KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases 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 are the perfect oases 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.
From I-80: Turn north at Exit 168 onto Iowa Speedway Dr. Travel about 3/4 mile and look for the "KOA" sign on left. Take a hard left in front of the lighted Newton KOA sign between Barney's towing and a church. Go 1/4 mile down our lane into our KOA.
Check in at the office and you will be assigned a site.
Relax and enjoy!
Do not rely on GPS. You may be routed needlessly through Newton. GPS: N41.684937, W93.013722
Get Google Directions
Reposted from the KOA blog:
While some pack up their RV and head south in the winter, others stick around to enjoy the sparkling snow, peaceful woods and quiet campgrounds. Winter RV camping offers a break from the bustling summer season and a chance to relax in the beautiful snowy outdoors. Winter RV trips can be an affordable way to explore a popular ski destination or enjoy other outdoor winter recreation. If you are considering taking your RV out this winter, don’t let the cold weather get in your way. Use this guide to cold weather RVing to stay warm and safe during your wintertime RV camping adventure.
Before you embark on a winter RV trip, make sure your camper is in the best condition to face the cold. By preparing your camper for harsh weather, you can protect your engine and other RV components from freezing and other damage. An adequately insulated RV will keep you and your family warm to make your winter camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Below are five ways to prepare your RV for a winter camping trip.
Installing insulation is one of the best and simplest ways to keep a camper warm in the winter. RV insulation protects many vehicle components from damage and helps create a warm and toasty living space. Insulation around the base of the RV can also effectively block cold winter winds from damaging RV piping and sucking heat out of the camper. If you are heading out for a winter RV camping trip, try these tips for how to insulate a camper trailer and RV underbelly for cold weather camping:
Most RV insulation can remain installed throughout the year and requires very little yearly maintenance. Window foil insulation can be easily rolled up and stored during warmer months, and RV skirting can be used year round or stored in the summer.
Freeze-ups are a common challenge for winter RV camping and can lead to plumbing damage. When ice expands in pipes and hoses, it can cause them to crack or burst if not properly insulated. Keep your water flowing this winter by following these tips for keeping RV pipes from freezing while camping:
RV engines and engine components need extra protection to withstand extreme winter temperatures. Before heading out for winter RV camping, inspect your RV batteries for any signs of corrosion or damage. Make sure your batteries are fully charged and securely connected. Batteries that are only partly charged are much more likely to freeze or die in cold temperatures.
Check your engine antifreeze and refill it with the proper concentration of antifreeze and water. While water may be effective for cooling an engine in warmer months, using at least 50 percent antifreeze is essential for RV camping in freezing temperatures. For camping in very cold regions, using an engine block heater can provide additional protection. Engine block heaters are meant to warm up your engine before you start it, and should run for about four to five hours prior to starting the engine if the temperature is below freezing.
Check your RV furnace before your winter camping trip to ensure it is in proper working condition. If camping in extremely cold temperatures, it is best to have an inspection performed by a certified RV repair technician. Clean your furnace using compressed air or a soft brush to remove dirt and debris. Check the furnace vents for any damage or obstructions that could prevent air from flowing properly and check that the furnace air return is not blocked.
When heating your RV in winter, you may also choose to use additional heat sources. Space heaters and catalytic heaters can make a huge difference for staying warm in a camper in winter. Remember that these heating methods can add moisture to the air which may cause damage to your engine and other RV components. Condensation in the engine or pipes can cause corrosion, and moisture inside your RV may lead to mold. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture if necessary and keep your RV warm and dry.
When operating and living in a travel trailer during winter, there are many precautions you can take to prevent freeze-ups and stay warm. Here are a few more tips for preparing your RV for a cold weather trip:
When packing for winter travel trailer camping, it is best to prepare for even colder weather than you expect and bring back-up supplies in case of an emergency. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so prepare for a winter storm even if clear weather is in the forecast. Pack an emergency kit that includes anything you may need to repair your RV should a freeze-up or breakdown occur. When choosing clothing for your winter RV camping, look for waterproof and insulated options. Prepare for any adventure by bringing several different layers, and remember that you can always take layers off if the temperature rises. Use this winter RV camping checklist when packing for your cold weather camping trip:
After long days of enjoying the outdoors, you will want to return home to a warm and cozy camper. When temperatures drop in the evening, staying warm in your RV is even more important. If you have prepared your RV before your trip, the exterior insulation and skirting can greatly increase your trailer’s internal temperature. Insulating all seams, vents, windows and doors will lock in the warmth from your RV furnace. If it snows during your camping trip, be sure to keep the roof clear. Snow piling up on the RV roof can cause stress to the roof as well as make the trailer colder.
Another simple technique to increase the temperature inside your RV is to park it in the sun. A sunny campsite allows the sun to naturally heat your RV and help melt any snow on the roof of your trailer. A spot with some protection from wind also helps to keep your RV warm. If you do have to park in a windy area, position your RV so the wind hits the front of the RV rather than the sides.
In less severe winter temperatures, running your RV furnace will likely be sufficient to keep your RV warm. Using the RV furnace has the benefit of keeping your water pipes and hoses warm to further prevent freezing. Because your RV furnace pulls outside air into the RV, it also poses no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, RV furnaces may not be as efficient as other heating alternatives and can also be fairly noisy when you are trying to sleep. If temperatures dip too low, using an RV furnace alone may not be sufficient to keep you and your family warm. In very cold temperatures, use additional heaters inside your RV to make your winter camping trip more comfortable. There are a few different types of heaters to consider for heating your RV in winter:
After you get your RV warmed up, be sure to keep yourself warm too. Even the toughest outdoor enthusiasts are not immune to frostbite and hypothermia, so bundle up anytime you go outdoors in cold weather. Hand and feet warmers can also be tucked into your gloves and boots to keep your extremities warm. If you get wet while adventuring outdoors, change into dry clothing as soon as you get inside. While sleeping in your RV, use a sleeping bag and extra blankets to trap body heat and stay cozy. For extra warmth, consider using a heating pad, electric blanket or hot water bottle in your bed.
Winter RV camping can be a unique and thrilling experience. With the right preparation, you can enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape and excitement of winter recreation while staying warm and safe. Here are a few more tips for planning the best winter RV camping trip:
If you are planning an RV trip this winter, choose a Kampgrounds of America campground that is open through the winter months. KOA has more that 250 campgrounds that are open year-round, including both northern and southern campgrounds, so you can find your perfect winter destination whether you venture into the snow or head south chasing the sun.
KOA campgrounds are available near popular ski areas, hiking trails and national parks, so you can make the most of your winter adventure. Use our Find a KOA tool to locate a campground near your dream winter RV trip destination.
Ensure your RV is ready to hit the road this season and save on services that you regularly rely on with exclusive discounts from KOA Rewards. With KOA Rewards, you can save on Goodyear Tire services, RV insurance, RV or Boat loans, DISH Outdoor and more!
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.
