Seasonal Camping for 2020

Why Seasonal Camping For 2020?

As summer gives way to autumn, most campers’ thoughts turn to thoughts of school starting, autumn campfires, and Halloween Weekends.  While you're enjoying those camping weekends, maybe it's time to think about next summer, and begin planning your family’s camping vacation time for next season!  Why not make it less work and maximize your use of your RV with Seasonal Camping for 2020?

Here are some reasons why we think Seasonal Camping for 2020 at Meadville KOA might be the right choice for you! 

Take Advantage of Our Fall Special!  Select your Seasonal Campsite for 2020 now, and get FREE winter onsite storage with your signed Seasonal Camping Agreement and non-refundable deposit of $250. And, pay it off at the time you sign the agreement in full and save $75.00, OR do payments until Jan 1 and save $50.00 OR, take 9 month of interest-free payments to pay it off. (Please note that we accept cash or checks only for seasonal campsites payments).

The Price is right!  When you compare our unlimited seasonal camping rates and the services and amenities we offer to other campgrounds with similar ratings and amenities, we think you will find Meadville KOA is a great value!  Most campgrounds provide similar services and activities, but ask about extras!  Some campgrounds provide all inclusive seasonal rates like we do, and some do not.  Make sure you know exactly what your expenses will be before you sign that Camping Agreement!   

What’s included in the Seasonal Camping For 2020 Rate At Meadville KOA? 

• Unlimited camping for 2 adults and 2 children, or a 3rd adult.  
• Seasonal Campsites have water, sewer, refuse, and the electric is metered.  The water, sewer, and garbage services are included in your seasonal rate.  The electric (and we offer 30 and 50 amp) are metered, which means you only pay for what you use.
• Wi-Fi and 48 premium channels of cable TV are included!  
• We do the mowing!  And that is a premium service at a non-premium price!    
• Themed event weekend’s planned activities are included!  We even include children’s crafts and meals for the people listed on your seasonal camping agreement!  Where else do you get that?
• We have a reduced, pre-paid visitor’s program and a reduced pre-paid extra camper program for your extended family members.  It’s affordable and allows your extended family to come enjoy the campground, too! 
• We have a reduced cost fun band for the rental amenities (paddle boats, pedal karts, jumping pillow, and mini golf)!  It’s affordable and will keep your teens busy!

Right now is the perfect time to select a site! 

But like most campgrounds, we have a few openings for next season this time of year.  Therefore, it’s the perfect time to shop for a campsite!  Don’t forget that we have a winter payment plan and we even include on site winter storage in the fees!  If you normally pay for a storage facility, that’ll save you even more money!

Our sites are spacious!  Our sites are roomy, with full size trees in a pretty rural setting.  So your family has some privacy and space for fun.

Our campground is in a pretty, rural setting! It isn’t unusual to see birds (orioles, turkeys, king fishers, bald eagles, etc.), deer, and even an occasional bear. But mostly, you'll enjoy the peace and quiet. You might hear our bull frogs croaking, or a hoot owl hooting, but that's the country camping life!

Save more by getting an early bird discount! 

You can save even more money by paying for your campsite early. We provide that $75 rebate off you're seasonal fees if you pay in full when you sign your agreement.  OR we give a $50.00 rebate if you pay in full by Jan. 1!  And of course, you can take from now to May 1, 2020 to pay us off with our interest free payment plan! 

Meet new people! Seasonal campers are like a small community.  And, they become friends, hang out, play cards or yard games, have group campfires, their children become friends, play together, and much more!  Because many volunteer to help with activities and events and bring lots of fun to their camping environment in a family friendly way!  And it's a great way to meet new people and make new friends!  

We’re a family campground! We run a family campground that caters to families of all ages.  But, we are all about family fun!  We want your family to create a lifetime of memories from camping here!  That is our goal!  And we have 3rd and now 4th generations of campers camping here at Meadville KOA! 

We save you work! Camping is never work free.  But, you can save all the work of hooking up, unhooking, setting, up, tearing down, and towing expenses by camping seasonally.  Because you get a vacation home away from home, for about the price of one vacation! Now that’s a savings and it makes vacationing every weekend all season long even easier!  And, you can spend your extended vacation right here too!  You can camp into autumn and enjoy the fall foliage and autumn events and activities, and who doesn’t love sitting around a campfire in the fall?

Make the right choice!

Because Seasonal camping maximizes your summer vacation time and use of your RV while minimizing your expenses! And, it can provide your family a summer full of fun, family oriented camping experiences for about the same price as one vacation!  But, make sure you take a little time to consider that idea, because it can help your family get the biggest bang for your buck next summer!  And, we hope you’ll look at our available campsites and thinking about becoming a seasonal camper here at Meadville KOA!  

It’s not too late to move into a site this fall!  And we're looking forward to talking with you and showing you all the fun events and activities we’re already planning for next summer!

You can find more info about Seasonal Camping for 2020 at Meadville KOA at: https://meadvillekoa.com/seasonal-camping/ Or, call the campground and ask to talk to Robyn about Seasonal Camping.

By Robyn Chilson

Tim & Robyn Chilson are both CPO, own and operate Meadville KOA Campground in Meadville, PA.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251.

Why Seasonal Camping?

Seasonal Camping is called by several names.  Some people call it permanent camping, some people call it extended stays, RV Camping, or Long Term Camping. Basically, they all mean that your RV sits on a campsite and you're not required it until your seasonal camping agreement expires, or is renewed!

If you enjoy camping weekends, but the work involved or work schedules tend to make you not go as often as you’d like to go camping, maybe it's time to think about seasonal camping. Why not make it less work and maximize your family’s use of your RV?

Here are some reasons why we think Seasonal camping at Meadville KOA might be the right choice for your family! 

The Price is right! When you compare our unlimited seasonal camping rates to overnight camping, the discount you get by being a seasonal camper is huge!  Most campgrounds provide similar services and activities, but ask about extras!  Some campgrounds provide all inclusive seasonal rates like we do, and some do not.  Make sure you know exactly what your expenses will be before you sign that Seasonal Camping Agreement!  When you do the math, you’ll find that the price is right!

What’s included in the Seasonal Rate? 

• We do the mowing!  That is a premium service.  Meadville KOA Campground is the only campground in NW PA that offers that at no additional charge.  What that means is no mower to buy, transport or store.  No gas to buy and transport, and no work!  You can spend more time having fun and less time working!  Even more importantly, it makes our park quiet.  There aren’t mowers running on Saturdays when you’re trying to relax and enjoy sleeping in. Oh, and it makes is safer for you, your family, vehicles, and RV.
• Unlimited camping for 2 adults and 2 children, or a 3rd adult.  Most campgrounds charge extra for extra adults.
• Seasonal Campsites have water, sewer, refuse, and the electric is metered.  The water, sewer, and garbage services are included in your seasonal rate.  The electric (and we offer 30 and 50 amp) are metered, which means you only pay for what you use.
• Wi-Fi and cable TV are included!  We provide Wi-Fi to all of our Seasonal campsites, and each campsite has 48 channels of Cable TV.  Channels include Disney, ESPN, Movie Channels, 5 local channels, The Weather Channel, Movie channels, sports channels, and more!  They make camping on rainy weekends easier with, or without the kids or grand kids!
• Themed event weekend’s planned activities are included!  We even include children’s crafts and meals for the people listed on your seasonal camping agreement!  Where else do you get that?
• We have tons of outdoor recreation fun! We have catch and release fishing in well-stocked ponds and lakes! We have a swimming pool, creek for wading and exploring, a hiking trail for exploring, 3 playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, Ga-Ga Ball, and horseshoe pits!
• We have a pre-paid Amenities Fun Band Program for use of the Jumping Pillow, Paddle Boats, Pedal Karts, and Mini Golf all season long! It’s affordable and will keep your tweens and teens busy!  
• We have a reduced, pre-paid visitor’s program, and a reduced pre-paid extra camper program for your extended family members.  It’s affordable and allows your extended family to come enjoy the campground!
• Right now is the perfect time to select a site!  We have a few openings for the season.  So it’s the perfect time to shop for a campsite this spring! And, we’ll prorate the campsite and you pay only for the time you occupy the campsite! 

Your spouse and the kids can enjoy the campsite even when you have to work!  Because everything is all set up and ready to go, your spouse and kids can spend vacation or days off enjoying the pool and amenities at the campground! So, if you have different weekends or days off, you can both utilize the RV without all the work of packing, towing setup, tear down, towing, and unpacking!  

Our sites are spacious!  Our sites are roomy, with full size trees in a pretty rural setting.  So your family has some privacy and space for fun.

Our campground is in a pretty, rural setting!  It isn’t unusual to see birds (king fishers, orioles, turkeys, etc.), deer, and even an occasional bear!

Meet new people!  Seasonal campers are like a small community.  They become friends, hang out, play cards or yard games, have group campfires, their children become friends, play together, and much more!  Many volunteer to help with activities and events and bring lots of fun to their camping environment in a family friendly way!  What a great way to meet new people and make new friends!  We hope you’ll consider joining our KOA family!

We’re a family campground!  We run a family campground that caters to families of all ages.  There aren’t golf carts racing around, there are quiet hours, etc.  We are all about family fun!  We want your family to create a lifetime of memories from camping here!  That is our goal!  And we have 3rd and now 4th generations of campers camping here at Meadville KOA! 

We save you work!  Camping is never work free.  But, you can save all the work of hooking up, unhooking, setting, up, tearing down, and towing expenses by camping seasonally.  You get a vacation home away from home, for about the price of one vacation! Now that’s a savings and it makes vacationing every weekend all season long even easier!  Vacation right into autumn and enjoy the fall foliage and autumn events and activities, and who doesn’t love sitting around a campfire in the spring and autumn?

What if right now isn’t the right time?  It’s okay.  Contact us in the late summer and we can show you sites for next summer.  You can give us a deposit, select the site of your choosing, and then make winter payments to make it affordable for your family budget!  What a great gift for your family!  Did we mention that you can park your RV on your site this autumn and that free, on site winter storage is included with your campsite fee?  Why not save those storage facility costs?

Make the right choice!  Seasonal camping maximizes your summer vacation time and use of your RV while minimizing your expenses!  It can provide your family a summer full of fun, family oriented camping experiences for about the same price as one vacation!  Make sure you take a little time to consider that idea, and how it can help your family get the biggest bang for your buck this summer! 

Learn more about Seasonal camping at https://meadvillekoa.com/seasonal-camping/!

By Robyn Chilson                                            

Tim & Robyn Chilson are both CPO, own and operate Meadville KOA Campground in Meadville, PA.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251.

Planning A Cross Country Travel Adventure

Here are some tips that might help make your planning you cross country trip easier!  

And don't forget, that you can travel across country and stay at cabins instead of with an RV!  

If you haven’t tried the KOA Trip Planner, we highly recommend it.  You can bookmark it at (https://koa.com/trip-planner/). It is a great tool for planning your trip. Simply enter your starting address, and your ending address, and press the “Get Directions” button.

What pops up next is a map with every KOA within 5 miles along that route. Your can change that option to 10 miles or some other distance, if a particular area doesn’t seem to have a KOA right along the route, but remember to add that extra travel time and expense to your trip travel calculations. 

Next, click on the KOA’s along the route that you estimate might be about 5 hours of travel time away. Then, Google the distance between those two destinations, until you find a KOA that is about 5 hours away. 

If you stop every couple of hours for potty stops, fuel, or meals along way, the 5 hours on the GPS equates to 8 hours of travel time a day. So we’ve found that 5 hours of travel time works about right for us, and equates to about an 8 hour day. If you spend an hour on lunch, or don’t want to be on the road for 8 hours a day, then lower the miles to 400 or whatever amount will work for your travel style. Fatigue becomes an issue if you travel more than 8 hours a day, and then of course, you run out of daylight too. So we try to arrive at or before dusk, so we’re not trying to get into an unknown campsite and set up in the dark.

Then, simply repeat this process over and over until you’ve completed your whole trip. If you’re planning a cross country trip, don’t forget to download The KOA Camping App! It is available for download at the Apple App Store and Google Play sites. It’s a great way to have 500 of the best campgrounds in the USA and Canada at your fingertips. For more information or to view a special video on the KOA Camping App, go to http://koa.com/get-the-koa-app/. It’ll help you find KOA’s across the county, and provide you easy access to their addresses for your GPS. It’s a great idea to carry that paper KOA directory too for backup just in case you need written directions to get you to the campground or RV Park.  Unfortunately, there are places that the GPS can’t find, and places where there is no cellular service. So until technology catches up, a plan “B” is always a great idea! 

In addition, “stuff happens”. There will be traffic jams, or high winds which means you need to slow down, so you can’t make your desired destination for that travel day. When that happens, you may need to find another park along the way to get you off the highway that became a parking lot, or out of the bad weather. So a physical directory and the app, will help you do both!

By Robyn Chilson                                                                                                              

Tim & Robyn Chilson own and operate Meadville KOA Campground.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251.     

Get The Most Out of Your RV

Get The Most Out of Your RV

No matter what RV you own or are thinking of purchasing, you’ll want to get the most out of your RV.  RV’s can be used for tailgating at sporting events, attending seasonal festivals or special events, temporary housing for out of town work, vacations, and a host of other applications as well. 

Most RVer’s know that camping and RVing is still America’s most cost-effective style of vacationing.  What most people spend on one, one week vacation, RVer’s spend on a whole season of camping or RVing fun!  That means that they get a lot more fun and recreation for their money! Seasonal camping will help you get the most out of your RV! 

Camping seasonally usually means that your RV stays on the campsite for the whole season or all year, depending upon the kind of camping agreement you have with the Campground or RV Park. 

Seasonal Campers usually occupy a site for a greatly reduced rate, because they have a long-term camping agreement with the park owner, make their payments during the campground or RV park’s off season, and provide winter income for the campground during low cash flow seasons.

Because of this trade-off, there are huge savings to be found for the Seasonal Camper.  They can participate in all the activities and events at the campground, and get a lot more use out of their RV than the person who travels from campground to campground on a regular basis.  Why?  RVing is a lot of fun, but it still involves a lot of work.  The clothes, food, bedding, towels, and personal toiletries need packed, the trailer needs hooked up, towed, set-up, tore down, towed home and unpacked.  Towing isn’t cheap.  There’s wear and tear on the RV, the tow vehicle, and the driver, not to mention the price of gas. 

The Seasonal Camper, cleans and stocks their RV in the spring, stocks food as needed throughout the camping season, and closes it up in the fall.  Other than washing the RV, or regular maintenance, seasonal camping is much less expense and less work – which makes it easier and more pleasurable, and in turn, more likely to be used more often.  It also allows the seasonal camper to spend the savings on other recreational activities like golf or other hobbies, or on other forms of entertainment rather than on gas and vehicle maintenance. 

Seasonal camping has also changed a whole generation’s way of life.  Instead of owning a home in the North and a Vacation home in the south, many people live in their RV’s full time, or own a home in one place and live in the RV in other.  RV’s are easily winterized and that makes it convenient to go south for the winter and leave the RV in the North, or you can always take it with you if you decide to do so!  The RVing industry has not only changed the way we vacation, it’s changed the way we live!

When we combine the convenience, savings, and the versatility, seasonal camping is the best way to get the most out of your RV and your wallet!

Call us today for a list of our available seasonal campsites!  We’re happy to show them to you!  

By Robyn Chilson  (Robyn & her husband Tim, CPO own & operate Meadville KOA Campground in Meadville, PA).

KOA’s Big Discount Weekends Bring Big Value!

KOA’s Big Discount Weekends Bring Big Value! 

February is a great time of year to begin booking your summer camping weekends!  Everyone loves a discount, and that is why you need to know about the KOA Value Kard Rewards Membership, and these special discount weekends offered at participating KOA Campgrounds.  They can provide big value savings for your family!

You do not have to be a KOA Value Kard Member to camp at a KOA campground.  All campers are welcome at KOA!  However, if you do become a KOA Value Kard Rewards Member, it pays you back with big savings!  The more you camp at KOA Campgrounds, the more points you accumulate, and the more discounts or free camping you’ll receive.

About KOA Memberships

First, for a yearly membership of just $30.00, you save 10% on every stay at any of the almost 500 KOA Campgrounds across the US and Canada.  Secondly, you receive points for each stay, card renewal, special offers, and more.  The points you receive can later be redeemed for more discounts or free camping.  And, as long as you maintain your membership they never expire.  Third, being a KOA member entitles you to the special discount weekends listed below at participating KOA Kampgrounds, and the Hot Deals advertised on the KOA website for each individual KOA Campground.  You can get more information about KOA’s Value Kard Rewards Program at https://koa.com/value-kard-rewards/.

If you have any questions about the program that we can answer for you, please feel free to call us, and we’ll help you!  And, we can sell you or renew your KOA Value Rewards Card with your reservation.  The card is good for 1 full year from your date of purchase.

Each year, KOA offers special discount weekends.  If you take advantage of just the VKR weekend, where you receive one night free when you purchase one, it will more than pays for your $30 membership fee, and you’re saving additional money every time you camp!  This makes the Value Rewards Kard an even better value!

KOA Big Value Weekends

May 10 & 11 is Care Camps Big Weekend!  All campers renting a campsite Friday May 11, receives Saturday May 12 for just $20.00!  We dedicate this weekend to raising money for Care Camps across the United States to help send sick children to enjoy the healing nature of camp.  KOA covers all the administrative costs for the charity.  That means, that every penny of every donation our campers make, goes directly to sending a critically ill child to camp!  We hope you’ll donate to help us send a child to enjoy the healing nature of camp!  You not only get a great deal, but walk away feeling great about helping a sick child!  It truly redefines who they are, and as always, we thank you for your generosity.

Each year in September, KOA hosts a national Value Kard Reward Members Appreciation (VKR) Weekend Sept 13 & 14 at all participating KOA Campgrounds!  KOA wants to make sure you know how much we appreciate all of our great KOA Value Kard Reward Members!  All KOA Value Kard Members receive Saturday night at no charge when they buy Friday night at any participating KOA Campground.  Come join us for this great weekend of fall camping that more than pays for your KOA membership and gets you points!

Start Planning Your Value Kard Reward Weekends

No matter how you add it up, if you take advantage of just the Value Kard Rewards Membership Appreciation Weekend, you’ll have more than paid for the cost of the KOA Value Rewards Kard Membership fee and already started saving money and collecting points.  You can get more information about KOA’s national events and which campgrounds are participating at http://koa.com/national-events/.

We hope that your summer camping plans include us at Meadville KOA Campground! Please join us for Care Camp Weekend!  It's not only a great value for your family, but to help us change the lives of critically ill children. Thank you, as always, for your generosity.

In addition, we hope you'll join us for more fun and great savings on Father's Day or VKR Weekend!  Just VKR Weekend more than pays for your $30 membership!  Start planning and booking now, because with the value and savings these weekends present, they book quickly!  We don't want you to miss these great savings!

As always, we look forward to seeing you this summer!  Until we do, we always wish you safe and fun camping, wherever your travels take you!

By Robyn Chilson

Tim & Robyn Chilson CPO, own and operate Meadville KOA Campground in Meadville, PA.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251 or at www.MeadvilleKOA.com.

Why Seasonal Camping?

As summer gives way to autumn, most campers’ thoughts turn to thoughts of school starting, autumn campfires, and Halloween Weekends.  While you're enjoying those camping weekends, maybe it's time to think about next summer, and begin planning your family’s camping vacation time!  Why not make it less work and maximize your families use of your RV?

Here are some reasons why we think Seasonal camping at Meadville KOA might be the right choice for your family! 

The Price is right!  When you compare our unlimited seasonal camping rates to overnight camping, the discount you get by being a seasonal camper is huge!  Most campgrounds provide similar services and activities, but ask about extras!  Some campgrounds provide all inclusive seasonal rates like we do, and some do not.  Make sure you know exactly what your expenses will be before you sign that Seasonal Camping Agreement!   When you do the math, you’ll find that the price is right!

What’s included in the Seasonal Rate? 

Ø  We do the mowing!  That is a premium service.  Meadville KOA Campground is the only campground in NW PA that offers that at no additional charge.  What that means is no mower to buy, transport or store.  No gas to buy and transport, and no work!  You can spend more time having fun and less time working!  Even more importantly, it makes our park quiet.  There aren’t mowers running on Saturdays when you’re trying to relax and enjoy sleeping in. Oh, and it makes is safer for you, your family, vehicles, and RV.

Ø  Unlimited camping for 2 adults and 2 children, or a 3rd adult.  Most campgrounds charge extra for extra adults.

Ø  Seasonal Campsites have water, sewer, refuse, and the electric is metered.  The water, sewer, and garbage services are included in your seasonal rate.  The electric (and we offer 30 and 50 amp) are metered, which means you only pay for what you use.

Ø  Wi-Fi and cable TV are included!  We provide Wi-Fi to all of our Seasonal campsites, and each campsite has 48 channels of Cable TV.  Channels include Disney, ESPN, Movie Channels, 5 local channels, The Weather Channel, Movie channels, sports channels, and more!  They make camping on rainy weekends easier with, or without the kids or grand kids!

Ø  Themed event weekend’s planned activities are included!  We even include children’s crafts and meals for the people listed on your seasonal camping agreement!  Where else do you get that?

Ø  We have a reduced, pre-paid visitor’s program, and a reduced pre-paid extra camper program for your extended family members.  It’s affordable and allows your extended family to come enjoy the campground!

Ø  We have a reduced cost fun band for the rental amenities!  It’s affordable and will keep your tweens and teens busy!

Ø  The rate includes your on site winter storage of your RV!  (With your deposit and signed camping agreement for the following season.)

Ø  We have an interest-free payment plan with rebates!  Get a $75 rebate if you pay in full at the time your sign a Seasonal Camping Agreement with us (now through Oct 21).  And a $50.00 rebate if you pay in full by January 1!  That helps make it fit your family budget!

Ø  Right now is the perfect time to select a site!  Like most campgrounds, we have a few openings for next season this time of year.  So it’s the perfect time to shop for a campsite!  Don’t forget that we have a winter payment plan and we even include on site winter storage in the fees!  If you normally pay for a storage facility, that’ll save you even more money!

Our sites are spacious!  Our sites are roomy, with full size trees in a pretty rural setting.  So your family has some privacy and space for fun.

Our campground is in a pretty, rural setting!  It isn’t unusual to see birds (king fishers, orioles, turkeys, etc.), deer, and even an occasional bear.

Save more by getting an early bird discount!  You can save even more money by paying for your campsite early.  We provide that $75 rebate off the $2450 if you’re paid in full by now through Oct 21.  And a $50.00 rebate if you pay in full by Jan. 1!

Meet new people!  Seasonal campers are like a small community.  They become friends, hang out, play cards or yard games, have group campfires, their children become friends, play together, and much more!  Many volunteer to help with activities and events and bring lots of fun to their camping environment in a family friendly way!  What a great way to meet new people and make new friends!  We hope you’ll consider joining our KOA family!

We’re a family campground!  We run a family campground that caters to families of all ages.  There aren’t golf carts racing around, there are quiet hours, etc.  We are all about family fun!  We want your family to create a lifetime of memories from camping here!  That is our goal!  And we have 3rd and now 4th generations of campers camping here at Meadville KOA! 

We save you work!  Camping is never work free.  But, you can save all the work of hooking up, unhooking, setting, up, tearing down, and towing expenses by camping seasonally.  You get a vacation home away from home, for about the price of one vacation! Now that’s a savings and it makes vacationing every weekend all season long even easier!  Vacation right into autumn and enjoy the fall foliage and autumn events and activities, and who doesn’t love sitting around a campfire in the spring and autumn?

What if right now isn’t the right time?  It’s okay.  Contact us in the spring and we can show you sites in April, in preparation for the summer camping season.  But why not select that now, and have it all paid off so you’re ready to move in and start camping?  What a great gift for your family!  Did we mention that you can park your RV on your site now, and that free, on site winter storage is included with your campsite fee?  Why not save those storage facility costs?

Make the right choice!  Seasonal camping maximizes your summer vacation time and use of your RV while minimizing your expenses!  It can provide your family a summer full of fun, family oriented camping experiences for about the same price as one vacation!  Make sure you take a little time to consider that idea, and how it can help your family get the biggest bang for your buck next summer!  Then, we hope you’ll start looking at local campgrounds and thinking about becoming a seasonal camper!  It’s not too late to move into a site this fall!  Campground owners are looking forward to talking with you and showing you all the fun events and activities we’re already planning for next summer!

By Robyn Chilson

Tim & Robyn Chilson are both CPO, own and operate Meadville KOA Campground in Meadville, PA.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251.

Come Enjoy Halloween In September!

At Meadville KOA, we do Halloween in September.  Generally, the weather is little better than in October, and we’re not competing with other campgrounds who do their Halloween Events on or near Halloween.

Halloween is a big deal.  Kids love trick or treating, parents love the creativity, and it’s just good old family fun!  If you’re looking for some family fun this fall, then come to Meadville KOA!  We have some great Halloween (and other autumn) event weekends in store for your family!  But you better reserve now, because the weekends are upon us!

On Sept. 15 is our KOA VKR Weekend!  All KOA VKR (Value Kard) members get Sat. night free when they purchase a campsite Fri. night. (Please note: Cabins are not included in this offer!  But you will receive your 10% KOA discount off our already low autumn cabin rental rates!).  We'll have family BINGO for everyone, and adults BINGO (with bigger payouts!).  We have specials at every game, door prizes, 50/50 to benefit Care Camps, and much more!  (* 2 night minimum.)  + Leave your RV for no charge (except electricity) as long as you’re coming back next weekend!  And, the Pioneer Steam and Gas Engine Show is being held at nearby Drake Well in Titusville Sept 15th!      

On September 22, we have Pumpkinfest Weekend! – Decorate your campsite with scarecrows and pumpkins theme to win free camping as prizes for 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd  place in our decorating contest!  Enjoy our free pumpkin party with pumpkin cake, ice cream, and apple cider!  And we’ll play Candy Bar BINGO (play 7 games on 1 full size candy bar) and take an afternoon wagon ride!  Join us for an after dark candy hunt!  (* 2 night minimum at summer weekend rate.)  + Leave your RV for no charge (except electricity) as long as you’re coming back next weekend! 

September 29 is Our Halloween Weekend!  Win prizes for 1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd Day & Night time campsite decorating contests!  Join our costume contest (prizes for outstanding costumes of all ages), trick or treating (bring candy to hand out, too), Halloween party with apple cider, donuts, & an after dark glowing wagon ride, and our free pancake breakfast with the purchase of your campsite (for 2 adults and 2 children) on Sunday morning!  Breakfast is just $3.00/person for visitors & extra campers!  (* 2 night minimum at summer weekend rate.)  + Leave your RV for no charge (except electricity) as long as you’re coming back next weekend!    

October 6 is our Apple Fest & Columbus Day Weekend!  Don’t forget to ask for your returning camper discount!  Come join us for the colors and flavors of the season!  We’ll have free crafts for kids, an afternoon wagon ride to enjoy the fall foliage, and an apple dessert dish to pass social!  (* 2 night minimum.)  + Leave your RV for no charge (except electricity) as long as you’re coming back next weekend!  This is Franklin Applefest Weekend! 

October 14 Customer Appreciation & Bring A Friend BOGO! Ask for your returning camper discount OR, bring a friend who never camped at Meadville KOA before and you each get a BOGO (Buy One Night Get One Free) Discount!  (Two campsites rental is required to get BOGO offer)!  Ask for discount code CF!  Please note: Cabin rentals are not included in CF and returning camper discounts.    We’re having free children’s crafts, an afternoon wagon ride, and a free pizza party!  (* 2 night minimum.)  + Leave your RV for no charge (except electricity) as long as you’re coming back next weekend!  The Conneaut Lake Pumpkin Fest is this weekend!  Come and enjoy their giant pumpkin drop, and more!  And, The Pioneer Steam and Gas Engine Fall Harvest Show is this weekend in nearby Saegertown!              

October 20 is our Closing Weekend!  (Save $5.00 per night on your campsite!)  This is our last camping weekend for this season!  Please note that there are no planned activities, and all rental amenities may not be functional this weekend!

If you don’t own an RV, don’t panic!  We have a camping cabin, kitchenette cottage cabin, and deluxe lake-front lodges to rent so your family doesn’t have to miss any of the fun!  And all of our autumn campsites and cabins (unless otherwise noted) are at our lower autumn rates!  Come enjoy some autumn camping with your family!

By Robyn Chilson                                                           

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

The Electric Breaker at Your Campsite Keeps Tripping!

When we hear a camper say, “Your electric breaker is bad, because all I’m running is my water heater and air conditioner and it keeps tripping!” we know we have to share more info with them!

Brace yourselves, because here comes the truth you may not want to hear!  Are you ready?  Just because the RV manufacturer put all of those electric appliances in your RV does not mean you can run it all at the same time!  There, we said it.  Yes, we know, it hurts a little, but it is the truth.  And you need to understand what exactly that means for you, as an RVer.

If your new travel trailer is wired for 30 amps (110 volts), your RV can sit on a 30 amp campsite.  That’s great, you think, because the 50/30 amp sites cost more at the campground!  So, it saves me money!  True story!  It certainly does.  And the RV dealer sales person may have even told you, “This baby has a propane/electric water heater, so you can heat your water on electric and save even more money, by having to purchase less propane.”  However, that is not necessarily true.

   

A 30 amp campsite only provides 30 amps of electricity or slightly less, depending upon the safety margin and age and condition of the breaker itself, it could provide slightly less – like 26-27 amps.

So, like the case of the camper above says, “I was only running my water heater and air conditioner.”  That is never true.  More experienced RVers know that you are running your air conditioner (15-17 amps), water heater (12.5 amps), refrigerator (5.7 amps), and electric converter (2-3 amps)!  You were trying to pull almost 35.2 amps on a 30 amp breaker.  (Light bulb comes on!)  The new RV thinks, “Oh wow, now I see the issue! So, I guess I can’t do that?”  Yes, that’s right.  You have to shut something off.  You can shut the refrigerator over to gas, and that might bring you below the threshold for the breaker to not kick, but that is, until you turn on a light, the TV, or the wife tries to make coffee, dry her hair, or attempts to thaw the chicken in the microwave, in which case, you’re outside resetting the breaker again! 

In addition, if your RV comes with an outside kitchen with a refrigerator, it too is running and eating up another 5.7 amps or so of power.  And so on it goes!  That 12.5 amps the water heater is using is the easiest way to drop that amperage draw back down below a safe area that won’t trip your breaker.  It gives you the room and flexibility to dry your hair, run the microwave, or have lights on.

This has been a recurring theme this summer as more people are buying these travel trailers that are wired for 30 amps – and trying to operate a 42-45 amps of electrical appliances draw off a 30 amp breaker because they are running their propane/electric water heaters on electric.  And apparently, some RV dealers are telling people to do that – as a sales pitch that it’ll save them money.

Okay, so how about if I move to a 50/30 amp campsite.  Can I do that?  Yes, you can do that, if one is available, but that won’t help the situation.  Your RV is only wired to use 30 amps!  You cannot plug into a 50 amp hookup with an adaptor and draw more than your 30 amps, anyway!  The only way to prevent breakers from tripping is to manage you amperage usage.

Below, we’ve attached an info sheet that will show you the approximate use of different appliances.  You are free to go through your RV and calculate your own appliances!  The sheet will show you how!  Hopefully, it’ll be of some use to you in calculating your approximate electrical usage, and save you some time and aggravation!  So if you’d like a hard copy to keep, please email us, and we’ll be glad to email you a copy.  We sincerely hope it helps you! 

Before You Blow Your Breaker!

Take a minute and see how many amps you could be using in your RVs 30 or 50 amp electrical system. It is surprising how fast the amps add up which causes your breaker or the RV park's breaker to "trip". Knowing the amps of all the electrical appliances in your RV can help you manage electrical use and prevent the inconvenience of "My electricity went out!". This list is the typical appliance used and the average amps required to operate them:

Air Conditioner	15-17 amps
Refrigerator	5.7 amps
Electric Water Heater	12.5 amps
Microwave Oven	12.8 amps
Electric Coffee Pot	9 amps
Toaster	10 amps
Hair Dryer	10 amps
TV	2 amps
Dirt Devil Hand Vacuum	2 amps
Electrical Power Converter	2-3 amps
Electric Fry Pan	10 amps
Iron	10 amps
Food Processor	6 amps
Crock Pot	1.5 amps
Heating Pad	0.5 amps
1,100 Watt Heater	10 amps

In the morning - if you start your air conditioner and the hot water heater is on, then you start your coffee pot, make some toast, watch some TV - you are pulling 50 amps when all appliances are operating at maximum. If you also cook something in the microwave at the same time - LOOK OUT! Most RVs have a switch so you can run only the microwave or the water heater at one time - HOWEVER, NOT ALL RVS HAVE THIS FEATURE.

Most electrical products show how many watts or amps it takes to operate the appliance printed on the product itself or on the instructions. If it shows the watts - divide the watts by 120 (volts) and that gives you the amps. To get the watts - multiply the amps by 120 (volts).

It is worth your time to take an inventory on the "amps" each of your electrical appliances uses, then you can manage your total usage at one time and this greatly reduces the "My electricity went out!" anxiety.

Reprinted with Permission from Frank & Willy Surrell of the New Orleans/Hammond KOA.

We wish you safe and happy kamping where ever your travels take you! 

By Robyn Chilson

Tim & Robyn Chilson own and operate Meadville KOA Campground in Meadville, PA.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251 or at www.MeadvilleKOA.com