Sometimes the best thing you can do for your camping trip is simply slow it down. Whether you arrive a night early to ease into vacation mode or stay an extra night to avoid the checkout scramble, that one additional evening can completely change the pace—and the quality—of your getaway.
It’s not just about squeezing in more time. It’s about unwinding, being present, and actually enjoying the moments that matter. If you’re on the fence about extending your stay, here are 10 great reasons to add that extra night and make your KOA trip even better.
Why One Extra Night at KOA Makes All the Difference
1. Avoid the Rush—Coming and Going
Arriving a day early allows you to skip busy check-in windows and set up at your own pace. Or stay a day later and sleep in—no alarms, no scrambling to get on the road, just one more morning of coffee by the campfire.
2. Skip the Traffic
Weekend traffic can make a relaxing trip stressful in a hurry! Travel on your own terms by avoiding peak driving times. Whether you’re towing a trailer or just want a smoother ride, shifting your schedule by a day can make the journey feel like part of the adventure.
3. More Time, Less Setup Stress
When you arrive to your KOA campsite the night before, you can set up in the cooler evening hours without losing a full day to setting up camp. That way, you wake up ready to play—not to unpack!
4. Make Room for Spontaneity
On any adventure, it always feels like there wasn’t quite enough time to do everything you wanted. That extra night might be just what you need for the trail you didn’t hike, the nap you earned, or the s’mores you didn’t get to toast.
5. Sunsets Just Hit Better on Night Two (or Three)
There’s something about having nowhere to be that makes nature feel even more magical. Take the extra night. Watch the sky change colors.
6. Let the Kids Play a Little Longer
One more day of fresh air and freedom? Yes, please. Give the little ones more time to run, explore, and go screen-free a little longer.
7. Campfire Conversations Deserve More Time
The best talks happen when no one’s watching the clock. An extra day allows you to linger longer around the campfire with the people you love (or just met at the site next door).
8. Catch a Local Event or Explore Nearby
An extra night opens up time to wander beyond the campground. Local markets, hiking trails, or town events could be waiting just around the corner.
9. Skip the Dump Station Line
Let everyone else head out on Sunday and rush to dump their RV tanks. Stick around and avoid the crowds at the dump station—it’s a little thing, but trust us, it makes a difference.
10. Because You Were Just Starting to Relax
Why cut it short when you’re finally in the groove? Let the vacation actually feel like a vacation—stay through Monday or beyond and soak it all in, getting that much-needed R&R.
Relaxation’s Just a Phone Call Away
If you have an existing reservation with KOA you’d like to add a night to, be sure to call the campground directly to add to your existing reservation. Or if you’re looking for your next adventure, map out your trip with us!
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.
