wagonmaster2
northcentral oklahoma
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Joined: 02/18/2005
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Buck62 wrote:I just came back from a month long trip out west and found that just about all the campgrounds charged a couple of dollars extra for 50amp service and some had independent WI-FI provider's like Tango where you had to buy time. Some campground allow you to buy air time, most charge a $1 an hour and it is actual time on the internet not by the clock. I do not mind paying extra for 50amp service because I need it and paying a few dollars for WI-FI service if it is accessible inside my motorhome and large enough system to support all the RV'ers. But. I agree that a lot of campgrounds are starting to be like the airlines, looking to be profitable using any fee that can be added.
I don't mind paying $2 extra for 50 amp but when Trailer Life and the sign on the campground wall gives the camping fee and then says "$4 extra for electricity" (doesn't matter 30 or 50 amp) that's a little much. All 30 of their sites have 30/50 amp and they don't allow tent camping so who in an RV is not going to use electricity.
Looks like some of this is a way of advertising a low camping fee in the Directories but one you arrive they start adding on all these little extras knowing very well most travelers won't leave.
Wagonmaster2
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revump
Las Vegas
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The best part is that I don't have to stay. It is almost "bait and switch." Trailer Life and Woodalls ought to include things like this in their ratings and downgrade the rating when campgrounds use such tricks. In the SW, we get some of this because of the heat and use of ACs, but not on overnighters. I would pick another campground if I could, but I would most certainly remember that campground.
Bob
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Dick A
Spokane
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KOA in my opinion stands for Krummy Overnight Accommodations.
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Doug63
Liberty Lake, Washington, United States
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One thing to keep in mind is the fact that RV parks are COMMERCIAL accounts for the electric companies. Most commercial accounts are billed based on SURGE demand; not just basic Kw/Hours. So, a lot of RVs running their AC and other loads on a hot day makes for a much higher surge rate. Ergo: electric rates are much higher, even though the total KW/Hour isn't all that much greater.
Doug Thompson '63
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JTHarley
Northeast, Michigan, USA
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Those darn multi millionaire campground owners. Campgrounds are sooooo lucrative they are tearing down condo's and walmarts just waiting to build them. Poppin' up everywhere just like McDonalds.....
I see the owners sitting outside their prevost's puffing cuban cigars and sipping cognac while grilling a few filets.
Really folks, you have lots and lots of choices.....from free (truck stops, rest areas, walmart ect) to top end fully loaded RV resorts for $100+ per night and everything in between. Myself, charge me one price and include it all. If I don't want or need the amenities that the owners have PAID FOR and offer that is my fault. We all hate being nickeled and dimed. I think some of us "complaining" about prices just remember everything goes up and it gets passed onto the consumer....it's the american way!
Jim , MJ & Spirit of Sambuca Bear
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JFC
Northern California
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We have 40 footer with four slides, satellite, and air card for laptop, so we don't need many "extras" from CG. That said, I don't mind paying a reasonable fee for a park that includes all the extras, since these tend to make for a much nicer park for everyone. I don't use the pool, but it's nice to see a young family enjoying it in the heat of the afternoon. My only request is set a standard , reasonable cost and don't add the nickels and dimes. Tell me the real cost up front so I don't feel like I'm being taken. I use RV Park Reviews as often as either of the directories, and if the review mentions add on costs, I tend to look elsewhere. Just my two cents worth.
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jswickard
Summerfield, FL
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Original poster here.
Thanks to all who posted. You’ve provided a lot of good comments.
As I reflect on the situation, I conclude that my biggest problems are with campgrounds that:
1. Practice “bait and switch” tactics.
2. Use the “sin of omission” to provide surprise add-ons at check-in.
3. Use partial “a la carte” pricing. If I have to pay for internet, then give me the option of deducting a swimming pool charge that I won’t use. I would prefer to either get all amenities in the base price or get to choose from a complete list of add-ons.
When we encounter those practices, our options for that night are often limited. We just end up not staying as long as we otherwise might have. Unfortunately, the campground is only aware that we have moved on, but have no inkling why. At times I’ve tried to tell the front desk of my displeasure (in a civil manner) and why I am moving on, but that’s like shooting the messenger. The story never gets where it needs to go, and management probably remains clueless (if they even care – they probably know what they are doing and think that deceptive practices really work).
I’ve also found it interesting how many people have vented about KOA’s pricing. We’ve called it “Klaim Our Assets,” but there are a couple of other interesting variations. I wonder if KOA corporate knows how much dislike there seems to be for their franchises, or whether they even care as long as their bottom line stays black. I feel a bit sorry for those who own KOA properties because I suspect that corporate has a big hand in setting the prices. It might be interesting to see a post on KOA with some input from KOA franchisees.
Jim and Rosalie Swickard
2011 Newmar Ventana 3433
2004 Honda Pilot
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Mr.Mark
California/Tennessee
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The KOA's where we have stayed didn't seem to have a lot of add-on's. We just left the KOA near Hill City, SD and it was totally PACKED (about $58 a night). It's right next to Mt. Rushmore (no cable except for deluxe sites, no TV reception), all the deluxe sites were taken.
We had a three day reservation but only stayed one night. When we pulled into our site, we were next to a fifth wheel with two big pick-up trucks and two Harley's. I just got the vibe that this was not going to be a good site to be in and I was right.
As the late afternoon approached, the beer drinking started. They (3 men 1 women) didn't bother us but the cussing/fighting match started late in the evening. We decided to check out early and move on. We drove to Sheridan, WY, to a KOA and it's a wonderful place (and busy with campers).
Also, we didn't know that Sturgis, SD, was having their motorcycle 'rally' and we have seen at least 3 million bikes... ok, but, surely tens of thousands. Just not my thing and I don't want to be around them in huge quantities (have they never heard of a muffler?). 
When we checked into the KOA (Sheridan), they gave me a discount for my KOA points earned ($25 discount). Yee Haa!!
MM.
* This post was
edited 08/15/10 09:37am by Mr.Mark *
Mr.Mark 
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sp8gold
Colorado Springs, CO
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That's strange. I always thought KOA stood for Kampgrounds of America. Boy, have I been mis-lead.
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eddieelk
Cuba, Missouri
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We stayed overnite at a CG near San Antonio last year, and I was quoted a rate ogf $28.00. Jokeinly, I asked if it was cheaper if I paid cash, and the man looked around, and said $20.00 for cash. I didn't ask for a receipt. Eddie Elk.
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