These new KOA campgrounds are must visit locations for 2018
Every year, new campgrounds join the Kampgrounds of America family of campgrounds expanding our system across the United States and Canada. This year’s KOA Directory, releasing in March, will feature over 500 KOA campgrounds for you to visit including 20 brand new locations throughout North America. With so many new places to explore, we’ll introduce you to ten of these new KOA campgrounds in January. Next month, we’ll visit another ten and you’ll still be left with plenty of time to plan a summer road trip or two.
Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA | California
Located just 10-miles from one of California’s most popular destinations – Palm Springs – Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA makes the most of the subtropical paradise of the Coachella Valley. Exclusively featuring full hookup RV Sites, furnished Deluxe Cabins and newly installed Tent Sites, this campground is built for relaxing. Central to that calming theme, the campground’s large swimming pool and three hot tubs are fed by natural therapeutic hot springs. Of course there’s plenty to do both on and off the campground if you’re looking for adventure. Campground guests can partake in pickleball, horse shoes, shuffleboard, miniature golf and more. Guests will also enjoy easy access to 80 nearby golf courses, museums, festivals and Joshua Tree National Park – just 45 minutes away.
Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday | Tennessee
Built on 16 tree-filled acres, Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday is camping at its best. Ideal for a week or a weekend getaway, this campground offers 50-amp, full hookup RV Sites built to accommodate rigs of all sizes, cozy Deluxe Cabins with full baths and peaceful Tent Sites. The gated location also features a seasonal swimming pool, group pavilion, Kamp K-9 dog park and more. Stay here and you’ll also be close enough to Great Smoky Mountain National Park to hike in on trails located just up the road. Also enjoy easy access to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the surrounding area – you won’t run out of things to see or do here!
“The families who have kids want to go hiking and do things in the Park, then go to Pigeon Forge and do the fun things that Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have to offer,” says owner Kelly Williamson. “They’ll want to go sightseeing and we really end up being a destination where you spend the night, go out and explore the Park and other areas, then come back here to relax.”
Homer / Baycrest KOA Holiday | Alaska
KOA’s second location in Alaska, Homer / Baycrest KOA Holiday features views that are pretty tough to beat. Overlooking majestic Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet you’ll awake to ocean views flanked by impressive mountains – you might even be able to watch a whale or two! Bring your RV, pitch a tent or try a new cabin, not matter how you stay you’ll feel right at home at this KOA that also features a cafe, convenience store and its own gas station. Of course in Alaska, the new frontier, real adventures are never hard to find. Close to downtown Homer, great hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and more, a stay at this campground will be anything but ordinary.
Willcox / Cochise KOA Holiday | Arizona
Located in the beautiful high mountain Arizona desert, just off I-10, the Willcox / Cochise KOA Holiday is a Southwestern paradise. Stay in a convenient Pull Thru RV Site or try their brand new Deluxe Cabin and enjoy the many amenities this campground offers including seasonal cowboy breakfasts and dinners, hand-dipped ice cream, free mini-golf, well-stocked general store (you’ll love the local gifts!) and, coming soon, a brand new pool. Nearby you’ll find Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historical Site, Cochise Stronghold, Tombstone Historic District, Willcox Playa National Natural Landmark, Mt. Graham National Observatory and a host of Cochise County vineyards perfect for wine tasting. Open all year, you should definitely add this KOA to your list.
Bear Lake / Trail Side KOA Journey | Utah
Park your RV in a Pull Thru or Back In Site or pitch your tent at Bear Lake / Trail Side KOA Journey before heading for all the stunning views nearby. They won’t be hard to find at Bear Lake, a 20 mile long, natural lake straddling the Utah/Idaho border nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Rockies” because of its turquoise water and white sand beaches. Fish, sail, jet ski and soak up the northeast Utah sun at this convenient campground. If you’re towing a boat, the marina is two miles north of the campground providing easy access for pleasure cruisers and anglers. Drive along Bear Lake Road, which rings the lake, or explore the many hiking, biking and four-wheeling trails. At the campground plenty of amenities and activities await to give you a getaway to remember.
Americus KOA
If you’re a golfer, this is a campground to add to your list. The Americus KOA is situated on a beautiful 18-hole golf course in serene southwest Georgia. In fact, the campground’s big rig-friendly Pull Thru RV Sites with 50/30-amp service and full hookups are just a short walk from the greens. Tent Sites were recently added to the campground complete with picnic tables, fire rings and even USB ports to power your electronics. In addition to the large golf course, amenities also include a driving range and putting green as well as a 9-hole foot golf course (played with a soccer ball) and a new disc golf course. Fishing and paddle boats are also popular draws for guests. In the coming year even more additions are planned including a new playground, Deluxe Cabins and a Kamp K9 with a dog wash.
Munising / Pictured Rocks KOA
“The nicest part of where we’re located is the surrounding area,” says Karin Madigan who owns this campground with her son. “It’s beautiful. There’s lots of privacy, no worries and it’s safe for children. That’s important to us.”
Perfect for a week or weekend getaway, the Munising / Pictured Rocks KOA offers spacious pull-through and back-in RV Sites with either full or partial hookups. Comfortable Camping Cabins are also available. The campground is located near the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which is a big draw in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. But there’s plenty to do on the campground, too. The tree-filled property has over 400 acres of walking trails, a pavilion for large gatherings and a variety of activities for guest of all ages. There’s also a heated swimming pool, playground and sports courts for volleyball and basketball.
“It’s affordable to come up here and there are so many things to see,” Karin says. “Guests love to stay here and take day trips to see the sights, like Grand Island, Lake Superior, which is just four miles away, and more than 30 waterfalls in the area.”
Bucksport / Fort Knox KOA
Located in beautiful Maine, the occasional lobster feed isn’t out of the norm at this campground. Bucksport / Fort Knox KOA is a beautifully landscaped camping destination with Pull Thru and back-in RV Sites, cozy Camping Cabins, wooded Tent Sites and more. In addition to its amenities which including a swimming pool, dog park and well-stocked store, the campground is also known for its many activities and themed weekends.
“There is always something going on,” says Marlene Greenlaw who owns the campground with her husband David. “We have basket weaving classes and teach knitting and crocheting. There are kids classes, and every Wednesday adults do crafts too. Every night there are board games in the rec hall. This year we added bocce ball and horseshoes, and we’ve even done a few tournaments.”
Philadelphia South / Clarksboro KOA
Enjoy the best of both worlds at Philadelphia South / Clarksboro KOA with this peaceful, country campground experience in Clarksboro, NJ that makes a perfect basecamp for exploring nearby historic, downtown Philadelphia. This convenient campground offers a variety of RV Sites, Tent Sites, cabins and even new, unique Glamping Tents. Amenities at the campground also offer something for everyone from a swimming pool, to a Jumping Pillow, to Kamp K9, to a catch and release fishing pond. If you’re looking to getaway from it all while still being close to the action, you’ll want to make a stop at this KOA.
Clearwater Lake Tarpon KOA
Conveniently located near some of the best beaches in Florida, Clearwater Lake Tarpon KOA is a perfect place to relax and explore the Sunshine State. Offering several types of RV Sites for both short visits and extended stays, this KOA is a favorite spots for groups, families, snowebirds and RV rallies alike. Enjoy a tropical pool and cabana area, bike rentals, an improved Kamp K9 with pet wash station, new guest laundry equipment and more. Off the campground you’ll find water recreation, the famous Pinellas Trail, local museums, charming beach communities, four championship gold course at the Innisbrook Golf Resort and so much more.
