Mena / Ouachita National Forest KOA Journey Blog
Check out the HOT DEALS below! RV Sites $425 per month! Lower WEEKDAY rates for RVs and cabins!
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
If driving North on Highway 71: 5 miles North of Hatfield. If driving South on 71: 6 miles south of Mena
Get Google Directions
If you are new to camping or envision yourself doing it for many years to come, you may be tempted to drop a bunch of money on all the latest and greatest camping gear. But if you focus on the basics for now, you’ll be able to build your camping inventory over time to with all the added comforts of home. For now, let’s focus on the basics:
As new camping gear comes out, the old things are often discounted or campers get rid of their old items by selling or donating them to second-hand shops. So, you can look for sales in stores on last year’s items, or you can make a day of thrifting to find camping gear that someone else no longer needs.
REI’s Garage Sales have become a hot spot for campers and outdoor adventurers of all kinds to get screaming deals on slightly used equipment. The garage sales used to happen a few times a year, but now, some REI locations across the country have a used gear section year-round that you can shop.
If you’re new to camping and want to test the waters before you think about buying your own gear, borrowing camping gear from friends is another great option. There’s even options now to rent gear from companies like REI Co-op, Arrive Outdoors, Outdoors Geek, and LowerGear. You can also look to rent an RV verses purchasing one which can be a cost effective way to camp if you only go a few times each year. Great options include Cruise America, RVShare, Outdoorsy or RVezy.
If you are looking to camp on a budget, then meals present an opportunity to save a lot of money. You do not have to make a four-course meal or test out all the local cafes and restaurants. The simpler you can make your camping meals, the better.
Some ways to keep your food costs down include:
If you need some meal planning inspiration, check out KOA’s Camping Recipe Catalogue with dozens of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack ideas!
Camping is already one of the most affordable ways to travel, but where you stay can make an even bigger difference. At KOA campgrounds, many amenities and activities are built into your nightly rate—from family-friendly features like pools and playgrounds to the simple joy of having space to relax and explore. Instead of spending extra on entertainment, you can enjoy more of your trip right at camp or take advantage of the natural attractions nearby.
Other ways to save on your campground choice include:
If you really want to maximize your savings, enroll in KOA’s loyalty program, KOA Rewards and get access to our loyalty program with more discounts!
Camping with your close friends and family is great fun — and a great way to save money. When you camp with your nearest and dearest, you can share expenses such as campground fees, food costs, gas and even certain gear.
One friend may have a camping stove, which means you don’t need to buy one. Another may have all of the condiments you need for cooking, so you can save your money on that. And you may have enough s’mores fixings to last a lifetime, so your friends can save money on that. Sharing is caring!
Just be sure to start chatting about your camping adventure as early as possible so that your group understands budget expectations.
The great thing about Mother Nature is that she’s full of all kinds of free activities, no matter where you are. Hiking, biking, swimming, climbing, stargazing, games and stories around the campfire — these memorable activities are all things that cost (next to) nothing but will bring you so much joy and fulfillment.
Also, be sure to check out the happenings around the campground. Some campgrounds, like many KOAs, have fun events or activities that are often free.
If you decide that camping is what you want to spend your fun money on, then start building up a fund to make that happen. Create a jar to keep at home for your camping money. When you have loose change, throw it in the jar. You may even decide to take money from each paycheck to contribute to your next adventure.
Many campgrounds offer special deals and savings throughout the year. Be sure to check their websites or call them to see what discounts are currently available. Some even have special rates and discounts for less busy times or certain sites.
If you plan to make camping a regular pastime, enroll in KOA Rewards. While there is an initial cost to join this discounted camping program, it is well worth the $39 annual fee.
As a KOA Rewards member, you get 10% off your daily registration rate at any KOA Campground as well as rewards points that you can rack up to get cash off of future stays. In addition, you get a free night of camping during the KOA Rewards Weekend and special access to all kinds of offers and discounts from KOA partners.
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.
