Why I hate KOA

[Thunder_Mountai]

Again, I know why I hate KOA. We try to avoid KOA because they are overpriced. We stopped today at the KOA in Holbrook, AZ because it fit our schedule heading north.

First the positive. The work camper in the office was polite and informative. The site accommodated our 55' rig and trailer plus the truck. Site was close to level. It has a grass dog run. Easy in and out.

Now for the downside. No concrete pad. Low water pressure. Wifi was a total joke. Nothing but a gravel parking lot. For $47 it should be much better.

[answerswillvary]

Time to close this one down. My deleting finger is worn out. :S

[1jeep]

Ive got no problems with KOA, stayed at 2 last year and no I don't consider them to be "resort" campgrounds. What they are is convenient, the one in quebec was near quebec, small sites, but they did have a nice concrete pad and furniture....also close to the attractions. Coming back we stayed overnight at one in the white mountains, a few miles from the highway, this one did have nice views, clean pool and again a concrete patio. I don't find their pricing offensive, honestly about mid price with decent amenities.

Nobody makes you stay at them, don't like the place keep on going, this is have done with many privately owned places!

[Lauren]

HO LEE CHIT

[winnietrey]

I know nothing about the RV park business, but I do know, in my business and in many other businesses, competing on price is a really bad idea. It is best in my opinion to compete on service and quality. Competing on price, in my experience tends to attract , really cheap people. Who most business owners will tell you, are very often the most difficult to deal with. And the only people they will send to you tend to be really cheap people as well.

So end of the day, I feel it is best to set your prices high enough, so you don't attract those folks in the first place. Has worked for me at least

[Us_out_West]

My goodness people!!!

The OP hasn't even been back to comment but I bet he's watching and loving all the confrontation he has created. Like I'm right and everyone else is wrong!!!

Geez....time to move onto something worthwhile.

[4runnerguy]

winnietrey wrote:
Found this interesting: KOA website, states a KOA CG cost between 700K and 1.6 mil.

Near Carbondale, CO, there's a "new" KOA. It used to be an independent operation but five years ago, someone bought it for just over $1 million and changed it to a KOA. So sounds like $1 million purchase price was a deal for an already built out CG.

Now I'd have to say it may be the most scenic KOA anywhere in the country. They have around 36 sites plus some camper cabins. They have put some money into upgrades like a new bathroom. Of course we have a shorter camping season here, so they have fewer months to recoup their investment. Around $45 to $65 base rate. No sewer, but a honeywagon does make rounds for a fee.

[doc_brown]

With all the information regarding places to stay at our fingertips, why complain? I've stayed in Walmart lots and in parks that charge $180 a night. My choice.

[winnietrey]

Found this interesting: KOA website, states a KOA CG cost between 700K and 1.6 mil. Plus franchise fee of 25K and an 8% royalty fee. Plus taxes, wages, repairs, inventory costs, and on and on. Like health ins, liability ins, and much more

I would bet a lot of these folks, spent their live savings on a down payment.
They probably work some horrendous hrs, often doing some pretty hard labor I would guess.

My guess is they do ok, but are not getting stinking filthy rich. Not a lifestyle or gamble I would be willing to take. So my hat is off to them

Folks often seem to think any business owner is rolling in dough, but after almost 40 years in business, I can say for certain, that is very rarely the case. (Consumers almost always only consider only what they are charged, the never consider, what the overhead is, and if fact have zero idea) So are KOA's way over priced? probably not. Folks forget these folks have family's to feed, and they need to keep the lights on. And for the risk they are taking and the hard work they put in they deserve to make decent living in my opinion

[lbrjet]

It is funny to me that two of the countries largest, most visable camping franchises, KOA and Camping World are vilified on this forum. Most people in the country, including me, must think the opposite about these establishments. Otherwise they wouldn't be as large as they are.

[Lantley]

KOA is an easy target because they are a national brand.
Consumers like to label them the same, which is part of their branding strategy.

Nevertheless they are no better or worse than any other CG. In resort areas they are more costly. In rural areas they are cheaper. Those with more amenities are more expensive. In metro areas they are more expensive.
In general their pricing is just like any other CG.
On average you know what you are getting. They are clean,and transient friendly

[mdcamping]

I look at KOA's as any other camping establishments. If it fits our needs and the reviews are good we will use them. For the most part up to now we have had good experiences whether it be a KOA or other.

Mike

[weathershak]

paulcardoza wrote:
$47? You guys need to spend some time camping up here in New England! We are thrilled to find a grassy site, MAYBE with sewer, for $47......

Same here on Delmarva

[LindaD]

I've RV'd for over 40 years and have stayed in MANY KOA's during my travels. Honestly I've never had a bad experience in one. With the exception of the KOA in Sugarloaf Key, my stays have been single night stays during the course of a trip and many times they are conveniently off a major thoroughfare. Everyone has different standards and mine are not too stringent. As long as water, sewer, and electric work and I don't have to park in a mud hole I'm satisfied. I have found for the most part you can't depend on the wifi in any park nor the TV service. As far as the pricing, they will charge whatever they can get, it's supply and demand. Of course the cost is higher in popular destinations, wouldn't expect to pay the same in non-tourist areas as you would in the Florida Keys.

[Snowman9000]

Wish I was staying at a KOA tonight. Instead I'm stuck at home, with cabin fever. 🙂