Please note: KOA campgrounds are independently run, so amenities, hookups, pet rules, seasons and prices differ from one campground to the next. The facts below were checked against KOA’s own website in October 2026. Always confirm details on the campground’s page before you book. See our full disclaimer at the end of this article.
KOA camping means staying at one of the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) campgrounds, a network of about 500 campgrounds across the United States and Canada with the familiar yellow sign. Most offer recreational vehicle (RV) sites, tent sites and cabins, and many add pools, playgrounds and dog parks. This guide explains the three types of KOA campgrounds, what an RV site actually includes, how pets are handled, whether KOA Rewards is worth it and how to book the right site for your rig.
Key Takeaways
- There are three kinds of KOA. Journey campgrounds are quick overnight stops near highways, Holiday campgrounds are for longer stays with more to do, and Resort campgrounds have the most amenities and activities.
- Hookups vary by site. Not every KOA site has full hookups or 50-amp power, so check the exact site details before you book.
- Pet rules are set by each campground. Limits on the number of pets, breed rules and fees differ, even though many KOAs have dog parks.
- KOA Rewards costs $39 a year and takes 10% off daily rates, so it pays for itself after about $390 of nightly stays.
- Many KOAs are seasonal. Check the open dates if you are traveling in winter.
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What Is KOA Camping?
Kampgrounds of America started in 1962, when founder Dave Drum opened the first KOA campground in Billings, Montana, on the banks of the Yellowstone River. Today KOA has roughly 500 campgrounds in North America, including a few dozen in Canada. Most are franchises owned and run by local owners, and a smaller number are owned by the company.
That model is the key to understanding KOA. The yellow sign tells you to expect a staffed office, bathhouses and a camp store, but the size of the sites, the hookups, the pet rules and the extras depend on the individual campground. Reading the campground’s own page on KOA.com before you book is the best way to avoid surprises.
KOA Journey vs. Holiday vs. Resort
KOA sorts its campgrounds into three brands. The brand tells you what kind of stay the campground is built for.
| Type | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| KOA Journey | Overnight stops on a road trip | Near highways, with quick check-in, often long pull-through RV sites and after-hours check-in |
| KOA Holiday | Stays of a few days | More activities and amenities, and a good base for exploring the area. Some sites have a KOA Patio or a private bathroom |
| KOA Resort | Destination vacations | The most amenities, such as a resort-style pool, deluxe cabins, group facilities and staff-led activities |
If you only need a safe place to sleep between long driving days, a Journey campground near the interstate is usually the easiest choice. If the campground is part of the vacation, especially with children, a Holiday or Resort campground gives you more to do without leaving the grounds.
Ways to Stay at a KOA
RV Sites
Most KOAs offer both pull-through sites, which you drive straight into and out of, and back-in sites. Pull-through sites are the easiest choice for big motorhomes, fifth wheels and anyone still building confidence; our first time RV driving guide has tips for backing in when you need to.
Hookups differ from site to site. You will usually see a mix of:
- Full hookups: electric, water and sewer at your site.
- Water and electric: no sewer connection, so you use the campground’s dump station.
- Electric only: fine for a night or two if your fresh water tank is full.
Pay close attention to the electric service. Many campgrounds offer both 30-amp and 50-amp sites, but not every site has 50-amp power. Our guide to 30 amp vs. 50 amp RV service explains which one your RV needs. Also check the maximum site length against your rig, including your tow vehicle or towed car.
KOA Patio Sites
KOA Patio sites are upgraded RV sites with a hard patio next to your rig. What comes with the patio differs by campground: KOA listings describe patio furniture, a fire pit or fire ring, and at some campgrounds a grill, swing or lighting. If the patio is the reason you are booking, read that campground’s description of the site.
Tent Sites and Cabins
Many KOAs also have tent sites and two main kinds of cabins, which is handy if friends or family want to join your RV trip without an RV of their own.
| Cabin type | Bathroom | What to bring |
|---|---|---|
| Camping Cabin | No; guests use the campground bathhouse | Bedding or sleeping bags and towels |
| Deluxe Cabin | Yes, and usually a kitchen | Linens are often included, but check the listing |
Camping at KOA With Pets
KOA is a popular choice for RVers with dogs, but the rules are set by each campground, not by one network-wide policy. Here is what to look for:
- KampK9 dog parks: many KOAs have a fenced KampK9 area where dogs can run, and some add agility equipment or a pet wash.
- Paw Pen sites: some KOAs rent RV sites with their own private fenced pet area, sometimes with shade and a pet waste station.
- Pet limits and breed rules: some campgrounds allow two pets per site, some charge for extra pets, and some restrict certain breeds while others have no breed rules.
- Leash rules: a leash no longer than 6 feet is the usual rule, and some campgrounds do not allow retractable leashes. Pets should never be left unattended.
- Cabins: only some cabins are pet-friendly, often for a fee.
To compare campgrounds with real dog amenities, try our Pet-Friendly RV Campground Finder, which lists campgrounds with pet rules checked on their official websites, and our RV travel with pets checklist.
Pet safety: pets must never ride in a towed travel trailer or fifth wheel while it is moving, even in a harness or crate. They should ride secured in the tow vehicle or in a motorhome.
Is KOA Rewards Worth It?
KOA Rewards is KOA’s paid loyalty program. According to KOA’s terms in October 2026:
- It costs $39 a year, plus any tax.
- Members get 10% off the daily registration rate for one site. The discount does not apply to weekly, monthly or seasonal rates and cannot be combined with other discounts.
- You earn points that can be redeemed for $10, $25 or $50 off a future stay, with a maximum of $50 per stay.
- VIP status: members who earn 20,000 points in a year reach VIP status, and KOA says the next year of membership is free.
The simple test: 10% of $390 is $39, so if you expect to spend more than about $390 on nightly KOA stays in a year, the membership pays for itself before you count any points. If you mostly book weekly or monthly rates, it may not.
How to Find and Book the Right KOA
- Search by your route or destination on KOA.com, and note whether each campground is a Journey, Holiday or Resort.
- Check the season. Some KOAs are open all year, but many, especially in colder areas, close for the winter. Each campground page lists its open dates.
- Pick the site, not just the campground. Confirm the hookups, amps, pull-through or back-in, and the maximum length for your rig.
- Read the pet policy if you travel with pets, including limits, fees and breed rules.
- Book early for holidays and summer weekends, especially near national parks and beaches.
Our RV trip planning guide helps you plan stops and driving days, and our RV camping tips cover campground etiquette and setup.
KOA vs. State Park Campgrounds
KOAs and public campgrounds suit different trips, and many RVers use both.
- KOA campgrounds are usually easy to reach from major roads, are staffed, and are more likely to have full hookups, laundry, a store, pools and dog parks. Prices are often higher.
- State and national park campgrounds often have bigger, more natural sites in scenic places and lower prices, but hookups are more limited and popular parks book up fast.
Looking for beach or regional ideas? See our East Coast RV beach campgrounds, which includes two KOAs, and our best RV campgrounds in Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KOA camping?
It is camping at a Kampgrounds of America campground. KOA is a network of about 500 campgrounds in the United States and Canada, most of them locally owned franchises, offering RV sites, tent sites and cabins.
Are KOA campgrounds open year-round?
Some are, but many close for part of the year, especially in places with cold winters. Check the campground’s page for its open dates before you plan a winter trip.
Does every KOA site have full hookups?
No. Most KOAs have a mix of full-hookup, water and electric, and electric-only sites, and not every site has 50-amp power. Check the details of the exact site you book.
Are KOA campgrounds pet-friendly?
Many are, and many have KampK9 dog parks, but each campground sets its own pet rules. Some limit the number of pets or restrict certain breeds, and pet-friendly cabins are limited.
What is the difference between KOA Journey, Holiday and Resort?
Journey campgrounds are convenient overnight stops near highways, Holiday campgrounds offer more activities for stays of a few days, and Resort campgrounds have the most amenities, such as resort-style pools, deluxe cabins and staff-led activities.
Related Guides
- Pet-friendly RV campground finder
- RV campgrounds with water parks
- Best East Coast RV beach campgrounds
- RV trip planning
- Good Sam vs. AAA RV roadside assistance
Acronyms Used in This Article
- KOA: Kampgrounds of America
- RV: recreational vehicle
Disclaimer
This article is general information only. KOA campgrounds are independently operated, and their amenities, hookups, pet rules, seasons, prices and program terms change, so confirm current details on the campground’s page before you book. PreciousRV is not owned by or connected to KOA. Links to KOA in this article are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Facts checked October 2026.
