What You Need To Know About KOA!



The Kampgrounds of America (KOA) system has over 480 member campgrounds making it the largest and most recognized camping franchise in the world, with campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada.

When we joined KOA back in 2011, people congratulated us, because people familiar with the KOA system know KOA’s reputation as high quality franchise system.  It was a confirmation of the high quality standard that has always been Meadville KOA’s goal.  Many also know that it will bring even more visitors to other local businesses.  It’s like the “hotel chain” of campgrounds, if you will.

One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Do campers have to be members to camp at KOA Kampgrounds?”  The answer is no, you do not have to be a KOA member to camp at any KOA Kampground.   KOA Kampgrounds are open to the general public.    

KOA’s does offer a “Customer Loyalty Program”, known as the Value Kard Rewards (VKR) Program.  As a Value Kard Rewards member you receive a 10% discount with each stay at any of the 480 plus KOA Kampgrounds across America and Canada.  In addition to the discount, you also get reward points (much like a hotel points systems), which can be redeemed for additional discounts and free camping.  It costs only $24.00 yearly membership fee to become a VKR Member.  So as you can see, that’s a great deal if you’re planning to camp or RV at KOA Kampgrounds often.         

The KOA brand is the most recognized camping brand in the USA and Canada.  A Big Mac is a Big Mac, anywhere you go.  A KOA is a KOA.  It’s the same thing.  There’s a certain level of expectation there, and KOA meets it for their camping customers.  You are pretty much assured that you’re going to get a clean, well run campground, and the services that KOA requires, like Wireless Internet Services (known as Wi-Fi) for their camping customers.  All KOA’s have to provide Wi-Fi to their guests.  At some KOA’s there is an additional charge for that service and at some it’s included in the campsite fee (like at Meadville KOA). 

KOA Quality is recognized by our kampers.  KOA emails each camping customer after each stay at a KOA Kampground and asks them just two questions.  The first is, “How satisfied were you with your stay at this KOA Kampground?” and then, “How likely are you to recommend this KOA to others?”  They then take those ratings, based on the customer’s input, and turn them into a score.  The Net Promoter Score (NPS), is the basis on which KOA determines its President’s and Founder’s Quality Awards.  This system is the cornerstone to achieving customer satisfaction with campers across the country.  You can't be an award winning KOA Kampground without meeting KOA's Quality Standards and getting high marks from your campers. 

KOA made Kabins kool!  KOA was the first national camping franchise to add cabins.  They started out providing kamping kabins, to get those poor tent campers out of the elements.  That idea has now blossomed into 480 plus campgrounds across the USA and Canada who offer camping cabins, cottages, and deluxe cabin accommodations.  So now anyone can enjoy camping without having the expense and work of owning an RV. 

KOA website provides online, real-time reservations.  Kampers can make a reservation at any time of the day or night!  The other really significant thing about that is that when you include your email address on your reservation, you also get an immediate email confirmation.  You’ll know what your total costs were, what your deposit was, and what is due upon arrival.

The KOA website is the most utilized camping website in the country.  Not only can you make reservations, but you can plan your vacation route with the KOA Trip Planner, and you can sign up for the KOA Kompass – KOA’s Online Newsletter, to receive special offers, contests, camping recipes, RV maintenance tips, and more!  (http://koakompass.com/).  It’s a fun way to hear about camping!

KOA Sponsors Care Camps.  Care camps are special camps sponsored by the KOA organization to send critically ill children to enjoy the healing nature of camping.  We raise money each year for the kids.  And our KOA campers come and camp on those weekends that we designate to raise money, and they generously donate to help send sick kid to camps, complete with whatever medical care and staff needed.  We know what value there is in camping, and they choose to share it with sick children, who need it the most.  One child said, “At camp, they just let me be a kid!”  Doesn’t that say it all?

People camp at KOA for the love of camping!  KOA gets it.  They know that camping is about making memories with your families, whether that it is the goofy events and activities you laugh about for years, scary stories by the campfire, or eating s’mores.  Camping at KOA is about the camping experience. 

So when you’re thinking about camping, or taking your next RVing or camping vacation, give KOA a look, and see what it that they can do for you!  We think you’ll be glad you did.

We almost forgot to include that KOA is Social on Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest!  Which, by the way, we are too!  Come join the conversations with us at Meadville KOA!  We provide info about camping, RV Maintenance, local RV shows, our discounts and special offers, and much more! 

We look forward to talking with you!

By Robyn Chilson

Tim & Robyn Chilson Own and Operate Meadville KOA.  You can contact Robyn at 814-789-3251.