New thread - KOA yay or nay?

[sftiggee]

So in a previous thread asking about RV vs teardrop for our upcoming month-long camping trip with TODDLERS, the idea of a KOA membership came up.

My question is this, since I've never been a member or know anyone who has or is: Does anyone here have a KOA membership and would it be useful for parents out traveling/camping with small children? We have read pros and cons and "its not worth the cost vs. it's a nice place to camp". What we really want to hear is the skinny: would KOA be worth it for road tripping with kids in a teardrop?

Thanks!

[Ratkity]

The KOAs I've been in have been great for little kids and some even have weekend evening programs just for the wee ones. The kids will get to meet other kids camping too. Standard amenities are arcades and washer/dryers; a plus with little kids. Many have interesting little stores as well.

Cost-wise, KOAs can be much pricier than state or federal parks, but always have electricity hookups. I have yet to see one KOA with an iffy bathroom (but I'm sure some exist). While some state parks have playgrounds, the ones in KOAs I've visited have always had lots of kiddos on them.

You might find the spacing between campers a wee close in most KOAs and private campgrounds than in state and federal parks. Perhaps a couple weekend nights at a KOA for lots of activities and then a quiet weekday night a state or federal park for an early bedtime?

Hope this info helps!!

Hugs,
Ratkity

[Cliffmeister2000]

My brother, who likes "civilized" camping, has a membership in Thousand Trails. I believe you can rent these by the night also. They are very nice, upscale campgrounds. A membership is like a camping timeshare, only much more liberal as far as times go. You can pick a membership up fairly cheap in today's economy.

http://www.thousandtrails.com/

A you can see on the map, they are well represented in the East, Texsas, and the Pacific Coast.

[Wimperdink]

I used to stay at KOA's a lot when I was on the road for work. I did it because their Kamping Kabins were almost half the cost of a local hotel/motel. For the most part I enjoyed my stay at KOA's because of the amenities. I wasn't doing it to Camp so I wanted more comforts than I need when camping. The lil store was great for basic supplies and they almost always have lots of stuff for young kids to do. If your going to stay at a lot of them then the membership is well worth while... if you go once or twice a year then I wouldn't bother.

I am camping with 3 kids under the age of 2 right now and for camping purposes, I perfer the more popular state parks. Some are better than others. There are a few that have a lot of playground equipment and a host office that you can check out basketballs/tennis rackets amoungst other things. Those in my state typically cost around 20 bucks a night for a spot with electric. A KOA on the other hand locally is 40ish dollars (i live near a tourist trap)

The biggest benefits to KOA's when your traveling is their resources to show you where the next one is. It can be more difficult to find an acceptable state park with services that you need on the road. If your only camping locally though I'd probably try out the diff campgrounds around you and find one that fits your needs/billfold then decide if you still want the KOA membership.

[sftiggee]

Thanks for the feedback so far. We would be utilizing this membership (if we got one) to have safe places to stay overnight, do laundry as needed, and burn out the kids while we explore various areas on our road trip map (so far along the I-90/94 corridor, around MN/WI, and back to Ca via I-80).

I checked the ThousandTrails website, and unfortunately they don't' seem to have any campgrounds in the area we'll be in most, so that's a no-go

Our last big road trip (before kids), we winged it and were lucky enough to get in last minute via cancellations or tent sites at National parks, or we stayed at Walmarts, rest stops, truck stops, and the like. Some days we drove a lot to get to a specific spot, with a few short stops here and there to check out local food and scenery. Other days we decided to stay at a motel so we could shower and send out email updates to family and friends. We know this will not work this time around, so that's why we are thinking KOA membership or something similar so we can plan accordingly each day and make sure the kids get enough play time as they will be overwhelmed with some of the sites i'm sure.

[Wimperdink]

add a poll to this thread.


One more thing I remember about my traveling days.... A lot of KOA's offer discounts for more than just membership. I remember on more than one occasion I've recieved discounts for Sr Citizen or AAA when I was not or had not. One host told me that I should tell her I have AAA and than I forgot my card. So I did. So she gave me the discount and smiled mischeviously. Your mileage may vary.

[Ratkity]

An added thought, many KOAs have wireless connections and cablevision (for additional $).

Hugs,
Ratkity

[dmb90260]

I stayed at KOA most of the time on my cross country trip a couple years ago. The quality can vary widely but they were clean and accepted my vintage trailer and dogs. With a few stops the discount card will pay for itself. Most had wifi but only some were free, things may have changed since then. Just call ahead to reserve your space. small kids will not understand you waiting in line to register.
Have a good trip.

[boomboomtulum]

We were reulctant to stay in them, until we had to on a road trip to the coast in Willits Ca. and we were impressed by what they had. They took our TD with no funny looks gave us a discount because we needed no hook ups and hot showers and free WIFI. The store is great for small stuff. When we were planning the Yellowstone trip last year we were able to map out places to stay according to KOA s and it worked great. As always the people with the $$$ motorhomes were great and wanted a peek at the trailer. As some have said quality can vary at different locations so be prepared. We have stayed in some very nice ones and on the other hand couldnt wait to get out the next day.

Dave

[mikeschn]

We've had good luck with KOA's. They are good for one night stands, or even weekends if you don't mind all the kids! They have all the ammenties... and lately the wi-fi has been free. Ya hear that ratkity?

It can be a little more expensive, but sometimes you just can't put a price on a site, when there isn't anything else within 100 miles. And the clean bathrooms are an added bonus!

Yes we have a membership!

Mike...

[Ratkity]

w00t! Not everyone is out to nickle and dime ya to death.

I do need to renew my Shenandoah National Park pass this year. Pays for itself after 3 visits. Of course, being at 3300-3800 ft when DC is having 100F degree days is always worth much more!

Hugs,
Ratkity

[hotrod]

I thought about this one for awhile and yup, I have never had a bad experience at a KOA. they are great places to dust yourself off after a day on the trail.. one night boondocking, one night koa...

[dreadcptflint]

We have had very good experiences with KOA (Devil's Tower) and not so good (Sister's Oregon). It depends on how much you plan on using the membership. We have also camped at Good Sam's Club with good success as well.

I can say one thing on long trips, it can be very refreshing pulling into a place to wash off the road dust.

[mobile camper]

We stayed at KOA's when we traveled across the country. We took 16 days and to travel across and we only stayed in one KOA that we would not go back to. We found that each one has different activities for adults and kids. Our kids were between middle and high school age and they all had a great time. You have to check out each KOA's site and see what interest you before you plan out your trip. I would stay at KOA campsites again.
Steve G

[john warren]

i have used them in the past. and found them usually clean and well cared for. big advantage to me is they don't get a lot of rowdy folks there.
good atmosphere for families, stuff for kids to do to wear them down a little for travel.

most important thing you can do is enjoy those kids now, have fun and stop often for them to explore. they won't be around forever you know?