KOA’s We Have Known

The KOA Campground that we are staying at is nothing short of magnificent. KOA’s are divided into three levels, each with its specific criteria so that you know what you are getting.

          The first are  KOA Journey’s which are generally located near major travel corridors which allows you to hop on and off the highway, spend a night and then proceed merrily on your way having had just the basics offered to you.

          The second  ones are KOA Holiday’s which have upgraded amenities, usually a clubhouse with a bar and a bit more in the recreation department.

          The third ones are KOA Resorts which can best be described as a cruise on land, lots of planned activities for both adults and kids, again with a few more recreational additions.

          The one we are at, KOA Sugarloaf Key / Key West, is in the Holiday category and for the life of us, we cannot figure out why it doesn’t qualify for the Resort level.

          This place is immaculate, and you can see why when you observe the Staff hard at work to keep it that way.

          There is a rather unique level of social engagement associated with this type of travel and living. Obviously we are with a group of like-minded folks which just starts the possibilities. The difference here is that unlike a resort on land, or even a cruise, unless you happen to bump into your neighbors as they enter or exit their rooms, there is no way to interact with them. Here, along with the communal areas, each site has its own “patio” type area that is, at best, “semi”-private. When I’m outside coming or going, working on the motorhome, or just sitting around, my neighbors are there also, and EVERYONE says “Hello!”  We all have signs (and license plates) proclaiming who we are and where we hail from which always sparks a conversation.

          Topics range from, “My kids live near there,” or “What type of tire dressing do you use?” to “I love your patio lights, where did you get them?” Everyone is more than convivial and outgoing when it comes to meeting others. It makes for a very enjoyable stay.

          KOA’s are franchises so the chances of meeting the owners are very good. These places are part of the Hospitality industry, and we have found that owners and staff alike seem to enjoy being in this business and treat you accordingly, not unlike your crew when on a cruise.

          I guess that you could describe the concept of the KOA family of campgrounds to the venerable old stand-by of roadside accommodations, Howard Johnson’s.

          You always knew what to expect when traveling and came upon that Orange Roofed Oasis. It was not the Plaza, but then, it was also not Plaza priced! There are some really bad campgrounds out there and Google Maps rating stars has helped weed them out, but for us, we first look for a KOA Campground wherever we go and have yet to be disappointed.

          You can come join us on the road! Most places have some cabins and some tent sites, so you don’t need an RV!

          See you soon?  😊