Travelers looking to camp near hot springs can do so at several KOA campsites around the USA. Experience the best of famous destinations like Hot Springs, Arkansas, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, Palm Springs, California, Ouray, Colorado, and Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Founded in 1962, the brand, which stands for “Kampgrounds of America,” comprises over 500 franchise amenity-filled campgrounds spread out all over North America. Each campground is unique and owned by a separate host family or group. Many locations are easily found by their notable yellow signs on the highway boards, but all of their campgrounds can be discovered online.
Many KOAs are conveniently situated off of major highways, making them accessible to anybody traveling. Some are also close to state and national parks. The majority of them have dog parks and accept pets.
Additionally, they provide supervised seasonal activities that appeal to the whole family members. If you anticipate staying at many KOA locations annually, it helps to purchase their membership, which comes with discounts and other benefits. Another nice perk is the ability to reserve your spots at several campgrounds in your “cart” before checking out, which is valuable for longer road trips.
KOA campgrounds have more than one type of lodging. Guests can camp by tent, RV, or cabin. KOA Holiday and KOA Resort properties generally offer more amenities and have a few luxury upgrades than the basic setup at a KOA Journey. All franchise locations have showers and are family-friendly, and rates vary by location and season.
Here are some of the KOA campgrounds that are set within short distances to hot springs.
Hot Springs National Park KOA Holiday (Arkansas)
On April 20, 1832, Congress created the Hot Springs Reservation to safeguard the hot springs that flow from Hot Springs Mountain’s southwest slope. This national park, which is the oldest in the country and existed 40 years before Yellowstone, is well-known for its 47 hot springs.
When visiting this incredible part of Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park KOA provides a fantastic spot to stay, tucked away in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. The historic downtown district of Hot Springs, where you may relax in Bathhouse Row’s thermal springs, and Hot Springs National Park are both within a short drive from the campsite.
The property has an excellent selection of amenities, including a seasonal pool open from April 15-September 30. Outdoors enthusiasts enjoy activities like crystal hunting, hiking, fishing, and boating that are possible nearby.
The campground also has breakfast options from February to November, and the property hosts offer shuttle rides to the downtown area for an extra fee. Free rides to Magic Springs and Oaklawn are also provided during certain months.
838 McClendon Rd, Hot Springs, AR | 800-562-5903 | koa.com/campgrounds/hot-springs-national-park
Palm Springs/Joshua Tree KOA (California)
Palm Springs is famous for its hot mineral waters that run through the town below the surface. Many local establishments have developed facilities for visitors to use these magical waters on a day pass. Also nearby is the world-famous city of Desert Hot Springs, a place that is home to an abundance of natural hot springs and the only destination with both hot and cold aquifers.
Located just 10 miles from the city of Palm Springs and in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs KOA is a comfortable, family-friendly campground with lots to do. The property includes amenities like a mini golf course, pickleball courts, and bike pump tracks. Plus, there are many community activities, such as seasonal ice cream socials, movie nights, and bingo.
The star of the campground is the natural hot springs pool and three jacuzzis, where guests can get their soaking fixes in geothermal mineral waters.
70405 Dillon Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA | 800-562-9861 | koa.com/campgrounds/palm-springs
Lava Hot Springs KOA Holiday – West + East (Idaho)
Lava Hot Springs, which is situated along the former Oregon and California Trail routes in the mountainous valley of the Portneuf River, has grown to be a popular vacation destination. It is well-known for its many bathing-friendly hot springs and a fun inner tube run that passes through a portion of the town.
For those that plan to visit Lava Hot Springs during the summer, reservations at a nearby KOA are recommended at least six months in advance.
The Lava Hot Springs West KOA is the closest campground to the town’s Olympic-sized swimming pool and water park. This facility is centrally located to many of the town’s attractions and has a wide variety of amenities right on the property.
There’s a dog park, playground, WiFi, laundry room, and an event pavilion that’s free to rent to campers and can hold up to 40 people. Stop by the convenience store for souvenirs or any last-minute items you may need during your stay.
Lava Hot Springs East KOA is also set within walking distance of the town’s famous hot springs. Located between the East and West KOA are two resorts, Lava Hot Springs Inn and the Riverside Hot Springs Inn.
Open year-round, this facility has many handy amenities like a dog park, snack bar, Kamping Kitchen, fishing spots, and plenty of places to stretch out and enjoy the outdoors. This location also has an event pavilion that groups or families can use free of charge for get-togethers.
WEST: 89 N Center St, LHS, ID | 208-776-5209 | koa.com/campgrounds/lava-hot-springs-city-center
EAST: 100 Bristol Park, Lava Hot Springs, ID | 208-776-5094 | koa.com/campgrounds/lava-hot-springs
Ouray KOA Holiday (Colorado)
Known as the “Switzerland of America” and “Recreation capital of Colorado,” Ouray is a mountain town with a lot of rich history and gorgeous mountain scenery. The city is also home to several resorts with cozy geothermal waters, which the Ute Native American tribe had used for hundreds of years.
These springs are tucked away under two 13,000+ peaks covered with snow. The public is welcome to utilize the Ouray Hot Springs Pool year-round, regardless of weather, and soak in one of the five 75-104℉ pools.
Located between Ridgway and Ouray, the Ouray KOA Holiday provides several facilities, such as a hot tub, pet walk, on-site restaurant, gem mining, and a pool table. It’s developed on many acres of lovely countryside. For those who enjoy the outdoors, many leisure activities are available, like hiking, biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and more.
Adults looking for a clothing-optional soak should head just 5 minutes north to Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway. This lovely resort also features camping if you can’t find a spot at Ouray KOA Holiday. Orvis has campsites with tent platforms, as well as spots for RVs and car camping.
Aside from the aforementioned Ouray Hot Springs Pool, the biggest resort in town, Ouray features these soaking options, all of which had lodging options if you’re tent camping and can’t find a spot:
225 Co Rd 23, Ridgway, CO | 800-562-8026 | koa.com/campgrounds/ouray
Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday (Colorado)
For lovers of the outdoors and hot springs, Steamboat Springs, like Ouray, is a must-visit Colorado location. It got its name when settlers to the area heard the sounds of the bubbling hot springs, and it reminded them of the riverboat steamboats from where they came.
Tourists are drawn to this Northwest Colorado community by the abundance of recreation available. The local hot springs, of which there are two resorts, are one of the biggest draws to the city. Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday is less than 10 miles from the area’s most famous geothermal water destinations, Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs.
This KOA location is open year-round and is a fantastic place to have easy access to fishing, hiking, biking, tubing, and even world-class skiing on Steamboat’s Champagne Powder®. The campground is set alongside the Yampa River, just minutes northwest of downtown, and has many on-site features, like a seasonally heated pool, mini-golf course, cable TV options, and WiFi.
The property offers a free shuttle from the camp to downtown Steamboat Springs just three miles away. A Kamping Kitchen, pet playground, community fire, and dump station are also a few other amenities available.
3603 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO | 800-562-7782 | koa.com/campgrounds/steamboat-springs
When staying next to a hot spring location is a priority, it can help to be able to camp nearby. These KOA sites are excellent for balancing comfy modern amenities and access to some of nature’s most beautiful bathing and natural swimming spots.
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