KOA overpriced?

[danes-on-tour]

I was today looking for campgrounds in the Nashville area, and came across a KOA campground. Price: Over $72 per night for a slab of concrete plus hook-up . Why on earth would anyone want to pay a price like that when bringing "your own house.

I proceeded to check what kind of accommodation I would be able to get for that same amount or cheaper.

For $3 less per night I can stay at a nice Best Western hotel. Here they provide "the entire house" and all the furniture. They also clean up and provide fresh bed linen, plus they will give you free breakfast when you leave.

I wonder what makes KOA think that a simple campground site is worth over $72 per night to anyone? I wouldn't pay it - would you?

[whem2fish]

Koa here is about $40 the most I have spent is $50 that was on the water at the coast

[jzick]

KOA pricing gets bashed on rv forums regularly, but it's a business model that seems to be working for them. If you think it is too high, don't stay there. Depending on the time of year, pricing for Nashville area rv sites is relatively high almost everywhere near there. There are a limited number of decent places to stay there, and competition for sites is pretty intense. Most of the time we avoid KOAs because of the pricing and many are pretty substandard (although we have been in many that are outstanding), but sometimes we will pay the extra tariff if the location is where we need.

I have stayed at the Best Western you reference a couple of times. I guess if you feel it is an acceptable place, go for it. I would not choose to return there. DW spent 157 nights last year in US hotel rooms. Her requirements are that the rooms are clean, secure, have at least breakfast available onsite, and within reasonable distance of her clients' locations. The average price she paid was a lot more than the pricing you mention.

[topdownman]

I can guarantee you I'd pay $72 to avoid staying in ANY motel.

[RVThere]

Happy wife = happy life!

Wife thinks KOAs are clean, better clientele, etc. so we pay a premium for that level of service. Basically we know what to expect.

We have stayed at many non KOAs and had everything from a great camping spot for $20 to being in the middle of a teenage beer party!

[corvettec3]

Originally Posted by topdownman

I can guarantee you I'd pay $72 to avoid staying in ANY motel.

X2

[vraines]

That is a very nice campground, but there is also a very nice campground very close by that is a little less expensive. Pays to shop and then decide.

[Hikerdogs]

If you think that's expensive check out the prices at Disney World's Fort Wilderness. The cheapest sites currently go for $105.00 per night and the premium ones go for $123.00 per night. Places close to the attractions are a lot more expensive than those out in the boondocks.

[TeJay]

On our annual trip to FL in March we have always stayed at the Milton, FL KOA. I think it's about $42 a night. They always have breakfast. It's just fruit, coffee, cereal, toast and nice company. The first evening they were cooking hamburgers for $2. The place is always clean and quiet. Yes some places are cheaper and just as nice but with KOA if there is a problem you do have a home office to complain. Last Summer while heading home our TT was totaled by a dump truck in a Pilot service area. We had reservations at a KOA in MO. We called (12-PM) to cancel and were told it was to late. I told her that we didn't have a TT to stay in and was told that was not her problem. When we got home I call their home offices. We got coupons for $50 camping at KOA's and the campground received a call from the home offices.
TeJay
Enjoy the ride. It is part of the journey !!!!

[docnprincess]

Originally Posted by topdownman

I can guarantee you I'd pay $72 to avoid staying in ANY motel.

Amen! Could not agree with you more. We have an RV because we love sleeping in our own bed and having our own stuff and we really love the people we meet in campgrounds. No matter where you stay, we find better people in campgrounds than just about anywhere else and we have stayed in more than our share of 5 star hotels. This summer we will pay 80 per night to stay at a KOA. Location location location. It would be nice if it was cheaper but then everybody else would be there too! Happy travels to you.

[OSP1268]

I look at it this way. When we travel I always look for a place to stop that has what we require. RV park reviews is a good place to start and if you search by zip code it works very well. Just remember to take all the reviews with a grain of salt as some may exaggerate a bit. That being said, when you go to a hotel or motel, do you know who or what slept in the bed the night before. We do not have bed bugs in our motor home, but can that be said for the hotel or motel? Sure they change the sheets, but the blanket or comforter is seldom changed unless they appear soiled.
Enjoy your travels and be safe.

[okgc]

The Goodlettsville Best Western shows

Hotel Ratings: AAA-2 Diamond , Mobil-1 Star

[topdownman]

I just keep thinking about that TV show where they went into motel rooms with a black light.

[stuhly]

Most campgrounds are a seasonal business. These folks have to make a living plus maintain the facility and support the gubermint. The old saying about folks with a $250,000 Coach wanting a $10 camping spot comes to mind.