Denver East Playground and train

Denver East Playground and train

We chose Denver East, Strasburg, Colorado for a lovely, well-located campground with close proximity to many of the favorite places tourists want to visit in this popular, mountainous state. Situated on the plains which continue all across the Midwest, this KOA is just 35 miles from Denver and you can avoid the city traffic and enjoy a quiet stay, leave your rig and drive easily to Colorado Springs, Boulder, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park. Open all year, the campground offers all the expected amenities plus extra-long pull-thrus, pool & hot tub/sauna, bike rentals, pavilion, firewood, propane, cable TV, free WiFi. Most sites have large trees, but some are without trees for people who prefer to use their satellite dish for TV. The children’s playground is extra-large with great equipment and a covered, comfortable seating for parents. The K-9 camp has both grass and sand for whichever
your dog is accustomed to.

Denver East KOA Snackbar

Denver East KOA Snackbar

Although the entrance is beside the big grain storage elevators and the large fresh water tank which serves the town, once inside the KOA you will find the campground well-kept and clean, and the owners and staff could not be more friendly and accommodating. The bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities are all excellent. On many weekends and holidays you can enjoy pancake breakfasts, and inside the office you can get pizza and ice cream at the little snack bar. They even have outdoor movie nights for family fun near the main building.  Although grass is difficult to grow in these plains, you will find grass at most sites, although gravel is the norm throughout the grounds.  Children love the little train which takes them on a fun tour of the campground. This KOA has more extras than many KOA’s we have visited across the country. Whether you travel in an RV, camper or with tents or choose the pretty cabins, you will be glad you chose this location, especially after crossing the flat plains endlessly or returning from the steep, winding mountainous highways. Call 303 622 9274.

Durango KOA deluxe cabin

Durango KOA deluxe cabin

Durango, Colorado KOA is perhaps our favorite of all the KOA’s across the USA which we have visited in recent years. Located on the Eastern outskirts of Durango, it is a very scenic drive to many of the most beautiful places in South-Eastern, Colorado, including Mesa Verde, Telluride, Silverton, Uray, and Pagosa Springs.  This large KOA has excellent cabins, RV sites, clean and flat tent sites located near restrooms. The two laundry rooms are in top condition, and the Office gift and snack shop has everything you might need and especially friendly, smiling, helpful staff. You don’t have to walk your dog far to find one of the several K-9 parks, and one is for big dogs, another for small dogs…what a helpful idea we had not encountered at other KOA’s.

In addition to the fine, clean amenities we know to expect at KOA’s, this park features many extras. First there is the beautiful, gentle branch of the Animas River which runs through the campground and features a place to pan for gold and gems when you get a bucket from the Office. This is a favorite for all ages! The miniature golf course is pretty and fun; also wonderful children’s playground and indoor family game room. There are several extra buildings for various activities, and these are so attractive, like the little yellow caboose for outdoor cookouts.

Eric and KOA garden

Eric and KOA garden

The fresh air at this 6500 foot high mountain plateau in the high desert is so refreshing, and plants love it too. The warm, sunny days and cold nights make the abundant blooms around the campground so beautiful, with a spectacular rose garden as a feature. But the most unique and alluring innovation of the owners is a very special addition. Beside the office is a beautifully landscaped organic garden of 4 X 4 squares set in gravel walkways in which you will find almost any vegetable growing in profusion along-side of the companion flowers which are preventing insect attacks, so no pesticides are necessary. Eric Kyle is the full-time gardener and obviously enjoys his job.  There are two varieties of grapes growing on the arbor and also a lovely raised herb garden, which KOA campers are invited to snip and use as they wish.  Each morning Eric picks the ripened vegetables and puts them in plastic bags to give away to KOA campers in the Office. This is a wonderful feature and so educational for adults and children. Since this KOA is only open May through mid-October, the gardens enhance the KOA campground throughout the season. What a great bonus for camping here at KOA! Call 970 247 0783.

Durango KOA Office staff

Durango KOA Office staff

About the Author:

Bonnie Neely, a professional journalist for over 30 years, has worked extensively in educational television in which she has been project coordinator, researcher, and scriptwriter. She has also been a columnist for various newspapers and magazines as well as a producer/scriptwriter for the Discovery Channel. Furthermore Bonnie is one of the “Top Book Reviewers” for Amazon.com. She founded Real Travel Adventures and built it into a leading travel blog.