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Originally Posted by Skater  Okay folks. I've been thinking about this thread a lot since my parents recently took over managing a KOA campground.
First, there are far too many KOAs out there to make a general statement. Have you seen the book that has the list of KOA campgrounds? It's 8.5 by 11 and probably 50 pages. The map they have at the front desk showing KOAs in the US is even more convincing - there are a LOT of them throughout the country.
KOA does come through every so often and verifies that the campground meets some minimum level of clean. As an example, my mom was telling me that they pull the top of the washer off and verify it's clean under there, and if it isn't, it's a demerit against the campground. KOA also specifies the colors used on the buildings and the like, and wants employees/work campers to wear the bright yellow shirts while working (an idea I like - you know who you can ask if you need help).
Mom and dad love the online reservation system - they said that when they open the office in the morning, the reservations are on the computer and they don't have to do anything. Having used that system on a number of occasions I have to say it's pretty nice for the end-user, too.
KOAs aren't allowed to give other discounts (AAA, Good Sam, etc.) - the KOA card only. There is an option for managers to give discounts for groups or whatever, though.
KOAs might be slightly more expensive than other campgrounds, because KOA takes part of their revenue. On the other hand, I don't think the prices at my parents' campground are out of line.
I'm not advocating for or against KOAs in general. I'm just pointing out that there are too many factors to answer the original question of this thread, and trying to give some info on both sides of the issue.
On a more personal experience note, I can't think of a KOA that I've hated, but I can think of several non-KOAs that I hated. I may not have loved the KOAs; they might not have been the best campground ever, but I've never had a "I'm never coming back here" complaint about one either. |
I have no connection to KOA Campground and have never stayed at one so I cannot vouch for them one way or another but it seems to me that this thread can damage the reputations of the good KOA's by being painted with a broad brush of the not so good ones......The original title of this thread was not good either-and the mods changed that. I guess it is a good thing for KOA that there are other campers out there that don't read this thread.
As for being by a noisy interstate highway....isn't that the point of the KOA's to be located near major trafficways for easy access.....I wouldn't expect them to be destination resorts necessarily......anyway I feel sorry for the nice parks that may get a bum rap here. pj