Camping is the perfect way to save money on a family vacation, but the benefits extend far beyond your budget. We may be biased, but plenty of campers agree: campgrounds are more fun and more affordable than hotels. Whether you spend the whole vacation relaxing at the campground or use it as a basecamp to explore nearby destinations, staying at a KOA brings more value, more entertainment, and more connection to your summer getaway than other vacation options.
The Nightly Cost is a Fraction of a Hotel Stay
Choose from a variety of affordable camping options–and stay longer for less
Hotels currently average anywhere from approximately $100 to $250 per night, while a night at a KOA can be as low as one-third of that cost. Plus, you can control your costs by choosing the accommodations that fit your personal budget. KOAs offer much more variety than the standard cookie-cutter hotel room. Campers can find a range of accommodations for all budgets, from premium tent sites to RV Patio Sites®. Staying in a cabin? You can save with the Camping Cabins or spring for a Deluxe Cabin for more amenities. And of course, the more you save on each night’s stay, the longer you can camp. We call this KOA math.
Free Campground Amenities are a Hidden Value
Pools, playgrounds, and open space are just the start of what’s included
Who doesn’t love getting something for free? While hotels may offer pools, KOAs are packed with more ways for kids and adults to play, without any extra costs. In addition to a pool, many KOAs have a jumping pillow and playground. You may also find yard games, rec rooms, sports courts, fire pits, and more.
Plus, the open space of a campground is the best free amenity of all. Even the roads are part of the fun, giving kids a place to roll around on bikes or skateboards. Remember playing outside until the streetlights came on when you were a kid, roaming around with a group of friends? Even though this is becoming less common in neighborhoods, this experience still exists in campgrounds.
A KOA Can Be a Whole Vacation
Many KOAs offer enough activities and entertainment to fill your whole trip
Many KOAs offer extra fun, meaning you don’t have to leave the campground for the “vacation” experience. KOA Holidays or KOA Resorts offer even more ways to stay and more ways to play, with upgraded accommodations, a full schedule of recreational activities, food options, and additional onsite amenities. While theme park tickets cost as much as $100 to $300 per person per day, KOA activities are a free or inexpensive way to keep everyone entertained without breaking the bank.
The grown ups can head to the pickle ball court for a workout while the kids make tie dyed shirts. After that, play Giant Jenga, bocce ball, or horseshoes. One night, you may watch a movie under the stars, another night you might send the kids on a barrel train ride, and finally, you might a splash at the waterpark. The menu of fun varies from location to location, so check online to find out what’s available.
Control the Food Budget
Skip pricey restaurants by cooking at camp or enjoying budget-friendly onsite meals
Have you ever added up how much money you spend at restaurants while staying in a hotel? A campground stay gives you much more control of the family food budget. Even if you replace one restaurant meal a day, you’ll see significant savings. Enjoy sandwiches with a view instead of dropping a lot of dough for fast food. Plus, you can cater to your family’s unique dietary needs–and picky eaters.
If your vacation plans don’t include cooking, that’s okay, too! Many KOAs have affordable food options onsite, allowing you to eat out while eating in. Sharing pancakes or pizza at your picnic table is much more relaxed than dining in a restaurant.
Disconnect the Devices and Connect With Each Other
KOAs make it easy to rack up less screen time and more quality time with the family
Have you ever arrived at a hotel room to enjoy vacation time with the family only to have everyone immediately pull out their screens? When you’re stuck in a small box together with nothing to do, of course the devices beckon. However, at a KOA, you can set those aside while making memories together in the outdoors.
Whether you build a campfire, go for a family walk, or take advantage of the onsite recreation, you are investing in time with each other. Your kids won’t tell their kids about their favorite hotel room, but they will tell them about their favorite campground—the one where they saw the mountains for the first time or the one where they hit a hole in one on the mini-golf course. Need inspiration? Check out our blog article jam-packed with camping activity ideas for kids!
You Can Still Connect, If You Wish
With free Wi-Fi at most locations, you can choose when to check in–or check out
While camping gives you the opportunity to set your devices aside, there’s no judgement if you want or need to use them. In fact, most KOAs offer free onsite Wi-Fi to ensure you can stay connected, whether it is for work, school, or enjoyment. This is just another free amenity you can expect from KOA that you might not find at all campgrounds.
There’s a KOA Near You
With over 500 locations across North America, KOA is sure to have a campground near you. You don’t have to spend money on flights or take long drives to find an amazing KOA. Simply use our “Find a KOA Campground Near Me” feature to explore the options near you—or near your destination. Whether you want to visit the beach, mountains, or theme parks, you’ll find a KOA that not only gives you a basecamp for your adventures, it actually adds to them.
Skip the flight, hotel, and theme park costs and book a stay at a KOA. You’ll make priceless memories at a price you can afford to pay.
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.
