Thanks to KOA for being such a gracious host, and partnering with Mixed Blessings. All opinions are mine.
School’s out and we’ve already gone on our first camping trip! (I say “first” because I’m hoping to squeeze in a couple more before the end of summer.) We spent the weekend at the SantaCruz – Monterey Bay KOA Holiday. Our son invited his friend to come with us, and they were both in Heaven all weekend. The minute we pulled up to our cabin, their adventure began!
The Santa Cruz KOA is located just one mile from the beach! You can walk to the beach from your KOA campsite. How freakin’ amazing is that?! But you know what? We didn’t even get to see the beach, because our son didn’t want to leave the KOA campground! He was having so much fun exploring, so we followed his lead.
I know what you’re thinking, what’s so special about camping at a KOA campsite, right? Maybe you think KOA is just for folks with RV’s, and you don’t own an RV. KOA camping is for everyone!
There were folks in their tents (more power to ya!), folks in their RV’s & airstreams (Santa Cruz KOA actually has Airstreams you can reserve & stay in), the Camping Cabin peeps (small log cabins), and Deluxe Cabins…YES! Glamping honey- complete with electricity, TV, kitchenettes & full bathroom! I’m a Deluxe Cabin Gal, and proud of it. There’s no shame in my KOA Glamping Game. Hey, back in the day, I camped out in tents. The way my body is set up today, decades later, I’m gonna need a cabin, AC, running water, bathroom, and a comfy bed. Our deluxe cabin had all that, and we also had a patio, fire pit (for s’mores), and a gas grill. We cooked burgers and hotdogs, and ate them outside.
There was a tv in our cabin (two actually.) I watched the news for a few minutes one night. The boys were busy playing board games we brought with us, they didn’t watch tv the entire weekend.
The Santa Cruz KOA campground caters to every type of camping enthusiast. They have a general store on-site, you can buy food, drinks, souvenirs, and more. (Yes, they even have wine.) Did you forget the marshmallows for s’mores? You can buy some at the general store. You can also rent a bike or trike for yourself or your lil ones! Our guy loves the KOA banana bikes. (There’s a small laundromat next door to the store. No need to lug dirty or wet clothes home with you.)
Aside from bikes, the Santa Cruz KOA has a swimming pool & hot tub, a colorful jumping pillow (think trampoline, but cooler), a climbing wall (in the shape of palm trees), and a playground. Did I mention the campsite is dog-friendly? Yep, they even have a dog park. Our pup had a blast camping with us. We made sure she was always on her leash when we were outside. Oh! There’s also a small train for kids that runs twice a day, and a big Pancake Breakfast on Saturday mornings. The dedicated KOA staff always has daily activities planned too.
KOA Camping is for everyone!
Today there’s more diversity in camping than ever before. Camping, like traveling, is for everyone, not just a select few. Don’t like tents, no problem, book a KOA Cabin! Latinos & African Americans, I’m looking at YOU! As we were getting ready to leave, a Latino family was unpacking their car & checking in to the cabin across from us. I couldn’t help but smile and wave to them. That’s right, I see you Fam!
Did You Know?
1 in 5 new campers is African American, did you know that? I want to encourage more Brown & Black families to try Koa Camping. The fresh air, the s’mores roasting by the campfires at night, the kids exploring nature… what’s not to like?!
I grew up camping with my grandparents. I spent many summers with them. Some of my best memories were created at their cabin. I want my kids to look back on their childhoods and remember all the fun times they had camping. KOA makes that possible. I look forward to our next family camping trip!
No matter where you live in the US (or Canada) there’s a KOA Campground near you! You can reserve your campsite online, at KOA.com.
My Northern California friends can go to SantaCruzKOA.com, to book their camping adventure at SantaCruz – Monterey Bay KOA Holiday.
Leave the hustle & bustle of the city behind, and relax under the stars. What are you waiting for?!
