What is the difference between a KOA journey and a KOA holiday?

All RVers know that there’s nothing worse than driving to a RV park destination with high hopes, only to have them dashed the moment you turn the corner and see what the park is really like.

To help America’s RVers plan happier journeys, North America’s largest system of family campgrounds boldly categorizes every member park into three KOA resort styles to paint a better picture of what campers can expect.

KOA’s RV resorts cater to vacationers who want full-service amenities on par with high-end hotels. Image courtesy of KOA

When it comes to camping in America, KOA’s instantly recognizable yellow signs are as ubiquitous as smores over a campfire. With more than 485 campgrounds across the continent, KOA campgrounds offer a consistency many travelers enjoy.

The next time you spot a KOA sign on the open road, look closer to see how KOA makes it easier for campers to select the right KOA for their needs. Each sign now says:

• KOA Journey
• KOA Holiday or
• KOA Resort

“These descriptive words are being added to some KOA locations to help define your camping experience and better match your expectations,” explains KOA executives on the company blog. “We want to make planning your next trip as easy and fun as possible.” says former KOA President Pat Hittmeier.

Image: DOW

Whatever kind of KOA you choose, every one provides modern amenities including:

• Free Wi-Fi access
• Kamp K9 pet park
• Laundry facilities
• Playgrounds
• KOA convenience store

The important differences between each of the three KOA categories can help you plan better trips and happier vacations. Here’s what you can expect at each of the three kinds of KOA campgrounds.

KOA Journey: Unwind and relax

If your main goal is finding a safe, comfortable place to park for the night, keep an eye out for the KOA Journey sign. More than 75 of these KOA Journey campgrounds cater to the road-weary traveler by offering convenience as well as:

• Easy highway access
• Long pull-through sites with 50-amp service
• After-hour check-in service
• A large selection of RV and camping supplies

KOA Holiday: Stay and play

KOA Holiday campgrounds are ideal family destinations when you’re headed to popular destinations like Pigeon Forge, TN or Orlando, FL. Use them as base camps for exploring surrounding areas and you’ll find that in addition to all of the conveniences provided to overnighters, KOA Holiday campgrounds have vacation-style amenities including:

• Patio RV sites (oftentimes with hot tubs)
• Swimming pools (many with jacuzzis)
• Planned activities for kids and adults
• Fitness centers and game rooms
• Group meeting facilities and clubhouses

KOA Resort: Get away in comfort

Sometimes all you want is to turn the key and escape the ordinary—and that’s when KOA Resorts make a perfect choice. Perched at the pinnacle of KOA campgrounds, these premium RV camping destinations cater to vacationers who want full-service amenities on par with high end hotels. From Cape Hatteras to the Oregon coast, KOA Resorts offer deluxe accommodations such as:

• Patio RV sites (often with barbecues, garden furniture and more)
• Resort pool (many feature hot tubs too)
• Food service and holiday events
• Indoor and outdoor group facilities
• Planned activities, tours and more

Beyond the de facto amenities KOA campgrounds offer, each destination has its own unique flavor, activities and amenities. The best way to choose the right one for your next trip is to talk to other RVers. Also check out how KOA parks rate at RV LIFE Campgrounds.

As always, the only opinion that matters is yours, so remember that the best way to find out what a park is really like is to hit the open road, choose a campground and go discover it for yourself.

See also: You’ll Love These 8 KOA Campgrounds By The Beach

Rene Agredano and her husband, Jim Nelson, became full-time RVers in 2007 and have been touring the country ever since. In her blog, Rene chronicles the ins and outs of the full-timing life and brings readers along to meet the fascinating people and amazing places they visit on the road. Her road trip adventures are chronicled in her blog at LiveWorkDream.com.