Stay A While at KOA!

Not sure if an extended stay is right for you? It’s not for everyone, but there are certain types of people who find long-term camping stays to be invigorating and affordable.

Winter Texans

Winter Texans are people who leave their colder native states and head to the great state of Texas during the winter. Winter Texans soak up the warm temperatures in the state for several weeks or months.

Buying a second home in Texas is expensive. Instead, become a Winter Texan by staying at a KOA campground. We have more than 20 locations throughout the state, so there is bound to be a location in Texas you want to see.

Snowbirds

Snowbirds are open to a wide range of southern states. Snowbirds head south for most of the winter to enjoy the warmer Sun Belt states. Snowbird campgrounds save you money and let you explore a variety of areas. Choose a different Sun Belt state each year to keep your snowbird adventures exciting!

Just a few of our Sun Belt KOA states include:

• California: With over 30 KOA locations available in California, you have your choice of views, from sunny southern beaches to northern national forests.
• Arizona: The variety in Arizona provides you with a wide selection of northern and southern locations and plenty of natural beauty to explore in any of the 12 KOA locations in the state.
• New Mexico: Right next door in New Mexico, choose from more than 10 KOA locations to serve as your winter home away from home.
• Louisiana: Soak in a little Louisiana charm at one of our KOA locations.
• Georgia: Spend your winters in Georgia to enjoy plenty of history and southern hospitality. With almost 10 locations spanning from the northern border to the very south of the state, you have several options for your extended stay.
• South Carolina: Enjoy the beaches, the city or nature when you choose one of the eight South Carolina KOA locations.
• Florida: Experience the Florida snowbird life KOA-style at one of our more than 20 locations. Choose a coastal location or a city in the middle of the state to match your extended stay preference.

Halfbacks

Halfbacks enjoy the moderate climates in the middle states in areas such as Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Halfback campgrounds allow you to enjoy the climate you desire, with the option to travel to a variety of different areas. Choose from a number of KOA halfback campgrounds!

Why should you choose long-term camping? Extended stay campgrounds give you a unique way to explore the country with several perks along the way. Here are a few reasons to camp during your extended time away from home:

• Cost savings: The costs of staying in a hotel or renting a vacation home add up quickly, especially when you stay for longer than a week. Camping is a much more affordable lodging option, no matter how you choose to stay. All those savings leave you with more money to explore your destination or stay even longer. Look for the "Extended Stay" link on a campground's page to see whether the campground offers extended stay rates or call the campground directly for more information.
• Escape the cold: Just because. you live in a northern area doesn’t mean you have to freeze all winter long. Pack up the RV and head to a southern KOA location to escape the cold.
• Extended adventures: Some people see enough in a week to satisfy their travel cravings, but you may want more. Long-term campgrounds let you continue the adventure for a few weeks or even a few months. Whether you stay in one place or travel across the country, convenient KOA locations give you a place to stay during your extended vacation.
• Change of scenery: Tired of seeing the same old things outside your window? Camping long-term gets you out of that rut, regardless of the time of year. Choose one of our Southern locations to explore the natural beauty while enjoying the warmth of the South. An extended stay lets you explore and experience the new location fully.
• Camping fun: If you enjoy short camping trips, an extended stay is a perfect way to keep the fun going. When you stay at a KOA campground for your longer vacation, you get easy access to all that Mother Nature has to offer, along with the great amenities of the campground.

You’re going to be here a while, so it’s important to pick the perfect campsite for the duration. Once you decide your destination, check out the map of your selected campground to get an idea of where you want to stay. A lot goes into choosing the perfect spot!

Location

Where will your extended stay plans take you? You may already have a location in mind. If you call yourself a Winter Texan, you may yearn for the Texas coastline, big cities or remote forests.

If you’re a snowbird who likes variety, check out the many KOA Sun Belt locations. Soak in the sun at a coastal location or connect with the past at a location near historic southern cities. Stay near forests, deserts, National Parks or any other type of land feature that you want to wake up to every morning.

With over 500 locations in North America, we guarantee that KOA is where you want to stay! Check out our locations to find the perfect spot to call home temporarily.

Attractions

With so many location options, KOA can keep you close to a variety of attractions no matter where you stay. Click on the Local Area tab of your selected KOA location to find information on attractions. If you’re not familiar with the area or want an insider’s take on what to do, ask anyone in a yellow shirt. You’ll quickly see just how great our customer service is.

Some locations provide information on local attractions. Some even offer organized trips or transportation to nearby attractions. The staff can help you sign up for these options.

What type of attractions can you expect to see during your extended camping trip? It all comes down to location, but here are a few options in the Sun Belt states to consider:

• National Parks: Fully explore some great National Parks at a nearby KOA. You’ll find locations near almost every national park in states like Arizona and California.
• Beaches: Many of KOA’s Sun Belt locations keep you near the beach for a relaxing coastal escape. Florida, South Carolina and California offer many locations near the coasts.
• Big cities: Some people want to escape to remote areas, but others love being close to the city. If that describes you, decide which big city you want to explore on your extended stay. The chances are good that you’ll find a KOA location nearby.

Winter Texans have access to a variety of popular attractions in the state. Some of the most popular Texas attractions near KOA locations include:

• Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• San Antonio’s River Walk
• The Alamo
• Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark
• Dallas Cowboys Stadium
• Texas Rangers Ballpark
• Six Flags
• South Padre Island

Amenities

The amenities set KOA apart from the competition. There is something for everyone! If your grandkids come to visit, take them to the Jumping Pillows, or one of the pools available at many locations. Feeling the urge to catch your dinner? Head to the fishing hole. Your furry family member also feels right at home with KOA’s pet-friendly locations and Kamp K9 dog parks.

Check out these great amenities for your extended stay:

• On-site convenience stores: Don’t worry about packing months’ worth of supplies. With our on-site stores, you can pick up the essentials when you need them.
• Laundry facilities: Thanks to the on-site self-service laundry facilities, you won’t have to pack a lot of clothes if you don’t want to. You’ll appreciate having access to washers and dryers for your longer stays.
• Kamp K9^TM: Does your camping crew include a furry member? Kamp K9^TM dog parks at select KOAs give your pet a place to run, play and explore safely. Call your local KOA campground for more information on pet policies and amenities.
• Clean restrooms: KOA makes sure you have a clean bathroom so that your extended camping trip is more pleasant and convenient. Jump in for a nice hot shower after a day of hiking, fishing or exploring.
• Activities: Check with your selected location to determine the specific activities available. Some of the common options include Jumping Pillows, pools, horseback riding, hiking, mini golf, basketball, climbing walls and biking.
• Rentals: Check in with the friendly staff to find out how to rent equipment for even more activities. Many locations offer fishing gear, bikes, water sports equipment and more as rentals. It’s a great way to try out some new activities!
• Relaxation: Many of our campsites and cabins include patios, fire pits and porch swings for a little relaxation during your stay.
• Special activities: Check the schedule at your selected KOA to find out about special activities offered. These activities vary by location, but they may include movie nights, pancake breakfasts, group games and themed nights. Anyone can participate — don’t be shy! It’s the perfect way to meet some of your fellow long-term campers.

Making Your Extended Stay Reservation

Planning an extended trip? Don’t wait to book your perfect KOA campsite. Extended stay campsites may be limited, and the campgrounds fill up quickly during peak times. Calling early ensures you get the spot you want at your preferred location for the duration of your trip.

Be sure to call the campground to reserve sites for stays longer than 28 days, as stays longer than this cannot be booked online.

When you call to make reservations, please be prepared to make a down payment to hold your spot. Ask us about special rates for extended stays. Reservation restrictions and requirements vary by location, so it’s best to talk to a friendly staff member at your preferred location to ask about cancellation policies, down payments, any stay length limitations, and restrictions on who can reserve a spot.

Packing takes some time — especially when you’re gone for an extended period. Remember to bring anything you might need for the entire duration of your trip. Some things are easy to buy along the way, such as extra toiletries. Others aren’t so easy to replace, like prescriptions or important documents.

Here’s a general list of things to pack:

• Gear and maintenance Items: Be sure to bring all of your hoses, cords and leveling gear. It's also a good idea to bring along a kit of common tools and parts needed for regular maintenance and minor repairs.
• Cooking items: Pack up your camp stove, pans, utensils, portable grill and other cooking gear. KOA campsites have fire pits for cooking, and some sites include grills.
• Clothing: Your destination is the biggest factor in what type of clothing you pack. Even if you’re a snowbird heading south for warmer weather, you may still want to pack some warm clothes for chilly nights.
• Personal items: Add any toiletries, medications and other personal items you’ll need during your stay.
• Bedding and towels: Be sure to pack enough towels, sheets and blankets for your trip.
• Important paperwork: Since you’ll be gone for an extended period, don’t forget any important paperwork or documentation. If you’re crossing the border, grab your passports. Bring your ID, insurance cards and emergency contact information. If you’ll be gone past April 15, bring your tax paperwork so you can file on time.
• Laundry supplies: With an extended stay, you can expect to have some laundry to do. Our KOA locations offer self-service laundry facilities, so you won’t have to go far for clean clothes and linens. Bring a laundry basket or bag, detergent, dryer sheets and any other laundry supplies you use regularly.

Camping for an extended period takes you away from the safety that you’re accustomed to enjoying in your home. Take some time to make your campsite safe to give yourself a sense of security. Here are some ways to stay safe:

• Follow the rules: Read through the rules at your specific KOA location when you arrive so that you understand the potential wildlife and other dangers. Follow those rules to keep yourself safe.
• Bring your pooch: If you have a dog, bring him along for the trip. Not only do you get to enjoy the experience with your furry best friend, but he also serves as an alarm if he hears or sees something unusual.*
• Protect food: Keeping food in sealed containers in your vehicle or RV reduces the risk of interactions with local wildlife. This safety step is particularly important in areas with bears and other similar wildlife. Dispose of all food in designated trash bins to keep your campsite safe.
• Meet the neighbors: Getting to know the other campers around you, especially others who are staying long-term, gives you a greater sense of security. It’s also nice to have someone looking out for you.
• Share your plans: Let someone back home know about your travel plans. Check in with them occasionally to touch base and make sure everything is going smoothly.
• Watch the weather: If you’re a snowbird escaping winter weather, it may seem easy to ignore the weather forecast, but it’s important to know what’s coming. Dress for the weather and take shelter during severe weather.
• Add a personalized touch: This tip is more about feeling comfortable than safety, but it’s still a good way to set up your camp. Hang hammocks outside, place photos in your camper and roll out small rugs. These little touches help you relax and make the place feel more like home.

*Check with the KOA campground you are staying at prior to your visit to learn about their pet policies.

Leave your worries behind with a long, relaxing camping trip. Reserve your extended stay site today!