KOA's

[Squanto]

We have noticed that a lot of the KOA campgrounds are in terrible shape. They seem to be turning into trailer parks instead of a friendly place to pull into for the night, or they used to be a KOA campground, but now they are run by different or private owners. Does anyone have the answer to this question?

[whem2fish]

i think you are wrong i fulltimng at dfw arlington wish i had never left

[jzick]

Originally Posted by Squanto

We have noticed that a lot of the KOA campgrounds are in terrible shape. They seem to be turning into trailer parks instead of a friendly place to pull into for the night, or they used to be a KOA campground, but now they are run by different or private owners. Does anyone have the answer to this question?

I think you are probably seeing nothing more than an inevitable shake out caused by our current economic situation. Real estate values have plummeted in many areas. This would make the land a campground sits on worth a lot less, thus reducing its value for a line of credit collateral. If a campground was "on edge" financially these kind of things could easily force a sale or reduce cash for upkeep or upgrades. Cost pressures have driven a lot of campgrounds toward long term or seasonal customers. Cash flow stays at a more constant level that way.

We tend to travel in the same areas each summer (where grandkids live). KOAs that were good overnight stops five years ago still are. Those that were dumps 5 years ago are dumps and not worth stopping at today.

[Squanto]

Originally Posted by whem2fish

i think you are wrong i fulltimng at dfw arlington wish i had never left

We are not saying it's all KOA's just some we have run across at different time. Some have been so over crowded and they look like a gypsie camp.

[Davdeb1]

I remember in 1998 we toured the country in a Aerostar van. We stayed at KOA, because we were new to camping. At that time we found them very nice and very predictable. We knew we could get a good campground with good amenities at KOA. We did not camp again until last year when we bought the MH. 3 of 4 KOA'S were not nice.

Just a caveat here, we found some state and national campgrounds that we preferred to the KOA'S in 1998. We were not really aware of what was out there. Camping in an Aerostar for 4 months left us wanting for cable tv and electricity for our small dash mounted fan and 9 inch TV. Our needs were kind of skewed so KOA'S were kind of like an oasis.

In October, we bought our first motorhome and we were so disappointed in most of the KOA'S we stopped at on the way back from Tucson.
We have had more fun in a field boondocking since we have the MH.

[docj]

Originally Posted by Squanto

We are not saying it's all KOA's just some we have run across at different time. Some have been so over crowded and they look like a gypsie camp.

All over the country campgrounds that used to mostly be occupied by vacationing RVers are being heavily used by a variety of long-term campers. Some appear to be people who are working at temporary jobs; others probably are people who no longer have traditional homes. We have noticed this at KOA's and other CG's. Although we have never been turned away because a CG was full, at many there are far fewer empty sites than we would have expected. It's a sign of the times and I doubt it will change anytime soon.

Although we have encountered some "traditional" RVers who were upset about encountering a "trailer camp" environment, we have not had any issues relating the the higher percentage of long-term residents. The people we've met have been polite and that's really all we care about.

[akadeadeye]

We have found a fairly wide range of quality of KOA campgrounds. From really pretty nice with wide sites, good amenities, to really tight sites with almost no extras. The KOA concept is getting aged and I guess those who keep up with the times will do better than those who don't. But, it's often hard to tell which ones have done either before you get there.

Don

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Squanto

We have noticed that a lot of the KOA campgrounds are in terrible shape. They seem to be turning into trailer parks instead of a friendly place to pull into for the night, or they used to be a KOA campground, but now they are run by different or private owners. Does anyone have the answer to this question?

The KOA's (Keep On Adding) that I know of are all privately owned. It's an association that members pay to belong to. We've found them to be overpriced for what you get. The last one we stayed at was only so the grandkids had a swimming pool, otherwise we'd never have stayed there. Cost us about $75 a night with the "free" breakfast they charged $5 extra per person for.

[demoon]

I wonder if it is a change in franchising practice. It seems like the KOA built parks are usually OK. Also, they have taken over some very nice existing spots, but, they have certainly put their brand on some very borderline properties as well.

[deSanford]

Linda and I have noticed lots of parks now take in people who stay long term and pay by the month. Lots of stories of peoples' trials and tribulations. Just put 81.00 of fuel in my "Mini" Cooper. Well that is for another thread. deSanford

[Drifter]

dsanford, 81.00 of fuel with a 13,2 tank size = 6.13 per gallon. Must be Hi test fuel.

[deSanford]

Sorry I miss typed. deSanford

[slick60]

I have never liked KOA's because usually they are OVERPRICED. I suggest staying with a family owned campground,

[George Schweikle]

Like everything in life, there are always two sides to anything.

A lot of our travel stops are between destinations, and we tend to use KOA since the amenities and sites are usually consistent and predictable for a one night stay. Granted, there may be independent campgrounds that may be better, but we usually want to stay on some sort of schedule. However, when the schedule permits, we will seek out the more remote locations and have been both pleased and disappointed in these - just like a few of the KOA's. We do see more "seasonal" campers in both types of campgrounds. We also note that the majority of KOA's are independently owned as opposed to multi-location corporate KOA's. We have stayed at KOA's that are family owned and operated, and these tend to show more pride of ownership in operation and cleanliness. Cost is another issue and, with a cross-country trip planned for 2013, we will probably research lower cost stops on our route. I like nothing more than the little RV park that is within walking distance of town...

Finally, we see some campgrounds that clearly were originated as KOA's, but are no longer. Some are run down, but a few, like in Baddeck Nova Scotia, are outstanding (with lots of KOA President's awards still posted at our last visit -along with a full service restaurant). Maybe this level of campground can eliminate the KOA franchise and fee because their business is so good they didn't need the national advertising and guidebook.

Originally Posted by slick60

I have never liked KOA's because usually they are OVERPRICED. I suggest staying with a family owned campground,