Sayonara
SE Michigan
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Its a tough call. We don't like to pay more than we feel fair but in the end, if we enjoy the CG, its amenities and are in our home-away-from-home with our family we are as happy as can be !!
DT
Me, DW and 4 kids (7, 5, 2, 8mo.)
2009 Astoria Pacific 3772 DP - Cummins ISB / Allison 2500 / Freightliner XC / Onan QD8000w
2011 Suburban LTZ Toad - Blue Ox Aventa LX / Brake Buddy
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SpursMVP
San Antonio, TX
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Joined: 07/25/2009
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Okay....so this reminds me of the time I was looking at a 34' gas powered boat.
I asked the sales rep....how much does it cost to run this thing?
He told me "If you have to ask, you can't afford it."
Much of this goes to our RVing experiences. Some times we boondock and leverage the generator and remain self sufficient at a few national parks. Sometimes we go all out and get wi-fi, washer-dryer room, rec room, etc and the cost is double if not more.
I guess we get what we pay for.
2001 HR Endeavor
330 HP Cummins ISC
2006 Jeep Wrangler
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qtla9111
Monterrey, Mexico
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Joined: 09/17/2003
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Personally I prefer the one price for all amenities. Why should you penalize someone because they have a bigger rig or need 50 amp service? That sounds a bit socialist to me.
If I can find a hotel with better rates than an rv park, I will opt for the hotel. Many times I can walk into the hotel and ask for their best rate. They will tell me it is internet only. I ask if I can use their internet (never refused) I book a reservation at the internet rate and I walk back to the front desk. They are happy to book another room and they are still making money.
I have tried that at rv parks that offer specials or internet rates and have always been refused.
Why are hotels so different from rv parks when their costs are much higher considering they have to remodel, change furniture, have plumbing and electric in every room with air conditioning and electric heat, sprinkler systems, security, cameras, free breakfast (and I mean a real breakfast,not pancakes and coffee for a couple of bucks, big deal), wi-fi, cable tv, three types of pillows, include soap, shampoo, personal items, shoe polisher, hair dryer, coffee maker with coffee, room service, swimming pool, gym and in most cases I can find all the above for under 65 dollars. So what's the point? Resort rv park? Puhleeeze.
If I want to be in my rv and get away from it all I can do that for almost free boondocking in a national forest, beach or mountains here in Mexico or the U.S.
I think rv parks are becoming a rip off just like the rv industry; highly unregulated and gouge the consumer. Not all, but the more I travel the more I see it. I am tired of hearing the sad, sad story of rv park owners and their costs and the fact they don't make any money. They aren't in business just for the pleasure of putting up with rvers like me  .
Show me the numbers of rv parks that have closed in the last ten years and the new ones that have opened(they have an association, just like those rotten national, state and forest campgrounds do, and are always looking for ways to bring in more revenue, that's a whole other thread) and I will shut up.
I wanted to open an rv park here in Mexico and many rv park builders still continue to knock on my door saying what a great business it is and how much money can be made and how many new parks they are opening and their success stories.
2005 Dodge Durango Hemi
2008 Funfinder 230DS
Living and Boondocking Mexico Blog
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hottubkid
SCHAUMBURG,IL
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Joined: 12/29/2004
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Haven't been to a KOA for a while have you??????
Bumpyroad wrote:bsinmich wrote:I tried to stay at that KOA in Billings a couple years ago with 2 Granddaughters. I thought they were giving me the down payment price to buy the place. If you brag about that breeze too much there will be an extra charge. I went down the street for less than half the price.
strange, somebody has previously posted here that they checked out one "down the road" and it was not as nice and more money. which one did you move to?
and the park now owned by KOA instead of a gambling casino of course would have the rates raised. you don't think that when the casino owned/ran it it was intended to make money or even break even do you? it was cheap to get suckers in and lose their money.
same as the cheap meals I got in Vegas.
when I stayed at that KOA a few years back I thought it was nice and not overpriced. but then I don't stay at $5 a night flop houses either.
bumpy
hottubkid60193@yahoo.com
2004 SOUTHWIND 36E Tow 2003 CRV
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hottubkid
SCHAUMBURG,IL
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Or hope you get what you pay for.
SpursMVP wrote:Okay....so this reminds me of the time I was looking at a 34' gas powered boat.
I asked the sales rep....how much does it cost to run this thing?
He told me "If you have to ask, you can't afford it."
Much of this goes to our RVing experiences. Some times we boondock and leverage the generator and remain self sufficient at a few national parks. Sometimes we go all out and get wi-fi, washer-dryer room, rec room, etc and the cost is double if not more.
I guess we get what we pay for.
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JTHarley
Northeast, Michigan, USA
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Joined: 02/27/2003
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Sully2 wrote:B Bob wrote:As long as the fees are disclosed when you make a reservation or register without one I do not have a problem with RV campgrounds charging fees. Of course I will do what I always do and that is to compare rates and if it seems too high you just go elsewhere. We have a big motor home with 3 top airs. I would not mind paying a bit more than a 24' Born Free with 1 air. Just tell me up front and I can choose to pay or not. .......
Only problem is...economics dont allow that sort of thing. Lets say in a 100 space CG...an extra 1$ is tacked onto everyone to allow for "free WiFi". In your scenario...no one would buy it except for 1 guy...and he has to shell out $100 a night for WiFi.? I dont think so. The cost has to be spred across the board for ANYONE to be able to use it.
My motel has a 150' beach. The beach is for all my guests to use and is a very expensive (property taxes, insurance) and must be spread out in my room rates for all the guests. I guess if you don't want a beachfront motel then you should choose a motel that is cheaper and doesn't have a beach. I guess the same could be said for a campground. I've been to lots of less expensive campgrounds that don't have a pool or wifi or wonderful landscaping for that matter. They serve their purpose for a quick overnight. I can't imagine staying for any length of time in a campground without wifi.......
Jim , MJ & Spirit of Sambuca Bear
"He's one big Newfie"
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Old Snipe
Northern VA, due west of crazy DC
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Sully2 wrote:Old Snipe wrote:I just picked up a KOA guide book, 2010 edition to replace my 2006 copy. Noticed they don't post price per night any more. Are they afraid of something?
Stayed at Circus Circus Campground in Las Vegas back in 2003, it was $18/night FHU. KOA took it over and in the 2006 KOA guide they had prices that went up to $118/night. Hmmm. It's just a parking lot with hookups, one step up from a Walmart.
Best Regards!
Location, location, location!
It's still the the same location at $118/nite as it was at $18/nite.
Best Regards!
Paul D
2007 Winnebago Journey 39K, Cat C7 350 HP
(aka "R SANITY")
2003 Honda Element 4WD Toad
www.rsanityrvtravels.blogspot.com
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Five2o
home
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Joined: 02/28/2010
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Old Snipe wrote:
Stayed at Circus Circus Campground in Las Vegas back in 2003, it was $18/night FHU. KOA took it over and in the 2006 KOA guide they had prices that went up to $118/night. Hmmm. It's just a parking lot with hookups, one step up from a Walmart.
Best Regards!
Where as the parking lot at the Orleans in Las Vegas is not as crowded and is free.
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hottubkid
SCHAUMBURG,IL
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Joined: 12/29/2004
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Again Just tell us up front not when we arrive. I know what I want to pay and will advoid the ones I feel are costing to much but don't add on when I get there.
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time_to_go_now
La Mirada, CA
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Joined: 03/10/2004
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There should just be a flat fee.
People who pull in at dark and will leave early in the morning usually just want a safe night sleep. Why not just charge something like $25-$30. Use the internet. Use the pool. Dump your tanks. Fill up with water. Whatever. Provide 30 amp service (not 50 amp service).
If you come in sooner or plan on staying later, then pay more for the time you will be there.
Jim and Deanna
2008 Tiffin Allegro 35QBA
2007 Carson Trailer 22' Titan TH
Trailer Toad
Me, Wife, Boy/14, Boy/11, Girl/9
1985 Toyota 4Runner
FOUR quads, THREE kids, TWO motorcycles, ONE wife, ONE dog, ONE cat!
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