RV Travel Guide To Petrified Forest National Park

Above, a couple of petrified logs in the park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Petrified Forest National Park in northern Arizona is the closest national park to my home in New Mexico. It is around 90 miles from home off Interstate 40.

It have visited it several times, mainly for a coffee or snack stop at the visitor center. The first extensive tour was just to the Painted Desert section of the park. The second extensiver tour was to the Petrified Forest. 

Above, the Painted Desert of Petrified Forest National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel posted a guide to visiting Petrified Forest National Park. In their posting, they mentioned a couple of campgrounds in nearby Holbrook. There's a third one to consider: the Holbrook KOA Kampground. I have stayed there twice and have enjoyed it both times. There are no campground in the national park.

The RV Travel post begins with:

For RVers rolling through Northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is one of those easy-to-reach, big-payoff stops.

Getting there

Petrified Forest National Park sits off Interstate 40 near Holbrook. The north entrance is at Exit 311, and the south entrance is reached from Highway 180.

Eastbound I-40 travelers should take Exit 285 into Holbrook and then follow Highway 180 South to the south entrance.

There is no public transportation to or within the park, so driving your own rig is the normal way in.

To read more, go here. 

KOA Invites RVers To Experience Route 66’s 100-Year Legacy

Above, Elk City, Oklahoma KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As 2026 is the centennial of Historic Route 66, Kampgrounds of America is focusing their marketing to those KOA Kampgrounds along the historic route for the celebration.

According to RV Business:

BILLINGS, Mont. — As Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary, the historic “Mother Road” is once again at the center of American travel. New data from Kampgrounds of America (KOA) shows the centennial is helping fuel a resurgence in road trips driven by a desire for slower, more intentional exploration.

In a special preview of research soon-to-be released as part of KOA’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, 43% of campers say they plan to take a heritage or Americana-focused road trip, with growing interest in longer, multi-stop journeys that prioritize small towns, historic landmarks and roadside attractions.

“The Route 66 centennial is the perfect moment to finally take that iconic road trip you’ve been dreaming about,” said Diane Eichler, senior vice president of marketing at KOA. “This year, we’re seeing a real shift toward slower, more intentional road trips. People aren’t just driving Route 66, they’re stopping, exploring and spending time in the small towns along the way. Camping makes that kind of immersive travel easy.”

Also, according to the article:

Nearly 30 KOA campgrounds are located within an hour of Historic Route 66, stretching from Illinois to California.

The nearest KOA along the route is in Grants, New Mexico.

To read more, go here. 

Best RV Campgrounds For Your Yellowstone Adventure

Above, at West Entrance Yellowstone KOA in West Yellowstone, Montana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yellowstone National Park in the northwest corner of Wyoming (and parts of Montana) is such a popular national park that it is almost impossible to get a campsite reservation within the park.

However, there are numerous private campgrounds and RV parks outside of Yellowstone that are easier to secure a campsite reservation. I did back in 2015 at the West Entrance Yellowstone KOA. What was nice about that campground, Buffalo Bus Touring Co. had a stop there for tours of Yellowstone. 

RV Life has posted a list of RV parks near Yellowstone that they recommend. The KOA is not on the list, but I recommend it.

They begin with:

National parks are some of the most beautiful natural areas in the country. So it makes sense that people want to camp in and around them. If you’re looking for an experience that puts you close to wildlife, geothermal activity, and scenic mountains, you’re probably looking for campgrounds near Yellowstone!

Most everyone runs off to see Old Faithful right away. It is okay, but our favorites by far were the Lamar Valley drive where we saw thousands of Bison all over the place. Really enjoyed Mammoth Hot Springs one day. Two Grizzly sightings north of Fishing Bridge in Hayden Valley, one with a cub in tow. Canyon Village has a great Visitor Information Center. I believe the most amazing view and photo opportunities was without a doubt, at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone near Canyon Village. Take a short walk on both the South and North sides. Paved trails and amazing views. — Don Sikkema

This park covers large portions of Wyoming and Montana so there are plenty of options when you’re browsing for a campground. Some people want an upscale resort experience, while others prefer rugged and secluded campgrounds. No matter what you’re looking for, you should find it somewhere in the list below.

We’ve compiled information about 5 stellar campgrounds near Yellowstone, each with their own unique features. They also gained our attention thanks to the great reviews they received from campers. After all, the guests are the ones who know best here! Each campground below has received enough rave reviews to put themselves on the map. And hopefully, you’ll be able to visit them and see their positive qualities for yourself.

To read more, go here. 

Campground Reviews Posted

Above, Moab KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since returning from the 12-day trip to Wyoming, Montana, Utah, South Dakota and Colorado, I have campground reviews posted at RV Life Campground Reviews.

During the trip, we stayed at eight campgrounds, most of them were KOA Kampgrounds.

The KOA Kampgrounds were (in order of stays):

• Moab, Utah
• Vernal, Utah
• Cody, Wyoming
• Deadwood, Wyoming
• Hardin, Montana
• Devils Tower, Wyoming
• Colorado Springs, Colorado

The non-KOA campground:

Eagle RV Park, Thermopolis, Utah

To access RV Life Campground Reviews, go here. 

Made It To Cody, Wyoming

Above, Mitch and I at the Moab KOA.

 Mitch Geriminsky and I made it to Cody, Wyoming today.

We left New Mexico a couple of days earlier than planned as Mitch was getting sick from the elevation of New Mexico. As we had more time, we took our time driving to Wyoming. 

We stayed at KOA Kampgrounds for the most part, except for last night's stay at Eagle RV Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming. I was getting drowsy during the drive and decided to find an RV park at the next town we were coming to. It worked out just fine. They only charged $40 for the campsite. Today's drive was an easy 83-mile drive from Thermopolis to Cody. We got into town around 8:00 this morning. We had breakfast at Grannys Restaurant.

Before checking into the KOA in Cody, we went to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and toured the Buffalo Bill and Firearms Museums. 

We may take in the nightly rodeo tonight. There's a free shuttle from the KOA to the rodeo.

Above, on the road in Arches National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along the way, we stopped in Arches National Park in Utah. It was a nice park, but somewhat disappointing as most of the arches required hikes. They should have built them closer to the road.

Above, yours truly at Arches National Park Visitor Center. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Above, Mitch at Flaming Gorge Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Cody KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

KOA Kampgrounds Changes Cancellation Policy

Above, Ouray (Colorado) KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I've never had to cancel a campground reservation. But I did have to change the dates of one as a friend came down with Legionnaire's Disease, which forced the change. The campground in question was not a KOA Kampground.

KOA Kampgrounds has changed their cancellation policy that travelers should be aware of.

RV Travel has posted an article on this policy.

They start it with:

If you have plans to stay at a KOA, heads up! Once known for its flexible cancellation policy, the big campground giant quietly changed all that last fall. Need to cancel your reservation? KOA’s cancellation policy could cost you dearly.

To read more, go here. 

KOA Announces Four New Locations For 2025

Above, Ouray, Colorado KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Generally, I plan my RV travels with campground stops along the way. Usually, those stops involve KOA Kampgrounds.

Some people love KOAs, some don't (for whatever reasons). I happen to like them as they are usually pretty consistent and I know what to expect. Also, I accumulate bonus points for discounted stays.

During my recent trip to Quartzsite, Arizona, I stayed a couple of nights at two KOAs (Flagstaff and Holbrook). I picked up a 2025 KOA Kampground Directory for planning my upcoming trip to Wyoming and South Dakota.

According to RV Travel, KOA has announced four new locations for 2025.

They begin with:

Here’s what’s new at KOA for the 2025 season: four exciting additions—two entirely new campground builds, one rebranded gem, and an existing site refreshed under new ownership.

From the Black Hills of South Dakota to the shores of Lake Ontario, these campgrounds bring KOA’s signature comforts to regions both iconic and off-the-beaten-path.

The new aforementioned KOA in the Black Hills of South Dakota may be a destination this summer.

To read more, go here. 

This reminded me, I just renewed my KOA membership. 

The Inventor of the Loop Campground

Above, Yosemite's North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One learns something new everyday, as so the saying goes.

I learned something new this morning while reading the RV Travel Sunday Newsletter.

It is about the man who invented the loop campground. I've never given it a thought before until this morning.

According to Chuck Woodbury in RV Travel:

I bet you have never heard of Emilio Meinecke. I hadn’t until recently. If you are in a campground right now, whether in a national park, national forest or a KOA, please stop reading for a moment and walk out your RV’s front door and look around. You will see evidence of his work.

Emilio Meinecke, born in 1869, was a plant pathologist for the U.S. Forest Service. His major claim to fame, however, is as the inventor of the loop campground. It was about 90 years ago, in the early 1930s. His design changed camping forever. You know the design because you’ve seen it too many times to count — a one-way loop road, with auto pullouts every so often that designate individual campsites. In most cases, each site had (and often still does) a fireplace and/or campfire.

To read more, go here. 

RVers Are Fed Up With Rising Park Prices Says Jellystone Park Campgrounds

Above, Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort only charged me $36/night last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The national campground chain, Jellystone Park, is concerned over high campsite prices that many RVers are refusing to pay.

The Jellystone Park chain is the nation's second largest campground chain. I have not stayed at one. The largest chain is KOA Kampgrounds, of which I am a member. 

So far, campground rates for me have been mixed. The highest I paid per night was $90 at Monument Valley KOA in September. The lowest was $30 at Valley View Mobile Home & RV Park in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Others this year were averaging around $50 per night. Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort charged me only $36/night last year after my KOA membership discounts were applied.

RV Travel has posted an article on Jellystone Park's concern over rising prices leading RVers to be "fed up". 

They begin with:

If you’re finding the rates at RV parks are too much to stomach, you’re not alone. “Inflation” has hit nearly every corner of the American economy, including prices demanded for staying in your RV. When will the rate increases stop? Evidently, RV park franchise chain Jellystone is recognizing that “enough” may be too much already. High RV campsite prices are taking their toll.

Still, campground prices are much cheaper than nightly hotel/motel room rates.

To read more, go here.  

KOA Kampgrounds Explained

Above, Los Banos, California KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On my recent RV trip to Fort Sumner, New Mexico, I stayed at a "no-frills" campground a block away from the Billy the Kid Museum.

The campground was so "no-frills" it didn't even have restrooms or showers. That's okay, I rarely use them anyway since my motorhome has a bathroom and shower. The cost to camp there was a mere $30/night. Not too shabby!

Generally, whenever I am on an RV trip, I usually stay at a KOA Kampground if there are any in the vicinity. Some are expensive, but I have accrued points through KOA and when I apply some, the price comes down. I stayed at Circle Pines KOA in Williams, Arizona last month.

RV Travel has posted an article asking if KOA Kampgrounds are good or bad or even worth the price. It also has a video where all this is discussed.

They begin with:

In the video below, Jason Epperson of RV Miles, one of the winners of our 2024 RV Video Awards, leads a discussion about KOA campgrounds.

With the astronomical prices of campgrounds these days, many are saying that KOA campgrounds are just no longer worth it. Jason discusses the pros and cons and, as always, gives us a lot to think about that we may or may not have considered before.

To see the video and read more, go here. 

KOA Camping Report: Boomers Are Back

Above, camping last week at Circle Pines KOA in Williams, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To be honest, I didn't know that the baby boomer generation ever left camping. 

But according to a KOA annual camping report, apparently they had. Now they're back.

RV Business reported:

Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) reports that nearly 88 million households identify as campers and that nearly 54 million households took a camping trip in 2023. 

The data is part of KOA’s tenth edition of its North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report. The report, conducted by Cairn Consulting Group, has become a key bellwether for the industry and includes data collected from both KOA parks and non-KOA parks. 

“The past year also saw a higher proportion of baby boomers, 59% of whom were retired and on fixed incomes, and a lower-income Gen Z group,” notes the report. “Additionally, a drop in the participation of Millennials, who are currently at peak earning years, significantly influenced the new camper dynamics.”

To read more, go here. 

Affordable RV Campgrounds Near Top National Parks

Above, at Diamond Lake RV Park near Crater Lake National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With so many people traveling to our national parks in their RVs, it is next to impossible to get a campsite in one. Even if one does find an empty campsite, it may not be big enough to accommodate the RV.

I did stay at campgrounds in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and Yosemite National Park. Either I was just plain lucky or made reservations months in advance.

The alternative is finding a reasonably-priced campground near to the national park. I did this a couple of times. I stayed at a KOA Kampground near Yellowstone National Park in West Yellowstone, Montana and Diamond Lake RV Park near Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.

This is the topic of an article in RV Life.

They begin it with:

Looking for an affordable getaway into nature? RVing trips to national parks are among my personal favorite choices for sure! Unfortunately, the campgrounds in national parks aren’t always ideal. Some can’t accommodate big rigs, others can’t accommodate RVs at all, and most don’t have hookups of any kind.

The solution our family tends to turn to? Affordable campgrounds outside of popular national parks!

In honor of National Park Week from April 20–28, here are my top picks for great places to stay that won’t break the bank.

To read more, go here. 

Are KOA Campgrounds Safe?

Above, the Cedar City (Utah) KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This subject puzzled me at first. I have camped in many KOA Kampgrounds around the country and have found them to be safe. I have never had a problem with any of them.

Still, the question is pertinent to people with children and if they are new to RV camping.

The topic is by MSN.com and it begins with:

Curious about the safety of KOA campgrounds? We’ve had many camping experiences at RV sites at KOA, and when it comes to KOA camping, we’re big fans.

For the best camping experience, it’s a good idea to be aware of a few of the most common KOA questions, which we’ll dive into deeper below. 

The next time that you’re looking for an affordable vacation option check out KOA resort campgrounds and any local KOA campgrounds, which are great ways to have a stress-free camping trip.

Not only do they typically offer deluxe cabins and fun nearby attractions, but they’re also located at the perfect place to be able to get in and get out quickly. 

To read more, go here. 

KOA Expects Significant Expansion In 2024

Above, The Beast at the Ely, Nevada KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I go on a vacation in my motorhome, more often than not I usually stay at a KOA Kampground (Kampgrounds of America) either along the way or at my destination.

The KOAs are generally consistent in their parks, including amenities. I know what to expect. Plus, I have accrued points that I can use for discounting nightly stays. Since I am a member, it make for easier reservations and check-ins.

KOA is expecting "significant" expansion 2024, according a press release posted in RV Travel.

They posted:

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is looking forward to a year of significant expansion in 2024. In 2023, KOA elevated the total number of operating KOA parks to 511 by the end of the year.

A key factor in KOA’s success has been the sales team’s progress, with 12 conversions of independent parks and the signing of eight new construction contracts, resulting in 20 agreements in 2023. This effort marked a significant rise from 14 agreements in the previous year.

“KOA is the go-to partner for conversion and new build campgrounds,” said chief acquisition officer Chris Fairlee. “The equation is easy for owners to see how our brand and services set them up for success and create operational efficiencies.”

The organization also maintains a robust pipeline for future expansions, including six parks in the process of converting to a KOA and 26 new construction franchise campgrounds. KOA also has three owned properties earmarked for KOA campground development. With a healthy franchise renewal rate of 95%, KOA could easily reach 550 campgrounds in the next few years.

To read more, go here.

Last-Minute RV Road Trips

Above, at the Holbrook, Arizona KOA Kampground during my Petrified Forest National Park trip. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I've made a few last-minute road trips in my RV.

Most recently, I took a jaunt into neighboring Arizona to see the petrified forest at the Petrified Forest National Park on the spur-of-the-moment. I had seen the painted desert section already. Last year, I took a last-minute road trip to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. 

The only thing different between planned trips and last-minute ones are making campground reservations within two days of hitting the road. Those trips are usually to places I had thought about visiting but hadn't gotten around to them.

RV Life has some tips on taking last-minute RV road trips.

They begin with:Who doesn’t love a last-minute weekend RV getaway? The thrill of setting out without hours of meticulous planning can be invigorating. With a bit of forethought and some organization, you can set the stage for many impromptu adventures. Here are five key tips to keep you ready for any spontaneous road trips.

To read more, go here. 

High Dump Station Fees Discussed

Above, the dump station at Malibu Creek State Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The topic of campground charges for using their dump station came up at RV Travel.

This involves people stopping at a campground that they're not staying at while on the road. I had to do this in September while on the way home from Ridgway, Colorado. The sewer cap at my campsite was wedged tight and so was the empty neighboring campsite's. I decided I wasn't going to waste my time in struggling to get one or the other off. So I just left.

Along the way, I stopped at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango and used theirs. They charged a fee of $15.00, even though I was in their computer as a two-time customer. I'm used to $10.00 fees for dump station usage, but felt $15.00 wasn't too outrageous. So I paid it, emptied my tanks and was on my way.

When I lived in California, I would use the dump station at the Malibu Creek State Park Campground. A $5.00 fee was charged.

The article begins with a couple's experience with a KOA Kampground that charged them $50.00 to use their dump station.

Here's a snippet:

John and Casey reported, “KOA charged us $50 to empty our tanks yesterday. Is that the going rate now?”

“Hold on,” Cliff interrupted. “You mean all you did was dump your holding tanks? $50 is outrageous!

In agreement about dump station fees

Almost everyone around the campfire agreed that KOA’s fee was far too expensive. Newbies Jeff and Marla wondered, “Why not just empty tanks at the campground where you spend the night?” Cliff explained that often small-town parks, for example, may not offer sewer hookups or a dump station.

There were reasons given why fees are charged by campgrounds. They include inconsiderate campers, environmental regulations and to help pay for amenities.

To read more, go here.

Best Places To Stay Outside of Yellowstone National Park

Above, at the Yellowstone Park/West Gate KOA Holiday in West Yellowstone, Montana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During early June 2015, just before schools went into summer recess, my daughter and I took a trip to Yellowstone National Park. 

Before going, we found that the parks campgrounds were all booked up, so we stayed outside of the park at a KOA Kampground in West Yellowstone, Montana. It worked out great for us as we booked two bus tours (Upper Loop and Lower Loop) with Buffalo Bus Touring Co. We were picked up each morning by the tour bus company in front of the KOA. It was a great trip.

AZ Animals has posted an article on the best places to stay outside of Yellowstone National Park. Unfortunately, they did not mention the KOA, as it was one of the best ones we've ever stayed at, even to this day.

They begin the article with:

Due to ongoing construction, road closures, and limited space in hotels and campgrounds, visitors may have to look outside Yellowstone National Park for overnight stays. Furthermore, seasons can affect Yellowstone overnight stays. During summer, nights within the park may be difficult to acquire due to popularity, forcing people outside the park.

On the other hand, winter limits overnight stay opportunities as many attractions and roadways close during late autumn. Thus, staying outside the park may be out of requirement or necessity, rather than of choice. While this may seem like a tragedy to some tourists, staying elsewhere could transform into an incredible opportunity for others.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel Newsletter

Above, my mom and grandparents camping in Oregon in 1940 in their homemade teardrop trailer.

The Sunday edition of the RV Travel Newsletter is now posted.

It starts off with an essay by Chuck Woodbury that should conjure up some memories of oldtimers. It looks back at the good old days when camping out, in a tent or RV, was much more affordable.

It begins with:

Once upon a time, camping was free or close to it. I speak from my own experience as a well-aged human and RVer. I began RV camping as a child with my parents and then as a 20-something adult on my own. By campgrounds, I am referring to public campgrounds, operated by the government. There were few RV parks early on as we know them now. Those that existed were called trailer parks or mobile home parks.  

KOA was the first big player. Its first RV park debuted in 1962 along the route west to the Seattle World’s Fair. Campers paid $1.75 a night. The concept was soon franchised and grew fast. But most other parks were still in the future. As long as the government provided free stays or very cheap stays in its campgrounds, how could a private operation compete, at least in a popular tourist area?

To read the Newsletter, go here. 

10 Fears of RV Travel

Above, the Ouray, Colorado KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Everyone has fears of one kind or another. That goes for all things in life and that goes for RVing. This is especially true if one is new to RV traveling.

RV Lifestyle has listed the 10 biggest fears of RV travel and tips on overcoming them.

They begin with:

Recently, one of our RV Lifestyle members posed a question in our Facebook group. Zoe asked:

“What are your biggest concerns when traveling in an RV?”

The post received nearly 500 comments! From weather and mechanical failures to how to make money, real RVers answer with their biggest fears while RVing.

The following is a list of RVer's biggest fears when traveling by RV. PLUS resources to help you overcome those fears.

To read more, go here. 

Campground Prices Have Hit An All-Time High

Above, at the Tucson-Lazydays KOA Kampground in April. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like everything else these day, campground prices have risen.

According to Nanci Dixon at RV Travel, prices seem to have hit an all-time high. Still, camping in an RV is cheaper than staying at hotels and motels, even at budget ones. Last March, it was hard to find decent hotel and motel prices in the Phoenix area under $200/night.

She begins with:

It feels like campground prices have hit an all-time high. We are traveling from Arizona to Minnesota and staying almost exclusively at private RV park campgrounds. Not by choice, but because I was too wishy-washy on travel plans and didn’t book the now-sold-out state and COE parks early enough.

We have traveled similar routes from Arizona to Minnesota over the last eight years and I have come to expect higher campground prices near National Parks and major cities, but not this! The major chains are running around $70+ a night, not including the add-ons of state tax, county tax, town tax and lodging tax. These are the corporate buyouts, remodels and new builds. A few are even using booking software similar to hotels that upcharge as the park gets fuller. Don’t procrastinate—the price goes up daily.

Mom and Pop spots have caught on too. What was once $25 to $35 a night two or three years ago is now $55 to $60. I was overjoyed when we camped for four days near a National Park for $45 a night. However, when our assigned site was too small to put the slides out we were charged an additional $2 a day to move. We are at their mercy.

During my April trip in Arizona, I made use of my KOA Kampground Rewards Points to camp at lower prices in Willcox and Tucson. That's why it pays to become a KOA member and, also, at Good Sam campgrounds, using membership discounts.

To read more, go here.