Kamp K9 at Kampgrounds of America

Camping season is just around the corner and many folks are looking for campgrounds which are pet-friendly. The Kampgrounds of America has been around since 1962 and originally founded to provide an inexpensive and easy place to pullover for the night for those headed to the Seattle World's Fair (KOA.com, pg 8). They now have over 450 campsites across the United States and Canada with some of the best accommodations available anywhere. This year they have included 30 new sites, but some of the old favorites have closed so be sure to check out their website at KOA.com.

One of the best things about KOA is that they allow courteous family pets to join their owners and some have included special fenced areas where dogs can run. Aside from RV pull-throughs and tent sites, KOA has one and two-room cabins and even deluxe camping cottages with hottubs at some locations. The cabins are quaint with covered front porches complete with a two-person porch swing. Room enough for you and your pet to sit outside even in rainy weather. KOA has room heaters for rent when things turn chilly and the cabins are fully equipped with lights, bunks, brooms and outdoor fire pit and picnic table.

Every year they have a special two-for-one weekend for charity. This year is no exception and the date is May 9th. Buy one night of camping and get the second night free, but you will need to hurry to reserve your spot since many experienced long-time KOA members book their reservations well in advance. You do not have to be a member to camp, but the cost is relatively inexpensive to join and gives you a 10 percent discount with your KOA Value Kard. Many individual campgrounds offer special events and other incentives, for example buy five nights and get the sixth night free. Many KOA are located near rivers, lakes and oceans and usually within five miles of towns or tourist attractions. Reservations start around $15 for a tent site up to $130 a night for a fully-equipped cottage.

Most KOAs have convenience stores, public laundries and restrooms with showers. Most have swimming pools. The 2009 directory which is easy to read shows you the dates each campground is open. Some like the Warrenton/Astoria/Seaside location along the northern Oregon coast are open all year with an indoor pool and game room for the kids. This site like so many others also offers weekend pancake breakfasts which benefit local charitable groups. The coin operated laundromats, wireless internet access and propane/sewage stations are just a few of the handy and convenient amenities KOA offers.