Our First Kamping Adventure in San Diego
Last week we shared our Date Day in San Diego and we received several questions about our first Kamping Experience!
It’s hard to believe that in almost 5 years of camping around the country we had never stayed at a KOA, not even once.
We’ve driven past hundreds of KOA’s over the years and we had this idea in our heads that all KOAs were on the highway, served up cheap box pancake breakfasts and they cost a small fortune. After spending a week at the KOA Metro San Diego campground I can honestly say we were way off base.
When we started looking for a good campground close to downtown San Diego the pickings were slim. So, we figured this was as good a time as any to have our very first Kamping adventure.
The owners are young and this particular KOA has been in their family for three generations. We had the opportunity to walk the property with the owners and they touched on so many things that are near and dear to our heart! We discussed sustainable living and locavore practices and in return they showed us their giant solar array, the onsite organic garden, local wine and beer selections in the store and a new restaurant that will serve lots of fresh veggies straight from the garden and from nearby farmers.
If you’re a cyclist you’ll love it here because the Bayshore Bikeway picks up right outside of the park entrance. To the east the route goes to a nearby mall with a Target, Nordstrom Rack and plenty of other places to shop away a day. Follow the bike path west and check out Pepper Park (that’s about as far as we made it on our casual ride), the Sweetwater Marsh Wildlife Refuge or continue on to Hotel Del on Coronado Island! Now that would be a killer bike day!
There still is one pre-conceived “downside” that I can’t shake after visiting this KOA: I still think it’s a pretty expensive place to call home for a week. With prices hovering around the $50-$60 per night range it makes for an expensive week of camping. After seeing the place I noticed a few glaring items: The park was crazy clean (they literally swept the streets daily, and I saw them dusting the outside of the cabins for cobwebs), they employ a staff of workers year round that are insanely friendly, all the amenities were well kept and the sites are perfectly level and manicured.
So now I understand, in comparison to some of the other campgrounds we’ve stayed at in the area this place is in Tip-Top shape and only a bit more money per night. So would I pay the “big bucks” for the “preferred plus pull through” site? Nah I’m too cheap…but I would totally splurge and go for their regular 30a back in sites.
If you haven’t been to San Diego it’s worth a visit and the winter weather is extremely mild! In fact I remember sitting in bed watching the news about the “early November Arctic Blast” that was sweeping the nation, the weather man cut to a map and everything was blue…except for San Diego and the Florida Keys. So we hopped up out of bed, threw on some clothes and took advantage of every last minute exploring.
Kayaking with the owner of Fisher Boards at Coronado Tidelands Park
Sailing with Friends from Marina Cortez to Bonita Cove in Mission, CA
It’s pretty obvious we had a great time hanging out in the area. We loved the campground location because we rarely saw traffic yet we were only a short drive from downtown. The sad part is we only had a week… C’est la vie.
Free Kamping
Ok, now for the really good news. KOA knows our readers are super cool people and they are giving away 2 free nights good for any KOA campsite or cabin! You can check out all of their Kampground locations here: Kampgrounds of America and enter the contest in the nifty widget below.
Did you catch our Date With San Diego video? If not you should check it out, we found some pretty fantastic spots!
Have you ever dismissed a place or campground before only to find out your preconceived notions were off base? We would love to hear your story.
Disclaimer: KOA San Diego was very kind to host us at their campground but all opinions and experiences are our own.
LD (Perling)
Guys, we live a stones throw from this KOA, so next time you’re headed this way, drop us a note if you like and we’ll give you the underbelly tour of town, hitting the spots the locals tell other locals not to post about because we don’t want others to know.
The KOA you stayed at is really one of the best, but I stayed at some as a kid and the KOA experience can run the gamut. If it’s spring or fall, we can also help you on some cheap nice semi-wild camp spots just out of town.
Finally, you may have seen it on your first time in SD, but we have a world class (if a bit dusty) Aerospace (Airplanes!) museum here, so don’t miss it.
Contact us you two. We won’t monopolize your time, and I guaranty it’ll be fun or your money back.
Diana
Next, if you’re ready for a new kind of adventure, check out the camping at Glen Eden in Corona. Outside the box? Definitely!
Audrey Rodriguez
Hi Nikki and Jason
kate
I would love a KOA voucher I’m a new RVer and would enjoy staying anywhere in CA!
Denise C
I think KOA’s have raised the bar in the last few years. The Lake Conroe / Houston North KOA is amazing. I put this one in San Diego on our list of possibles. When we go full time we plan to spend lots of time in the middle of nowhere but we also will need some city time and San Diego looks great.
Amy
I was a counselor at Camp Grounded – summer camp for adults – this past June. On a break from camp, I went to a KOA. That sounds ridiculous and I was skeptical of going to a camp to take a break from camp, but I was visiting friends and it was a logical half way point. Holy moly! The Benbow KOA in Garberville, CA is a-ma-zing! We felt like we were enjoying amazing luxury while we were there – and we were! It was a wonderful surprise, and, I definitely want to continue exploring them … if only I had when I moved from Philly to Denver 7 years ago in an RV with 18 cats and 1 ex husband!
Nicci Williams
You guys are my RVing heroes!! I am planning my first RVing trip for my birthday in March and stumbled upon your site during my research. Now, I want to RV full-time, too!! I love it!! I’d stay at KOA Orlando/Kissimmee, btw…
Margo
We have been talking about wanting to see San Diego in our RV!! It’s so good to read your wonderful review here–it’s gotten us all the more excited! Thank you!!
Jeep Gypsies
KOAs are definitely on a scale of their own. They always have great amenities.
Aunt Ness
Interesting posts, I tend to stay away from the KOA’s near premium places. I don’t care for the “premium” prices for “camping”. I’m in a pop up so I don’t need all the hook ups. The Mid-Hudson NY KOA is out of the way and very nice place to stay. Clean and friendly.
ken carter
Hatteras KOA.. it is the one we love and go every year
Debbie McCormack
After living on the road FT, we’ll be heading back to CA to visit family and would LOVE a voucher for San Diego! Thanks!!
Carol
We’d like to try the KOA in Meridian, ID. We’ve stayed at a few over the last six years, but haven’t found one that impresses us enough to make up for the hit to our campground budget. Usually a KOA stay requires adding boondocking days to our schedule to make up for it.
Cynthia H.
I would save my voucher for the next road trip and seek out a KOA to try. Don’t know where that next road trip will be so I cannot say which KOA.
Corey Jackson
San Diego is a winner. The Palmer Gulch KOA near Rushmore is nice (and BIG). And I’ve heard that the Colorado Springs one is special too.
DEBE
I enjoy a KOA occasionally. They are usually clean, the rest rooms provide hot water, and the people are usually lovely. I really liked the KOA in Sallisaw/Fort Smith OK. Great place. I will go there again.
Sandy R
We live in Southern California so this KOA is now on our list. It’s been at least 20 years since we stayed at one. Time for a revisit. Thanks!
laura christensen
We love the San Diego metro KOA and would love a return trip!
Tracy
Likely, the one at Lynden, Washington. I grew up going to this site then also with our kids. It’s been awhile since we’ve been back. Look forward to checking out the San Diego KOA some time in our future, thanks for the review!
Robert Acosta
Thanks for the review. Never stayed at a KOA, but may consider staying at one on our next camping adventure!
Tori
I’ve been to the Lion Country Safari KOA in Loxahatchee, Florida (just east of West Palm Beach). It’s very well kept, and friendly staff.
Like your post began, I usually avoid KOA’s due to their high-cost – I am now going to go see if they have an Android app. Perhaps, I too, had my ‘economy’ blinders on.
I’m not sure which site/State I’d choose, but I hope it’s as fabulous as yours was in San Diego!
Tori
*west – not east….you’ll end up in the Atlantic ocean if you go east of West Palm Beach! 😉
Jason Wynn
haha, ooops. I do it all the time too 🙂
Jason Wynn
yea Tori,
KOA just told us about a new program to categorize their parks based on Quality and Amenities so I’m looking forward to seeing the different “classes” and prices they offer.
Joanne Janzen
We would love to win this KOA voucher – follow you all the time! Love your blog and videos. We would probably stay at a KOA somewhere near Marfa, Texas!
gary
Have been interested in your San Diego posts. We are in Phoenix now and will be leaving for there in about 3 weeks. Our Grandson is a Navy diver. They have a year old son that we have only seen once and are expecting a girl in Feb.
We have been looking for a affordable camp site. So, we would use the free nights at that very KOA.
Gary
Ola Otto
Hope my previous post is floating around somewhere – I don’t see it here.
Anyway, used to stay a lot at the Yosemite/Mariposa KOA in California as well as the Manchester Beach KOA in northern California.
Have stayed in many – from west coast to east Texas.
Will say California is one of the more expensive states – particularly down in the San Diego area where you were. Very beautiful though!!
Right now, if I won, I’d head with hubby to the Colorado City/south Pueblo, Colorado KOA.
By the way – hoping to be RV’ing it mostly full-time in about 18 months…..Can’t wait. Blessings to you both and happy holidays!
Jason Wynn
Pueblo, huh? We’ve been through a few times and really enjoyed getting to learn about the ancient Anasazi people from the area. So much history!
Ola Otto
Absolutely – come back again, there’s much more to see that’s worth a stop (long weekend kind of thing) – the Riverwalk, City Park, the phenomenal Sangre de Cristo Art Center (also has a fun Children’s Museum…yeah, good for all ages). Wow, so much more than I can list. Please do come back, hopefully within the next year, as we’d love to meet, greet, show around town. Oh, also Bingo Burger! We think it’s the best in town (not counting our local “Slopper”). Just gotta come!!
Mandy Jean
We love KOA Kampgrounds. We enjoy visiting Santa Fe.
Victor & Leslie
I used to think KOAs were campgrounds to avoid. Until we actually stayed in one. We ended up staying a week at the KOA in Astoria, OR. We arranged for a back-in with full hook-up away from the hubbub. It was clean, friendly and you could even order BBQ ribs to your site delivered by VW minibus! We did, and had them throw in a pizza too. It was (unexpectedly) great. The nightly rates were high but it did make a great base from which to see the whole area. We took advantage of the many bike paths to hit the beach and work off the novelty ribs. We’ve camped throughout the western states and Canada so we’ve had our fair share of shady mis-hits. This KOA exceeded our expectations and maybe our budget a little too.
Jason Wynn
VW Bus pizza delivery? I gotta see that!
Victor & Leslie
Since you asked, here is a link to a picture of the KOA’s rib-delivery VW bus
facebook.com/astoriakoa/photos/a.10151236950164211.467377.163660939210/10151335591219211/?type=3&theater
Rhonda Fleming
I can’t believe how diligent you two are about reading and replying to comments. That so seldom happens, but I’m sure that it is a major contributor to your large and loyal fan base. What a refreshing travel duo you two are! Thanks for your contribution to RV travelers everywhere!
Jason Wynn
we’re blushing 🙂 Happy Holidays.
Sherra B
The San Diego KOA sounds like my dream campground…solar panels for power, organic veggies for juicing and awesome areas to walk. I’m a newbie to RV’ing and am wintering in AZ for health reasons. I don’t tow a vehicle so staying in a place where they grow organic veggies is nirvana!! Do they compost?
Jason Wynn
Sherra,
They do compost and they are working with the city on a crazy water recycling program. These guys have it down pat! You would love it there. BTW – their monthly rates are way more affordable than the nightly rates.
Lisa
I would love the San Diego KOA or Cape Hatteras, really anywhere new would be great! Thanks for this post, have wondered about the KOA’s as we too have had the same idea of what they offer, now we are in the know!
David Lee
We would stay in Dallas and do a little exploring there.
Mark Nixon
We love San Diego! I served in the U.S. Navy there, and we enjoy visiting that city immensely.
Kristin
San Juan Islands!
Don and Carol Brier
Our favorite KOA’s in order are Santa Cruz, CA, Santa Paula,CA , Tower Park, CA and Cascade Locks, OR. All of them have exceptional facilities and staff.
Be sure to purchase KOA’s membership for additional savings. It usually pays for itself within the first week or so.
Jason Wynn
Interesting, when I asked the front office they said it was a points based membership and I didn’t really see the value in it…again it was our first KOA so I didn’t expect to like our stay as much as we did.
Elaine
Used points for a free stay at our “go to” Koa in anderson sc!
Kelly Reid
We’d probably stay at the one outside Bozeman on our inaugural trip out west!
Jason Wynn
Bozeman eh? Plannin on hangin with da mooses?
Kelly Reid
Actually Anna and I learned about it when we met the dudes from The Minimalists. Sounded like a really chill place!
Jen
We love Hatteras KOA in NC. It’s pricey, but you can’t beat the beach location & amenities for Outer Banks camping.
Roger Smith
We have never been to the San Diego Metro KOA but would like to sometime. The Bell’s are a wonderful family. My family has known them from the time my family owned the KOA in Redding CA.
Jason Wynn
We totally dug the owners, met the whole family all the way down to their new little pup.
Wanda
We traveled across the US this summer and stayed in KOAs whenever possible. We enjoyed each one. Nice to know that we could concentrate on the areas visited without worrying about where we were going to leave the trailer. Love the reservation app.
carol
We’ve stayed at the koa at lake placid and loved it! But would like to head to PEI next summer… So it’s a tough choice!
Jeff Thompson
There is a very nice koa near Ft Stevens state park,Astoria Oregon. Walk the beach,razor clam,jetty fish,explore old forts and the area is a bike riding paradise.
Jason Wynn
LOVE clamming for the Razors 🙂
Beth Pauley
Colorado Springs KOA looks like a fun place to visit. Our downside is we travel with three American Eskimo dogs and I doubt there are many places willing to allow that.
Jason Wynn
I don’t know, if they are well behaved I’m sure it would be fine, as long as you contact the manager before hand.
cindy
We are currently at the Colorado Springs KOA, stay here whenever we are in town visiting kids and we have 3 dogs. As long as they are on leash when not in dog run and you clean up after them you will have no problem here
Bkedgar
charlottetown PEI is a great place to stay.
The Bauers
We are new to RVing! We are looking forward to exploring the US now that we are both retired!
Dawn
The KOA experience you describe sounds great as I watch snow fall here at home. I like San Diego and the dog beaches. I would choose your KOA San Diego if I won the raffle.
Rebecca H
San Diego is one of my favorite places!
Joe
To add to the chorus of comments. We’ve stayed at a number of KOA’s (kids) and some are well worth the money. We’ve had the best luck with KOAs close to premium attractions (read: popular cities). They are expensive, but we think they can be worth it for the location and top shelf amenities.
We’ve had bad luck with KOAs that are off the beaten path. Most are run down, have a large number of neglected permanents, and so on. The only thing they have in common with the premium KOAs are the price.
So….choose wisely. We’ve found that there is a lot of variety under the KOA umbrella.
Jason Wynn
Hey Joe,
thanks for sharing, now that you mention it I think that’s been our experience too. The ones off the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere don’t look very appealing, but the one we saw near Leavenworth, WA looked beautiful!
Greg
We used to have the same attitude about KOAs. But, when we got stuck in Billings, MT. for a week getting a repair, we stayed at the KOA there, which I believe is their “home” park, or KOA #1. It was fantastic.
The KOA North of Santa Cruz, Costanoa, is also quite wonderful. They even have a spa.
But, my favorite is the KOA at Devil’s Tower. Not sure why, but I love that place. Maybe it’s because they play Closer Encounters every night!
Yes, they can be pricey, especially here in California.
The KOA North of San Francisco, however, which is not really anywhere near San Francisco, was terrible. Tired, crowded, bad service, expensive, the works. So, you gotta check.
Jason Wynn
Devil’s Tower…If we could enter our own contest I think we’d choose there 🙂
Amy
Thanks for the post and positive comments about KOA. The only experience we had with KOA in the past was really bad. We actually wound up staying in a hotel. Now that we will be living on the road full time, I have been trying to keep an open mind to them, since they are sometimes one of few options…so thank you! The KOA we would love to stay at would be San Francisco North in Petaluma, CA!
Shari and Greg
We just picked up our RV a week ago and can’t wait to start exploring. Our first adventure will be 2 months in the Four Corners part of the country. After your review we’ll definitely consider the KOA options.
Bonnie
Thanks for the post about this KOA in San Diego. I would love to stay there. I enjoy your website and appreciate the chance to win.
Peg
We stayed at the KOA in Bernillo NM for the balloon festival. The park staff was very friendly. The amenities were nice and the overall park was well maintained. The gift shop was filled with balloon memorabilia. I would highly recommend this KOA.
Nikki Wynn
Thanks for sharing Peg!
Jenn
Koa’s are my goto if I am traveling across country (with my Teardrop) and need an easy to find spot for the night. They are pricy, but its better than driving 16 miles off road to find a state park or trying to find some other random RV park which has never worked for me in the 4 years I have been full-timing. For a single woman traveler, I feel safe, bathrooms are always good, there is laundry, and always cheerful employees. Not all KOAs are the same. One in N.Carolina was particularly bad, and some facilities are tired but for the most part they are great. Even the KOA in the Florida Keys is good enough if its the last place in town, but its packed in like sardines. Recently, going through southern Utah, the sun was going down and a KOA was coming up, so I turned in, priced a few motels and ended up at the KOA to sleep in my car. The office guy showed me the campsite which didnt look appealing. He saw my reaction and immediately offered me a pull-through site under a nice tree with a great view of the mountains. All for the price of a campsite. I have a KOA membership and get 10% off my purchase and points that sometimes add up to a free night. In the end its not my destination, but it works for travel-through situations. Thanks for your post!
Nikki Wynn
I totally agree. We feel the same way about Thousand Trails, Care Free and several other camping groups. Each campground experience is different and some are fantastic while others leave little to be desired. Sadly, the only way to really know is to go.
Vickey
Ahhh! So *here’s* the comment box! 😀 I’d stay at this same KOA. Or one in Oregon. Or Washington. Or NYS. Or anywhere in between, when I finally get to hit the road in an RV next year.
Nikki Wynn
Congrats Vickey! Hope to see you out here!
Eileen
We miss San Diego. We enjoyed Balboa Park and our annual passes to the San Diego Zoo.
Nikki Wynn
The San Diego Zoo is amazing and I can only imagine how awesome the annual pass would be.
Jim Short
If I were to win the KOA nights I would stay in the Cooperstown, NY KOA. We stayed there last year and very much enjoyed the experience. I just did not have enough time to fully experience the area and the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Nikki Wynn
Nice! We haven’t been there yet, so good to know you liked the area.
Rhonda Fleming
I LOVE San Diego! Would love to go back there and stay at this KOA any time! Well, after I finalize getting my RV this winter! Bring it on!
Rhonda Fleming
Hmmm–can’t seem to figure out how to actually enter the contest after I entered my comment. Tried both Chrome and Firefox browsers. The message says “Earn another point by finishing the entry above.” Can’t find any “clickable” links to actual enter the contest. Am I entered simply by leaving a comment? What must I do to regarding the “Earn another point..”? Thanks–sorry to be so dense! Rhonda
Nikki Wynn
If you got the ‘earn another point’ message you are entered. However I will double check to make sure your email address is in there.
Rhonda Fleming
Well Duh! I should have computed that! Thanks a bunch, Nikki!
Pam Jacobson
San Diego sounds lovely – I fondly remember staying at KOA’s as a child. Now that my husband and I have an RV of our own we’ll have to try them out again. The price is definitely a factor – but we’ll probably try the KOA in Cartersville, GA as it’s close to a lovely bike riding area.
Jim and Gail McKellar
My sediments exactly. They are a bit overpriced. Maybe there franchise fees are a bit expense that the owners have to charge more? Just a thought. I saw the owner of KOA on Under Cover Boss and was impressed in what he did to improve the campsites. In all great camping at KOA.
heyduke50
We have stayed at one KOA but would love to stay at the one in Nashville, Tn
Jessica C
I would love to check out the KOA in Tahoe and Lake Isabella!
We have had the same reservations about KOA but they really are all different. We stayed at one in Ventura Ranch and had a GREAT time! Then we pulled in to Acton, turned around and left when we saw they had us surrounded by Boy Scouts. But even still, the staff was very nice & understanding.
Looks like you had fun!
xo
Ron
We have VIP status with KOA (since 2008) — we spend between 20 & 30 nights each year in a KOA Kampground. We are “travelers” so we rarely spend more than a single night in each one. KOA is always our first choice because we know what to expect and can show up late and not find that “gross” campground mentioned above with no time to “move on.”
We have been to Lion Country Safari twice (the last time we took our Granddaughters) and would do it again when in the area..
Nikki Wynn
So nice to hear from a VIP member! We definitely like the fact that you know what to expect. If we have friends or family coming in to stay with us, we always look for a nice campground with good bathroom facilities and a KOA is a great option.
Pat R
We are from the east coast, but San Diego has always been our favorite city to explore. Recently became a full timer and looking forward to exploring San Diego in our coach instead of flying in. Your article was great, as a retired Sustainability Officer the gardens, solar and living with a limited impact strike home with me.
RJ Houser
We used to stay a KOA’s when my daughter was little. I still remember My wife and daughter singing”‘ it’s A O K to stay at the KOA!”
Ron
And speaking of acronyms: The old joke was/is that KOA stands for Keep On Adding. That is somewhat true because they have “a la carte” pricing — 50a is more than 30a, TV is more than no TV, pull through is more than back-in, etc. This is not something they tell you so be aware that to save, it is up to you and you alone to avoid the “up-sell.”
Jason Wynn
haha, makes sense to me. On one hand that could be really nice for cheap people like me who want the super basic, least expensive site possible 🙂
Rick Garboden
We have also stayed at one on the Washington coast. It was a very nice park and the staff was wonderful. We are going to the Chicago area this summer from Eugene so we will likely stay at some during our trip.
Kathy Brophey
I tried to leave a comment on the entry site but for some reason I could not do it. My nick-name is; one.click.away so I would have to say that is my problem again. So my comment is, We are going to San Diego mid Jan. and would love to stay at the KOA
Patti Tappel
We saw some KOA in Kentucky and would love to go back and check them out in out 16 ft Casita!!
Denis
Good to know, but try staying in a KOA located far away from a BIG city. You will see something a little different…
Patrick Sikes
We have only stayed at one KOA thus far. It is attached to Lion Country Safari in South Florida. It was a nice park and you can hear the lions in the wild animal park next door growling at night!
Wayne
KOA does charge more than your typical campground. However, it is my experience, you do in fact get your money’s worth. Clean, level sites for any size rig and most KOAs are located very close to the action with many offering shuttle service to local attractions. Their stores are well stocked, have super nice hosts and lots of amenities. Reservations are quick and efficient via phone or on line. This past October we took a little trip from our home in East Texas to the Smokey Mountains, Charleston, Savannah, Destin and New Orleans and with the exception of Destin camped exclusively at KOA. I might note that my membership fee for KOA was more than returned with the discount I received during this trip.
Charity W.
I am just starting my adventure and have never stayed at a KOA. I am not planning to stay at campsites. Although I might try a night on a special occasion. Thanks for all the info.
Carol
The east coast on the way to Florida
Shannon M
We just bought our first RV last weekend! A 2005 33ft Coachman Mirada with only 17k miles!
We are looking forward to taking to the road in the next couple weeks after we take care of home base stuff.
We’ve literally had a binge youtube video watching session on your channel and have learned quite a bit. Since we’re thinking about starting out in the winter, do you have any suggestions on where we should start out at…outside of Florida? Obviously we’re not winterized yet (and probably won’t figure out how to do that for awhile). Any suggestions would be great!
Michael Lozano
If I win, I’d like to take my kids to see Mt. Rushmore. There is a KOA nearby. 🙂
Tom
Someplace in the northwest.
Liza
San Diego sounds wonderful this time of year! I just woke up to 19 degrees in Cortez, CO. Oh well, we’re heading to the slopes in Telluride this morning so can’t complain. We recently stayed at our first KOA in Cedar City, UT and were pleasantly surprised and it was only $36/night for 50 amp. If you buy their membership ($24 I think) you get a 10% discount on every stay.
Thanks for the great info about San Diego Nikki and Jason!
Page
I would probably try out the local KOA just up the street. Nothing like enjoying what’s in your own backyard.
bonnie Miller
San Diego is a beautiful laid back place. Visited there 2 years ago. Would love to go back and see the rest of San Diego.
Matt
Nice KOA…now you say you have camped the “shiney polished wilderness”..a true joy of elder camping.. ;-}
Connie Graves
The local KOA in St. Petersburg, FL used to be awesome, but has gotten really run down. Glad to hear there are others that are being well cared for!
[email protected]
I stayed at the Conroe, TX, KOA where they have Texas-sized chairs that make great photos. Someday I’d like to stay at the KOA in Estes Park, CO, and go for a hike.
Melissa Creath
I have stayed at several KOA’s over the years and they are always extremely clean and have lots of planned activities for the kids. The cost is a bit higher, but well worth it. I’d love to try out one in the Gatlinburg TN area.
Geoff Sarm
I’ ex never stopped at a KOA but would now. I’ ex been thinking of San Diego for a week or so and this KOA sounds like just what I’m looking for. Thanks.
Mike
Looking for places everywhere, but mostly Colorado. We’ll have to check out KOA just because they’re out there! Thanks for the “review”.
Cliff and Joyce Frank
We stayed at two KOA’s so far. Like the consistency enough to join. They are higher in price but when we are staying a few days, it is nice to have the amenities like wifi. Free wifi advertisements are sketchy. We seem to always be at the end of the range of the signal. Haven’t had that problem with the two KOA we visited. Thanks for the info.
Nikki Wynn
You should look into a wifi ranger: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mobile-internet it helps with exactly that problem. However, if the wifi isn’t great it can’t make it better, it just helps strengthen the signal so you can have it inside your RV.
Donna Henry
We just spent a week at a KOA in Daytona in November. Right up the road from Daytona Speedway. We upgraded our site so we had a nice patio set and a campfire ring at our site. We definitely be returning there.
Valerie Ashenhurst
Well there isn’t a much better spot than Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA ,…. Besides it has an indoor pool etc so nice even in the cooler months. And look what happened there a few days ago …….. they got a lot of rain when those storms came through but also a silver lining in that there was a double rainbow.
Nikki Wynn
gotta love the double rainbows!
Scott
Not all KOAs are created equal. In our travels we have considered many but passed by most. There are some real gems out there however. Often their biggest advantage is convenience of their location to other attractions or desired routes. If you have the time a quick drive through of a particular KOA is worthwhile as the available write-ups and photo galleries are often inflated. Another KOA strength is that many have features that are appreciated by the occasional grandchild traveling with us.
Jen
I love it – we are new to RV ing and have family in San Diego – which location was this?
Nikki Wynn
San Diego Metro KOA. Its a great spot!
Kari
Several years ago we stayed at the KOA in Whitefish Montana on our way to Glacier Natl Park. Our only KOA adventure but very conveniently located. Here in Oregon we have several choices that we would like to try. Probably the KOA in Hammond OR, along the coast. Lots of amenities there.
Erin
I would stay at the KOA near Savannah. My hubby & I want to live near there one day and are planning a trip in a couple months to check it out. Would love to camp there during that vision trip!
Julie
The KOA looks amazing!!! I want to visit Bear Creek KOA in northeast Ohio. It would be our visit to a KOA!
Jeep Gypsies
Good information as usual
Nikki Wynn
Thanks guys!
Mark
I have stayed at a few KOA’s and have always enjoyed them. The price is a little higher than other camping places, but still less than a hotel!
Tristan
I’ve never stayed in a KOA because they all just seemed gross and overpriced. Though they still seem a bit overpriced, I’m happy to see that they’re not gross! Thanks for the fun pics.
Brahmina
Looks like a great spot… San Diego would be my pick for a KOA stop… thanks for the info!
Kerensa
You guys had me when you posted the photos of the vegetables from the campground. We’ll have to check this place out.