KOA: The Best Way to Explore the Great Outdoors with Family
Was your family cooped up during Covid? Are you looking for a safe, socially distant approved way to get out and travel this fall? Get away from the city or take a break from virtual learning or homeschooling for the weekend?
Standard disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a complimentary stay at a KOA for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own, based on my experience.
Just looking for a way to disconnect from everyday life, ditch the screens, reconnect with your family, go exploring in nature? Then I highly recommend visiting a KOA: The Best Way to Explore the Great Outdoors with Family!
Did you know, based on the 2020 North American Camping Report*, that more people are looking into camping and other forms of local, affordable travel since COVID-19? People want to be outside, in nature now more than ever. And they want their kids to explore the outdoors too!
Exploring Caesars Head State Park! Only 29min away from our KOA! There was heavy fog for hours, so we didn’t get to see the traditional panoramic Mountain View.
But there was still beauty! Three different kinds of flowers down this little path to picnic tables - purple/pink, orange and white! Bring a jacket, it’s chilly at 3,000 elevation!
Bald Rock was only 19min from our KOA and had a much better view! (See the fog/clouds above?!?)
Campers who are usually willing to share spaces (pitching tents & communal bathrooms) are now looking into other forms of private camping such as RVing and cabins, so they can safely practice social distancing and have their own facilities.
Come along on our family adventure, as I share our recent experience at a local Kampgrounds of America site in the mountains.
This weekend we had the opportunity to partner with Kampgrounds of America (also known as KOA) to stay in a Deluxe Cabin. We chose the Travelers Rest/N Greenville, SC location since we knew there were a lot of fun, outdoor things to explore in the area.
Jones Gap State Park was only 22min from us. Make sure to book a parking reservation if visiting Fri-Sun before 2pm!!
The Deluxe Cabin was the perfect size for our little family of four. We have a five year old, an almost three year old, my husband and I.
Our cabin came with a master bedroom with a Queen bed, a couch/futon that pulled out into a Full and two Twin beds in the cutest little loft. Our kids really enjoyed that part! Although ours were too little to actually sleep up there, it would be ideal for families with a bit older children or a bigger group.
Master bedroom with a Queen! Linens, wardrobe and side tables included.
Living room area with couch/futon - pulls out to a full. Cute green gingham curtains and deer artwork make this a cozy cabin.
The kids LOVED this little loft area! Two twin beds available for extra sleepers!
Mine were too young to stay up there to sleep, but they enjoyed playing up in the loft.
The cabin also came equipped with a full kitchen, utensils and tableware, full bathroom, living/dining area with fireplace, TV and central AC/Heating. We also had our own little deck with outside seating and a bench. There was a grill and a separate private outdoor area with a fire pit.
Full kitchen with fridge, coffee pots (2), sink, stove, microwave- you are the dishwasher! Also came with tableware, pots and utensils.
Bacon and grits for breakfast in the dining room, looking out at a beautiful view of a little creek. Comes with a TV and fireplace too!!
Our private deck/balcony with seating for four and an extra loveseat bench.
Our own private fire pit and outdoor seating area by the creek!
This KOA experience staying in a Deluxe Cabin was my perfect definition of Glamping. You get the benefit of being surrounded by nature, and have opportunities to enjoy it, but with all the amenities we are accustomed to and only our family sharing them!
Although we could have roughed it with traditional tent camping, I am grateful KOA gives you options based on your needs, when it comes to staying at their properties.
We never sat down long enough to watch a show or enjoy the fire. We were so busy exploring! But knowing we could was enough!!
They have over 500 locations across North America! You can travel however you feel comfortable - pitch a tent, pull up in your family RV/camper, or go Glamping in a cabin like we did!
The site in Travelers Rest/N Greenville, SC had a pool, playground and a gift shop with WiFi as well. So if additional amenities are important to you, verify with the KOA you want to visit.
The Travelers Rest/ N Greenville KOA just got in this new wooden fire truck playground. It was awesome!
Our family likes to get out and explore the area where we’re staying. During our trip we visited several state parks, ate at a local restaurant right next to our KOA and spent time as a family unwinding and relaxing at our cabin.
Paris Mountain State Park was only 19min from our KOA! We stopped there on the way up to the cabin for a quick little adventure after driving. This is the dam.
Keowee Toxaway State Park had a great sandy/beachy area right next to the lake and was only 36 min away from our KOA. You do have to hike the “lake trail” by the campers.
Table Rock State Park was only 26 min away from our KOA and is perfect for kids. They have waterfalls right at the beginning of the trails, hiking, a lake with swimming and a playground. A great state park for families in the area!
We ate at a local restaurant only two minutes away from our KOA!
Daddy and Ginny enjoying some one on one time.
S’mores for everyone! After a long day of hiking and trail food, s’mores are a must have camping treat!
Daddy built the fire (he’s an Eagle Scout) and helped make some yummy s’mores!
The fact is, we don’t know when things will go back to normal. It still seems like a far way off. But our ways of traveling have already shifted dramatically.
If you and your family are looking to pair down and travel in smaller sizes, camp closer to home, take some road trips and are interested in exploring different camping styles (Tents, RV or Glamping) then I’m positive KOA has a campground for you!
What are you waiting for? Book your next family adventure at a KOA and start exploring the great outdoors with your loved ones!!
Paris Mountain State Park has pedal boats available to explore the pond but we were too late rent them. A good form of exercise and experience for the whole family!
Camp with your family at a KOA within driving distance for a socially distant, safe way to travel with your family this fall!