Community Forums

meterguru · 08-10-2012, 09:34 PM

I was just at a little campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway. New owner took over in March. He asked me my opinion on becoming a KOA CG. I though I'd ask everyone here.

Mr_D · 08-10-2012, 09:52 PM

We haven't found one yet that was worth the money they want to stay there.

vsheetz · 08-10-2012, 09:55 PM

We have stayed at OK ones and not OK ones. We don't look for them specifically. Don't feel the name is nessisarily associated with quality.

demoon · 08-10-2012, 09:58 PM

It all depends on the owner. I have seen great campgrounds that became KOAs and in my opinion went down hill. I have also seen what was a marginal campground become a great one after becoming a KOA. You are going to hear many opinions both ways. Of course what makes a good campground is impossible to determine due to our different tastes. People's "wants" can range from super busy, activity oriented, with tons of facilities to those who want simply good sites and peace and quiet. Many are going to tell you that KOAs are expensive and I have found they charge what the traffic will bear like most others. I have paid less than $30 for a FH at a KOA and have seen others where FH ran $70+. However, I also believe that you will find that a given KOA will be fairly comparable for its area.
I give KOA the same cautious look via, RVParkReviews, and at least one commerical camping guide as I give any other.

kalynzoo · 08-10-2012, 10:15 PM

We seek out KOA's and then compare them to other offerings in an area, using Trailer Life and RVparkreviews. We have stayed at many KOA's over the last 35 years. At very least they have been consistant...that is a good thing. I know they will be clean and maintained. The owner has a vested interest in the operation. If I am not satisfied I can complain to the francise, KOA, and receive some satisfaction.
Additionally we have stayed at some GREAT KOAs. Petaluma, Santa Cruz, San Diego, Circle of Pines in Williams, and Grand Canyon KOA (now defunct due to a catastrophic fire) all come to mind as wonderful destinations.
JMHO
Happy Trails.

rgvtexan · 08-10-2012, 10:39 PM

Have only been to two. The first was in poor shape and over priced. The second was on a needed basis as my slide topper was unfurling in the wind and the road in WY was closed. It was a little high priced, but the office put me in a sheltered site so I could work on the slide topper. I use P.A. when just over nighting. KOA will have to impress me with service or price before I seek them out.

drfife · 08-10-2012, 10:50 PM

I avoid KOA's.

They are generally overpriced and add additional ridiculous fees.

We refer to them as Keep On Adding....

ernieh · 08-10-2012, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drfife

I avoid KOA's.

They are generally overpriced and add additional ridiculous fees.

We refer to them as Keep On Adding....

There are some exceptions, but for the most part I agree.

ka7suz · 08-10-2012, 10:59 PM

Our experience at KOA's has been pretty good. Prices out here are competitive -- except for the one at Astoria OR. Twice the price of the Oregon State Park across the street - tv, wifi, and cellphone are not worth twice the price of the state park. We belong to several discount 'clubs' but don't shop for a place to stay based on any of them.

JoAnn
Spokane Valley WA

Fred1609 · 08-10-2012, 11:08 PM

As a rule we don't do KOA's. We checked on out and kept on driving.....I think of them as a CG of the 70's.

rvjimmy · 08-11-2012, 06:14 AM

Don't use KOA overpriced for nothing is the expeirence we've had. I'm sure there are nice ones but I have yet to find one . It comes from being burn't in the past, stay at KOA in Rock Springs Wyo., stayed in a gravel lot for 38 dollars. I couldn't even walk the dog in my Crocks had to put boots on because stones were so big and sharp. KOA no! Rather stay at Wal-Mart at least there you can shop and pick up a few things. Jim

Elkhartjim · 08-11-2012, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demoon

It all depends on the owner. I have seen great campgrounds that became KOAs and in my opinion went down hill. I have also seen what was a marginal campground become a great one after becoming a KOA. You are going to hear many opinions both ways. Of course what makes a good campground is impossible to determine due to our different tastes. People's "wants" can range from super busy, activity oriented, with tons of facilities to those who want simply good sites and peace and quiet. Many are going to tell you that KOAs are expensive and I have found they charge what the traffic will bear like most others. I have paid less than $30 for a FH at a KOA and have seen others where FH ran $70+. However, I also believe that you will find that a given KOA will be fairly comparable for its area.
I give KOA the same cautious look via, RVParkReviews, and at least one commerical camping guide as I give any other.

We are not big KOA fans. The best one we've stayed in was in the Lake Placid, NY area last summer. I agree with demoons post completely.

**CLIFFTALL** · 08-11-2012, 06:22 AM

I've had similar experience with overpriced old skimpy sites. However the CG I'm in now just became a KOA this year. I spent 9 weeks here last year and will end up spending 6 weeks this year. The price remained the same. They did get more business this year and have hired more staff and the place has improved. I wouldn't discount KOA totally. I will continue to use RV Park Reviews and IRV 2 for guidance.

daveshan · 08-11-2012, 06:38 AM

Only stayed at 2, Canyon City CO and Ouray CO, both were far better than I expected after reading the general comments re KOA on various forums.

Bottom line is I won't dismiss a KOA outright. When planning a trip I'll go online to checkout parks in the area and if a KOA seems priced in line with other parks in the area and has good reviews it has the same chance of my staying there as any other park.