Changing my mind...

Actually I think KOA is more of a franchise operation. They lease their KOA name and enforce the KOA culture on independent operators. I get the impression that there are roving inspectors that grade the parks on how well they comply with that corporate culture. Failure results in the parks being given the boot.

I was moderately a fan of KOA, not a cheerleader. We would stay at them several times a summer camping season. At least you know that you are getting certain amenities at a KOA. But their huge price increase last year made me write them off our list except as a last resort. At Devils Tower for example ($85/night after the KOA discount).

People griped at me that the parks had the right to set whatever charge that they wanted to. That's true, I am a total believer in Smithian economics. But the buyer has a right to refuse to pay that fee and to vote by finding somewhere else to spend his money. That is what we did.

But I'm glad you found, maybe, the last sensible KOA park.

We have stayed there before it was a KOA. It was pricey just to see family and play some golf. We will watch and see what happens.

KOA is no different than individually owned private RV parks. Some are better than others. Some are very good. We have stayed in many of them and, so far, have not encountered a "bad" one. They are typically a few dollars higher than nearby RV parks of equal quality due to having to pay for the name.

And as far as the often quoted "keep on adding", I have never paid more than the price quoted on their web site. Some do have amenities they charge extra for, but we have never used those. All so far have had free wifi, although as with most RV parks of any name it is not always good.

I have been to some that were nice and some that weren't. One KOA I stopped for a overnight and it was so pleasant I stayed an extra day. Another KOA I stopped at they put me in a site that was very unlevel and dirt. The maintenance man blew dirt from a leaf blower all over my truck. It rained hard overnite and washed the truck off but in order to get from the camper to the truck had to walk in about 4" of mud that washed down from the hill and carry the Collies to the truck. I then had to hitch up walking through the same slop, not a happy camper. Staff was indifferent as well. So my take is some are nice some are not. Another KOA I stopped at tired from a long drive was filled up and they put me in the overflow. The campground was kind of tight but the overflow (with hookups) was nice and open and quite. I ended up staying several days. Staff and owner were nice as well.

.…but the cable service is good, and I can watch my Oregon Ducks as they lead the TCU Horned Frogs 31-0 at halftime in the Alamo Bowl.

Now tied, 31-31, heading to overtime. I'd blame KOA. :)

I prefer to stay at the privately owned parks - those that have at least 40% or so of the occupants full time. I call ahead - if I get a friendly helpful voice - I'm in. There's nothing better that reading reviews and talking with the front office folks to get a good feeling as to where you'll be staying.

NoVa RT wrote:

.…but the cable service is good, and I can watch my Oregon Ducks as they lead the TCU Horned Frogs 31-0 at halftime in the Alamo Bowl.

Now tied, 31-31, heading to overtime. I'd blame KOA. :)

Wow...what a game!

I was never a fan of KOA's however....I must take that back now since staying at the Benbow, Moss Landing, Pescadero and Tuscon KOAs. We ended up at 2 of them because there was no other place that had openings. I must say I found the price well within the range for the areas and the places were nice as well. Now had I bought the "Card" I would have more than paid for it with the 10% discount it gives. I may not search out KOA's but I won't avoid them anymore.

Well the Ducks tanked...

Yeah. This year's Ducks were so dependent on Vernon Adams. The defense was not good all season, but Adams could provide enough offense to overcome that weakness. He did it in the first half. The defense lost this game, but the loss of the center and Adams killed the ability to offset the shortcomings of the D. I'm not sure what next year will look like with Adams gone. I don't see a QB in the wings, but maybe they can get another 5th year senior to transfer in. I hope they can recruit some guys who can play in the secondary. With Buckner gone, they will need them!