Santa Margarita KOA

10/21/2026

It's time for , campers!

Combine prehistoric finds with all the benefits of modern camping at this week's KOA. Strategically located near Route 191, this campground is the perfect pit stop for Western road trippers.

The campground's variety of RV sites accommodates everyone, from the van lifers to the motorhome enthusiasts. Choose from pull-thru, back-in, or KOA Patio sites and spend less time setting up and more time relaxing. No RV? No problem. Stay in a ultra-comfy Deluxe Cabin or a classic tent site.

The area is known for its abundance of dino finds. Under 20 miles away is Dinosaur National Monument, where you can see over 1,500 fossils on exposed cliff face. Other state parks in the area provide boating and fishing with views of dinosaur tracks along the way. After you've channeled your inner paleontologist, camp is a welcome respite. Challenge your fellow campers to a game of horseshoes or giant jenga, cool off in the pool, or take in a movie under the stars.

The question is - what KOA are we talking about? Comment your best guess below! The answer will be revealed in tomorrow's comments.

10/20/2026

National park enthusiasts, you might have another park to add to your bucket list soon.

Dubbed the "Wonderland of Rocks," Chiricahua National Monument is poised to become the 64th U.S. national park. Read about it here: https://koa.com/blog/the-u-s-could-be-getting-its-64th-national-park/

10/18/2026

Slow mornings at the cabin with the people you love - now that's the best way to take your java. ☕

🎥: Samantha Bose

10/17/2026

Gotta recruit your fittest camp mate to get the job done. 😮‍💨

10/16/2026

This easy recipe makes for the perfect finger food for your Halloween shindig! 👻

Recipe on the KOA Blog: https://koa.com/blog/hot-dog-mummies-and-ghosts-recipe/

10/15/2026

The days grow shorter and there's a chill in the air - before you know it, winter will be here. Make sure your RV's prepped for the cold with our how-to guide.

Our guide on how to winterize an RV includes step-by-step instructions, tools and materials needed, and tips to make winterizing a camper easy. Learn more!

10/14/2026

It's time for , campers!

Perched atop towering bluffs overlooking a Great Lake, it's hard to find a campground with better views than this week's KOA. A tranquil country retreat nestled in the Empire State, this is the laid-back camping getaway you've been looking for.

Bring the RV and enjoying a waterfront view at the back-in sites or get cozy at one of the shaded tent sites. With one cabin onsite, it's easy to see why it's always in demand - this meticulously updated 1940s cabin is quaint and comfy all in one. Join your fellow campers around the community firepit, challenge your camp mates to a game of co****le, or simply enjoy the stunning sunsets over the lake.

Let the campground's knowledgable staff give you the inside scoop on local delights, from the best farm stands, apple and w**e trails, and fishing spots the area has to offer. Camp is located just a mile from the area's historic lighthouse and beach park. And the local town is a charming waterfront village that's so small, it doesn't even have a traffic light!

The question is - what campground are we talking about? Drop your answer in the comments below! We'll reveal the answer in tomorrow's comments - good luck!

10/13/2026

Ever wanted to watch a rocket launch while you camp? 🚀

SpaceX launched Starship's 14th test flight and first attempt to go to orbit from Starbase Texas a few weeks ago, and it was a sight to behold from South Padre Island KOA Holiday. SPI offers a unique experience to campers where they can enjoy the coastal breeze, Texas beaches, and the occasional rocket lift off!

📸: joshughes via Instagram

10/12/2026

Campers: what state or province has the BEST camping spots?

10/10/2026

What state brings you perfect fall vibes, lush forestry, and incredible sunsets?

08/08/2026

Where can you see the meteor shower on August 12th?
Purchase a Visitor Pass at Santa Margarita KOA Holiday located at 4765 Santa Margarita Lake Rd., Santa Margarita, CA 93453

To watch the peak of the Perseid meteor shower on the night of August 12 into the morning of August 13, go to a dark location far from city lights in the Northern Hemisphere. Look up toward the northeast sky between midnight and dawn, with no telescope or binoculars needed.

Viewing Tips and Best Locations
Where to go: Head to rural areas, state parks, dark-sky reserves, or open fields with a wide, unobstructed view of the night sky like Santa Margarita KOA Holiday.
When to look: The best viewing window is after midnight, peaking heavily in the pre-dawn hours (around 2:00 AM to dawn local time).
What to expect: Up to 60 to 100 shooting stars per hour under clear, dark skies.
How to prepare: Give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the dark, and bring a comfortable lawn chair or blanket to recline.

AI Overview

08/26/2025

BREAKING NEWS!!! S'MORE CAMPING OPTIONS FOR YOU!
SANTA MARGARITA KOA'S DELUXE GLAMPING CABINS ARE NOW PART OF THE KOA REWARDS APPRECIATION WEEKEND: SEPT. 5 & 6, 2025! CAMPFIRES ARE ALLOWED NOW (with precautions)!

WHO: You can call us to buy a Value Kard for $39 for a full year, then make your reservation on the same call and SAVE BIG TIME!!]

WHEN: September 5-6, 2025

WHAT: KOA Rewards holders stay as a paying guest on Friday, September 5th at any participating KOA campground and get Saturday, September 6th for FREE*.

WHY: KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend is designed exclusively for KOA Rewards holders to say thanks for your loyalty and for trusting your camping memories to us. On this late-summer weekend, we gather to celebrate friends, family and fun in the great outdoors. We invite you to camp with us to show gratitude to God and the firefighters who protected Santa Margarita KOA from the Gifford Fire. We have had an empty campground for weeks and would love to see it filled to the brim with HAPPY CAMPERS!

* Only at participating KOA locations. Applies to one site per KOA Rewards account, for two consecutive nights at the same KOA. Some sites may be excluded. KOA Rewards discount does apply but may not be combined with other discounts.

08/18/2025

IT’S A GREAT DAY AT THE SANTA MARGARITA KOA HOLIDAY!
8/18/25 1:00 PM THE GIFFORD FIRE IS 90% CONTAINED!!!
SANTA MARGARITA KOA IS FULLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS AGAIN!
The sky is blue and the air quality remains GOOD.

RESERVATIONS: We will try to answer calls, texts and emails. Keep trying. Online reservations are open now. Visit smkoa.com. September and October are great months to camp.

NO CAMPFIRES: Still NO campfires allowed until further notice. Propane/butane stoves and charcoal BBQ's are allowed for cooking.

HAPPY CAMPERS: We are so grateful to the 5,000 firefighters and personnel who battled and beat the Gifford Fire! Thank you for your patience & prayers. Santa Margarita KOA remains “A place of hope & healing. If you don’t leave with both, you didn’t stay long enough!”

08/16/2025

8/16/25 1:30 PM GIFFORD FIRE & SANTA MARGARITA KOA:
Santa Margarita KOA Evacuation Zone: SLC-221

YIPPEE!!! Our EVACUATION ORDER was lifted a few minutes ago so we will be back in business tomorrow, Sunday, August 17th. It will take some time to get staff back on-site to get the property and store operational. The sky is blue and the air quality remains GOOD. A BIG THANK YOU to the almost 5,000 folks fighting the fire. May God continue to bless your efforts to end the Gifford Fire.

RESERVATIONS: Help redeem our summer season by re-booking any reservations that were canceled. We have some spots for Labor Day weekend due to cancellations. We will try to answer calls and emails. If you cannot reach us, please visit smkoa.com. September and October are some of the best months to camp.

FIRE UPDATES: Download the WatchDuty app. Visit ReadySLO.org and AirNow.gov. The website is app.watchduty.org.

NO CAMPFIRES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE! Propane/butane stoves and charcoal BBQ's are allowed for cooking only.

HAPPY CAMPERS: Santa Margarita KOA remains a place of hope & healing. If you don’t leave with both, you didn’t stay long enough!”Thank you for your patience & prayers.

08/16/2025

8/16/25 1:30 PM GIFFORD FIRE & SANTA MARGARITA KOA:
Santa Margarita KOA Evacuation Zone: SLC-221

YIPPEE!!! Our EVACUATION ORDER was lifted a few minutes ago, so we will be back in business tomorrow, Sunday, August 17th. It will take some time to get staff back on-site to get the property and store operational. The sky is blue and the air quality remains GOOD. A BIG THANK YOU to the almost 5,000 folks fighting the fire. May God continue to bless your efforts in these final days.

RESERVATIONS: Help redeem our summer season by re-booking any reservations that were canceled. We have some spots for Labor Day weekend due to cancellations. We will try to answer calls and emails. If you cannot reach us, please visit smkoa.com. September and October are some of the best months to camp.

FIRE UPDATES: Download the WatchDuty app. Visit ReadySLO.org and AirNow.gov. The website is app.watchduty.org.

NO CAMPFIRES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: Propane/butane stoves and charcoal BBQ's are allowed for cooking only.

HAPPY CAMPERS: Santa Margarita KOA remains a place of hope & healing. If you don’t leave with both, you didn’t stay long enough!” Thank you for your patience & prayers.

08/13/2025

8/13/25 UPDATE GIFFORD FIRE & SANTA MARGARITA KOA
(Evacuation Zone: SLC-221:

As of 8/13/25, we are still under an EVACUATION ORDER. That means Santa Margarita KOA is closed until further notice. The ongoing Garcia Wilderness back-burn operation will continue into the afternoon today. Fortunately, the winds have cooperated in keeping the smoke away from the KOA, and our air quality remains good. Please check this Emergency Alert daily after 10 a.m. daily for updates.

RESERVATIONS: We are optimistic that we will be open for business on Friday, August 15, but we will not know for sure until tomorrow morning after 10 a.m. We are UNable to answer all the phone calls. If you choose to cancel or reschedule a reservation for this coming weekend of Aug. 15-16, please email [email protected] AND [email protected]. You will receive a full refund.

FIRE UPDATES: To monitor the fire’s progress, download the WatchDuty app on your phone. Select LAYERS to see the fire perimeter. You can also visit ReadySLO.org and AirNow.gov to check the air quality for Santa Margarita. On a computer, the website is app.watchduty.org.

NO CAMPFIRES: No campfires will be allowed until further notice. Charcoal BBQ's and propane stoves are allowed for cooking purposes only.

OUR APOLOGIES: We are sorry for any inconvenience and ruined plans. We look forward to seeing you at a different time. Thank you for your kind KOA-style understanding & cooperation. Join us in choosing to be HAPPY CAMPERS...no matter the circumstance!

Call now to connect with business.

08/10/2025

GIFFORD FIRE EFFECT ON SANTA MARGARITA KOA AS OF 8/9/25:

RESERVATIONS: Out of an abundance of caution and in support of those fighting the Gifford Fire on our behalf, we cancelled existing reservations and will not make any new reservations for AUG. 11-14, 2025. We will know more on Monday, August 11, 2025 if other reservations will be affected. Please check this website frequently for updates.

SANTA MARGARITA KOA EVACUATION ZONE: SLC-221
We are only under an Evacuation Warning at this point. That means Guests should be prepared to leave quickly if an Evacuation Order is issued. For now, we watch and wait and pray.

FIRE UPDATES: To monitor the fire’s progress, download the WatchDuty app on your phone. Select LAYERS to see the fire perimeter. You can also visit ReadySLO.org and AirNow.gov to check the air quality for Santa Margarita. On a computer, the website is app.watchduty.org.

NO CAMPFIRES: No campfires will be allowed until further notice. Charcoal BBQ's and propane stoves are allowed for cooking purposes only.

OUR APOLOGIES: We are sorry for any inconvenience and ruined plans. We look forward to seeing you at a different time. Thank you for your kind KOA-style understanding & cooperation. Join us in choosing to be HAPPY CAMPERS...no matter the circumstance!

P.S. Gifford Fire Officials are hosting a Community Meeting at the Santa Margarita Elementary School tomorrow from 2 to 3 PM. 22070 H St., Santa MArgarita, CA 93453. It will be broadcast on Los Padres National Forest (LPF) Incident Management YouTube and LPF Facebook.

05/20/2025