5 Reasons for Camping Outside the City at KOA

Everyone loves to camp differently, but we tend to have a trend that we follow when we go camping. Camping outside of a city is what we love to do for a wide variety of reasons. We consider ourselves a “buffet” family in all things life, so this style of camping to us, just makes sense.

And if you have no idea what I’m talking about, don’t worry – you will. Camping outside of a city is a great way to get the best of all worlds when you’re wanting to tie in a bunch of different activities and plans. One of our favorites places to do this is at the St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday. Not only is this campground situated in an area that is conveniently close to everything, but it also allows us to have that “camping” experience as well. In the past, we have stayed at the campground because it’s close to Six Flags, Purina Farms, the STL Zoo, and so many other things. This allowed us to do all our activities during the day but then just drive a short distance back to our camper at night. 

Our latest camping trip to KOA Eureka proved to us, yet again, that we were camping exactly where we needed to be. The one difference that we did this time versus the others is that we spent our entire time at the campground, exploring everything that it had to offer. I can promise you that we never ran out of fun things to do while we were there!

If you’re looking for reasons to look at campgrounds located near a city but still far enough away from the hustle and bustle, here are some awesome reasons to consider camping at KOA.

While we were sponsored during this trip, all thoughts and opinions are our own. 

Related: Camping Checklist to Make Packing a Breeze

5 Reasons for Camping Outside of a City at KOA

While I could honestly name way more than 5, here are some simple reasons why we love to camp at KOA when we’re traveling to nearby St. Louis. (or looking for a campsite that we can park and know we don’t have to worry about a thing) 

• Check-in is a breeze

There’s nothing worse than pulling up to a campsite and not knowing where to go. With KOA, this is never an issue. And even better? They just literally had to scan my reservation to get me all set up and ready. There was no effort on my part whatsoever and it was all handled professionally and extremely well done. 

Once they scanned me and got me checked in, they took the time to show me the map of the campground and tell me about everything that was in store. Who knew that camping could be such an awesome variety of outdoor activities and planned fun?

• KOA offers so many extra activities for families and children

What we really love about camping at KOA is that there is ALWAYS something extra going on at the campground. Every day there are activities that are scheduled throughout the day and evening where they’re free and open for anyone to join.

Here we are getting ready to have an awesome guided nature hunt around the campground. The girls were given a sheet full of objects that we then all walked around seeking out. 

During our time searching for items, we found some really cool stuff right in the campground! We found a ton of buckeye’s just laying all over the ground. (and check out that bluff in the background! Can you believe this view that we were able to enjoy?!)

This is just one of the caterpillars that we saw on our nature hunt. We befriended about three and they all looked different. 

The great part about the nature hunt hosted by KOA was that the girls were able to pick out some fun prizes at the end. It was such a fun time and a great way to work together as a family to create even more camping memories. We just love that we can have this RV camping option for us right down the road. 

And even though we spent some of our morning hours having an awesome nature hunt, we spent the evening hours huddled up under the KOA community shelter watching an outdoor movie. We just popped some popcorn at our campsite and took it up to enjoy with the movie. 

Oh, and don’t forget their giant pillow bouncer! The girls LOVED every minute that they were able to spend on here – and I had a lot of fun as well. 

They were flying through the air! But don’t worry, mom and dad – the entire bottom around the bounce pillow is covered with the softest sand ever to land on.

• KOA offers camping options for everyone

Even if you don’t have a tent or a camper, you can still camp at KOA. There are small cabins and larger cabins to accommodate groups and don’t forget about their caboose option to rent as well! With affordable nightly rates, you can ditch the hotel and connect with nature easily. 

These are the smaller cabins but still offer room for 4 people with bunk beds and a main bed too. Don’t forget that adorable front porch and firepit out front. And there is plenty of parking, too. 

Related: Luxury Camping: Glamping at Catherine’s Landing in Hot Springs, Arkansas

And if you have a larger group of people, you can easily accommodate them in one of the larger cabins. When we were on our nature walk there was an awesome card game going on out on the porch and the entire family looked like they were having a blast. (and Grandma played the winning card!)

Here we are in our camper as well, enjoying the space that was close to everything. It was nice, level and a pull-thru site. 

• Did I mention that KOA has amenities and activities?

There’s just so much to do here that I had to add it twice. They have train rides every morning and at night that the kids (and some adults!) love to ride. Our daughters knew the exact times that they needed to be at the station to be able to hop on.

Bring your swimsuits and don’t miss out on the pool! Their pool is such a nice size and so clean! Plus, it’s heated and stays open later in the year. While everyone else you know is drying their tears from the pool closing for the year, you and your family can easily book a stay at KOA and swim your day away! Have you ever seen such pride in a father watching his girls jump-off in the deep end?! 

Bring your muscles because you can also rent bikes while you’re there. It’s a lot of fun to peddle around the campground! 

Related: 10 Camping Hacks that are a MUST!

Not too far from the pool, you’ll find the playground and “panning for treasure” area. Both sections are such a hit for the kids. 

• Customer service at KOA is the best

I mean that, 100%. Our time at the Eureka KOA was awesome, and part of that reasoning is because of how the staff helped us when our camper sprung a leak. Yes, the worst, right? 

The rain found it’s way into a little area in our camper and the people that work at KOA were quick to bring us a ladder, offer tape and a tarp and make certain that we were able to take care of everything 100%. 

Here is my hubs up on the roof patching it up so we could continue to enjoy our weekend at KOA.

If you’re looking for an amazing place to stay, I can’t recommend Historic Route 66 KOA more. It’s such a beautiful campground that is well-maintained. They’ve recently updated the bathrooms as well and they’re always nice and clean. (I check these things as a traveler as they’re important to me!)

From the moment that you arrive, you’ll notice the board out front that will tell you everything going on that day as well. Our few days there flew by so quickly, but we’re already looking forward to going back! 

Have you ever camped at a KOA before?