Big attractions camping

we would never stay at a KOA or similar type campground, except in an emergency.

we choose national/state/county park campgrounds first. don't need any hookups, since we're experienced dry campers.

We have done a mixture of both private and state campgrounds. It all depends on your basic need and the size of your RV. We are 32' Class C and like full hookups even when it is just a place to sleep at night. We have found some of the rustic campground hard to access due to our size.

Vulcaneer wrote:
We prefer a nicer campground to stay in. KOA's are usually more on the (lets say) "rustic" side.

We would rather drive a few miles than put up with an over priced, un-level, dirty campground.

We have stayed at 37 KOA over the last 5 years - not rustic at all,

Always have pools etc and are a cut above most others.

You get what you pay for

WE too have stayed at some nice KOA's but it is definitely not the norm... All the ones close to to the interstates are just one nighters for the most part. Busier than a local truck stop haha...

We have one we like off of I81 that has a real nice stream and a very pleasant setup...

Actually, we've stayed at some very nice KOA's over the years. On a couple occasions we've stayed several days. But mostly, we use KOA's for overnight stops, don't even unhitch and move on the next morning.

I think of a KOA as a fast food restaurant... they are conveniently located, easy access, and good for a "quickie!" But when I want a good Ribeye steak and a real baked potato, I go to a real steakhouse. That stakehouse may be out of my way, but the satisfaction of really great sit-down and be served meal is worth it.

So KOA's are great for quick access, in-out service, usually not very big campsites, (that depends tough), but also priced higher that I'd like to pay.

Private campgrounds, state parks, national forests might be cheaper, but may be out-of the way, but also are great for relaxing and spending time at THAT park! That's the difference I think. Also, KOA's are designed for young families with kids and they provide entertainment opportunities for the kids. But for a quick bed-room spot ... they can't be beat!

FYI, we have the KOA app on our cell phones... comes in REAL handy sometimes!

We always see a KOA as a safe choice. We are not price sensitive, so if it is a couple of bucks more we don't really fret about it. Our first stops are usually rvparkreviews.com and the park's website. If the reviews are good and there is nothing on the website that is a tipoff to something we don't want, we are usually good to go. KOAs are seldom the worst park in an area, so they are usually a park we consider. Cost is seldom a determining factor.

When traveling it is convenience with a touch of okay....
When at the destination we try to get something with FHU and
sites that are wider. We will sometimes take a day off from sightseeing and it is nice to have a nice place to relax.

We prefer a nicer campground to stay in. KOA's are usually more on the (lets say) "rustic" side.

We would rather drive a few miles than put up with an over priced, un-level, dirty campground.

KOAs are never our first choice. We don't have children with us and really don't need all of the playgrounds, pools, bikes, etc. We look for basic full hookups, level, quiet, and safe. Where there are large attractions, there are usually lots of campgrounds to choose from. We use rvparkreviews.com to help decide where to stay.

Not us...KOA's tend to be much more expensive and offer lots of extras that we don't care about anyway..craft rooms, bouncy ball rooms, etc.

Also they are almost always seem more zooy, more crowded and tightly packed..not conducive to, "relaxing," after a long day of sightseeing.

But...then there is always the other side of the story and other opinion.