Why Did We Join KOA?

We were offered lots of congratulations when we announced in late April that Brookdale Family Campground was the newest campground in Pennsylvania to be invited to join the 475-park Kampgrounds of America system. People congratulated us, because they know KOA’s reputation as high quality franchise system. Many also know that it will bring even more visitors to other local businesses.

Our campground has a 33 year history of serving campers in the area. We have a well established reputation and great ratings. RVing directories like Woodalls & Trailer Life rate us a 9 park, and our customers rate us as A- to B+ park with Guest Reviews!

Since that’s the case, we’ve had several campers ask us why we joined KOA and what it will doing for them. So, I thought it might be a great idea to do a blog about it.

The answer is that their national brand is second to none. KOA is the largest and most recognized camping franchise in the world, with campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. We’re proud to be new members of this 475 park organization. They distribute directories across the USA that literally places us in the hands of hundreds of thousands of potential new customers. Wow that’s big. No, that’s really, really big!

Even though our campground has that 33 year history, not everyone has heard of us. Each year we bring hundreds of new, first time campers to our park through their friends, Google, camping directories, and RV Shows, to name but a few. We’re hoping that becoming a KOA will open us up to camping families who only camp at KOA. And yes, we are getting reservations from some of those families already.

So the question is, why would people only camp at KOA’s? Well first, because of the brand. 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.

KOA’s online service provides 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.

KOA Kampers who purchase a $24.00 Value Kard get a 10% discount and accumulate points every time they stay at a KOA. So, not only do they save dollars while kamping, the can redeem their points for discounts and free stays! That makes KOA a good value too! KOA Value Kards can be purchased at any KOA or online at: http://koa.com/.

The second most asked question has been, “Does this mean that your rates are going up?” The answer is simply no, we have not raised our rates since becoming a KOA. Our rates were set in January with the publication of our brochure and they have not changed. Did they go up from last year? Yes, we had a modest increase. Our rates go up when our operating costs increase. That said, even if they do go up a little, buy a value kard and get your 10% discount. The savings makes it a great value for a 9 rated campground!

KOA also offers the kampers the KOA Kompass (http://koakompass.com/). An electronic (email) newsletter, that runs contests, recipes, comics, and much, much more! It’s a fun way to hear about KOA programs, and more!

And of course, KOA is on Facebook and Twitter! Which, by the way, we are too! Come join the conversations with us at Meadville KOA! We hope you’ll come kamp with us at Meadville KOA and see why Meadville KOA is NWPA’s Family Fun Camping Zone!

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