Your Survival Guide to Maximize Your Adventure at KOA Campground in Winnipeg
I love hitting the open road and chasing my next big adventure—as long as it fits the budget. Over the years, I’ve found myself choosing campgrounds over hotels because they’re surprisingly quite fun, convenient, and significantly more affordable.
And what’s not to love about camping? Imagine watching the sunset over a crackling fire, sharing stories with fellow travelers, and waking up to the sound of chirping birds.
Plus, they offer the kind of genuine, down-to-earth experiences you just can’t get from a hotel.
One of the best campgrounds in the area is West KOA Journey. If you’re heading this way, use this guide to the KOA campground in Winnipeg
About the KOA Campground in Winnipeg
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Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/winnipeg-west/
Location: 588 Jones Drive South
Phone: +1 204 864 2917
Opening hours: Daily 8 am to 9 pm
Check-in time: 12 noon
Check-out time: 11 am (unless pre-arranged with management)
KOA is short for Kampgrounds of America. It’s a well-known network of campgrounds across North America, offering a range of accommodations and amenities for those who want a carefree getaway in the great outdoors.
In Winnipeg, we have West KOA Journey, a small yet comfortable campsite just off the Trans-Canada Highway. It has spacious RV sites with full hookups and charming tent sites, where kids and pets are welcome.
What we like the most about the campsite is that it’s surrounded by the beauty of the Canadian Prairies and bordered by the Assiniboine River. It brings you closer to nature without pulling you away from the urban attractions in downtown Winnipeg.
Just a short drive away, you can visit popular attractions, such as the Assiniboine Park Zoo, The Forks Market, and Manitoba Museum. It can serve as a great base for your adventures across Manitoba.
Directions to the KOA Campground in Winnipeg
From downtown Winnipeg, you can reach West KOA Journey in 40 minutes or less. Start by heading west on Portage Avenue, and continue onto Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway).
You’ll stay on Highway 1 for most of the journey. Then, make a left at the Esso Gas Station to reach the campground.
Accommodations at KOA Campground in Winnipeg
Full-Service RV Sites
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KOA campground has a designated area for RVs, which includes full hookups with 30 to 50-amp services. No matter the size of your vehicle, you’ll be able to indulge in modern conveniences like ACs, dishwashers, electric water heaters, and more.
They mostly have pull-through sites in the middle of the campgrounds. Although they offer very little privacy, these spots are ideal for 40-foot RVs (or longer) as they offer better maneuverability for larger vehicles.
If you’re looking for more privacy, they have back-in sites near the campground entrance and the Assiniboine River. They also have better views!
Back-in sites only have a single entry and exit point, requiring drivers to back into their designated area. Typically, these spots offer more privacy and more room for outdoor activities like campfires and barbecues.
Tent Sites
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There are various tenting sites spread throughout the campgrounds. Yes, you do need to bring your own tent if you want to stay here.
Some spots are near the gas station. It might not have the best views, but they’re quite close to the restrooms and showers, which is very convenient, especially if you have to pee at night.
There’s also a playground adjacent to the tenting sites. If you’re going camping with kids, it might be ideal to pitch the tent around this area.
Other spots are near Kamp K9. If you’re traveling with a furry companion, you can opt to stay around this area so you have easy access to the off-leash playground.
Amenities at KOA Campground in Winnipeg
Gas and Propane Filling Stations
Due to popular demand from campers, West KOA Journey has finally added a propane filling station and a gas bar. You can now refuel your RV before hitting the road, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted journey to your next destination.
Convenience Store
Instead of driving all the way back to downtown Winnipeg, you can get snacks, meals, and other essentials at the gas station’s convenience store. They even have pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream.
Laundromat
You won’t have to go home with a bag full of dirty clothes after camping because this KOA site has a laundromat. They only have two sets of washers and dryers, so wake up bright and early to get the laundry done.
Pool
In the warmer days of the year, you can cool off in their small outdoor pool. It even has a splash pad and water features where little kids can play.
The pool opens from 11 am until dusk, but the hours will vary depending on the weather. If it rains, it will be closed for safety reasons.
Restrooms and Showers
Around the campsite, you’ll find several restrooms and showers, all of which have hot water. They’re clean, well-maintained, and conveniently located near the tenting sites for easier access.
Off-leash Dog Area
Our favorite part about KOA campgrounds is the Kamp K9, which you’ll love too if you always travel with your pets. This is an off-leash area where your furry travel buddies can run to their heart’s content and have fun.
Visitor Policy at KOA Campground in Winnipeg
Visitors are welcome at Winnipeg West KOA Journey, but they must register at the office before entering the campsite. They can even use the pool and stay overnight with you for $6 per person, which is an insurance requirement.
If your visitors aren’t using the pool facility, daytime visits are free. They can only stay in the campgrounds up to 10 pm.
When is the KOA Campground in Winnipeg Operational?
The KOA Campground in Winnipeg opens in late Spring to early Fall, but the precise date varies every year. It doesn’t operate all year round.
Some KOA campgrounds stay open 365 days a year. However, you can expect services to be limited during the winter months.
Before booking your stay, always check the campground’s website. You can also call them to find out the most accurate information regarding their seasonal hours and availability.