kb36 wrote:
We are trying to decide if we should spend more money and stay at KOAs along the way so the kids will have more things to do or if we will just stop at the basic parking lots with hookups that are significantly cheaper. I am concerned with safety staying at places that have no attendant but I’m a little surprised by how much KOAs cost (more than basic hotels). Any experience? Is it worth it for the kids to have a pool and jumping pillow at the end of a long day on the road?
I think the combo approach works best for my kids, aged 13, 11 and 7. Stay at both expensive KOAs and cost effective state parks while traveling. They both have much to offer. They both are nice for different reasons. My kids like to swim in the pool at KOA and they like to go on nature walks at the state parks. Maybe look ahead and see if there are any really nice KOAs on the way. Stop at those specific ones and choose the cheaper ones as fillers. We seem to seek out the Yogi Bear parks. We had a spontaneous stop in Maryland last summer at a Yogi that had outdoor laser tag and free water slides. It was a HUGE hit. We were only there from 4pm until after breakfast the next day, but the kids still talk about the laser tag.
Find a couple of special places, but they don't all have to be special. Shoot, my kids could label a parking lot as special if we had popcorn and a movie night in the camper! :-)
