Camping Bucket List and Scavenger Hunt Game at KOA Camping

KOA 4.1

We love taking little adventures as a family. Some of our favorite things to do is going camping and visiting national parks. I had the opportunity to take my family to any KOA for a few days, so since we’ve been wanting to visit Yosemite we chose to stay at Yosemite South KOA in Coarsegold, Ca. Have you ever wanted to know What’s Behind The Yellow Sign? Let me take you on a little tour of our experience.

We left after work and it’s about a 7 hour drive so we got there very late after the office had closed. They had a map of the campground with directions to our cabin waiting for us. They had turned the porch light on, turned on the air conditioner, and had the linens laid out for the beds. It was so nice to bring our things in and be able to crash for the night. I don’t mind tent camping but if I have the option of a cabin I’m going to take it.

KOA Camping

I like the options available in camping experiences. Our cabin was fully equipped: bathroom, small kitchen with everything included, bedroom, and futon in the living area for another bed. It even has a covered porch where we were able to sit and watch the kids play. The trailer sites are all tree lined giving plenty of shaded spots. I hope we will be able to use those spaces soon, once our RV is finished being renovated, but that’s another story. And then there’s tent camping. I actually don’t mind tent camping as long as I have access to showers and a restroom (I also need to have a big blow up mattress, I’m getting old). Well, you’re in luck if you’re a tent camper, all of those things are close by and even a laundromat is available. All campsites have picnic tables, small firepits, and some have barbecue grills.

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There’s just something wonderful that happens when you’re in nature. I feel I can breathe easier, take life slower, and enjoy my surroundings. Enjoying Yosemite together was a wonderful experience and then being able to come back to the cabin and continue to enjoy nature was exactly what my heart and mind needed. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a real Manzanita tree. This beautiful tree was right outside our cabin.

KOA Swimming

After a long day of hiking and driving through Yosemite a relaxing swim was in order. We came back to the KOA early one day to be able to enjoy the campground facilities. We went for a swim at about 3pm and had the pool almost to ourselves. Ammon was so hot and ready for a swim that he jumped right in.

KOA outdoor games

After the swim, the kids were rejuvenated and ready for more fun. Luckily there were more activities available. We played shuffleboard, which I have never played before. It was really fun! I love the top picture where hubby and Ammon are surveying the game. The boys climbed on the tread wall, then Ammon jumped in the jump house for a bit. The boys played horseshoes a few times while we were there, the pit was close to our cabin so they would sneak off and play a game or two in the morning and afternoon. There was also basketball available but we didn’t get around to playing.

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KOA 3

I made a Nature Scavenger Hunt and Camping Fun List before we went camping. The kids spent at least an hour exploring the area and checking things off the list. It was the perfect time for me and hubby to sit on the porch and just relax. Any weekend where the kids enjoy themselves fully and I get to relax a bit is a win in my book.

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Up by the pool is the clubhouse. Hubby taught the kids how to play pool. Um, it was pretty hilarious watching them the first few times. Emilee plays very dainty. The clubhouse also had boardgames, crafts for kids, and 2 large TV’s in a lounge area. On Friday and Saturday nights they serve dessert in the clubhouse. We had rootbeer floats Friday night and sundaes Saturday night, for a small fee.

KOA nighttime

Once it got dark there was  still plenty to do. There is a firepit for s’mores and it’s big enough for a large group. There’s something so fun about watching a movie outdoors. I love that they have an outdoor theater where they show movies Friday and Saturday night. We always seem to stay up late when we’re camping so we went back to the cabin and had some more fun. Ammon had made a game earlier in the week and brought it on our trip. Oh the games that come out of a 10 year old mind! Think Legos, mindcraft, and marvel heros all in one. It was quite interesting. Of course we couldn’t go to bed without telling ghost stories. It was more funny that scary. Apparently none of us are good at telling ghost stories.

yosemite 1

{ 34 comments… add one }
  • Camille June 30, 2014, 4:49 pm

    We love to camp and I have yet to stay at a KOA – but it’s on my list! Looks like you had a great vacation!

  • Ashlee June 30, 2014, 11:21 pm

    I have totally always wondered what they were like! My husband has grand plans to do some father son camping this summer I’ll tell him all of this, thanks!

  • Sara @ Mom Endeavors June 30, 2014, 11:29 pm

    Yosemite is on our travel list and this looks awesome. I’ve never stayed at a KOA, but it totally looks like the best of camping & a hotel all in one. Fabulous!

  • Ashley @ Simply Designing July 1, 2014, 10:09 am

    What a fun trip!! We recently stayed at a KOA for the first time and really enjoyed it! Such a great way to camp!!

  • Maryann @ Domestically Speaking July 1, 2014, 10:15 am

    What a great campground and I love that scavenger hunt idea!

  • Tammy M July 8, 2014, 8:04 am

    My family tent camps in Yosemite Valley every year, but this looks nice too. I like all the amenities offered.

  • Melissa P. July 8, 2014, 12:41 pm

    Yosemite has always my on my family’s bucket list, I just didn’t know how to go about planning a trip. Staying at the KOA campsite seems like an great option.

  • RANDI COOK July 8, 2014, 6:49 pm

    What a breath taking view of Yosemite! And the KOA seems to have something to do for everyone in the family!

  • Cindy Ray July 9, 2014, 12:01 pm

    Wow looks like so much fun and its so beautiful!

  • Rachel July 10, 2014, 4:04 pm

    Looks amazing! Does that sign say spa?? wow!

  • Angie July 11, 2014, 8:15 am

    This looks like a hoot! This is probably the only way that I could be talked into camping.

  • Amber Mejia July 11, 2014, 1:47 pm

    I love that KOA has an option of staying in tents, RV’s or cabins . Looks like you had a fantastic time!

  • Wes Sydenstricker July 11, 2014, 3:00 pm

    Very cool! Can’t wait to try KOA!

  • Heather McKenzie Carter July 11, 2014, 6:03 pm

    Wow, Yosemite! What a dream site to camp at! THe cabins look great and the surroundings; spectacular.

  • Samantha D July 11, 2014, 7:12 pm

    I’m a tent camper , but like you need showers and some sort of bathroom lol. Roughing it but not that much. But i’m not apposed to a nice cabin. Looks like a beautiful campsite to visit.

  • Shannon Kemp July 14, 2014, 8:40 am

    We love that KOA does movies at night, so much fun!! Looks like you had an amazing time!

  • Jill Carroll July 14, 2014, 11:08 am

    I have never KOA’ed but I’d LOVE to try!!

  • Stephanie T July 14, 2014, 5:36 pm

    One of the reasons we don’t usually mix camping with lots of sightseeing is that after a long day of walking, “roughing it” at camp just doesn’t appeal, but those cabins and all those amenities would really allow you to relax!

  • Tiana P July 15, 2014, 3:26 pm

    Oh what a dream to camp in Yosemite! I hope my family and I can experience that someday !

  • Michelle Elizondo July 15, 2014, 4:07 pm

    We won’t be bored here!

  • Lori K. July 15, 2014, 9:11 pm

    We’ve been wanting to go to Yosemite for quite a while now. Great post! This definitely inspires us to go there soon!

  • Leigh Anne Borders July 16, 2014, 7:07 am

    I can’t until the day I get to visit this park. SO beautiful!

  • DanielleD July 18, 2014, 5:31 am

    Yosemite is on my bucket list & these pictures & details make me want to go now! Thanks for all the info on activities for the kids!

  • Holly E July 20, 2014, 8:32 am

    I love the wide variety of activities!

  • Lacey July 21, 2014, 9:38 am

    I’ve stayed at this same KOA. Great experience

  • Dallie Davis July 21, 2014, 6:38 pm

    Looks like the perfect way to spend time with family! So many fun activities for all!

  • Dandi D July 24, 2014, 9:43 am

    What a fun place to visit! I know my family would really enjoy camping there!

  • Ashley Donald July 25, 2014, 7:39 am

    Oh my gosh, that last picture is stunning!
    I love the idea of a scavenger hunt, what a great idea!

  • Sarah July 25, 2014, 7:49 am

    Wow. looks like a great experience!

  • Tina Bredbury July 26, 2014, 5:09 pm

    beautiful, love the scavenger hunt idea

  • Jill McHale July 26, 2014, 9:13 pm

    I’ve never taken my 5 year old camping. She would love it…she loves the great outdoors! But I need a cabin lol

  • amanda whitley July 27, 2014, 4:35 am

    i love the scavenger hunt idea!

  • Michael February 22, 2018, 6:13 pm

    Been to 2 KOAs so far and absolutely loved it. Great activities for kids, etc. Thanks for reminding me to book a next trip to one of those. 🙂

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