Two Unforgettable Stays at KOA Campgrounds on Our RV Travels
If you’re an RV traveler, you know that finding the right campground can make or break your trip. Over the past year, we’ve been on the road exploring different corners of the country, and our experiences at KOA campgrounds have stood out in a big way. With over 500 KOA campgrounds across the U.S., there’s a good chance you’ll cross paths with one on your own RV travels — and after what we’ve seen, you’ll want to.
Our First KOA Experience: Buena Vista, Colorado
We’ll never forget our very first time staying at a KOA campground. The Buena Vista location in Colorado gave us a first impression we didn’t see coming. They had an on-site pizzeria that delivered straight to your RV site. That alone was enough to win us over, but the views from our spot made it even better.
KOA campgrounds have a reputation for being in prime camping locations with well-kept grounds and solid amenities. After that first visit, we understood why. It set the bar high for every KOA we’d stay at afterward.
Discovering Cotopaxi, Colorado: A Hidden Gem Along the Arkansas River
When we planned our drive west toward Moab, we stumbled on a town we had never heard of, despite living in Colorado for nearly our entire lives. Cotopaxi was having a hatch on the Arkansas River that week, which meant incredible fly-fishing conditions. We looked for accommodations nearby and found a KOA campground right along the river.
Before we knew it, our whole family wanted to join us for the weekend. We booked a reservation at the Cotopaxi KOA, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made on the road.
What Made Cotopaxi KOA Special
- Family-friendly accommodations: My sister’s family rented a cabin since they don’t have an RV, and they loved the charming little cottages with porch swings.
- On-site activities: The kids spent their days on the playground, trying pottery painting, riding the hay wagon, and playing miniature golf.
- River access: The Arkansas River was just a short walk from our RV site, making it easy to teach my dad fly fishing for the first time.
- Anniversary celebration: We visited during their anniversary weekend and enjoyed cake, ice cream, and discounted rates.
The scenery in Cotopaxi is hard to beat. The campground sits nestled between canyon walls with glimpses of Colorado’s famous 14ers in the background. Peaceful river sounds and stunning sunsets rounded out every evening perfectly.
The one downside? No cell phone service in the canyon and weak WiFi. But honestly, we were so busy enjoying time together as a family that we didn’t mind. We used our WeBoost signal booster come Monday morning and were back online in no time.
Moab KOA: A Camper’s Paradise You Won’t Want to Leave
After a weekend with family, we continued west to Moab, Utah — a destination every RV traveler dreams about. The Moab KOA immediately impressed us the moment we pulled in. The views of red rock formations backed by snow-peaked mountains are absolutely breathtaking.
But the real showstopper? Their brand new pool and hot tub. It’s resort quality, and we seriously considered spending our entire weekend poolside instead of exploring the nearby national parks.
Why Moab KOA Earned a Spot in Our Top 5
- Exceptional staff: They received a package in the mail for us and even delivered it to our site. They also gave our dogs treats and helped us switch to a site with a better view.
- Every site has a great view: We were lucky, but every spot in this campground impressed us.
- Convenient amenities: An on-site dog park, laundry facility, and walking trails behind the campground kept us busy.
- Perfect location: Two of the best national parks in the country plus a popular state park are all within easy reach.
We spent most of the weekend relaxing in the hammock, playing with our dogs, and soaking in the hot tub under the stars. We did sneak away for a quick drive to Sand Flats Recreation Area, but the campground itself was just too good to leave.
We were genuinely bummed to check out. We even bought a shirt from the gift shop to remember the trip. Looking back, it’s one of our top five favorite campgrounds we’ve ever stayed at.
Final Thoughts on KOA Campgrounds for Your Next RV Trip
After staying at multiple KOA locations across Colorado and Utah, we feel confident recommending them to fellow RV travelers. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, resort-quality amenities, or stunning natural scenery, KOA campgrounds deliver.
With over 500 locations nationwide, it’s very likely you’ll find one along your route. We’d encourage you to browse their campground list and reserve your stay before your next adventure on the road.
Happy travels — and we’ll see you out there!
