KOA overpriced?

[Clayobx]

Originally Posted by topdownman

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

X-2,

[mikebreeze]

I tried to respond to this post earlier this morning but first, this site was down for maintenance. Then, when the site came back up, I could not find this post.

There are always KOA coupons available in magazines, online or at RV shows for either a free night or a half price night. KOA's are independent franchises. The franchise owner has to pay a fee as well as a percentage of each reservation in order to have the KOA name attached to their campground. I have stayed in KOA's in the past and probably will in the future. They have high standards and offer good value, IMO.

[Luckiest Dreamer]

As a retired RV'r I attempt to not stop at KOA,s but will if the spot they are located is to my advantage. I believe you will find most KOA,s offer several things to keep young family's busy, such as swimming pools, mini golf playground equipt, indoor activities, etc. Keeping children active after a days driving inactivity has it's merits and providing that equiptment probably cost the owners a lot moore than providing a parking spot and maybe a pool

[CampDaven]

Some KOAs get panned in reviews for not having level sites. Between my levelers and 4 chunks of 2x8 I have never had a problem at those KOAs. So the "grain of salt" filtering of reviews is true. One camper gave a fine park a 1-star review because "there were too many people on bycycles". KOAs are overnight in-route stops for us because they are dependable. And if I was cornered into a $72 per night stay vs a motel, well, you would not see me packing an overnight bag. I can take an occasional hit!
Our average for KOA overnights is about $35. FHU. Pull thru.
I would not stay in one long-term. They serve our purpose.

[deSanford]

About 40 years ago when we traveled with our 3 kids and a dog we went to a KOA. The RV fee was so much for a water connection, extra if you wanted electricity, same with sewer connection. Ok, but when there was an extra charge for a dog, and extra fee per kid I felt that it was too expensive. I haven't stayed at one ever since that time. We do have choices and for that I'm glad. deSanford

[danes-on-tour]

Originally Posted by stuhly

The old saying about folks with a $250,000 Coach wanting a $10 camping spot comes to mind.

Sir - If the purpose of this remark is to call me cheap, I want you to know that I recent that, and I do take offence. Remarks like this is uncalled for.

[okie-dokie]

I once stayed at the KOA that is located off I-40 at the south entrance to the Grand Canyon. They charged me $ 120.00 per night for a 2 day stay. I don't know if they made a mistake and overcharged me or what !!!!! I tore up my KOA card and have never used a KOA since.

[MaverickBBD]

Originally Posted by danes-on-tour

I wonder what makes KOA think that a simple campground site is worth over $72 per night to anyone?

Supply and demand, free market economy, capitalism?

[traveler of california]

I don't know how a KOA stays in business, but obviously many believe their pricing structure of "keep on adding" is OK. I will never use one unless there is no other option as I agree, they are outrageous.

Nick

[Muddypaws]

We used to go to the KOA in Santa Cruz, CA a couple of time a year. Dirty, very tight spots, and one of the noiser campgrounds we've been in. They are now $98 a night OFF SEASON! I have no idea what their in season price is.

We used to go there for the Halloween weekend because there was a park wide Halloween party. Then they doubled the rates for that weekend. Some will say it's their park, they can charge anything they want. That's all true. I expressed my opinion with my wallet and went elsewhere. We found a really nice park that's less than half what KOA demands, it's nicer, cleaner, friendlier, and has a huge area for the fur kids to play. Been going there for years.

[Skip426]

Stopped at a few RV parks KOA and others on our X North America tour 2 years ago, a week to 10 days before the seasonal shut down, pools drained, activity center locked up , laundry winterized.... still charging full summer rate .
JMHO. If more parks offered a bare bones overnight area, water , power and a free dump site for the morning, at a reasonable rate, there would be fewer RVs at Walmart. When I roll in at 5 and expect to be out by 8 the next morning, $40 and up is way to much. You hear that park owner are approching their city councils for by-laws to stop Walmart and others allowing overnight RV parking, and closing interstate rest areas to the 8 hour stays. Well I think their rates are to blame for their lack of business.

[topdownman]

I stay at KOAs on occasion, because they are either convenient or close to the attraction. I have reservations at the KOA in St. Mary, MT this summer and another at the Rapid City KOA for 4th of July. I also have reservations at the Kissimmee KOA in December. That said one thing I will NOT do is ever buy propane from KOA. I did that once and it cost me $125.00 to fill my motorhome tank.

[Muddypaws]

Originally Posted by 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.

Doesn't matter what you drive or how much money you have to throw around, nobody like to feel like their being fleeced.

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by topdownman

. I have reservations at the KOA in St. Mary, MT

It's been a number of years since I've been in the St. Mary,KOA, I hope they have improved that park. Took me 25mins to level my 5th wheel, in a pull through, and I know I'd never level my coach in any of the sites that I can remember.