KOA standard charge now $60?!
Got hit with a $65/night charge at Devils Tower KOA and the same at Bozeman KOA(walked out) and I see St Mary's KOA is now $60. No more KOA for us
Forum Discussion
In May, we stayed at several "non-destination" KOA's. They were $49 per night, $44 with the KOA "Kampin' Kard".
One friendly owner clued me in that all franchise owners had been hit with much higher fees from the central office. One example: While you pay central to buy a card to earn points redeemable toward additional $$ off on camping, it is the franchise that has to give the discount, and is not reimbursed. On top of the 10% discount the card gets you. So, less franchise income to cover costs. Hence price increases. RV'ing in general is up, and they are seeing increases in reservations, so overall the franchise owners figured the time is right to make up for the losses racked up during the recession.
We use them because they tend to be the "Holiday Inn" of camping - may not be great, but one can count on a reasonable level of standards.
But I should note, we have stayed for a week or more at a couple of their "Destination Resorts" and paid the higher rates. Why? Great location, primarily. And comparing it to a motel at $150-$250 a night in the same area, it is still cheap!
One friendly owner clued me in that all franchise owners had been hit with much higher fees from the central office. One example: While you pay central to buy a card to earn points redeemable toward additional $$ off on camping, it is the franchise that has to give the discount, and is not reimbursed. On top of the 10% discount the card gets you. So, less franchise income to cover costs. Hence price increases. RV'ing in general is up, and they are seeing increases in reservations, so overall the franchise owners figured the time is right to make up for the losses racked up during the recession.
We use them because they tend to be the "Holiday Inn" of camping - may not be great, but one can count on a reasonable level of standards.
But I should note, we have stayed for a week or more at a couple of their "Destination Resorts" and paid the higher rates. Why? Great location, primarily. And comparing it to a motel at $150-$250 a night in the same area, it is still cheap!
