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Togethering

It's trendy. It's fun. It's a group of family and friends at KOA.

Whether your group is large or small, KOA is the perfect place for parties, rallies, reunions or just kicking back. Campers can choose from RV and tent sites or Kamping Kabins, Kottages and Lodges. Kids are sure to love the playgrounds, pools, open spaces, bikes, arcades and more. And the whole gang will appreciate the convenience of the pavilions and community rooms at many campgrounds. Let the KOA camping experts help plan your next bash. Here are a few of their tips:

Save Money.

Designate a group coordinator (a.k.a. wagon master). "That wagon master is our contact," says Wendy Woodman, general manager of the Okeechobee, Florida KOA, the largest KOA Kampground. "Many KOAs give group rates when everyone works through one person."

Plan Ahead.

Although KOA folks are always willing to put together a last-minute party if space is available, you're better off making reservations at least six months in advance. For a large group, plan at least a year ahead of time.

Reserve It.

Let the coordinator make a reservation under one group name-the Jones Reunion or the New Hampshire Camping Club, for example-and then let each person take care of his or her own deposit.

Know Your Crew.

Some groups are happy to hang out and chat, says Chris Wood (Woody), the second-generation owner of the San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA. Others are "on a mission" to squeeze in lots of activities. For them, lock in your plans early and give everyone an agenda, he advises.

Share The Load.

Families should take turns planning meals. Many KOAs offer on-site restaurants and catering, do-it-yourself Kamping Kitchens and large grills or will help bring in a caterer.

Enjoy The Amenities.

KOAs are famous for their top-notch offerings. You'll find a golf course and tennis courts perfect for a friendly group tourney. At the Okeechobee, Florida KOA. On-site tour guides at the San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA host daily outings that include a stroll on Golden Gate Bridge, lunch at Fisherman's Wharf and shopping in Chinatown.

And Relax.

The point of a gathering is to spend time enjoying your family and friends. If you need anything, just ask the KOA camping experts. "We deal in customer service,"says Wayne Rose, who owns the Petoskey, Michigan KOA. "Our campers are #1."

Celebrate At KOA

Twin Mountain, New Hampshire.

Gather the gang for a moose-sighting tour in the area.

Herkimer, New York.

Test your rock-hounding skills at this KOA. The campground is the home of Herkimer Diamond Mines and hosts geology merit badge weekends for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Nashville, Tennessee.

Hit a high note in the KOA Music Barn at this campground, where country-music performers croon your favorite tunes.

Oakdale, Wisconsin.

Stay at this KOA in late September and attend the Warrens Cranberry Festival, which draws about 100,000 people.

Abilene, Texas.

Head into town for the Hot Air Balloon Fest in the fall. Nearby, in Sweetwater, stop by the Rattlesnake Roundup in the spring.

Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Plan a winter get-together and enjoy the area's Snowflake Festival.

Victoria West, British Columbia.

Join a whale-watching excursion-your KOA hosts can help arrange it.

Parry Sound, Ontario.

Have a blast at the area's annual Spring Jam, known as Canada's largest ATV Jamboree. Your group can access ATV trails from the campground.

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