Jellystone and KOA Campgrounds: What Families Should Know Before Booking

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When you travel with four kids in an RV, you start noticing what really makes a campground work — not the glossy marketing photos, and not only the bathrooms and laundry rooms. Sometimes all we want is to camp for a long weekend, relax and enjoy the local activities at the campground. Sometimes our adventures are more nature-centric, and the campground is just our reset point between adventures.

Over the past few years, we’ve stayed at multiple Jellystone and KOA campgrounds across different states, and I've come to realize that I wish I knew these facts when we started our RV adventures, so I wanted to offer a friendly roadmap through these parks, to help you plan your next family experience.

What Are KOA and Jellystone, Really?

KOA (Kampgrounds of America) and Jellystone Park are two of the biggest campground networks in the U.S., but they’re built around very different ideas of what a “good camping experience” looks like.

KOA is a nationwide chain with hundreds of locations, ranging from simple overnight stops to full-service holiday parks. Their core promise is consistency: clean sites, predictable amenities, and a campground that works whether you’re traveling with kids, as a couple, or on a long cross-country route.

Jellystone Park campgrounds are fewer in number and far more kid-centric by design. Most locations are built as family destinations rather than stopovers, with heavy emphasis on scheduled activities, water attractions, themed weekends, and entertainment aimed squarely at younger kids.

Both offer cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. Both are family-friendly. But they’re designed for different kinds of trips, and which one works better depends entirely on what kind of trip you had in mind for your family.

Atmosphere: Play vs Peace

Jellystone is built around families with young kids. Expect daily activities, splash pads, foam parties, character meet-and-greets, and a constant buzz of golf carts. It’s fun and energetic — like a mini resort.

KOA tends to be calmer. They attract a broader mix — retirees, couples, families — and the vibe is more “classic campground” than “kids’ resort”, although many of their campgrounds offer

If your kids are under 12 and still love water balloons and dance parties, Jellystone wins. If you crave quiet evenings and a campfire without a karaoke soundtrack, KOA takes it.

Amenities and Activities

At Jellystone, there’s always something going on: themed weekends, crafts, wagon rides, pool games, and playgrounds designed for long days. It’s hard for kids to get bored.

KOA parks vary based on their classification (Journey | Holiday | Resort) and location — some have pools, game rooms and playgrounds, others offer more modest kids activities. The higher-tier KOA Holiday and KOA Resort locations do step it up with organized activities and nice amenities.

If you want built-in entertainment for the kids, Jellystone takes the crown. If you prefer open space and fewer scheduled events, KOA might fit better.

Cleanliness and Maintenance

In our experience, both chains maintain high standards — clean bathrooms and campsites, mowed lawns, and working hookups. Jellystone parks sometimes feel more “polished,” with newer facilities and resort-style pools. KOAs, particularly in rural areas like Seward or Dubois, can feel more rustic, but that’s also part of their charm.

Location and Scenery

KOA wins this round hands down, as their locations are unbeatable. They tend to position near national parks, scenic routes, or small towns with character. Jellystone parks are more destination-resort style, often set just outside major attractions but not necessarily in the middle of wild scenery. Great for families looking to stay put for a few days, not ideal if you’re chasing views.

Cost and Value

Jellystone stays are usually more expensive — you’re paying for the water parks, activities, and full resort setup. KOAs are more variable: some cost about the same, others are half the price.

If you want value per kid, Jellystone gives you a packed experience. If you want value per night, KOA wins, especially if you’re using it as a stopover between destinations.

Best for Different Types of Trips

• Weekend or holiday getaways: Jellystone — the activities keep everyone entertained without leaving the park.

• Road trips or one-night stops: KOA — easy check-in, practical amenities, and quick setup.

• Extended stays with younger kids: Jellystone — planned fun every day.

• Nature-focused or scenic routes: KOA — better access to trails and views.

Our Takeaway

For our family, Jellystone and KOA each deliver something different — and both make family RV travel easier and more fun.

Jellystone is the ultimate all-out family playground. Our younger two (4 and 7) could stay busy there from breakfast to bedtime — pools, slides, wagon rides, crafts, you name it. Our 11-year-old jumps right in, and even our 14-year-old enjoys it and when we’re traveling with friends, even better. It’s social, and full of energy — a great fit when the goal is nonstop family fun.

KOA has been consistently well-run and family-friendly. Many of their locations offer more than just a playground: rental pedal carts, mini golf, outdoor games, fire pits, and plenty of open space for kids to roam. It’s organized without feeling overdone, and the facilities are always spotless.

So we don’t pick one over the other — we pick based on the kind of trip we’re after. When we want full-on entertainment, Jellystone wins. When we want comfort, and flexibility, KOA hits the mark. Together, they cover the full range of what family RV travel can be.

If You’re Planning Your First Family RV Trip

Start with one of each. Stay at a Jellystone for a long weekend to get the full family-fun experience, then spend a few nights at a KOA near a national park to see what style fits your family best.

Trips Included in This Comparison:

• Jellystone Park™ Mammoth Cave, KY

• Jellystone Park™ of the Rockies, CO

• Jellystone Park™ North Columbus, OH

• KOA Valdez & Seward, AK

• KOA Badlands & Hot Springs, SD

• KOA Dubois, CO

• KOA Joshua Tree, CA

Quick Info: Jellystone vs KOA for Families

🚐 Campsites: RVs of various lengths, tents, cabins (only at Jellystone)

👧 Ideal for kids’ aged 4 – 14

Campground Chains Featured

• Jellystone Park™ Official Site

• Tip: Download the Jellystone App for park maps + activity schedules.

• KOA® Official Site

• Tip: Use KOA’s app filters to find the most family-friendly sites.

💰 Typical Price Range (Summer RV & Tent Sites)

• Jellystone: $80 – $160 / night (💦water parks + activities included)

• KOA: $60 – $120 / night (🌄depends on tier + location)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best For

• Jellystone: Full-scale family fun 🎡 | themed weekends | water activities

• KOA: Scenic spots 🌅 | clean facilities | balance of play + relaxation

🧭 Practical Notes

• ⏰ Check-in/out: Usually noon–3 pm (earlier at KOA, later at Jellystone)

• ⚡ Hookups: Full hookups at most sites — verify before booking

• 🐶 Pet-friendly at both (charges may apply)

• 📅 Book 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends

Feature	Jellystone	KOA
Vibe	Lively, activity-packed	Relaxed, classic campground
Price	💰💰–💰💰💰	💰–💰💰
Best for	Younger kids, themed weekends	Families who like a mix of fun + quiet
Locations	Near attractions	Often scenic or near national parks
Amenities	Water activities, crafts, outdoor games, playgrounds, jumping pillow, organized games and themed activities	Mini golf, rental pedal carts, playgrounds; some also offer pools and outdoor games

Planning your first RV trip?

Check out my RV Packing List for Families

My comprehensive guide for your first RV trip.

And my easy recipes for when you're on the road!

Have you stayed at both Jellystone and KOA? I’d love to hear which your family preferred and why — every park has its own surprises. Leave a comment with your experience for our travelers community!