End of an Era: The KOA Campgrounds at Lion Country Safari Will Close April 30

After decades of offering a truly wild camping experience, the KOA Campgrounds at Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee will officially close its gates on April 30. For years, this unique campground has allowed families and adventurers to fall asleep to the sounds of lions roaring and monkeys calling from the safari park next door.

The closure marks the end of a special chapter in Florida camping history, leaving many visitors and regulars wondering where they’ll find their next safari-style outdoor adventure.

What Is the Lion Country Safari KOA?

Nestled at 2000 Lion Country Safari Road in Loxahatchee, Florida, this KOA campground has been a beloved destination for outdoor lovers seeking something different.

The campground offers everything from spacious RV sites with full hookups to cozy cabins perfect for families who want comfort without sacrificing adventure. Campers enjoy modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, a large heated pool, clean bathhouses, and a well-stocked camp store.

What truly sets this place apart is its location right next to Lion Country Safari. Guests wake up to the unmistakable sound of lions roaring at dawn and hear monkeys chattering throughout the day. The experience feels like camping in the African savanna, yet it’s just minutes from West Palm Beach shopping and dining.

Why the Safari KOA Became a Must-Visit West Palm Beach Experience

Imagine drifting off to sleep under the stars while actual lions roar in the distance. That’s exactly what made this campground legendary among camping enthusiasts.

The location offered unbeatable convenience for safari visitors. Campers received discounted tickets to Lion Country Safari, saving around $30 per person, and could easily return to their sites for lunch before heading back into the park. The KOA entrance sits literally right at the safari’s drive-up gate, making the walk just minutes long.

Families loved the combination of adventure and comfort. Kids could enjoy the playground and pool after a day of seeing zebras, giraffes, and rhinos up close. Parents appreciated the clean facilities, friendly staff, and the chance to create unforgettable memories.

Inside the KOA Journey: What Campers Actually Experienced

Guests at this KOA enjoyed a range of accommodation options suited to different camping styles. RV enthusiasts found level pull-through sites with full hookups, while those seeking a less rugged experience could rent charming cabins with air conditioning.

The amenities impressed most visitors. A large, heated pool provided refreshing relief after hot days exploring the safari, with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas for relaxation.

Lions roaring at 5 AM, monkeys calling throughout the day, and the constant reminder that exotic animals lived just beyond the fence made every moment feel magical and transported campers to another world entirely.

When and Why the Campgrounds Are Closing

The official closure date is set for April 30, bringing an end to this unique camping chapter. While the exact reasons behind the decision haven’t been fully disclosed publicly, closures like this often involve complex business considerations. Property development, operational costs, and changing tourism patterns can all play roles in such decisions.

The announcement has left many regular visitors disappointed and scrambling to book final stays before the deadline. Some families have made annual pilgrimages to this location for years, creating traditions around camping next to the safari. The news hit especially hard for full-time RVers who appreciated the long-term stay options and proximity to West Palm Beach attractions.

Lion Country Safari itself will remain open, continuing to offer drive-through wildlife experiences to visitors. However, the overnight camping component will disappear entirely. This means future safari visitors will need to find accommodations elsewhere in the West Palm Beach or Loxahatchee area.

What This Means for Future Visitors and Local Campers

The closure will significantly impact how tourists experience Lion Country Safari going forward. Families who previously enjoyed multi-day visits with easy access to the park will now need to factor in daily driving from hotels or other campgrounds.

Local camping enthusiasts in the Palm Beach County area are losing a treasured resource. The KOA served as a nearby weekend escape where residents could enjoy nature without traveling far from home. Full-time RVers who used the location as a winter base or temporary home will need to find alternative parks, potentially dealing with higher costs or less convenient locations.

The campground brought extended-stay visitors who spent money at local restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses. Without overnight guests at the safari, those economic benefits could decrease.

For the broader camping community, it’s one less unique destination in Florida’s competitive RV and outdoor recreation market, making the remaining safari-adjacent camping experiences elsewhere even more valuable and sought-after.

Alternative Campgrounds Near West Palm Beach and Loxahatchee

Campers searching for similar experiences have several solid options in the area. Jonathan Dickinson State Park, located about 30 minutes north in Hobe Sound, offers beautiful natural Florida camping with river access, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. While you won’t hear lions roaring, you might spot alligators, deer, and manatees in their natural habitat.

Closer to West Palm Beach, the Palm Beach County Parks system operates several campgrounds, including John Prince Park in Lake Worth. These locations provide convenient access to beaches, shopping, and dining while maintaining a peaceful outdoor atmosphere. They typically cost less than private campgrounds but offer fewer amenities.

For those seeking the KOA experience elsewhere, the nearest locations include the Okeechobee KOA to the west and various KOA properties along Florida’s east coast heading north toward Stuart and Vero Beach. While none offer the unique safari soundtrack, they maintain KOA’s reputation for clean facilities and family-friendly environments.

A Look Back at a One-of-a-Kind Safari Camping Experience

For countless families, this campground created memories that will last lifetimes. Parents watched their children’s eyes light up when they first heard lions roaring in the darkness. Couples celebrated anniversaries under stars accompanied by an African-style wildlife soundtrack.

First-time RV owners chose this location to begin their camping adventures, knowing the combination of amenities and excitement would make their initial trips successful.

What made this place truly irreplaceable was its ability to transport people somewhere extraordinary without requiring passports or expensive international travel. It proved that adventure and comfort could coexist, that families could experience nature’s wild side while still enjoying modern conveniences.

As the final camping season approaches, the legacy of this unique destination will live on in photo albums, travel journals, and stories shared around future campfires across the country.