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.
From I-45 take Exit I45 to 61st Street. Turn right at 61st Street then turn right at Seawall Blvd. We are located 15 miles from the end of the Seawall. Look for large blue "Isla del Sol" water tower. We are located 1 mile on the right. From Hwy. 288 take Exit 288 to 332. Follow 332 until it ends and then turn left onto 257/Bluewater Highway. Follow 257 and cross the Galveston Toll Bridge. Galveston Island KOA Holiday will be 3 miles on the left.
Get Google Directions
Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrating the freedom granted to enslaved people in Confederate states two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday, celebrated on June 19, originated in Galveston, Texas. Residents of the city continue to honor the legacy of Juneteenth through monuments and yearly events.
President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, but a long road to freedom for enslaved people followed. Juneteenth marks the day when the last enslaved people were declared free.
In the days following Lincoln's proclamation, Union soldiers marched through plantations and cities, spreading the news and freeing enslaved people. Despite this positive occurrence, many places in the South maintained slavery.
The 13th Amendment, ratified in December 1865, marked the official end of slavery. The final freedom for enslaved people came on June 19, 1865, when 2,000 Union troops came to Galveston Island, Texas, led by General Gordon Granger. They came with General Order No. 3, a legal decree that enforced the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas.
This historic day led to the freeing of over 250,000 previously enslaved people in the city. Those who were freed remembered that day as Juneteenth, a combination of “June” and "nineteenth." Families in Galveston celebrated the event privately for many years, but celebrations became more public on June 15, 2021, when it was declared a national holiday.
After the final freeing of enslaved people in 1865, a 12-year reconstruction period followed — formerly enslaved people ran for office, sought lost family members and established schools. Galveston, the last to see freedom, became the first to see many advancements, like the first African American secondary school and public library.
In Galveston, Juneteenth holds a special place because it is where the holiday began. Even before the day became a national event, Black Americans hosted private celebrations. Now, the city hosts many public events to reflect on the area's history and celebrate a changing future. Here are a few events that recognize Juneteenth.
Take a guided walking tour of Galveston and learn about Juneteenth and Black history in Texas. The Black-owned and -operated tourism business called Juneteenth and Beyond leads the tour. You can choose from a Freedom Trail Tour or private group tours for five to six people.
This annual event passes down Ball Street between 26th and 41st streets. At the end of the parade route is a picnic at Wright Cuney Park. It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the event with your family and enjoy a meal with community members on the afternoon of June 19.
The Reedy African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Chapel hosts a family-friendly event to honor the holiday. The celebration includes a full day of activities, including a church service, church tour, block party and freedom march. The block party has entertainment like food trucks, bounce houses and a DJ.
On June 18, the Galveston Symphony Orchestra and the Galveston Heritage Chorale host a free concert performing African American music at the 1894 Opera House. The event honors the history of Juneteenth by promoting African American culture. In total, 50 to 60 musicians and singers will perform.
As the place where Juneteenth began, the history of Galveston, Texas, still shows in the area today. Galveston has many historical sites where visitors can learn more. Here are a few places where you can learn and reflect on the area's history:
Juneteenth meant the independence of millions of enslaved people throughout the country. Because of this fact, many consider the date America's second Independence Day. Whether you are in Galveston or any other state across the country, knowing the history and significance of the day can help you celebrate more knowledgeably.
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.
