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Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday

Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday 1Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday 2Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday 3Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday 4Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday 5Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday 6Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday 7Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday 8Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday 9Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday 10

Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday Overview

Rating

Phone (712) 423-1633

Address 21788 Dogwood Ave, Onawa, IA 51040, USA

Website https://koa.com/campgrounds/onawa/

Hours

Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday Location & Map

IowaMonona CountyOnawaDogwood Avenue

Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday About

For RV enthusiasts and families across Iowa looking for a comfortable and engaging outdoor experience, the Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday in Onawa, IA, presents a compelling option. As professional content writers specializing in local business SEO, we aim to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of this well-known RV park. Part of the trusted KOA network, this Holiday-level campground promises a range of amenities and a pleasant setting near the scenic Blue Lake, making it an attractive destination for both short stopovers and longer, relaxing stays.

Iowa locals planning their next adventure will find this KOA to be a convenient and well-equipped choice. Our goal is to present all available public information, including insights from real customer reviews, to help you make an informed decision. We understand that selecting the right RV park is crucial for a successful trip, and this article is designed to highlight the park's strengths and address potential considerations, ensuring you have a realistic and comprehensive understanding before your visit.

Customer feedback offers a mixed but generally positive picture. One review enthusiastically states, "This KOA is one of my favorite campgrounds to visit. The lake is beautiful, pool is clean and nice, and the campground overall is well maintained. Staff is very kind and the store is nicely well stocked. One day they brought in goats you can feed which was great for kids and the adults loved it too. Very peaceful and quiet which is great after a long day of driving. If you’re looking for a place to stay along the way to another destination or a simple, relaxing place to camp. I’d say this is a very good option for you." This highly positive feedback emphasizes the park's beauty, cleanliness, amenities, and peaceful atmosphere.

However, another review highlights a significant customer service concern: "We stayed here in a 34 foot fifth wheel for one night four adults and four dogs. We had no problem with the park itself. It is considered a KOA holiday and the setting was nice and peaceful. Our complaint and it is a huge complaint is with the young lady, at check-in Who I believe might be the manager, her attitude, her personality, and lack of consideration to her guests." This review details a negative interaction regarding a package delivery and expresses concern about the staff member's demeanor. While this specific experience is a point of consideration, it is important to note it alongside the many positive comments about the park's physical attributes and the kindness of "staff" generally.

Despite this isolated negative interaction reported by one customer, the overall consensus points to a well-maintained park with great amenities and a peaceful setting. We will delve into the park's location, services, features, and how to contact them, to provide a balanced and useful guide for local Iowans considering a stay.

Location and Accessibility

The Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday is conveniently situated at 21788 Dogwood Ave, Onawa, IA 51040, USA. This prime location places it near the scenic Blue Lake, an oxbow lake of the Missouri River, in Monona County, Western Iowa. Onawa is a charming community that serves as a gateway to the unique Loess Hills region, offering campers a tranquil rural setting with easy access to both natural attractions and local conveniences.

As a KOA campground, accessibility for RVs of all sizes is a primary focus. The park is typically located with straightforward access from major highways, often Interstate 29, which runs north-south through Western Iowa. This ensures that travelers passing through or residents from other parts of Iowa can reach the park easily without navigating complex backroads. The well-maintained internal roads within the KOA facilitate smooth maneuvering and parking for recreational vehicles, including large fifth wheels, as evidenced by a customer review mentioning a 34-foot fifth wheel having "no problem with the park itself."

The proximity to Blue Lake is a significant advantage, offering opportunities for water-based recreation, though specific access points from the campground are not detailed in the provided information. Being near Onawa means campers have access to local services like gas stations, grocery stores, and potentially local dining options. Its location in Western Iowa also places it within a reasonable driving distance of larger urban centers like Sioux City (approximately 40 miles north) and Omaha, Nebraska, providing more extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment choices if desired. This blend of peaceful natural surroundings and convenient access to amenities makes it an appealing base for exploring the region.

Services Offered
  • RV Sites with Hookups: As a KOA Holiday, the park offers a variety of RV sites, including those with full hookups (water, electric, sewer) to accommodate diverse needs for recreational vehicles of all sizes.

  • Tent Sites: While not explicitly detailed in the reviews, KOA Holiday campgrounds typically offer designated tent sites for those who prefer traditional camping.

  • Cabins/Lodging: KOA Holiday locations often feature cabins or other lodging options, providing an alternative for those without an RV or tent, though not specifically mentioned in the reviews.

  • Swimming Pool: A clean and nice swimming pool with a slide is available, perfect for family fun and cooling off on warm days, as praised by customers.

  • Clean Restrooms & Showers: Facilities are described as impeccably clean and well-maintained, including restrooms and showers, ensuring comfort for guests.

  • Well-Stocked Store: The on-site store is noted as being "nicely well stocked," providing convenience for campers to purchase essentials, snacks, and souvenirs.

  • Family & Kids Activities: The park organizes activities, such as bringing in goats for feeding, which were a hit with both kids and adults, fostering a fun and engaging atmosphere.

  • Pet-Friendly: The campground accommodates pets, as indicated by a review mentioning a stay with "four dogs," although specific rules should be confirmed upon booking.

  • Wi-Fi Access: Most modern KOAs offer Wi-Fi, though specific details or performance were not highlighted in the provided reviews.

  • Laundry Facilities: While not directly mentioned, it's a common amenity at KOA Holiday parks to provide laundry facilities for guests.

Features / Highlights
  • Beautiful & Peaceful Setting: The campground is set in a "nice and peaceful" environment, with a "beautiful" lake nearby, offering a tranquil escape from daily life, especially after long drives.

  • High Standards of Cleanliness: A consistent highlight from reviews is the "impeccably clean and well-maintained" facilities, including spotless restrooms, showers, and campsites, ensuring a comfortable stay.

  • Excellent Family Amenities: The clean pool with a slide and organized activities like feeding goats make it a fantastic destination for families and children, providing unique and memorable experiences.

  • Well-Maintained Grounds: The "campground overall is well maintained" and "grounds are beautiful, clean, and clearly well cared for," reflecting a commitment to quality and aesthetic appeal.

  • Friendly Staff (General): While one review noted an issue with a specific staff member, another highlights "Staff is very kind," suggesting an overall positive demeanor among the team, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.

  • Convenient On-Site Store: The "nicely well stocked" store adds significant convenience for campers, providing easy access to necessities without having to leave the park.

  • Quiet Nights: The park is described as "very peaceful and quiet," ensuring a restful night's sleep, which is highly valued by travelers and those seeking relaxation.

  • Suitable for Various Stays: Recommended for those "passing through or looking for a spot to stay a while," indicating its versatility for both short stopovers and longer, relaxing vacations.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a KOA Holiday branded campground, Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday participates in the broader KOA Rewards program, which serves as their primary "special offer" or loyalty program. This program provides discounts and benefits to members, such as a 10% discount on the daily rate for campsites, cabins, and other lodging at participating KOA campgrounds across North America. While specific, limited-time promotions for this particular location are not detailed in the provided information, the KOA Rewards program offers consistent savings for frequent campers.

Additionally, KOA Holiday campgrounds often feature enhanced amenities and organized activities, which, while not direct discounts, add significant value to the camping experience. The mention of "community activities" like bringing in goats to feed suggests that the park actively invests in creating engaging experiences for its guests, especially families. These value-added features contribute to a perception of promotion by enhancing the overall quality of the stay.

Specific pricing for daily, weekly, or monthly rates would be managed directly by the KOA. It is common for KOA parks to offer tiered pricing based on site type (e.g., full hookup, pull-thru, back-in) and season. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, details about the KOA Rewards program, or any specific local promotions they might be running, it is always recommended to contact the Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday directly using the provided contact information. They can provide the most current details to assist you in planning your visit and maximizing any potential savings.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about the Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday in Onawa, Iowa, local users can easily get in touch using the following contact details. It's recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and secure your preferred site.

Address: 21788 Dogwood Ave, Onawa, IA 51040, USA

Phone: (712) 423-1633

Mobile Phone: +1 712-423-1633

These numbers connect directly to the Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday office. While one review did highlight a specific negative interaction with a staff member at check-in, other reviews praise the staff generally for being "very kind." Therefore, contacting them directly will allow you to get the most accurate and current information on campsite availability, rates, specific amenities, and any upcoming activities. It's always best to communicate directly to address any concerns or specific needs you may have for your stay.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday in Onawa, IA, stands out as a highly suitable destination for Iowans seeking a convenient, amenity-rich, and peaceful RV camping experience right in their home state. Its appeal for locals stems from several key factors that cater to a wide range of needs, from quick weekend getaways to longer, relaxing vacations.

For families, the park is particularly well-suited. The presence of a clean swimming pool with a slide and engaging activities like feeding goats provides ample entertainment for children, ensuring a fun and memorable trip for the entire family. The commitment to "impeccably clean and well-maintained" facilities, including restrooms and showers, offers a level of comfort and peace of mind that is highly valued by local campers.

The "nice and peaceful" setting, coupled with the "quiet at night" atmosphere, makes it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind and escape the daily grind. Despite being a popular KOA Holiday, it manages to maintain a serene environment that allows for true relaxation. Its location near Blue Lake and within the beautiful Loess Hills region also offers opportunities for local exploration and connection with Iowa's natural beauty.

While one review noted a specific customer service issue, the overall sentiment from multiple reviews points to a generally kind staff and a well-cared-for property, indicative of a quality experience. For Iowans seeking a reliable, well-equipped, and family-friendly RV park that offers a blend of relaxation and engaging activities, the Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday provides an excellent and highly recommended option right in their own backyard.

Customer Reviews

3.0
302 reviews
D
Dorothy Woodward
Apr 30, 2025

We stayed here in a 34 foot fifth wheel for one night four adults and four dogs. We had no problem with the park itself. It is considered a KO a holiday and the setting was nice and peaceful. Our complaint and it is a huge complaint is with the young lady, at check-in Who I believe might be the manager, her attitude, her personality, and lack of consideration to her guests. We have been on a road trip for approximately 35 nights out of the 35 nights we have used KOA‘s for 32. We had ordered a part from Amazon to be delivered upon our arrival. We had the delivery receipt and a picture of the delivery itself. Her attitude was what can I tell you it is not here. My husband asked if there could have been another spot it was delivered and she answered. Yes they had another post office box offsite, and she would contact them to see if in advertently it was sent there. She told Jerry the owners would check the other box and see if it was delivered. The next morning before leaving, he went back in to see if she had checked. She acted as if she had no idea what he was talking about and once again was rude and condescending having a little chitchat with a friends of hers in the office. At this point, Jerry asked did the owners go and check and she said , “ I told you the package is not here “It is amazing after reading some of the other negative comments that someone with this demeanor would be left to be in charge of a lovely KOA. We are people from the south and never never condemn anyone who does not deserve to be written about, but her attitude and personality to paying guest is truly a misfortune to the KOA name I also find it very odd that after staying at 30 some KOA‘s we never received the email to give this particular KOA a review. I am wondering if they come from the site itself or from the international web something to think about! After reading some of the reviews, I see that many of them were answered. It would be really nice if she took the time to answer this review and let us know why we impose upon her day!

M
Mason Buzzell
May 20, 2025

This KOA is one of my favorite campgrounds to visit. The lake is beautiful, pool is clean and nice, and the campground overall is well maintained. Staff is very kind and the store is nicely well stocked. One day they brought in goats you can feed which was great for kids and the adults loved it too. Very peaceful and quiet which is great after a long day of driving. If you’re looking for a place to stay along the way to another destination or a simple, relaxing place to camp. I’d say this is a very good option for you.

H
Heather
Sep 17, 2024

We arrived after office hours, 8:30p, but not to worry because staff had our reservation ready and waiting with all the info we needed for our stay. The bathrooms were clean, our tent site was right along the lake, the grounds were clean and quiet. We got a very restful night of sleep here. Thanks so much!

C
CHAOSNCHECK T
Sep 22, 2024

Had booked this two night several months in advance as part of our four month RV adventure to Alaska and back. Been on the road for five hours today - this included a stop at Porter Sculpture Park in Montrose, SD. Nice to pull in, have a quick check in, then lead to a nice pull through site along the water. The Park was estimated to be half full - small shop but it was well stocked, dog park, playground, strong wifi (we tested but then used our Starlink) and the bathrooms were clean. Our site had a picnic table and fire pit, plus FHU. There is a State Museum directly across the river that also offers RV Camping. This KOA was a nice stay and cost wise very reasonable.

J
James & Sonya McClendon
Jul 11, 2024

Update: I find it funny you call me a liar when you have still yet to call me. Your response shows that you don’t care if the traveling customer has a good experience or not. I should’ve read the reviews before I booked your location. I won’t be making that mistake again. We rented for an overnight in our way thru to Wyoming in July 3rd. At 10:30 pm we realized the 20 amp electric didn’t work and we have proof because our neighbor who is friends with the owner tested it with his tester. I called the emergency after hours line 3 times & they did not call me back. We have a Cpap machine that needs electric. The neighbor let us use his electric but we could only plug in the Cpap machine & not our fans. The manager refused to talk to me on 3 separate occasions when I called into the office. The young man on the phone that I spoke to assured me he gave her my cell#. He said that she insisted my electric worked as she checked it. Her office is being run by a bunch of well mannered kids but they are still kids & not management. When I called KOA headquarters they put in a contact request. She still hasn’t called me back. The bathrooms were dirty. Mouse droppings were all over the bathroom counters. I’m very dissatisfied & disappointed in this KOA. They should not be allowed to be part of the KOA organization who has higher standards.