Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/510262
THE KOA CAMPING SCENE IS A WORLD AWAY FROM THE 2006 COMEDY RV, STARRING THE LATE ROBIN WILLIAMS. THINK DELUXE CABINS WITH COMFORTABLE BEDS, AIR CONDITIONING AND SATELLITE TV. DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015 36 S ince 1962, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has provided safe, healthy environments where road trippers can pitch a tent or hook up an RV, and enjoy services such as free hot showers, restrooms and convenience stores. While camping has changed dramatically over the past 10 years, it remains an enjoyable way for parents to reconnect with their kids, just as a generation ago they did with their parents. According to Michael Gast, vice-presi- dent of communications for Kampgrounds of America Inc., today's campers are looking for a more complete experience with var- ious levels of entertainment and food services. In response, KOA's 485 "full-ser- vice" parks across North America offer everything from pancake breakfasts and evening barbecues to professional recre- ation staff and zones of activities and interests for adults, children and pets. Going a step farther toward helping campers zero in on parks that fit their needs for a particular trip, KOA has rebranded into three styles for vacationers: Resort, Holiday and Journey. "Each brand has standards for services and amenities designed to meet the expecta- tions of various types of travellers," adds Gast. RUSTIC RESORT LIFESTYLE At the top of the collection are KOA Resort campgrounds, which are ideal for multi- generational family vacations. Among the extras at this level are patio RV sites, deluxe cabins with linen service, planned activities led by recreation staff, on-site food service and group meeting space. KOAs across North America offer nearly 3,000 deluxe and more than 4,500 basic cabins. Dave Barton, owner of Ontario, Canada's Ivy Lea KOA, points out that deluxe cabins are a big attraction for those without RVs or tents. "They are ideal for people who want to enjoy the camping lifestyle but are not inter- ested in roughing it." Fuelling part of the huge growth in this sector are boomers, BEHIND THE YELLOW KOA SIGN BY E. LISA MOSES TOP: Ivy Lea KOA in Ontario's 1000 Islands nestles in a forested area near major attractions such as 1000 Islands cruises. 1000 Islands/Ivy Lea KOA OPPOSITE TOP: Road warriors can stop for a day or awhile at any KOA across the continent. Kampgrounds of America Inc. OPPOSITE BOTTOM LEFT: Deluxe cabins come with all the comforts of home in a rustic setting. Kampgrounds of America Inc OPPOSITE BOTTOM RIGHT: Fresh-air activities keep the kids busy and healthy. 1000 Islands/Ivy Lea KOA