Why did the KOA's close?
My husband and I went down to Louisiana from Chicago. On our trip we stayed in 2 parks that were Ex-KOA's. The same signs were up with the KOA part blotted out. The parks were run down. Like they we...
Forum Discussion
Dutch_12078 wrote:
I've seen campgrounds over the years that dropped their KOA affiliation for various reasons. In some cases, it was KOA's decision when the CG could no longer meet their standards and refused to upgrade, in others it was the owner's decision when profitability dropped, and the 10% fee to KOA became a burden, and in a some cases, it was because the CG had built a good reputation with many repeat and seasonal customers, and didn't feel that the value KOA added was worthwhile any longer. One other reason is a change of ownership, with the new owner wanting to go in a different direction. On the other hand, the KOA roster of campgrounds continues to grow, so apparently more locations are joining KOA than are dropping out.
I can't accurately respond to your comment about more locations that are joining KOA, than leaving. I've observed the opposite, and have recently stayed at many former KOA RV parks. I'll stay at a KOA park if necessary, but don't want to pay for the hype, and usually choose another RV Park, unless the grandkids are with us, and they love the amenities.
I also object to KOA's aggressive policy of trying to change zoning ordinances in cities to prohibit RV parking outside of established RV parks. Essentially eliminating parking at Walmart and other "stealth" camping options.
