Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Camping offers a fun activity with the chance to appreciate the outdoors. Still, it can come with some challenges, especially when a member of your group has sensory sensitivities. Use the following tips to create a relaxing trip with less stress.
Make the most of your camping experience at a sensory-friendly campground. Billings KOA Holiday has a sensory-friendly campground certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), meaning that 80% of the staff has the training to cater to those with sensory issues and autism. This certification took about four weeks to achieve and involves the following:
Understanding the autism spectrum
Learning communication strategies for people with autism, as well as their caregivers, parents and guardians
Undergoing an on-site review
The campground also offers sensory guides, including signage around crucial areas like registration and the KOA Store, swimming pool, basketball court, Trailhead Adventure Golf, themed playground and KampK9® dog park. Additionally, the Billings KOA Holiday website includes updated amenities and recreation information to help plan for sensory needs.
The campground has protocols for missing persons, sensory bags and sensory cabins, offering safe spaces for those with sensory sensitivities. Sensory bags may be checked out at the front desk for use during your stay that include:
Light up aquarium
Atom ball squeezers (set of three)
Hearing Safe Noise Protector 2 headphones
Weighted lap pad (3 lbs.)
Please remember to bring them back to the front desk before checkout. These sensory bags are available as supplies last.
A successful camping trip for those with sensory sensitivities begins with preparation. Create a comprehensive checklist of all the essentials, including food preferences and medication. Summarize sensory sensitivities and communication preferences so you can share this information with fellow campers or campground staff as necessary.
Your packing list for a sensory-friendly camping trip might include items like:
Noise-canceling headphones
Weighted blankets
Sensory toys
Weighted lap pads
Sunglasses
Sensory-friendly clothing
All of this gear can provide comfort, even in an unfamiliar environment. When you stay at Billings KOA Holiday, you can pack lighter. The sensory bags Billings KOA Holiday offers include essential items like headphones and lap pads and are available to campers at the front desk, during your stay, while supplies last. Please bring these sensory bags back to the front desk when checking out.
When camping with sensory sensitivities, you should discuss the trip with those who have sensitivities so they know what to expect. You can also practice camping at home by setting up a tent in the backyard and sleeping in a sleeping bag.
A camping trip can bring a lot of new sensory input, which can quickly overwhelm and lead to sensory overload. Set up a space where those with sensory sensitivities can go when they are feeling overstimulated.
A person with sensory sensitivities may face various challenges during a camping trip. Having someone with them who understands their needs enables this partner to assist in emergencies. The buddy system can also help you keep track of a child who likes to wander.
A campground has various dangers, including fire, sharp objects and tripping hazards. If you are traveling with someone who may not fully understand these dangers, keep them safe by explaining safety rules, covering sharp objects and practicing fire safety.
Let those with sensory sensitivities do things they love and plan activities based on their sensory preferences. In addition to campground activities and amenities, you can also visit other nearby IBCCES autism-certified businesses, such as:
ZooMontana
Visit Billings
EagleMount Billings
Reserve a site at Billings KOA Holiday for a sensory-friendly camping experience.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
