We have stayed at some of the KOA's in our 3 yrs of fulltiming, however most are expensive and some are now rundown with some being taken over by other owners no longer being a KOA. You can usually tell when you pull into one if the structure once looked like a KOA. Back then I think they were mostly geared to tent campers. We usually don't stay at them unless it is a last chance to find a place while we are on the road.
We have also stayed at some that are very well kept up.
southwestjudy

Hmm. Seems like the original idea of the 60's KOA has fallen on hard times. I don't know the management scheme there; I thought I heard they were once franchised, rather than a single company, managing them all. But clearly the idea of a more consistent camping experience just hasn't panned out.

I hate to see any business fail or merely fall; KOA is no exception. Understand, I don't know anyone there- just like my love affair with Holiday Inns of long ago. But that's another discussion entirely, isn't it?

Does anyone see any movement in the campgrounds-as-a-chain direction these days? Part of my 'glory days' in the back of the Travelall saw a time before Holiday Inns; one day they were everywhere. I now understand they were the first. So it makes me wonder if a 'contender' is in the works, and who that might be...


-- Edited by WheelDweller on Monday 24th of August 2009 01:03:58 PM

I remember staying in KOA,s 20 years ago, for the most part they where neat and clean. I also remember some of the sites being roomy. We would stay at them if we had a few extra bucks, and wanted a good shower. It sounds like they have changed a bit over the last 20 years. G

My DW and her family went from the midwest in the late 60's to the west coast and stayed exclusively in KOA's on their trip. She tells me now that they have changed drastically for the worse. The prices are outrageous and the ambiance is lousy and that is her expert opinion of someone who has camped for 40 plus years with family and friends.

We stopped staying at the KOA's when they priced themselves past their amenities. Most of the KOA's that we have stayed at were way over priced. We have found much better campgrounds for much less most everywhere we have traveled. The last KOA we stopped at was in Abilene Texas not too long ago. We only stopped there because we were tired and really needed to get off the road. The lady at the desk was upset with us for not making reservatioins?? What was that all about. We stop on the road all the time at many parks without reservations and are never scolded for that oversite. KOA is on the way out as far as the campers dream parks go.

Like many others posting here, we gave up on KOA's unless it is the ONLY option available.  They just are not worth the high cost in our opinion.  We can usually find one of our membership parks or a Good Sam park as alternate choice. 

I, too, saw much of the US from an International Travelall, sometimes from the backseat but often from the front, where I was my Dad's co-pilot and map-reader.  (Mom preferred to nap through the mountains...)  We stayed at some KOA's back then and I guess they were okay.  I do remember photographing some ducks and then being chased by them at one....ahem...

Of course, Dave and I aren't full-timers yet, but we are headed to the Rusk KOA this coming Saturday to spend Thanksgiving week.  We really like this park; the owners took it over about 3 years ago and have made many improvements.  It is clean, large sites, fire rings, patios and tables, trees, all lights are low to the ground so one can actually enjoy stargazing.  The restrooms/showers are immaculate as is the swimming pool, and the WiFi is strong and consistent.

I stayed there solo in May, having gone to be with my cousin as she was passing.  There weren't many park choices in the area, especially considering I would be alone.  Wanted a bit of safety comfort zone.  Upon arriving, I learned my cousin had passed as I was on the road.  The folks at the park were very nice, brought me home-made breakfast the next day, knew when I needed a hug, etc.  Left the TT there as I had to return to work for a couple of days and needed to pick up Dave so he could attend the funeral with me.  They did not charge me for one of the nights.  The owners live on-site and, along with the rest of the staff, are friendly and helpful.  Just like neighbors.

We were back over July 4th, meeting up with family and friends in the area.  This will be our third trip back there.  Dave loves the area for cycling and I like the small-town atmosphere and trees. 

This KOA, with my ValueKard, is actually less expensive than a park with absolutely NO amenities we recently stayed at to attend a cycling function (even with our Good Sam discount). 

They all differ, just like anything else.  We're looking forward to going back to "our" site for a week soon! 



-- Edited by TxYellowRose on Monday 16th of November 2009 08:34:45 AM

So it sounds like you've had a good sample of the modern KOA...

Do they now seem 'legacy', or did they think dropping all the trees and starting over in 1990 was a better idea?  :)  I'd like to think that chopping in the 70's has grown back by now...

I'm fascinated with odd things; things like design goals. Many times I see a computer case or RV and think, "Clearly, they thought this design through." or sometimes "What were they THINKING?"  (See also: Seude shoes)

Seeing how management does their job is one of those designs. I've seen managements do silly things, but cutting down most of the trees and then waiting a decade or two for RVers that prefer shade seemed kinda suicidal, ya know?

I went out to the trailer, today. Mom's feet are cold all the time, and she suggested the older, hand-made blankets might be out there. They were made from upholstery material back in the 40's and 50's. I'm surprised they're still around!

Spending that time in the trailer made me want it even more.

Sure, the shower has MANY man-hours to complete, the vinyl job needs patching, the workstation's not quite done and let's not even start on the fridge and batteries. But like you, I felt that urge. (!) I really miss just being OUT there, much less on the road and going places.

I've not posted a lot around here lately; the day-to-day has been keeping me busy...and when you're as penniless as I am, it also serves as a reminder as to just how far away from the road you are.

You mentioned the Keys; of all the trips to Florida, I think the keys were the essence of it all. You can't learn about Florida from Talahassee; that city is (or at least was) just like every other city in America. But towards the keys, the realization was that this are was something different; something unlike the core. And what's not to like about the keys, unless there's a hurricane? :)

The "KOA KAMP" work; is that a part-time management thing? It sounds familiar...

That would be cool; I'd like to think I'd be able to roam across America doing this kind of thing. Do you know who to contact for doing this?

I have stayed at two KOA's so far and the price was a little steep but they were nice sites and the customer service has been excellent. My next trip I plan on going to Raton, New Mexico and I will try another campground.

-- Edited by Colorado_Kid on Friday 14th of May 2010 02:28:38 PM

Colorado_Kid wrote:

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I have stayed at two KOA's so far and the price was a little steep but they were nice sites and the customer service has been excellent. My next trip I plan on going to Raton, New Mexico and I will try another campground.

-- Edited by Colorado_Kid on Friday 14th of May 2010 02:28:38 PM

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Be sure to check out RVparkreviews.com before you go to Raton.  The one up at the pass is way difficult to get into (and out of).