Another view on KOA + a state park

[padredw]

Yesterday we had two nights reserved at Stone State Park in Iowa, just north of Sioux City. After a hard days drive (over 300 miles), and lots of road construction and 'bumpy' roads, we were looking forward to some rest. There was a complicated drive out to the park, and when we got in, the sites looked doubtful, but we pulled on up to a turn around loop. It was not turn around for us. NO WAY! It took us about one half hour of backing and pulling, and doubting at times that we could even do it. We finally got out, and decided we wouldn't stay there if they paid us. No one at the office. No check-in. Bad. Fortunately we found a place at the KOA in North Sioux City, SD--a very good place. And I even finally heard from a ranger at the state park where I had left a message. Refund? We will see.

I know KOA gets some hard knocks, maybe some deserved, but this one was a port in the time of storm late yesterday afternoon. A beautiful site, and the people could not have been nicer to us.

It is called North Sioux City KOA, right off I-29--no freeway noise.

[kylec2]

We like the KOAs when we are traveling and have been blessed with few issues. Like any other campground, we check the KOAs against http://www.campgroundreviews.com and avoid the less desirable ones.

[DQDick]

X2. KOA's can be small and hard to park in or large and easy to use. Just like other parks we find they come in all types.

[pineranch]

KOA's can be somewhat of a crapshoot. I think its a management thing. Padredw, thanks again for putting us on to Vallecito. We stayed 3 months and will be seasonal next year. Didn't use the AC at all while there.
Mike

[padredw]

Thanks, Mike, we have been enjoying Vallecito area for years. When we were younger and backpacking we came out at the trailhead and always looked forward to "solid" food and bath or shower. In those days we stayed in the rustic house-keeping cabins. I can't remember the names right now, but I know exactly where they were.

One time we rode the train up to Needle Creek and hiked over Columbine Pass and down Johnson Creek, coming out at the Vallecito trail head.

Another time (when we had a friend with an extra car) we hiked in from the Creede side and came out at that same trail head.

Glad you enjoyed it and have found a great place to spend the Summer.

[garyka]

I prefer KOA's

[rving2us]

We use KOA a lot for overnighting, they generally have great locations near interstate roadways. Often we are traveling to far with little time to do get there since we are still working but when retired and have less time restraints we may change our tactics.

[OrangeCrate]

We spent a nite at the KOA in Kennebeck, S.D.. Great place,nice folks, not too pricey.

[onekla]

We have stayed at that KOA on two different occasions and each time we couldn't have asked for better service from the staff. Glad to hear that the customer service (and the park itself) is still good there.

[simonsrf]

You make a good point to always check out the reviews before driving there and being disappointed.

We've found that this site really helps. Most of the time, when someone gives a park a bad review, it is helpful to see if their other posts are bad....and then we can make a semi-educated decision.

http://www.campgroundreviews.com/regions/Iowa/Sioux_City.html

[richfaa]

We prefer KOA for overnighters when in travel status.We ask for pull through full hooks ,50 amp service and we always get it.We have been in a couple of bad ones.