Undercover Boss

[2012Coleman]

Was flipping through channels last nigh and saw this show - stopped and watched because it was the president and CEO of KOA Camp Grounds. He went to several KOA's and worked with the staff for a day. I guess KOA's CGs are franchised - at least some are. Anyway, he vowed to correct the crappy registration software they use and sent a guy to housekeeping training. He then gave everyone a pile of money - one woman who received 50K ended up leaving to start her own business - a spa. I wasn't overly impressed with thes CG's - what comparission can be made to state parks? I personally want to take my kids hiking, fishing, canoeing and teach them how to have fun relaxing, not put put golf or go-kart racing. Any positive comments about these CGs?

[dapperdan]

We've only stayed at two KOA's, sorry to say. We think they're fairly "pricey" too however there's something to be said for "you get what you pay for". The first stay was years ago in West Yellowstone MT and that was a very good experience. The second stay was just last September in Petaluma CA, our experience there was OUTSTANDING! Both of us were really impressed with that facility! Very clean and well organized, couldn't help noticing that the employees were always working on something around the campground. We took their San Francisco city tour with John one of their tour guides, which was in itself outstanding and worth EVERY penny!

We like a lot of others prefer state and city parks over commercial parks but we wouldn't hesitate to use KOA if the need were there.

Dan

[Drbolasky]

We've used a mixture of KOA's, private CG's and county/state/national parks. It depends on where we've going and what we're doing. We've had good luck with KOA's, even if the price is somewhat higher.

We try to avoid CG's owned and run by the corporate crowd. We had an experience similar to kohldad's at a Jellystone Park, hence we no longer stay at Jellystones anywhere.

[pugslyyy]

psa0298 wrote:
We prefer state/provincial parks, but we do use KOAs or other private campgrounds when traveling on longer trips. About once every 5-6 days we stop for a night or two when we need to do laundry, dump sewer and the kids always love swimming in a pool. Sometimes it is nice to have unlimited water and electricity.

This - we've found KOAs to be a good place to stop in to do chores and resupply. Usually tons of laundry machines and a place to flush and dump the tanks, and fill up the water.

Even though we mostly boondock, KOAs definitely have their place for us in our travels.

[kmbelt]

donandmax wrote:
Don't use them their too expensive

I agree. WAY too expensive.

[kohldad]

I too usually prefer state and national parks, but do use KOAs during long travel days as they are generally clean. Haven't stopped at one yet I passed on, but have driven by some I wouldn't stop at.

Funny story is on our last trip out west in 2005, we started to stay at a state park in Minnesota. Fee was going to be $25 for the night, $10 for the vehicle pass, and $6 for the two kids. Though the fee was outrageous, we were tired and wanted to stop so agreed. Then they wanted the kids names and we both were like why since they were only 14 and 12 at the time. Giving their names is a safety no-no. So we decided to move along. About an hour down the road, we found a wonderful little KOA out in the country. Owners were the only employees, great folks. Price was much less than the state park, they let the pool stay open a little late for the kids to enjoy a swim, and it was the cleanest, nicest little place we ever stayed in.

[donandmax]

Don't use them their too expensive

[mleekamp]

Like most others here, we only use KOA as an overnite only. National Parks, State Parks are our thing....more greenery, nature, outdoors stuff vs. "city like" accomdations where everyone is on top of each other.

[stfnwuf]

When we were tent campers, I preferred a couple of KOAs that were near us over state or county parks. There were quite a few trips when my husband ended up having to work on a weekend we had planned for camping. I'd still go and take the kids. I always felt safe and the KOAs we visited had a lot of activities for the kids.

[kcmoedoe]

Why would anyone compare a KOA with a state or national park? They are two different things. You wouldn't expect your four year old to enjoy going to a 5 star French Restuarant and you wouldn't go on a romantic date to Chuck E. Cheese, yet both are for eating. Both KOAs and remote camping sites have their place in the RVing world.

[psa0298]

We prefer state/provincial parks, but we do use KOAs or other private campgrounds when traveling on longer trips. About once every 5-6 days we stop for a night or two when we need to do laundry, dump sewer and the kids always love swimming in a pool. Sometimes it is nice to have unlimited water and electricity.

[magnusfide]

empty_nest wrote:
I generally use some KOA's for overnight stops, just because they are usually very conveniently placed just off many interstates. So far, so good!

For longer stays, IMO, state parks are so much better, especially for what you seem to prefer...... natural setting, adequate spacing between sites and a more relaxing atmosphere. The flip side of that is you usually don't have all the amenities. Many times you only have electric. But, there's something out there for everyone.

Happy Camping!

Double ditto. One exception: there are KOAs we use near cities that have few other options. Capitol KOA was a very quiet and pleasant stay.

[spoon059]

I prefer to avoid KOA's. To me, it stands for Keep On Adding. With a young daughter though, the KOA's have features that she enjoys. They usually have a pool, nice playground and other activities for her. We will occasionally go to a KOA for her.

[Moderator]

Moved from ATC

[BurbMan]

We have used them now and again. We make the distinction between "camping" and "RVing"...We "camp" at state/county parks with minimal or no hookups and take the time to relax, swim, hike, fish, and generally relax. Our "RV" trips usually involve long driving days to distant destinations, and nobody wants to hike/fish after a long day of driving. Kids want to run around, swim in the pool, play in the game room and do stuff like mini-golf while DW and I relax with a cocktail or 2.

[beemerphile1]

I try to avoid KOAs and all private parks, not my cuppa tea. I prefer state and national parks.