Forum Discussion

CYCLEPATH's avatar
CYCLEPATH
Explorer
Feb 08, 2023

Good Sam or KOA

I am planning a trip in my Lance TC from Northern MI to Tucson in a couple of weeks. I want to stay at an RV park for about four weeks and ride my bicycle in the desert until I can't stand it. I also plan to do some bike packing in Michigan, which would be tent camping.

Does Good Sam's, or KOA, sound like more of an appropriate club to belong to. The rest of the year, I usually just take my TC to a families place in the UP, and set up shop there. No full time RVing, at least not yet. Plan to hit some parks on the way to AZ, though. I belong to AAA, and am old.

Also, anyone have any recommendations for an RV park in Tucson that does monthly rentals? They have a KOA in town that gets good reviews. Thank you.
  • We have Good Sam and KOA. Seem to use Good Sam quite a bit more. There are more G.S. sponsored campgrounds than KOA-in the U.S of A there are about 2500 G.S. campgrounds. If you are headed to Tucson-about 20 miles S on I#10-to Vail, Az. there is the Pima County Fairgrounds RV Campgrounds. Place is huge.
  • I have both KOA and Good Sam. If I was only to get one, I would probably choose KOA. You earn points with them and get $$ off the campground fee with different amounts of points. When on the road, I usually get water and 30 amp elec and use the dump station (saving a full hook-up price) if they have that. I really prefer Passport America and can usually live with any restrictions.
  • KOA had 3 levels of RV parks now; Journey (fewer amenities, typically located along major highways for short stays), Holiday (more amenities, maybe located near some attraction or destination location), and Resort (most amenities, near more attractions, and suitable for longer stays). Prices go up accordingly

    We have stayed at a lot of KOAs over the years. Quality varied but never stayed at one that I would never return to.
  • I’ve stayed at a lot of KOA’s and most of them have been good experiences, albeit a bit pricey. Of course this statement depends on what amenities you take advantage of. I’ve stayed at a few where I wondered how in the “H” have they passed a KOA inspection., or how did the get a good camper review. But like I said, mostly positive experiences.

    Stayed at some Good Sam approved parks and they too have been hit or miss. Read the reviews with a critical eye.
  • Both depending on where you stay. KOAs are usually more with better amenities likes pools, playgrounds, tc, but not always. Their memberships usually pay for themselves if you camp in a campground a few times a year.