Community Forums

Floridastorm · 10-22-2021, 09:01 AM

In reviewing a lot of information on RV parks I notice that it seems, during these times, getting to be somewhat difficult to book sites in them. I am wondering if the better and more expensive RV parks ( I believe that KOA would be classified as better and more expensive) have the same problem with being filled up most of the time or is it just the regular and lower priced parks that have that problem? We don't have any problem paying for the more expensive RV parks as we normally stay in Hampton Inns which are more expensive than the best RV parks. Also, what brands are considered the better and more expensive parks across the country?

Thank you so much for any and all info that you can share.

Fiesta48 · 10-22-2021, 09:06 AM

Never stay at KOAs. Don't need their children amenities and over priced.
Passport America parks are usually run down, full of permanents. Maybe over night if good reviews.
Escapees are old parks, and out of the way.
Good Sam's 10% discount hardly helps.
So we are upgrading to mid and mid high price parks like Encore. Usually weekly to Seasonal rates. Better class of people, better facilities, more aged activities, little more space, many 55+.

Bill Gail · 10-22-2021, 10:25 AM

Have you looked into Harvest Hosts ?

Very reasonable membership , no daily charge to camp . The host's vary from Vineyards , boutique farms , brewery's , distiller's , golf courses , to name a few .

The only issue is it's dry camping . No power , water or sewer .

The great thing about HH is the beautiful locations and the friendly hosts.

Their hosts are located nation wide .

For a unique experience , I highly recommend them.

Scott 3 · 10-22-2021, 02:24 PM

We use KOAs to lillypad around the country. Their website is easy to use and usually makes the reservation process easier. Our preference for destination campgrounds is usually federal or state if available. There are some KOAs that we gladly use as destination campgrounds. It all depends on location availability and what our needs are.

2cyber71 · 10-22-2021, 02:30 PM

I have KOA and Good Sam
Usually get the longest term, cheaper.
I might get Passport when we retire. Not sure yet. Probably will be doing more off season RVing when retired. Take summers off at home. We already been to most of the summer destinations. I want to do more south and western trips

Kenvb · 10-24-2021, 05:32 PM

we have AMA ( $320) and Good Sam ( $175)

in 19 we attemped to go to the Yukon again.. the water pump went on the 12 Valve Cummins ,couldnt get one within a week at Prince George. so called both AMA and Good same. Good Sam. between the 2..our 550 mile tow was paid for..would have been $3500 otherwise.

Roadmiester · 10-24-2021, 07:29 PM

We now use Pass Port America almost 100% of the time. We are retired and can fit their parks into our schedule with little trouble. We did a 10,000 mile trip, from WA to FL and back and used PA 95% of the trip. All at the 50% rate. Takes planning and you have to be able to use the park when the discount applies. Good Sam, had it, wouldn't buy it again since PA works better for us. If you like overpriced parks, you can't beat KOA. And don't trust the "star" rating with GS. We booked one of their parks, had 8.5 stars or better and it was a basically a meth cooking camp with full time campers, a dump, glad we only booked one night. RV Parky is a good place for park reviews.

Roadmiester
09 Dynasty

DonnaHearn2 · 10-24-2021, 11:24 PM

We go to Gulf Shores in the Winter with our Class A allegro Bus and the park we stay in each time is a Good Sams park...The card does no good there since we are staying 3 months at a time. I would think they could adjust the pricey monthly fee a little.
We have had Passport A. before and you have to be pretty selective and we found you have to plan in advance where your next stop might be and if they can accomodate....
We have no trouble with an overnight or two with the Good Sam.

Larry and Donna Hearn
2012 Allegro Bus 45Ft.

Cat320 · 10-25-2021, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cutch

...We never stay in KOA’s....

Same here, they are a last resort.

TXiceman · 10-25-2021, 07:01 PM

Most KOAs are overpriced for what they offer. KOA often stands for Keep On Adding.

We only use KOA if we cannot find anything closer or convenient for our stay.

Ken

Wrascal · 10-25-2021, 09:31 PM

We've got several discount cards but the most commonly accepted one is stating that I'm Retired Military (Army)/ and over 65. That's often good for 10% off.

Bgr6078 · 10-28-2021, 03:18 PM

We enjoy koa. We’ve been to some nice ones. Brand new also. Website reservation system is awesome. I have good Sam. Worked well for us at the parks we stayed in. I just joined passport America with the lifetime gold at $299 special. Haven’t used it yet but lasts forever at half off. We will see. We are members of Boondockers welcome now a free part of harvest hosts. I added harvest host on after merger. We will see how that one turns out also. Love Boondockers welcome. Great experiences as guests (4) and so awesome visiting with our guests as hosts (30). Lots of ways to try and save money, although spending money to save. 😂

Glenf · 10-28-2021, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cutch

We never stay in KOA’s. For the most part they are over priced. Passport America is the best value. Good Sam gives you discounts at Camping World, and 10% off participating RV Parks. Also, some fuel discounts at Pilot/Flying J Truck Stops

I agree fully with the quoted response!

**hamm2018** · 10-28-2021, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Ward

We recently purchased a class A.
Considering a campground membership.
We are out of Southern California.
Which is better, KOA, Good Sam, or ?

We use a couple different sources:
Thousand Trails (members since 2003)
Passport America (Lifetime members since 2019)
RPI
KOA card
Good Sams card
Coast to Coast (members since summer 2021) used 3 times already since joining
veteran discount where offered