Off the Grid at KOA’s Green Lodge

Earlier this month, Kampgrounds of America’s Herkimer Diamond campground in upstate New York became the first KOA to feature a 100% off-the-power-grid camping lodge. The Solar 1 lodge, which KOA says is the first campsite of its kind, is topped with a recycled metal roof, landscaped with pulverized glass, and operates on solar power. (When necessary, or shady, a propane generator kicks in.) When relaxing on the deck, guests can sit in furniture fabricated from recycled milk jugs. An organic garden outside encourages guests to harvest their own vegetables during their stay. At night, campers can rest their tired heads on pillows stuffed with fiberfill containing recycled plastic bottles.

[Solar 1 Lodge]

Photo: KOA