Few things are more fun in the fall than showing up at a college football game, joining in the tailgating fun, and then having a comfy spot to relax when the post-game celebration (or disappointment) stretches well into the night.
So where can RVers who love college football find a memorable vibe that extends far beyond the stadium?
To answer that question, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best tailgating locations in the U.S. that are within 65 miles of at least one KOA campground. With options all across the country, here’s where unforgettable college game days meet fantastic camping.
Ames, Iowa
Iowa State University might not be a national household name, but its tailgating scene is everything that’s awesome about Midwest college football. Enthusiastic fans and creative setups make every home game feel like an event.
Iowa State’s tailgating combines Midwestern hospitality with a dash of underdog spirit. It’s the kind of place where everyone’s welcome, no matter who you’re rooting for. The area around Jack Trice Stadium is a sea of cardinal and gold, and fans exhibit the kind of team loyalty that makes college football so great. Cyclone fans are incredibly creative and resourceful, putting on some amazing tailgates that can hold their own with larger football programs. The mix of the school’s “Cyclone Power” tradition and an energetic student section creates an electric atmosphere that often catches visiting teams and fans off guard.
Nearby KOAs:
Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey
Des Moines West KOA Holiday
Ann Arbor, Michigan
The University of Michigan has a powerhouse college football program steeped in history, and its tailgating scene is just as legendary. Michigan Stadium, also known as “The Big House,” is an iconic venue that’s always electric.
Michigan tailgates are a classic blend of Midwestern friendliness and Big Ten enthusiasm. Die-hard fans show up in maize and blue to swap stories of famous games and players that go back over a century. Wolverine fans are renowned for their unwavering dedication. Since the 1970s, Michigan Stadium has consistently drawn over 100,000 fans per game, making every home game feel like a giant celebration of college football tradition.
Nearby KOAs:
Detroit / Ann Arbor KOA Holiday
Monroe Co. / Toledo North KOA Holiday
Toledo East / Stony Ridge KOA Journey
Brookings, South Dakota
South Dakota State University represents one of the most successful football programs in recent history, with multiple FCS championships! The passionate fan base and strong program combine to create a tailgating atmosphere that rivals that of much larger institutions across the country.
SDSU encourages responsible and safe tailgating with organized areas around Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium that are filled with yellow and blue on game days. Jackrabbit fans expect excellence and celebrate accordingly. The South Dakota prairie setting creates a unique atmosphere where vast skies and endless horizons provide a dramatic backdrop for football celebrations, especially during late-season games when the weather turns crisp and clear.
Nearby KOAs:
Sioux Falls KOA Journey
Athens, Georgia
The University of Georgia boasts one of the prettiest tailgating scenes in the SEC. It’s a perfect mix of Southern charm, top-notch football, and that classic college vibe.
Georgia’s tailgating style is all about going big or going home. You’ll see elaborate spreads with full outdoor kitchens, climate-controlled tents, and family gatherings that span generations. On game day, the area around Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium is a sea of red and black, with the “Dawg Walk” getting everyone pumped up before kickoff. Win a national championship, and you can bet the energy’s going to be electric. For Georgia fans, it’s all about that winning spirit, but they haven’t forgotten their roots, as many longtime traditions remain strong. And let’s be honest, UGA’s live Bulldog mascot is a total scene-stealer on game days.
Nearby KOAs:
Lake Oconee / Greensboro KOA Holiday
Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday
Anderson / Lake Hartwell KOA Holiday
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Louisiana State University is home to one of the most epic tailgating scenes in college football. It’s a mix of Cajun culture, die-hard SEC fans, and that famous Southern hospitality, creating an atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else.
LSU tailgating is all about the food – we’re talking full-blown outdoor kitchens whipping up gumbo, jambalaya, and all the classics. Be sure to try some authentic Louisiana eats from your fellow tailgaters. On game day, Tiger Stadium turns into a temporary town. The vibe in “Death Valley” stays electric from the pre-game parties to Saturday’s late-night celebrations and beyond!
Nearby KOAs:
Baton Rouge KOA Holiday
Lafayette KOA Holiday
Clemson, South Carolina
Clemson University‘s hometown becomes a thrilling atmosphere on football Saturdays, erupting from a quiet college town into a college sports hotspot.
Tailgating at Clemson is all about family tradition. On game day, Memorial Stadium and the surrounding area are blanketed in orange, and fans cheer on players as they head down the “Tiger Walk” to the stadium. Players never forget to touch Howard’s Rock on their way into the stadium – it’s a Clemson tradition since 1967 that’s meant to bring good luck. Clemson fans are incredibly passionate and love going all out with their tailgating setups. Some families have been tailgating in the same spot for decades. The small-town feel means everybody’s like one big happy family, whether you’re a long-time fan or just visiting for the first time.
Nearby KOAs:
Anderson / Lake Hartwell KOA Holiday
Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday
Travelers Rest / North Greensville KOA Holiday
College Park, Maryland
The University of Maryland‘s convenient location near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore is a big plus for travelers. It’s helped create a one-of-a-kind tailgating culture that blends the region’s sophistication with Big Ten football enthusiasm.
At SECU Stadium, you’ll find a tailgating scene influenced by D.C.’s international vibe and Baltimore’s working-class roots. Since the campus is close to major East Coast cities, fans from all over the region show up, making for a lively atmosphere filled with Maryland’s signature red, white, black, and gold. Joining the Big Ten has been a game-changer for Maryland fans. New rivalries and tougher competition have amped up the tailgating experience. And let’s not forget the food – crab cakes and local eats add some serious flavor to the typical tailgate menu.
Nearby KOAs:
Washington DC / Capitol KOA Holiday
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday
College Station, Texas
When it comes to tailgating, College Station is basically the holy grail. This town is home to Texas A&M University and that famous 12th Man tradition, so every fall Saturday it turns into one big maroon and white party!
In Aggieland, tailgating is a big deal – we’re talking massive RV gatherings that start days before the game. The area around Kyle Field turns into a mini-city filled with campers, grills, and fans who treat game weekends like family get-togethers. That famous “Aggie Spirit” is all about welcoming fellow tailgaters with open arms and sharing some amazing BBQ. Plus, Texas A&M fans are known for having some truly one-of-a-kind traditions. The “Midnight Yell” on the night before home games is like nothing you’ve ever experienced in college football. And with College Station situated right in the middle of Texas BBQ country, the tailgate food is just incredible.
Nearby KOAs:
Bryan / North College Station KOA Holiday
Lake Conroe / Houston North KOA Holiday
Bozeman, Montana
Montana State University sits in one of America’s most spectacular natural settings, with the Rocky Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop for college football. The Bobcats compete in the FCS Big Sky Conference, and their passionate fan base creates an intimate yet intense tailgating atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of Big Sky Country. The smaller scale means fans often know each other personally.
Montana State tailgating takes full advantage of the state’s outdoor culture and natural beauty. Fans often incorporate camping gear and outdoor cooking techniques that reflect Montana’s rugged lifestyle. Bobcat fans represent the authentic spirit of Montana – tough, loyal, and deeply connected to the land. The backdrop of the Bridger and Gallatin mountain ranges makes every tailgate feel like a postcard, especially during fall games when the aspen trees turn golden and snow caps the peaks.
Nearby KOAs:
Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday
Columbia, South Carolina
The University of South Carolina’s tailgating scene is one of a kind, all thanks to Gamecock Park, which has changed the game when it comes to pre-game parties in college football.
A sprawling area that replaced the old Farmer’s Market next to Williams-Brice Stadium, Gamecock Park has been a fan favorite for tailgating since it opened in 2012. It’s a real showstopper in college football. The tree-lined Garnet Way runs right through it, giving off a festival vibe that’s equal parts Southern hospitality and serious football fandom. Gamecock fans get tailgating right, with a warm welcome and all the fixings: fancy tent setups and whole hog barbecues smothered in that famous South Carolina mustard-based sauce. It’s a perfect blend of Southern charm and die-hard fan spirit, creating an atmosphere that’s both electric and incredibly friendly.
Nearby KOAs:
Newberry / Sumter National Forest KOA Journey
Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey
Columbus, Ohio
The Ohio State University’s storied history in the Big Ten is impressive, and the Buckeyes‘ tailgating scene shows it. Fans are extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and always stoked to share their team spirit. Officially, tailgating is allowed two full days before kickoff, and OSU fans definitely make the most of it.
The area around Ohio Stadium transforms into a vast sea of scarlet and gray, with elaborate tailgating setups that resemble small festivals. The “Skull Session” at St. John Arena gets everyone pumped up for the big game. With such a huge fan base, the energy at Ohio State games is pretty hard to match. The tradition of dotting the “i” in Script Ohio, along with all that passionate support, makes every game feel special.
Nearby KOAs:
Buckeye Lake / Columbus East KOA Holiday
Sunbury / Columbus North KOA Holiday
Lake Logan KOA Journey
Mt. Gilead KOA Holiday
Hocking Hills KOA Holiday
Butler / Mohican KOA Journey
Eugene, Oregon
The University of Oregon is home to one of the most unique and eco-friendly tailgating scenes in college football. Ducks fans are all about balancing their love of the team with sustainability.
You’ll often find Oregon’s renowned craft beers and a focus on locally sourced food at these tailgates, which feel more like hip festivals than your average pre-game party. Autzen Stadium is a blanket of green and yellow, and the legendary “Shout” song tradition gets the crowd louder than just about anywhere in college football. In addition to their high-energy style of play, the Ducks’ bold uniform colors add an extra level of excitement even to the pre-game tailgating experience.
Nearby KOAs:
Albany / Corvallis KOA Journey
Sutherlin / Umpqua Valley KOA Holiday
Fayetteville, Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is nestled in the Ozark Mountains, creating a pretty sweet tailgating setup. Super-passionate Razorback fans team up with the area’s natural beauty to make for a game day experience that’s unforgettable.
Arkansas tailgaters know just how to make the most of the state’s natural beauty and love for outdoor grilling and “down-home” cooking. Their setups can get quite elaborate (we’re talking outdoor-festival style). And of course, Tusk VI, the university’s 350-pound wild boar mascot, is always on hand to get the crowd going. The Ozark Mountains are simply gorgeous during peak fall foliage season, when the Razorbacks play their biggest games. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium becomes a sea of cardinal red, with friendly, boisterous fans who are always ready to launch into their haunting “Woo Pig Sooie!” chant.
Nearby KOAs:
Eureka Springs KOA Journey
Gainesville, Florida
Tailgating at the University of Florida is right up there with the most intense – and probably the most humid, too – in college football. Mix SEC passion, sweltering Florida heat, and Gator pride, and you’ve got a vibe that’s pure Floridian and seriously electric.
Springing to life hours before dawn, you’ll see some seriously elaborate setups that prioritize one thing: fighting the Florida heat. The area around Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (“The Swamp” to fans) is basically a sea of orange and blue, with the iconic “Gator Chomp” cheering echoing around every tailgate lot. Gator fans have mastered the art of tailgating in the blistering heat. They can put together a setup that’s cool and comfy even on the most sweltering days. Add to that the university’s championship-winning tradition and those fiery SEC rivalries, and you’ve got plenty of fun going on that doesn’t stop until well after the final whistle.
Nearby KOAs:
Starke / Gainesville NE KOA Holiday
Crystal River KOA Journey
Knoxville, Tennessee
The University of Tennessee is renowned for its electric football atmosphere, with a tailgating scene that essentially takes over the entire city. Running along the Tennessee River and throughout the town, the infamous “Vol Navy” – a bunch of boats that dock near Neyland Stadium – add a one-of-a-kind element to the party.
Tennessee fans are super devoted and loud (no pun intended), creating a massive sea of orange that’s actually visible from space on game days. Tailgating starts early and spreads out across the city, from parks by the river to campus parking lots overflowing with fancy tents and elaborate setups. The mix of intense SEC football and Tennessee mountain spirit creates an insane atmosphere, with the gorgeous mountains of eastern Tennessee making for a stunning backdrop. When you’re not cheering on the Vols, there’s awesome hiking and sightseeing to be had at Great Smoky Mountains National Park just a short drive away.
Nearby KOAs:
Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday
Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA Holiday
Newport / I-40 / Smoky Mountains KOA Journey
Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountains KOA Holiday
Sweetwater KOA Holiday
Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln might not be your first thought when it comes to tailgating, but the University of Nebraska knows how to create an electric football atmosphere. The famous “Sea of Red” and their sellout streak dating back to 1962 shows just how dedicated Husker fans are.
At Nebraska, fans from opposing teams are usually invited to join in on the tailgating fun. The area around Memorial Stadium turns into one big party, with the “tunnel walk” getting everyone pumped up just before kickoff. Nebraska fans are also some of the most knowledgeable and gracious in college football. Even when the team is having a tough year, the passion stays strong, and they’re always welcoming to visitors. The fact that Nebraska has retired more jersey numbers than any other school speaks to the rich history and tradition that fans celebrate every game day.
Nearby KOAs:
Lincoln West KOA Holiday
West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison’s one of the best college towns in America, and when fall rolls around, the shores of Lake Mendota become a top spot for tailgating. The University of Wisconsin‘s football culture brings together the Midwest’s friendly vibe with some serious partying.
Thousands of fans flock to the University of Wisconsin’s “Badgerville” for food, drinks, inflatables, and live music. This stadium right on the lake is beautiful, but can make things frosty in the fall and winter! Luckily, Badger fans come prepared, setting up elaborate heaters and serving hearty Midwestern comfort food that’ll keep you toasty even when it’s freezing. The combo of Big Ten football and Wisconsin’s hospitality creates an experience you won’t forget.
Nearby KOAs:
Milton KOA Holiday
Wisconsin Dells KOA Holiday
Lena KOA Holiday
State College, Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania State University’s location in the heart of Pennsylvania creates one of the most unique college football settings in the country. It’s tough to find a place that’s both fairly isolated and crazy passionate about football. But on Saturdays in the fall, “Happy Valley” transforms into a massive sea of blue and white.
Penn State’s tailgating is well-known for being super organized and intense. RV lots fill up far before game day, and it’s not uncommon to see multiple generations of families claiming the same tailgating spots year after year. The “White Out” games are especially amazing – the atmosphere is both stunning and overwhelming. And the loyalty of Penn State fans is legendary. You’ll hear the “We Are Penn State” chant ringing out in the tailgate lots long before the game even starts. For visiting fans, State College’s isolation can make the trip feel kind of like a pilgrimage. Meanwhile, locals treat every home game like a huge community celebration – basically, a big homecoming party.
Nearby KOAs:
Bellefonte / State College KOA Holiday
Williamsport South / Nittany Mountain KOA Holiday
Dubois / Treasure Lake KOA Holiday
The Culture of College Town Tailgating
What makes college town tailgating special isn’t just the football – it’s the sense of community and tradition that surrounds the practice. Each place on this list has developed its own unique culture over generations of Saturday celebrations.
Understanding and respecting the unique cultures and traditions each college has will make your visit more meaningful and often will lead to invites to join local tailgates, share meals, and create lasting memories with people you’ve just met, but who share your passion for college football.
So fire up that RV, load up the grill, and start planning your college town tailgating tour. The roads are calling, the games are waiting, and some of the best experiences in American sports culture await!
Leslie is a freelance travel and health/wellness writer who gets butterflies from telling stories and sharing information with readers across the globe. Her voice comes from a place filled with passion and dreams.
With over 10 years of experience in crafting words and years of embarking on travels that have taken this Montana girl to some incredible places, Leslie loves the adventures of both body and mind that her writing takes her on.
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