Community Forums

greeneville1 · 07-17-2022, 06:46 AM

On our last RV trip from Cocoa , Fl. to Hershey , Pa. we were surprised to see several RV Campgrounds including some KOA Parks listing check-in times at 3 PM and some with no exceptions or with an early check=in fee. Also noticed but not surprised that most RV Parks had raised their rates. Some raised 30 to 50% of rates from two years ago. So with check-out times staying around 11 AM and check-in times not before 3PM what is the 4 hour in between used for? Possibly disinfecting the individual campsites? I doubt it. We sometimes enjoy just driving a couple of hundred miles and stop for a late lunch and enjoy the Campground for the afternoon and early evening. Is there a reason that this has changed? Stay Safe.

Warhorse6 · 07-17-2022, 07:00 AM

Maybe just me, but I refuse to wait to spend my money. Those campgrounds that lack the flexibility to adjust to one’s travel schedule don’t deserve my money. That said I’ve never been turned away from an early show if the assigned space was empty. Your right about prices. Parks trying to make up for two years of lost business due to Covid.

rk911 · 07-17-2022, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greeneville1

On our last RV trip from Cocoa , Fl. to Hershey , Pa. we were surprised to see several RV Campgrounds including some KOA Parks listing check-in times at 3 PM and some with no exceptions or with an early check=in fee. Also noticed but not surprised that most RV Parks had raised their rates. Some raised 30 to 50% of rates from two years ago. So with check-out times staying around 11 AM and check-in times not before 3PM what is the 4 hour in between used for? Possibly disinfecting the individual campsites? I doubt it. We sometimes enjoy just driving a couple of hundred miles and stop for a late lunch and enjoy the Campground for the afternoon and early evening. Is there a reason that this has changed? Stay Safe.

we’ve run into this a few times and we don’t understand it either. we watched the “preparation” of a newly vacant spot for the next guest. it consisted of blowing leaves off the pad, picking up whatever litter there might be (including pet “leftovers”) and testing the electrical post. all-in-all maybe 10-minutes.

swampdog2 · 07-17-2022, 07:37 AM

It’s called 4 hours of electrical use that you use ! In the heat of the day !

0rion · 07-17-2022, 08:07 AM

We are almost always early to the cg because of when I want to leave trying to avoid the worst traffic. If the site is open we've never had an issue getting in early. Check in here though is 1pm.

OkieSVT · 07-17-2022, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swampdog2

It’s called 4 hours of electrical use that you use ! In the heat of the day !

Exactly! That's a lot of electricity saved. If it is a privately owned CG, I understand it perfectly. It's 5 pm at most places in Oklahoma.

Kid Gloves · 07-17-2022, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greeneville1

On our last RV trip from Cocoa , Fl. to Hershey , Pa. we were surprised to see several RV Campgrounds including some KOA Parks listing check-in times at 3 PM and some with no exceptions or with an early check=in fee. Also noticed but not surprised that most RV Parks had raised their rates. Some raised 30 to 50% of rates from two years ago. So with check-out times staying around 11 AM and check-in times not before 3PM what is the 4 hour in between used for? Possibly disinfecting the individual campsites? I doubt it. We sometimes enjoy just driving a couple of hundred miles and stop for a late lunch and enjoy the Campground for the afternoon and early evening. Is there a reason that this has changed? Stay Safe.

Why not ask management at the campgrounds which have such rules?

Bigceasar · 07-17-2022, 08:30 AM

During that transition time is when we cleaned sites, mowed the empty sites grass, did any repairs those sites needed. If that only takes three or four minutes a site an average day of thirty to forty departures is a solid two hours of work. That was also the time we cleaned the restrooms and showers, cleaned and made up the cabins and continued to do all the normal tasks associated with running a park.
For every guest who wants an exception on arrival time there is a guest who wants an exception to departure time. And we are not talking about ten minutes, they all want hours. Start making exceptions and before you know it chaos ensues.

Skip426 · 07-17-2022, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigceasar

During that transition time is when we cleaned sites, mowed the empty sites grass, did any repairs those sites needed. If that only takes three or four minutes a site an average day of thirty to forty departures is a solid two hours of work. That was also the time we cleaned the restrooms and showers, cleaned and made up the cabins and continued to do all the normal tasks associated with running a park.
For every guest who wants an exception on arrival time there is a guest who wants an exception to departure time. And we are not talking about ten minutes, they all want hours. Start making exceptions and before you know it chaos ensues.

Add in the current issue with attracting staff , and the saga continues .

fcbbob15 · 07-17-2022, 08:48 AM

Typically leave at 6-7 am when on the road. You would think that would make up for an early check in. would also give them more time to clean up the site witch they never have to do when I leave.

JFXG · 07-17-2022, 09:07 AM

Every respondent here save one is thinking in terms of one site— MY site. You might always leave it spotless at 6:30AM, but that’s no help if the staff doesn’t start until 8. They still have to check your sight, and there are always other things to cover as well.
No, it’s simple management math, if you take the time to consider it. CGs are busier now, and like damn near all businesses post China virus, they’re short staffed. If you have 25% more daily departures and 50% fewer Workampers the problem becomes obvious. More time required to be sure all sites are prepared.

docj · 07-17-2022, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFXG

Every respondent here save one is thinking in terms of one site— MY site. You might always leave it spotless at 6:30AM, but that’s no help if the staff doesn’t start until 8. They still have to check your sight, and there are always other things to cover as well.
No, it’s simple management math, if you take the time to consider it. CGs are busier now, and like damn near all businesses post China virus, they’re short staffed. If you have 25% more daily departures and 50% fewer Workampers the problem becomes obvious. More time required to be sure all sites are prepared.

Agreed! If you haven't stayed in a hotel lately, the problem is much the same. Rooms aren't always available at check-in times. Quite a few hotels don't have all their rooms in use because of lack of staff to service them.

inthepines · 07-17-2022, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swampdog2

It’s called 4 hours of electrical use that you use ! In the heat of the day !

Depends on what part of country you're in.

some places the hottest part of the day is usually after 2pm on.

I guess there could be savings somewhere in there.

BillJinOR · 07-17-2022, 09:37 AM

Anyone who has camp hosted understands. It’s no different than a hotel. The parks need the down time to reset. We weren’t scheduled to even begin site prep until checkout time. And that’s with 60 or more possible sites for 1-2 people to do the work including any maintenance of broken utilities.
One solution might be not leaving at 6am from your prior stay if you only plan a couple hundred mile day.