Intimidated...

[rbryan]

Originally Posted by Carol and Mike

...we’ve also enjoyed some nice KOA’s.

Not to trash a brand Mike, but we are still looking for that elusive "nice" KOA. We've seen one. For us, the others we've seen aren't nice at all. And what's with the dilapidated trailers at many KOAs that haven't moved in a year with seemingly permanent residents? We didn't even know KOA had those kind of renters until we saw it more than once. Add to that the typical KOA is in desperate need of renovation or maintenance, and we would much rather boondock if we can find the right place. If we have to go with a nationally affiliated chain, we've had much better luck with 1000 Trails campgrounds.

[Snoopwagon]

Have fun mike enjoy your glass we love our casita Im living in it right now working a ski resort 😃

[Carol and Mike]

Originally Posted by rbryan

Not to trash a brand Mike, but we are still looking for that elusive "nice" KOA.

Yep, there are some KOA’s I wouldn’t go near. We’ve also had good luck with 1000 Trails. We’ve also had some great boondocking sites. I just like having options. Mike

[Mitzi Agnew-Giles]

The metal teardrop is in storage because the owner can't keep it at his place, according to the staff here.

Right now KOA works for us. As truths change, needs change. It's all good.

[mary and bob]

We have a nice little KOA, owned by a great couple, in Vermont where we attend a vintage camper rally twice every year. And another a half hour from home that is very nice and has just started doing a vintage rally. We also usually stop at the Natural Bridge VA KOA on our way north and south every year. Did the one Mitzi is at for just a one night stop, and although it could use a little work the people were extremely nice and do a free pancake breakfast. Would stop there again.

[floyd]

Some years ago, we went to the SCCA Runoffs and got a spot next to the rail on turn one.
A little while after we arrived, a big class "C" pulled in right next to us.
I opened the curtain on my Scamp13 and looked out to see what was up.
All I saw was a big white wall, so I looked straight up the side of it and well above my roof on the side of the MOHO were the words..."Minnie Winnie".
I guess its just a matter of perspective!

[Kenton]

Originally Posted by mary and bob

We have a nice little KOA, owned by a great couple, in Vermont where we attend a vintage camper rally twice every year. And another a half hour from home that is very nice and has just started doing a vintage rally. We also usually stop at the Natural Bridge VA KOA on our way north and south every year. Did the one Mitzi is at for just a one night stop, and although it could use a little work the people were extremely nice and do a free pancake breakfast. Would stop there again.

The people at the Natural Bridge KOA are nice. We reserved a 20/30 pull through for 3 nights on our way north and the previous person had spilled diesel on the ground. We asked if we could move as the smell was strong and they put us in a site that had a deck at no up charge. So we had our little camper among the behemoths with a nice wooden deck to relax on.
I'd like to go up there in the fall sometime. I imagine the trees in the area are beautiful when they change color.

They spent the days we were there cleaning up the other site and left it unoccupied. I wonder if they charged the offending camper.

[C&G in FL]

Natural Bridge is one of the better KOAs IMO. Nicely wooded and far enough off the highway so it is relatively quiet. And a great restaurant in close proximity.

[War Eagle]

In some of the gulf coast beach campgrounds, if you drop a drive wheel off the asphalt roadway or the camp site concrete pad, you're stuck spinning in deep granular sand. So seasoned visitors know not to cut corners. But for newbies who try and fail, the camp host usually has a local tow truck company on standby and speed-dial. Easy money for the tow truck driver. Embarrassing for the stuck driver when all the folks camping nearby come over to witness the commotion.

[clairemr1]

most campgrounds are filled with all sorts of "rvs", i've even seen many folks in tents. i look at the larger rigs, see the owners struggling to get them parked, unpacked. often they spend a huge amt of time fiddling with them while i'm hiking, birding, enjoying the surroundings. what is truly sad to me is noticing the big rig owners staying INSIDE their rigs the majority of the time, usually with the big screen tv blasting.
to each his own, but i wouldn't trade mine for any of theirs. like others have said, i park as far off the road as possible and keep my insurance current. nothing and no one is going to intimidate me while i'm enjoying this wonderful lifestyle i've chosen in retirement!
safe travels...............

[ZachO]

KOAs have come off as sort of "exclusive" in my experience, though my experience with them is very limited. When I was traveling and living out of my little Toyota Chinook, I'd often stop by campgrounds and ask how much they charged to dump tanks, fill water, and allow a shower. KOA always turned me away. So it's interesting to hear how dumpy many are.

I definitely enjoyed driving down the interstate in the Chinook, passing or being passed by gigantic motorhomes. I would try not to feel superior, but I'd definitely feel like, and probably have a look on my face that said, "you really need all that?"

[77Travco]

Dang, lots of class A haters here!

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by 77Travco

Dang, lots of class A haters here!

We are fiberglass trailer owners and I am happy to tell you that I really like the Travcos. On of my brother’s friends spent considerable time restoring one and putting a rebuilt 440 engine in it. Came out beautiful. I usually take a couple of pictures if I’m in a campground with a Travco, Vixen, Westphalia or other not so common campers, especially if they are having a little rally. To each his own.
Iowa Dave

[Jon in AZ]

I find myself attracted to RVs of many types that have clean style, compact size, clever use of space, and quality craftsmanship.

Solid surface countertops, fake fireplaces, built-in laundries, entertainment centers... meh!

At the beach we always take one of the less expensive "inland" sites, meaning across the driveway from the premium ocean-view sites. The first day this year a vintage orange VW camper occupied the site across from us. It made a classic SoCal view silhouetted against the ocean and the setting sun. Sadly, they left the second day and a huge, ugly toyhauler parked diagonally across the entire site. Not even a sliver of ocean in sight. They paid for the view and we didn't, of course. But smaller RV's sure make better neighbors.

[Friz]

Murphy's Law on RV'ing: The bigger it is, the less you will use it.

I take my 16' Casita out at least twice a month. Park it wherever it will fit.
Inside or underneath buildings, parking garages.
Back when I had an A-Frame trailer, I would confuse the security people, they would ask "Just how did you get that thing in here?"

[k0wtz]

Zacho in our tenting days we somehow wound up at a koa. they put tents in that little circle and charge big prices. I avoid them like the plague!


bob

[JustBrowsing]

We have tent and cabin camped in several KOAs. Some have been great - like the Savannah GA, and Harper's Ferry KOAs.
Savannah KOA was quiet, well spaced, and the tents/cabins were along the lake shore. They were not expensive, and offered a great price for what can be an otherwise expensive trip (Savannah). This is also the place where we saw our first Scamp 13. It hooked us into one day getting one of our own.

Harper's Ferry was a huge surprise. The tents and cabins are largely separated from the RVs, and close to the woods. Fantastic amenities here like a bounce pad, huge pool, pancakes, movie theater, huge store, and family oriented events. Also really nice people.

Some have been not so great - like the Pigeon Forge KOA. That place seemed promising at first, but it's SO crowded. The RVs are on top of each other, and way too close to the tent sites.

The thing with KOAs is that they are independently owned, which means each one is managed in their own particular way. Some places really focus on the customer (and looking for repeat customers) and others are looking at the $ p/square foot.

Our preference is usually to stay at a state or national park with a bath facility, but those aren't always available.