Saturday, December 28, 2013

It’s RV Show Season!

RV Shows are a great place to begin your search for local reputable RV dealers.  RV Shows in this area are scheduled for January & February when dealerships are slower. 

RV Shows provide you the opportunity to see newest models and talk to dealerships that you may not have heard of, and reduce your expenses and time by not having to drive to different dealerships.  As a customer you can see and compare prices, brands, layouts, and more with one stop shopping.  However, there is always a huge range of quality & prices.  So when comparing units, make sure you’re comparing the prices of like models of differing brands.  One RV may look like another one, but you need to compare the options, construction, equipment, and features they both have to offer. See who offers the best deal but remember if the dealer isn’t reputable or isn’t equipped to work on the RV, or is located too far away to conveniently return the RV for service, your purchase may not turn out to be the best deal.  Don’t be afraid to talk with other RVers at the show. Many of these people have years of RV experience and knowledge of different products and dealerships.  Most will be honest and tell you when and where they’ve gotten the best deals & service.        

Buying an RV from a local reputable dealer insures you the best possible service, convenience, and shortest distance to travel for maintenance, repairs, & warranty work.  It is always a good idea to visit the dealership’s physical location before you buy, check out their service department, service hours, etc.  In addition, many RV dealers offer show discounts and sometimes manufacturer rebates are available.  So not only do you save money with the one stop shopping, but there are huge savings in the purchase prices!  Show specials also sometimes include discounts or coupons from campgrounds.  So, your new RV sometimes comes with savings to use it, too!

For more information about local RV Dealers who have partnered with campgrounds in Western PA who offer $500.00 in free Camping and a chance to win another $500 of free camping with the purchase of a new RV in a Very Special Camper (VSC) Contest, visit our website at:  http://meadvillekoa.com/discounts/

RV shows aren’t just for RV dealers to showcase new and used RVs.  RV shows offer a wealth of information on the whole RVing industry.  Most campgrounds & RV resorts are slow or closed for the winter.  RV shows allow campgrounds to showcase new activities, special events, new amenities & extended stay (aka seasonal camping) availability to potential campers.  Make sure you stop by their booths and find new places to explore and exciting things to do with your family this summer!   

You can also find information for aftermarket RV products, RV accessories, RVing insurance, Camping or RVing Clubs, Discount Clubs, pick up brochures, camping directories for your state, or the KOA directory for the whole USA and Canada, and more! 

Even if you don’t intend to by an RV, you can learn about cabin camping!  Many people think of camping as ‘roughing it” with a tent, the ground, the rain, and a less than pleasurable “vacation”.  This is no longer the case.  For the price of a motel room, most campgrounds are now supplying cabins.  Prices vary by campground and the amenities offered.  Camping cabins are generally the least expensive.  They are generally one room with beds and a table.  Cottage Cabins may offer kitchenettes, or a few more amenities, and camping lodges are deluxe facilities with full kitchens and bathrooms.  So, there is no need to own an RV!  You can enjoy the luxury of RVing with a camping vacation in a cabin and not miss any of the campground recreation programs and planned activities! 

Why not pack up the family for a fun winter-day activity and attend one of the local RV shows in your area.  Invite a friend to come along, and enjoy a day of looking forward to a summer camping season filled with friends & fun at these RV Shows: 

Ohio RV Super Show, January 8-12, at the I-X Center, Cleveland, OH.  Show Hours: Wed. – Fri. 1 pm to 10 pm, Sat. 10 am to 10 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.  Ticket Pricing: Admission is $12.50/person.  Two Day pass $20.00.  Children 12 & under are free.  Parking is $8.00.  Discount coupons for admission are available on their website at:  http://www.ohiorvshow.com/!

Pittsburgh RV Show January 11 - 19  At David Lawrence Convention

Center, Pittsburgh, PA!  Show Hours: Saturdays: 10 am - 9 pm, Sundays: 10 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday: 5 pm - 9 pm.  Ticket Pricing: $10.00 for Adults, $9.00 Senior (55+), $5.00 Children 6-16.  One dollar off Discount Coupons are available online at: http://www.pittrvshow.com/! 

Erie RV Show Feb 6-9 At the Bayfront Convention Center, Erie, PA!  Show Hours: Thursday 2 pm to 8 pm, Friday Noon to 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 7pm, and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.  General Admission: Adults $5.00, Children 10 & Under Free, and FREE PARKING!  More info online at: http://www.sportandtravelexpo.com/rv/homepage.aspx


We invite you to attend any and all of these RV Shows!  Stop by the KOA Kampgrounds booth and tell us hello, and that you received your invitation from Meadville KOA Campground’s blog!  We hope to see you there!    

By Robyn Chilson

Tim & Robyn Chilson own and operate Meadville KOA Campground.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251.  Kampgrounds of America, is now the world’s largest system of open-to-the-public family campgrounds. 

Thursday, December 5, 2013

There’s an App For KOA!

Yes, there’s an app for that!  Check out the KOA Press release below! 

KOA News Service – AUSTIN, TEXAS (November 21, 2013) – Kampgrounds of America has a new mobile device application (app) now available that will change the way campers plan their trips. The app was unveiled during KOA’s annual International Convention in Austin, Texas by Marketing Vice President Toby Hedges.

The new KOA Camping App is now available for download free for all mobile devices at both the Apple App Store and Google Play. The KOA Camping App allows campers to quickly use filters to search through KOA’s 486-campground system in North America, research different locations, make reservations and complete their transactions, all from their smart phones or other mobile devices.

The KOA Camping App also integrates with popular online navigation systems to provide hassle free directions from the camper’s current location to their favorite KOA.

App users will receive instant notifications to keep them up to date on the latest special offers from KOA, and KOA Value Kard Rewards members will be able to store and view their program information using the app.

The KOA Camping App is the perfect travel companion, since campground information and driving directions will also work when the user’s device is off line. Campers can even mark their favorite KOAs for later access, and receive emergency alerts to keep abreast of road closures, approaching storms or other emergencies – all directly from KOA campgrounds where they have reservations.

The KOA Camping App is available for download TODAY at the Apple App Store and Google Play sites. For more information or to view a special video on the KOA Camping App, go to http://koa.com/Get-the-KOA-App/

Campers can now search for KOA Campgrounds, research different locations in the area, make reservations, complete their transactions, and get directions to the KOA of their choice all through their mobile device!  RVing at KOA Kampgrounds across America has never been so easy!  It’s pretty cool!  We hope you’ll check that out and add it to the list of camping and RVing apps that you have to have!

Speaking of things you have to have, we hope that you’re both asking for and giving camping related items this holiday season!  Don’t forget that you can purchase KOA Gift Certificates at https://koa.com/webtransactions/giftcertificate/purchase/default.aspx and  you can get PaCamping gift certificates at: http://pacamping.com/giftcertificates.htm

When you’re sitting around the holiday tables this year, it’s a great time to make plans with your family and friends for your camping vacations and weekend get-aways!  So, don’t forget to make those camping vacation plans this holiday season, and as always, we hope your plans include Meadville KOA Campground!  Don’t forget to book early so you get your desired campsite on the dates you want to camp!

And, until we see you next spring, or this winter at the RV Shows, we want to wish you and your family from us and our family, the very happiest of holidays and a Very, Merry Christmas!

By Robyn Chilson

Tim & Robyn Chilson own and operate Meadville KOA Campground, A President's award-winning KOA Kampground since 2011.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251.  Kampgrounds of America, is now the world’s largest system of open-to-the-public family campgrounds.