check with your selected KOA to determine the process for reserving group campsites. You may need to contact the site directly to make the reservation. The down payment and cancellation policy may also vary by location.
• Decide how to handle meals: Will you cook meals together? Is each family responsible for their own food? Will you take turns serving up the grub for the night? When you're coordinating a large group, having a plan for meals ahead of time cuts down on confusion and ensures you end up with the cooking supplies you need.
• Assign duties: Once you arrive, don't be afraid to divide and conquer the camping responsibilities. You may be the point person for the trip, but that doesn't mean you have to do all the work. Put people in charge of various tasks, such as starting campfires, choosing activities or cooking certain meals. Everyone gets a chance to be involved, and you don't get stuck doing all the work.

Your packing list depends largely on the type of group camping site you select. A tent camping site requires all the camping gear, while a Deluxe Cabin requires little more than your personal belongings. When packing for your trip, collaborate with your fellow group members to avoid a lot of duplicates. Many camping items can be shared within the larger group to save space when you pack.

Some things you may need include:

• Tent or RV gear: If you choose a tent or RV campsite, you'll need all of the gear and supplies to set up. This includes cords and hoses to connect to utilities on the camping site.
• Coolers: Deluxe Cabins usually include refrigerators, but all other site types require a way to keep perishable foods cold.
• Cooking gear: Some of our campsites include gas grills, and Deluxe Cabins with kitchenettes feature some limited cooking options. Other campers may need to bring portable grills, roasting forks, camp stoves, utensils, cookware, plates and any other cooking gear you want to use. Don't forget trash bags, dish soap and other items for cleanup.
• Personal items: Bring along your clothes, toiletries and other necessary supplies. Bug spray and sunscreen should definitely make the list.
• Linens: In general, you need to provide your own linens and towels, even if you stay in a cabin. However, some Deluxe Cabins do include linen service. To determine whether or not a cabin provides linens click "view details" for a specific campsite on a campground’s page.

   

• Activity items: Bring along extra entertainment if you wish. KOA Campgrounds provide plenty of activities to keep you busy.
• Safety gear: Keep everyone safe with flashlights, lanterns, first aid kits, helmets for bike riding and other safety gear.

 

If you're thinking about hosting a birthday party, family reunion or weekend get together at a campground, communication and advance planning will go a long way to making sure everyone has the best time possible. Here are five valuable tips for maximizing your fun while camping in a group:

• Agree on the campground type, activities and amenities that everyone wants: Some campers love rustic retreats where they can unplug and bond with loved ones. Others prefer swimming pools, bounce pillows and organized activities. Talk about expectations in advance and confirm that all members of your party are on board with the choice in campground. Keep in mind that every campground offers its own unique charm and amenities, but KOA offers three different campground types, making it easy to find the right fit for everyone in your group.

   

• Decide on the types of lodging or campsites that you want: Would you prefer adjacent sites all of one type, or are you searching for a mix? Take a look at the campground and see what sites are available and would be a good fit for your group. If you have questions on the best options for your group, contact the specific campground and they can assist you with your reservation.
• Schedule time for group activities and keep lots of time unplanned: Plan time for a few events that everybody will take part in and set a schedule that people can plan around. These events could be anything from a fun tournament or scavenger hunt to just a daily afternoon swim in the pool. However, make sure you don't over-schedule your time together — people will also want time to just relax and do their own thing.
• Talk about meal arrangements ahead of time: This is perhaps the most important thing to discuss in advance. There are lots of ways to organize mealtimes. Whatever you decide to do, stick to your plan. For instance, every camper could make breakfast and lunch on their own, and then one person can prepare dinner for the group each night. While it may be a lot of work for one meal, you'll get to take the rest of the nights off. If you need an idea for a meal, make sure to check out KOA's great camping recipes.
• Linens: In general, you need to provide your own linens and towels, even if you stay in a cabin. However, some Deluxe Cabins do include linen service. To determine whether or not a cabin provides linens click "view details" for a specific campsite on a campground’s page.
• Be flexible: Never forget the main reason you and your group have decided to go camping — to have fun. As is the case with most group vacations, not everything will go to plan, but that's okay. Years from now, you won't remember the burnt hot dogs or the missed activities. What you will remember, however, is the time spent by the campfire and the great connections you've built with your fellow campers.