KOA Quick Peeks

Chuck and I love to travel, and we often stay at KOAs in camping cabins (or Kamping Kabins). Since we know others who might enjoy this, I thought I would put together some general information and tips as well as individual posts related to specific KOAs.

 Camping Cabin in San Angelo, TX

What is a camping cabin? What am I getting myself into?

•  Camping cabins come in many styles these days, but the basic style is a small one-room cabin, which means you will be walking or hiking to the bathroom.
• The basic camping cabin comes with a full-size bed and twin bunk beds plus a small desk/table and a bench. Many have chairs, as well. 
• Most come with a front porch swing. Some awesome ones come with a front porch bench, as well - almost like they caught on that more than two people stay in cabins that sleep 4.

General camping cabin tips...

• You need to bring your own linens, pillows, towels, etc. To make for a quicker set-up and break-down, you can also use sleeping bags.
• The mattresses have improved over the years, and many are now thick enough so you don't feel like you are sleeping on a plank of wood. However, those mattresses are still vinyl, which makes for very hot sleeping. Take a good mattress pad along to help with that.
• While we are talking bedding, if you use sheets, consider these tips...
• Bring an extra pillow case to store your sheets
•  Don't try to fold your bottom sheet. Fold it in from the side, then roll it from the bottom before stashing it in that pillowcase. When making the bed at the next KOA, make sure to unroll it towards the bottom of the bed. Why - because then your feet will always be on the same part of the sheet.
• If you do not use the bunk beds, you can pull those mattresses and stick them under the other mattress. Hopefully You will be able to compress the edge enough so the mattress is flat. Otherwise you end up with a bit of a valley thing going on. But I have found I sleep better with the valley than I do with just the regular KOA mattress.
• Pay attention to the weather of the location so you will know whether you need to spend the extra few bucks on a unit with AC.
• If it is summer and you are anywhere with heat or humidity, you will appreciate the AC.
• Take along a small table fan. That air movement really helps. Plus many KOAs are close to highways, and the fan can help mask that noise.
• Take along several lengths of thin rope or cord to make an indoor laundry line for your towels. Many people throw their towels over the porch railings, but we prefer to hang them inside for several reasons. Two big ones are 1) reduced potential for insects on them and 2) reduced potential for blowing away in a gust.
• If you have room, take camping chairs. While most KOAs provide a picnic table, those can get a little tough on the backside.
• When making reservations, check the site map first to see where the cabins are located. Depending on your family plans (swimming, playground activities, etc.) you can request different areas.
• If it is vacation season - reserve early!
• If you think you will be using KOAs rather frequently, become a VKR member. You save money on each stay and earn points towards free stays.
• If you are taking electronics, pack a small surge protector. Many cabins have a single outlet, and this will help immensely!

General KOA tips...

• Pay attention to your confirmation notices. They have directions and may contain the warning that GPS will land you someplace totally different.
• Be aware that KOAs are independently owned and operated. Therefore, there is no standardization regarding what time the store opens or closes. If you anticipate getting there after about 4:30, you might want to call. They generally have after-hours contingencies, but it is good to know what you will be facing.
• KOA stores are also not created equally. They may have firewood, charcoal, clothing, food and sundries - or they may have a small counter with souvenirs.

About the bathrooms...

• Most Important - If you are going to shower in a KOA, DO NOT forget to take shower shoes. Inexpensive rubber flip flops work just fine.
• Most KOAs have what I call Dorm-Style bathrooms - single-sex bathrooms with several stalls and several showers.
• Some have Family-Style bathrooms - toilet, sink and shower are together in one room, and they are not gender-specific. These are really nice because parents can take small children in with them easily - and the showers in these are often larger.
• There is no standardization in KOA bathrooms. You will see everything from wooden camp-style bathrooms to very modern molded plastic. Be prepared!
• While most KOAs we have stayed out have soap and paper towels in the bathrooms, this has not been the case in all of them.
• I suggest you take an plastic over-the-door hook along, as many bathrooms do not have enough places to hang things.
• Remember that with multiple shower opportunities you may need multiple bottles of shampoo or multiple bars of soap.

I'll think of more later, but this will get us started! 

Posts with info about different KOAs coming soon!