Sometimes, the best getaways are the ones you don’t see coming. One moment, you’re sending emails at work, and the next, you’re roasting marshmallows under the stars. Some of the most memorable camping trips are the ones that happen on the spur of the moment.
The key to a truly memorable and enjoyable last-minute camping trip is keeping it simple. Don’t get overwhelmed planning elaborate meals and a packed itinerary. Instead, embrace the simple joys of camping–time spent together in the outdoors. The next time an unexpected opening appears on your busy family calendar, use these four tips to plan an amazing last minute camping trip to a nearby KOA.
1.) Keep the Travel Simple
Adventures are closer than you think.
While there’s a certain thrill in traveling to far-flung destinations, those adventures involve more complicated planning. For a last-minute trip, keep the travel simple by considering destinations close to home. Less drive time means more camp time! In fact, a staycation near your hometown can even be a fun getaway.
The KOA app and KOA website both make it easy to discover nearby campgrounds. Simply type in a town, and a map will pop up with KOA’s iconic yellow signs marking nearby locations. Or, use the Trip Planner to find destinations along your route. From there, you can explore the activities and amenities and book your stay in mere minutes. There’s always a spot for you at one of our 500+ locations!
2.) Keep the Food Simple
Delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.
For spontaneous trips, leave your chef’s hat at home. Many KOAs make it meals easy by offering freshly made pizzas, wings, pancakes, mini donuts, and more onsite, with some even delivering right to your campsite. Check out the campground’s website to see what’s available. If you’re camping near a city, use your favorite food app to have takeout delivered to your campsite. Even pizza tastes better under the stars!
If cooking is your thing, that’s okay, too! You can still keep it simple. Plan a basic menu ahead of time with your favorite “grab and go” meals. Burgers, brats, and hot dogs are classic campground cuisine for a reason. Or, try an easy-to-assemble entrée like grilled camp nachos (tip: if you skip the cooked hamburger, you can buy everything at a store on your way to the campground with no additional prep work needed). Don’t forget the paper plates, which make cleaning up a breeze.
3.) Keep the Packing Simple
Grab the basics, and let KOA handle the rest.
Do you love all camping gear? For a spontaneous trip, try taking a minimalist approach. If you already keep linens and toiletries in your RV, grab your remaining necessities and GO. Save the corn hole, campsite decorations, and deluxe kitchen setup for other trips. You can reserve a furnished KOA Patio Site®, so you don’t even need to pack your camp chairs.
Many KOAs now offer special reservation add-ons, like firewood, ice, charcoal, and s’mores ingredients. As you book your stay, add these camping essentials with a simple click and save time on packing. What could be easier? Plus, most KOAs have well-stocked camp stores for anything else you may need.
4.) Keep the Activities Simple
Campground fun is built right in–just show up and enjoy.
You don’t have to take along a lot of entertainment for a spontaneous stay at a KOA when the KOA itself IS the entertainment. This is especially true for KOA Resorts and KOA Holiday campgrounds, which are known for amenities like deluxe pools, organized kid-friendly activities, fishing ponds, gaga ball pits, and so much more. Each KOA puts its own spin on fun! When you see the brightly colored jumping pillow and low-slung banana bikes, you know you’re in for a good time.
You can stay and play in the campground; however, if you feel like venturing out, each KOA features a handful of local attractions on its website. Plus, the friendly people in yellow are always happy to share their favorite hidden treasures nearby.
If you are on a staycation in your hometown, challenge yourself to go somewhere you’ve never been. You can find an adventure anywhere!
Keep It Simple and Go Camping!
The best way to squeeze in more last minute camping trips? Keep your travel, food, packing, and activities simple. Less fuss leads to less stress, which equals more fun! Near or far, KOA makes it easy for your family to escape the everyday and make memories at the campground—no advanced planning required.
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.
