One of the biggest surprises we had last year in our travels was with KOA – Kampgrounds of America. On our trip west and then on other meanderings over the season, we had the opportunity of staying at about a dozen KOA campgrounds across the U.S.
They were all good experiences, to be sure, but we couldn't help but notice some big differences between the properties.
And so today, when we see that KOA has re-branded itself by deciding to classify each of their more than 400 properties according to the level of service, the amenities and the facilities itself, we have to nod in agreement. Good idea, KOA!
KOA Chairman Jim Rogers made the announcement in a news release to rvdailyreport and said re-branding will direct the right marketing messaging to the right guests.
Here's how the re-branding works.
- KOA Journey campgrounds are for on-the-move campers, those looking mostly for an overnight stop, located close to major interstates and highways. As much as 20 percent of all KOA branded campgrounds will be in this category.
- KOA Holiday campgrounds fir in as more of a base camp experience, a place to stay for several days, a weekend or as a local base at the end of the day as the guests explore local attractions. These will comprise maybe 75%. of all KOA campgrounds.
- KOA Resorts are the top of the line facility, making up around 5% of all campgrounds. These offer lots of amenities and top-rate facilities, a five star camping experience and a place where guests can hang out all day, relaxing and engaging in recreational activities.
“This is not a good, better, best way of looking at our campgrounds,” said KOA President Hittmeier in the rvdailyreport news release.”It is designed to help guests better understand what they can expect from the facilities at which they chose to stay.”
This makes a lot of sense to me. In our travels this past season, we experienced all three. My favorite KOA by far was the Badlands/White River KOA in Interior, SD, which we used as a base camp for two days while we explored the Badlands National Park just down the road. It had trees, which in the Badlands is a very big deal. They had great breakfasts and barbeque dinners and there were all sorts of dirt roads nearby that let me do some fun mountainbiking in full view of the breathtaking tabletop buttes and craggy bluffs. A large swimming pool was particularly welcome after hot, dusty days spent tramping in the Badlands
We also really enjoyed staying at the flagship KOA in Billings, MT, located right on the banks of the Yellowstone River. This was the site of the very first KOA and it offered all sorts of games and activities and some very deluxe, oversized patio campsites.There was a basketball course, min0 golf, two large playgrounds and, of course, an outdoor heated pool and hot tub.
But in all the KOAs we visited, there was a consistency of service that we really appreciated, especially after a long day on the road. We were always escorted to our spot and offered help in backing in or setting up. The restrooms and showers at every KOA we stayed at were sparking clean, no matter what time of the day or night we used them. There was usually a store or facilities where we could restock on supplies or find food and refreshment.
That reliability of excellence won us over. Knowing what to expect when you book a campground, and never being disappointed, is a great incentive to keep me coming back. The re-branding initiative will make booking a KOA campsite even more reliable.
28 Responses to “KOA re-brands itself according to facilities and amenities”
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February 17, 2014at3:53 am, Glen Smith said:
I want this lifestyle !
February 16, 2014at8:44 am, John Butschli said:
If in Wisconsin stay at Captains Cove !! Awesome place !!!
February 16, 2014at8:21 am, Teresa Carr said:
Do not stay at Coal Mine Expedition in WV!!!!!
February 16, 2014at8:20 am, Teresa Carr said:
Also the out banks koa is very nice but arrive during hours and daylight they do have you in there like sardines but it’s worth it the beach I s amazing…..
February 16, 2014at8:18 am, Teresa Carr said:
Love KOA in 2013 we took 2 trips from Mi to SD with our grandkids. Stayed at Mt. Rushmore Koa had trail riding pancake tent pools ice cream a kids dream come true place to stay. Stayed at Sioux Falls Mitchell and also in Wi. They were all clean well managed and escorted us to our spots. When traveling with kids they love being able to swim after a long day on the road plus I like the security. We’ve stayed at was marts and I always felt uncomfortable wi th h the kids there.
February 16, 2014at12:37 am, Jean Acey Draper said:
We usually stay at KOA for overnight while traveling to a bigger destination. The larger one’s we have stayed at have you packed in like sardines. I’d rather pay a little more for overnight and feel safe and secure, than a lower price campground or Walmart parking lot.
February 15, 2014at8:53 pm, Pauline Guilmette said:
We use to enjoy staying at KOA’s but they are too expensive now. We use them only if nothing else is around.
February 15, 2014at7:00 pm, Shelley Gosselin said:
We also have stayed at many KOA’S and are now members. We like the service cleanliness and all they have to offer, just wish they had more in Canada. 🙂
February 15, 2014at7:00 pm, Shelley Gosselin said:
We also have stayed at many KOA’S and are now members. We like the service cleanliness and all they have to offer, just wish they had more in Canada. 🙂
February 15, 2014at6:48 pm, Mina Wells Greenlee said:
There are different prices in different states. We read rvparkreviews and watch the prices posted there and the ALLSTAYS app. So some are very nice for a good price ($23) and some are $55+. Usually the others around the expensive ones are expensive also. Then we make the effort to find Passport America.
February 15, 2014at6:48 pm, Mina Wells Greenlee said:
There are different prices in different states. We read rvparkreviews and watch the prices posted there and the ALLSTAYS app. So some are very nice for a good price ($23) and some are $55+. Usually the others around the expensive ones are expensive also. Then we make the effort to find Passport America.
February 15, 2014at6:37 pm, Wendy Spencer Pickett Hall said:
Too expensive for our taste!!!
February 15, 2014at5:42 pm, Christine Weeks Vallis Naylor said:
We stayed there. Nice place
February 15, 2014at5:29 pm, Jan Long said:
They are just getting too expensive. We never use all the amenities.
February 15, 2014at5:27 pm, Sharon Marks said:
I have stayed at several and they have been clean, friendly and safe. As a female traveling alone, those are important features.
February 15, 2014at5:05 pm, Bud Roberts said:
We have enjoyed our stay at every KOA, great people have worked at each one
February 15, 2014at4:56 pm, Shirley Pocock said:
When we are traveling and we stop late at night and leave early the next morning we don’t like paying their prices! They need an over night price so we have a safe place at a reasonable price if they want our business. We don’t use anything unless it is a little electricity.
February 15, 2014at4:32 pm, Charlie Vickers said:
KOA already too expensive for most of their facilities. I hate to see where these prices are going.
February 15, 2014at4:00 pm, Norma Von McBride Carr said:
We use KOA only when nothing else is available, way too expensive
February 15, 2014at3:59 pm, David Herrmann said:
Our shakedown cruise was to the KOA in Townsend, TN. The staff was great. The facilities were spotless. Since it is practically on the border of the Great Smoky Mountain NP I would guess it is the mid-level classification. Good basecamp plus some amenities…
February 15, 2014at3:43 pm, Carolyn Vargas said:
Koa is too expensive,
February 15, 2014at3:39 pm, Gina Gibson said:
good article…i don’t own an rv and still found it interesting
February 15, 2014at3:36 pm, Kurt Christensen said:
Good move by KOA
December 26, 2012at1:41 pm, Mike's Road Trip said:
Hey Mike…first time visiting your site…nicely done! I agree with you (and KOA). I too have stayed at a number of KOA’s along the way and some are much nicer than others. One thing that does perplex me is why many are so close to towns rather than being a bit more in the outskirts (more of a camping experience).
Earlier this year I stayed at the San Diego KOA and did a video in case you and/or your audience is interested: http://www.MikesRoadTrip.com/san-diego-koa Cheers!
December 21, 2012at10:07 pm, Mike Wendland said:
What do you mean? I just got one. Look for my video review this weekend right here.
December 21, 2012at12:10 pm, Leon Eaves said:
What is going on with the e-trek? Big splash, promises, then nothing.
November 26, 2012at9:22 pm, Rick and Kelly said:
We like KOAs. Consistency of service is why. We know what to expect. We don;t usually make reservations but start seeing what’s ahead about mid afternoon. KOAs are always good choices. They are managed very well and rowdyism is not tolerated. The facilities are always clean and neat. This new system they have will give campers even more knowledge of what to expect at their designation. Bravo!
November 26, 2012at12:08 pm, Larry T said:
KOA campgrounds are okay but expensive. When on the move we usually Walmart as it doesn’t make sense to spend so much for just a few hours.