Pay and stay at a participating KOA on Friday, May 14 and you get a free night on Saturday, May 15. Many of the participating locations will have special events like ice cream socials or silent auctions. All of the proceeds will go to "KOA Care Camps, where children with cancer and their siblings are able to enjoy a traditional summer camp experience while they continue their recovery."
KOA isn't exactly roughing it, but when you want a location with showers and bathrooms, friendly groups of people, and maybe a good introduction to your kids to camping, KOA fills the bill. You can reserve an RV spot, a cabin, or a small area for tents (usually includes a picnic table and a fire pit).
Suggestions on how to use your pay & stay:
Alamosa, CO - It isn't too far from Albuquerque; about 200 miles/3 hours. Take a day trip from the KOA to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Hiking at the Sand Dunes park can include traversing dunes up to 700 feet tall or hiking up a 13,000' peak. More about hiking at the Great Sand Dunes.
Silver City, NM - about 300 miles/4 hours drive from Albuquerque. Silver City is a great location to take day trips to places like The Catwalk National Scenic Trail (a fairly easy hike but great scenery as you ascend to the top of a water fall on a catwalk), and the Gila Cliff Dwellings.
Albuquerque North/Bernalillo, NM - Take a staycation! This KOA location is a short distance from a hike in Placitas, a few minutes drive from the Coronado State Monument, or a 20 minute drive into the Sandia Mountains for a picnic or hike.
Moab, UT - Close to 400 miles/6 hours drive from Albuquerque. I haven't been to Moab yet, but I'm always hearing about how beautiful it is. There is tons of hiking destinations from here, including the Arches National Park and the Dead Horse State Park.
A friend and I traveled through Colorado and stayed at a few KOAs to save money. We ended up making some good friends; even had someone give us their wood as they left so we could have a fire. So much adventure waiting and so little time! Make your reservations soon before all the locations are booked.
Have you had an experience at a KOA? I'd like to know!
You can follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/sonjadewing
You can also follow me on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Albuquerque-Hiking-Examiner/298762690808?ref=nf
Comments