KOA campgrounds…...

[Dutch Star Don]

I think some here are regurgitating old info about KOA's. For years, I argued the same thing......their fees that were added were ridiculous, but in the last 2-3 years, they have had one price. Keep in mind, KOA's aren't built from the ground up. They're existing campgrounds that convert to KOA and then must meet certain standards.

Just like any other park, some have 30 amp and 50 amp spots and usually charge more for that. Many towns/counties charge a bed tax, so that is not a fee being added on by KOA.

"topdownman" said it well.....they're consistent. You know what you'll get when you get there and for that, you pay a little extra. We've camped at 6 different KOA's this year and one we'll never use a gain and 2-3 we're okay and two were great. In some areas, new campgrounds will never be allowed or economically feasible, so sometimes you have an old park, with small spaces trying to make due.

I think in the last few years they've become a reasonable value. Their privately owned and often have very hard working owners trying to provide a nice experience.

[DebnDan]

They are developed like parking lots. Sites are too small, to tight, too crowded and too expensive for the value. Having said that, when you pull into a KOA you know pretty much what to expect.


Dan Callahan
2008 Fleetwood Excursion 40E
Freightliner, Cummins, Allison
It's not the Destination or the Journey
It's the Excursion

[mgscott4]

I do not normally use KOA, but sometimes it comes down to location, Salt Lake City KOA has a great location almost walking distance to downtown, and now with the local city tram right in front of it, it is hard to beat.

[ImagineIF]

Some are very nice, most are not. We generally don't stop at KOAs.

[CampDaven]

Originally Posted by ImagineIF

Some are very nice, most are not. We generally don't stop at KOAs.

IMHO: Some are not so nice. Most are nice. They have recently dropped some of the aging and picked up some nice ones.

[ImagineIF]

Originally Posted by CampDaven

IMHO: Some are not so nice. Most are nice. They have recently dropped some of the aging and picked up some nice ones.

Glad they made the change.

[drczap]

We've stayed at numerous KOAs as full time travelers. Some are great, some are not.

They tend to be more expensive because over 10% of gross revenues are franchise fees that go to KOA corporate, and those fees are passed on to you. But sometimes they're worth it. Beware of the "add-on" fees. For example, Lakeside KOA in Fort Collins Colorado charged our quests over $20 for their two toddlers to use the swings at the CG playground.

We always check online reviews for any campground. In addition to RV Park Reviews - Trusted Reviews of Campgrounds & RV Parks , we depend on reviews from Reviews of Hotels, Flights and Vacation Rentals - TripAdvisor Yelp http://www.yelp.com/ and Google+ https://plus.google.com/

We are wary of customer reviews on the KOA web site. For example, the Lakeside KOA has the Presidential and Founders awards from KOA corporate, but their Tripadvisor, Yelp and Google+ reviews are among worst I've ever seen. Owners can block negative reviews on the KOA website.

[FLman2]

Have stayed at the KOA in Manchester, TN several times. It's clean, friendly staff, nice size lots. I didn't think their prices were any higher than other places I stayed at. From looking at the number of rigs there, several others must feel the same way. I wish I could say the same about the KOA in Perry, GA. On a scale of 1 - 10, I would give it 3 at best.

[TDI-Minnie]

Originally Posted by bobguigley

…..what do you'll think about them?

We've had limited experience with them but…..my impression is that they are overpriced by about $10/nite, thus we use them as a last resort….am I wrong??

You are not wrong on being a little pricey, but they are usually consistent and if you just need a "safe bet" for a night to stay over, they are good... usually.
That said, I would never have a KOA as a destination... just a stopover.

[PhoneDude 8289]

11/14 Stayed at the KOA in north Little Rock Ar, nice place quiet and clean. Started out as an overnighter but stayed an extra night because of weather. This past summer stayed at the KOA in Amarillo TX. Friendly people but dirt and sand to camp on. This was an overnight on our way to Colorado, next time we will try a different place.

[mwwade]

Last summer on our way to Salida Co. We stopped at a KOA. Very nice accommodating staff. Only problem we encountered was during the night we lost all power. I checked the power pole where the breaker box was located, no breakers only the old type fuses. It was about midnight, so the office was closed. I found a vacant lot, and borrowed a fuse from the box. I guess we would have been without power if their had been no vacancy at the camp. I did buy some fuses just in case this happens again. Lol.

[Al, Michigan]

We only would use KOA if there was no other choice at that time. Most are way too expensive.

Al, Michigan.

[jplante4]

Originally Posted by Firebug5

And do not forget the railroad tracks that seem to run beside them all. . .

Now see, that would be a plus for me. Or an airport...

[Doggy Daddy]

Overpriced.