Meadville KOA Upgrades Campground; Now Offers High-Speed Wi-Fi and Satellite Cable Television

Meadville KOA recently completed a project to ensure their campers’ growing demand for expanded entertainment and electronic device use. 

“Robyn and I surveyed our campers and asked their preferences for utilities,” Tim says. “Cellular service was number one, followed by access to a strong Wi-Fi signal and cable television. These upgrades mean that they can get online when they need it, and can tune in to their favorite shows on rainy days when they can’t take advantage of everything happening on our campground.  We've gotten no help from Verizon to fix the cellular reception here.  That is outside of our control, but at least we've fixed what we could.”

We've added 48 channels of satellite cable TV to 124 full-hookup campsites and two deluxe cabins.  Stations include five local channels as well as ESPN, Disney, Cartoon Network and a host of other options. Wi-Fi has also been upgraded to reflect the fastest speeds available. The improved services are available at no charge.

Meadville KOA Campground is located at 25164 State Route 27, the Meadville KOA is one of 485 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the Kampgrounds of America system in the U. S. and Canada. We also offer extended stay and seasonal camping, themed weekends with planned activities and outdoor recreation opportunities, including a hiking trail and catch-and-release fishing in seven well-stocked ponds. A “fun band” is available for unlimited paddle boat,

pedal cart and miniature golf rentals.

For more information about the Meadville KOA and its recent upgrades, or to make

reservations for an overnight stay or to inquire about seasonal camping, please phone 814-789-3251 or visit www.meadvillekoa.com.

Comparing Seasonal Camping!

  To decide where you want to camp Seasonally, you’ll want to compare the type of campground, location, camping rates, ratings, things to do in the surrounding area, events, activities, and amenities the campground provides, and more.  We’ll look at each of these items individually, highlight the differences, and look at why they’re important to consider when choosing the right campground for your family.
There is more to comparing Seasonal Camping at campgrounds than just rates.

What is Seasonal Camping?  Seasonal camping is best described as parking your RV at one campground for the entire summer (or year), versus traveling.  Why would people want to do that? Travelling, while fun, is a lot of work.  You have to pack and unpack, set-up, tear down, etc.  Parking your RV for the summer provides you almost a vacation home-like get away!  You set it up in a park, and then go to camp when your schedules permit.  It saves a lot of time, work, and wear and tear on you the camper, and on your tow vehicle.  You can also drive a more economical fuel vehicle back and forth to camp, thus saving money on fuel.  And of course, Seasonal Campers pay a flat fee for the whole summer.  They get a greatly discounted rate over the weekend rate.  In other words, it allows you to maximize the use of your RV, while minimizing the costs.  Basically, it provides you the equivalent of a summer vacation home.   

Campgrounds differ greatly in the kinds of campers they serve.  Campgrounds can be primarily travel parks where travelers stop in, stay a day or two, and then continue their travels towards their destination.  They are usually located near a major highway (or intersecting highways).  There are also tourism/recreation destination parks that cater to people in the area for another reason, usually for a large amusement park, or a high tourism or recreation area (near a beach, lake, state or national park, etc.).  And then there are destination campgrounds, where people camp to attend the events, activities, and utilize the amenities that are specific to that particular campground.  Because campgrounds serve different types of campers, as you might expect, they also vary in what they have to offer in the areas of facilities, activities, events, and amenities.  Some are family campgrounds, some cater more to partying, and some are adult only parks.  These are not hard and fast rules, either, of course.  Our KOA is primarily a destination family campground, but we receive travelers too, and we have lots of couples without children who camp with us.  And many times, our campers attend local fairs, concerts, amusement parks, and more.  So while a campground may consider themselves primarily in one of these categories, they certainly can fall into all of these categories.

Seasonal Camping Programs Vary.  Some campgrounds sell the site, and campers become part owners in the park and then they pay a maintenance fee (much like a HOV fee), for their seasonal services.  There are good points and bad points to owning a campsite.  Many times, it is very involved, and when you are ready to leave, you then have to sell your lot and RV which can take a lot of time.  Often they are run by an owners association, which may or may not have people on the board who know anything about running a campground.  And, by the time you purchase, pay for insurances and yearly fees, you could have camped seasonally for many years without all the additional liability, costs, and other issues.   

Location, Location, Location!  When choosing a campground for Seasonal Camping, you want one with a close enough commute that you can maximize the use of your RV, but minimize your travel and time commitment.  That said, it is well worth your money and time to travel a little further to get you to that higher rated campground, that serves your camping needs better than to camp at a not as nice park, that your kids are bored at.  The difference between those two are as different as day and night, and may make all the difference between a happy family and a very unhappy family. 

Are There Additional Charges for Facilities, Amenities, Activities, and Events.  Many campgrounds offer children’s crafts, events, activities, or rental amenities.  These items often have additional costs associated with them.  So the campground that charges less per season for the campsite, may sound more economical than a campground charging more for the campsite, until you look at all of the ancillary charges.  Some campgrounds charge for 2 adults and extra for each child, some (like us) it’s a family of 4, some limit your camping to just weekends, and some (like us) have unlimited camping.  You have to ask a lot of questions when pricing for a Seasonal Campsite, and not just how much the site is. 

Questions You May Want To Ask:  Who does the mowing?  What does it cost to have the campground mow it?  If they don’t, when can you mow?  Do you need a shed to store the mower in or are you going to haul your mower back and forth?  What are their visitor’s fees?  Do they allow other people on your camping agreement?  What are the charges for those?  Do they offer 50 amp electrical service?  Are their sites spacious?  What recreation do they offer?  Is there a charge for the recreation?  What rental amenities do they have to keep the kids busy?  Is there a charge for those?  Do they offer Wi-Fi?  Is there a fee for it?  Do they offer cable TV?  Is there a fee for it?  Do they offer meals?  What do they cost?  Do they allow golf carts?  What are the rules?  When is quiet hours?  Are they enforced?  Do they offer onsite winter storage?  What’s the charge for that?  How does their payment plan work?  Do they charge interest? 

So make sure you add all of those individual charges that aren’t included, to look at them versus a campground where they are included, to see which one is really the most affordable.  You need to know the real bottom line total before signing on the dotted line!          

Check campground ratings before you become a Seasonal Camper.  If they aren’t rated well by their overnight guests and campground directories, chances are, you aren’t going to have the family experience you seek.  Make sure that the place you choose to spend your summer serves their campers well.  When you look at campground ratings, you’ll know where you’ll want to be, and where you won’t want to be.  Just don’t underestimate their importance!    

As you can see, there are probably more variables involved than you originally thought.  Choosing the right campground to camp for the season is important.  Don’t short change your seasonal camping experience by picking a campground without fully investigating what it has to offer and what it’s really going to cost you to camp there.  The old saying of “the devil is in the details,” says it all.  So make sure you ask the right questions and know exactly what your camping will really cost you, before you sign a seasonal camping agreement! 

You can check out our Seasonal Camping Sites that are available for 2014 at http://www.meadvillekoa.com/seasonal-camping/.  As always, we hope that you come see us at Meadville KOA Campground and allow us to show you what we can provide your family!    

By Robyn Chilson
Tim & Robyn Chilson are Certified Park Operators who own and operate Meadville KOA Campground in Meadville, PA. Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251. 

 

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. 

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.

Benefit Blind Auction & Themed Basket Raffle!

On June 22 at 7:00, we will be hosting a Blind Auction and Themed Basket Raffle to benefit one of our camping families who were badly burned during a freak accident. 

The Fricks are a Seasonal camping Family who were life-flighted to the West Penn burn unit, where Diana underwent multiple skin graft surgeries for her burns.  Joe was injured too while trying to extinguish the flames on his wife. 

This benefit is the work of their Seasonal camping family and friends at Meadville KOA.  All of the blind auction items and themed baskets were donations from friends, fellow campers, and local businesses.  All proceeds (100%!) will go to the Frick family to help offset their expenses during their time of need.

The Blind Auction is held by placing new items in brown paper bags!  To add some fun and creativity to this event, we've asked the campers to provide a hint for the bidders.  This fun and crazy event will include items for kids to bid on!  So come join the fun!

Then, immediately following the blind auction, we'll have a "Themed Basket Raffle".  We'll be selling raffle tickets for $2.00 each, 3 for $5.00, or an arm's length for $10.00.  You can "bid" on the basket or baskets of your choosing by dropping one of the raffle tickets you purchased, into the container marked for that basket.  If your ticket is drawn, then you'll be the lucky winner of that basket! 

We hope, if you know the Fricks, or are friends or campers at Meadville KOA, that's you'll come join us this weekend for a weekend of fun and fellowship as we enjoy "Death By Chocolate Weekend" and this fun-filled family event of the blind auction and themed basket raffle!  We thank you for camping with us, and as always, we thank you for your generosity for our friends in need!  THANK YOU!

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



     

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.