Leander / NW Austin KOA Holiday Campground Blog

Kids Crafts for Camping | Easy, Fun & for Everyone

2/26/2025

While there are plenty of activities for children and adults on a camping trip, sometimes you need a little quiet time for the adults or something to do inside while a storm passes by. The following picnic crafts will keep your kids busy while helping them learn more about their natural surroundings...

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Quirky Finds in All 50 States #2

2/26/2025

ARKANSAS | SNAKE WORLDWhat better way to overcome your fear of one of the most commonly feared creatures in the world than a trip to Berryville, Arkansas’ Snake World? Here you’ll get to experience all varieties of this cold-blooded species and learn a great deal about these terrifying reptiles. If...

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Quirky Finds in All 50 States #1

2/20/2025

INTERESTING, ODD, QUIRKY AND FUN, AMERICA IS FULL OF ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS YOU  NEED TO SEE TO BELIEVE. OUR LIST OF AMERICAN ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS INCLUDES 50 GOTTA SEE SIGHTS – ONE FOR EACH STATE! CHECK OUT THESE QUIRKY FINDS IN ALL 50 STATES.Road trips are arguably the most iconic experience in...

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Camping Checklist for Families

2/5/2025

Preparing for a camping trip with kids helps your trip go smoothly so you can focus on making unforgettable memories. Knowing what to bring camping with kids, how to save space while packing and how to find the perfect campground sets you up to plan an incredible, fun-filled family adventure. Start...

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14 Must See National Parks

2/5/2025

From bat caves and coral reefs to molten volcanoes and craggy canyons, the National Park Service oversees some of the most extraordinarily epic destinations on the planet, each boasting its own singular beauty, ecosystem, activities, and wildlife. Of the 63 main national parks spread across the U.S....

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KOA Camping Field Guide Part #1

1/15/2025

Camping is the perfect getaway from your daily life, and with some planning, you can feel confident and in control of your trip’s activities. Whether you want to relax during a getaway or go on an exciting recreational escape with the family, you can find what you’re looking for in the...

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National Parks - Admission Free Days!

1/15/2025

For six days in 2025, there are no admission fees at all U.S. national parks. Mark your calendars and get planning!Tap the link in our bio to learn more about national park entrance fees. #KOACamping #leandertxcamping#nwaustinkoa

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Best RVs for Winter Camping

1/9/2025

Winter camping is a fantastic way to continue enjoying the great outdoors as warm seasons fade into chilly days. When you have an RV built for cold weather and snowy conditions, you don’t have to wait for spring to set out for your favorite destinations.While many snowbirds head to warmer states in...

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Winter Texan Camping Guide Part #2

1/6/2025

HOW TO PLAN FOR WINTER TRIPSBefore you hit the road this winter, you need to prepare your home, make reservations, pack your bags and get your RV ready for travel.WINTERIZE YOUR HOME BEFORE YOU LEAVEWinterizing your home includes preparing it for the temperature change and months of vacancy....

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Winter Texan Camping Guide Part #3

1/6/2025

WINTER TEXAN DESTINATIONS AND ATTRACTIONSThree of the most popular Winter Texan destinations are the Rio Grande Valley, Texas Hill Country and the Gulf Coast, but every part of the state is brimming with things to see, do and explore.POPULAR ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DOTexas is one destination that...

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Winter Texan Camping Guide Part #1

1/6/2025

WINTER TEXAN CAMPING GUIDEFor some, winter means snowstorms, ice and chilly temperatures. For others, it is quiet walks along the beach or in the park, mild temperatures and exciting new experiences. If the latter sounds like a group you want to be a part of, the Winter Texan lifestyle is for you....

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Why Camping is Good for You

12/26/2024

Why is camping good for you? The health benefits of camping are plentiful for both adults and young people. When you’re spending time at home in your usual routine, you may not realize just how much you’re missing away from nature.THE BENEFITS OF CAMPINGCamping has a great number of benefits for...

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Who Said S'mores had to be Sweet

12/26/2024

Savory s’mores are a great appetizer for entertaining! Just gather your favorite cheeses, crackers, meats and garnishes and guests can cook their own! Ingredients: 3-5 types of crackers: water crackers, wheat crackers, fig crackers, etc. 3-5 types of cheese: brie, smoked cheddar, mozzarella, gruyere...

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Why Campgrounds Make the Best Venue for Family Reunions

12/26/2024

Planning a family reunion can be exciting yet challenging. The venue must accommodate everyone, offer engaging activities, and create opportunities for bonding. Campgrounds are an excellent choice for these events. Let’s explore why campgrounds are the perfect venue for your next family reunion...

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Christmas Camping

12/23/2024

If you don’t think the words “Christmas” and “camping” belong in the same sentence, you certainly aren’t alone. Over the past few years, ever since my family  started going camping for Christmas, we’ve gotten countless looks, questions, and head scratches during the holiday season. It sounds “out...

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Choosing the Perfect Portable Camp Grill

12/23/2024

Portable camping grills are easy to move and store in your RV, making for unforgettable camping trips. The right type of grill depends on your preferences, cooking style, available space and the number of campers. Learn more about the best RV camping grills and how to pick the perfect one for you...

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How to Make the Most of A National Park Pass

12/1/2024

Are you someone who thrives on outdoor adventures, relishing the open road, the calm of twinkling stars, and the excitement of exploring new paths? Whether you’re an RVer, a camper, or just a nature lover, something can elevate your outdoor escapades — the America the Beautiful Pass!This fantastic...

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Upside Down Pecan Pumpkin Cake

12/1/2024

UPSIDE DOWN PECAN PUMPKIN CAKEINGREDIENTSPecan topping:½ cup butter½ cup dark brown sugar¼ cup maple syrup1 cup chopped pecansPinch of saltPumpkin cake:1/2 cup canola oil½ cup unsweetened applesauce¾ cup dark brown sugar¾ cup white sugar4 eggs1 (15oz) can pumpkin2 tsp. vanilla2 ¾ cups flour2 tsp...

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10 New Year's Camping Resolutions to Keep All Year in 2025

12/1/2024

Camping is having a major moment. Lots of people discovered the joys of camping for the first time, or rediscovered them, a couple of years ago when the coronavirus pandemic found many of us masked, indoors, and yearning to get out.For those new to the camping scene, recent years have been about...

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Ultimate Camper Gift

12/1/2024

Want to give the ultimate escape? Gift a getaway with a NW Austin Leander KOA Gift Certificate! Let your loved ones unplug and unwind in the great outdoors. Certificates start at just $25 - email [email protected]  or call (512) 259-7200 to order! Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries,...

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Love of Camping Sugar Cookies

12/1/2024

THESE HOLIDAY TREATS ARE READY TO HIT THE ROAD AND SPREAD SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER.INGREDIENTS1 batch sugar cookie dough1 recipe Royal IcingGel or liquid food coloringMini chocolate candies, sprinkles, silver dragées, etc.Pastry bags or zip-top bags with small corner cut outROYAL ICING2 Tbsp meringue...

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Reasons to We Love Winter Camping

12/1/2024

Fewer CrowdsAs I said, winter isn’t exactly known as camping season, which works out in your favor. Fewer people go camping in winter, which means that if you do some research, you could probably find a spot to have all to yourself.Winter is Camping SeasonI grew up in Texas. Winter was the only time...

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The Ultimate RV Travel Checklist

11/29/2024

THE ULTIMATE RV TRAVEL CHECKLISTEvery RV adventure requires proper planning, which includes having an RV essentials list that covers everything you need to make your trip more enjoyable, comfortable and safer. Before making a checklist, always consider your vehicle’s weight capacity. Know your RV’s...

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The 10 Most Common RV Water Leaks and How to Fix Them

11/29/2024

Your RV is a home on wheels, whether for several days at a time or all year round. Like a home, the water systems can leak, such as the fresh water tank or the water heater. An RV is also more susceptible to particular leaks, such as in the roof, since it is mobile and has a more lightweight design...

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A Simple Thanksgiving Camping Dinner

11/26/2024

A simple Thanksgiving Camping Dinner If you've never tried camping at Thanksgiving, I urge you to give it a try. If you've done it before, you already know how enjoyable the crisp air and stunning fall colors can be, as well as how rewarding it is to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner outdoors.It's...

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Celebrating Thanksgiving on the Road: A Guide to Campsgiving

11/22/2024

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, Thanksgiving is the perfect time for an RV road trip. With the kids on break and those saved-up PTO days at the ready, why not channel your gratitude into a refreshing adventure? Keep reading for some essential Thanksgiving RV travel tips and mouth...

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Campfire Sling - Tastiest Cocktails #1

11/18/2024

You may have noticed the days getting shorter. The air is getting crisper. But 5:00 still hits at the same time every day. Just because summer is getting further in the rearview mirror doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some tasty cocktails at the end of a long day (or even in the middle of the day,...

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Vinder Viper Job

11/18/2024

Vinder Viper JobA man rented an old home on a quiet hill in the middle of the woods. He had no neighbors to speak of, and was looking forward to peace and quiet.About a week after he moved in, he received a phone call. “I am the Vinder Viper,” the voice on the end of the line said. “I am coming...

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Woman buried over 10,000 years ago near modern-day Leander

11/18/2024

AUSTIN, Texas — On a wet and cold day in December 1982, archeologists are called out to investigate buried human bones found deep in the ground where construction crews with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) were building Ranch to Market Road 1431.Soon, it became clear that what the...

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Cast Iron Chili & Cornbread

11/11/2024

Cook up your whole meal in one pan with this easy camping recipe-Cast Iron Chili & Cornbread.  Spicy chili, mild chili....and cheesy cornbread?  Yes, PLEASE!INGREDIENTS1 Tbsp. olive oil1 pound ground beef1 onion, chopped2 stalks celery, chopped1 green pepper, chopped3 cloves garlic minced2 Tbsp....

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Embracing the Great Outdoors with Camping

11/7/2024

Camping is a timeless activity that allows us to reconnect with nature, unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a novice looking to embark on your first adventure, camping offers a unique experience...

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Autumn in Texas - "In Texas" #1

11/7/2024

Autumn in Texas brings some of the best weather of the year and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Fall foliage, Halloween and other holidays are on the horizon. There are many parks across Texas where you can get your fall foliage fix. Fall colors are subject to changes in weather and...

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Enthusiastically Outdoorsy Gifting

11/7/2024

From my first camping trip at just months old to my most recent time at the beach in Port Aransas, Texas, I've spent much of my life camping and hiking here and there across the United States.  Laying under the stars in a tent, pulling and driving all different sizes of RVs to jumping in a van and...

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Essential Tips for a Successful Camping Trip

11/7/2024

Choose the Right Location: Research and select a campsite that matches your preferences and skill level. Whether you prefer a remote wilderness area or a well-equipped campground, the location will greatly impact your camping experience.Pack Wisely: Create a checklist of essential items such as a...

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History of Leander, TX

11/5/2024

History Of LeanderThe City of Leander, originally called Bagdad, was established on July 17, 1882. The first settlers arrived in the area around 1845, receiving bounty land grants in exchange for service in the Texas Revolution. These settlers lived in log cabins and were frequently subjected to...

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RV Cooking - Yes, it is possible.

10/30/2024

There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy soup to wrap you in comfort, and let me tell you, Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup is one of my personal favorites! Growing up, my grandma would make this soup on chilly days, and it quickly became a beloved family staple. The vibrant green of the broccoli, the...

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First Afghan Woman to Climb Mount Everest

10/30/2024

In spring 2025, Freshta Ibrahimi aims to make history—by becoming the first Afghan woman to summit the highest peak in the world. Yet while climbing Mount Everest is a bucket list achievement for any serious mountaineer, for 32-year-old Ibrahimi, who already has a decade of climbing experience under...

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Getting Started RVing: Tips for overcoming a fear of towing

10/24/2024

1. Don’t Let Other People Set Limits For YouTowing is a skill set like driving a car, riding a bike, or mastering something new. There are tips and tricks that you’ll learn and practice, and eventually they will become second nature. The day will come when it no longer seems like a big deal, and...

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Annual Chili Cook Off & Halloween Bash

10/23/2024

This upcoming Saturday is our Annual Chili Cook-Off & Halloween Bash...Here's the link if you would like to register for it.https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ygbjph7/lp/3268832b-de89-4824-9abe-d5d71fe5e5f4Annual Chili Cook-Off & Halloween Bash.Spice up your weekend at our annual chili...

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Camping Isn't Just For Hot Dogs....

10/22/2024

Fire up the Blackstone Camping griddle to create crispy, golden beer-battered halibut filets and seasoned potatoes. It's a tasty, homemade meal that is sure to impress! Beer Battered HalibutIngredients 1 cup mayonnaise 2-3 Tbsp dill relish 1-2 tsp fresh chives, diced 1 lemon 2 lbs Halibut filets 1...

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