| Info on KOA | Rate Topic |
| Moderators: wexy |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Author | Post |
| Posted: Mon Nov 22nd, 2010 03:05 am | 1st Post |
|
|
Since I've been recalled to work and have suffered no loss in pay, benefits, or vacation, ( ), NASSIR 4 might be an option for me again!! But as my finances won't allow for motels every night and it's about a 4-5 day trip for me one way, I think I have 2 options. One is to trailer my bike there and use rest area's to crash in my truck overnight till I get to Port Orchard or, camp along the way. Which brings me to my question for the Camping Guru's! Would KOA be a good solution for planning my trip and how much do they charge per night? Any info/opinions ya'll can give me is very much apreciated and Thanks!!
____________________ Don |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Nov 22nd, 2010 06:21 am | 2nd Post |
|
|
Last time I went to Washington, I trailered my bike. It gave me the option I wanted. Can always crash in a rest area, an Indian casino lot, or whatever. Much more relaxing trip, knowing I had the basics covered and saved me money. May not be the choice for many, but it works for me. IMHO, KOA is a bit pricey. I did a run like that once. It's nice to know what to expect, but sometimes the mystery can be more adventurous. Lots of other options available. Plus the security of my bike locked up at night and protected.
____________________ Mike I finally found out what I want to be when I grow up.........happy 1993 GL1500 Aspencade 1986 GL1200 Aspencade 1985 GL1200 Aspencade 1985 Suzuki Madura 700 1973 Honda 350CB 1965 Honda 50 http://goldwingtech.info http://GLHelpers.com http://SERRASJ.com http://smartlight.rudysproducts.com http://www.iraqwarheroes.org/ |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Nov 22nd, 2010 08:40 am | 3rd Post |
|
|
Camping is certainly a cheaper alternative to hotels/motels, when travelling/touring. With some planning, your entire route can include a nice day's ride, staying each night at a campground. I use Google Maps and Google any of the 'resources' listed below, to plan a tour across the country(or anywhere), where I camp the entire way.  Because of their higher rates compared to other campgrounds and the fact that they cater to mostly the RV crowd, KOA is not at the top of my list for checking in to. Other camping spots are, State Parks, National Parks Campgrounds, campgrounds are available at many US Army Corp of Engineers locations, campgrounds are available at many of the National Forests , as well as many state forests. There are county and city campgrounds, which try to capture the travelling crowd into spend some money in their area, by providing smaller campgrounds where you can pitch a tent for a night. You can even find the odd free campground. It's a cheap way to see the country and a great way to meet people once you get to a campground, as most people are very interested in the way you choose to travel and camp, while riding a bike.  Count on loosing about 2hrs travel time per day, for setting/breaking camp. Dusty
____________________ Ken - 1992 GL1500 Aspencade - Dorksider # 2 6th Officer/Road Captain - CMC, 034 Cannington Chapter Find your Path and share the Journey! "It's never too early to plan and never too late to go!" - Dusty Boots Hmm ..... wonder where that stretch of blacktop leads to ...... What has Dusty been up to Prevent/Repair those cracked 1500 trunk lids by installing a set of Rudy's Lid Reinforcement Panels to the underside of your trunk lid. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Nov 22nd, 2010 01:42 pm | 4th Post |
|
|
There's a flavor and richness of experience that we get tent camping that we've never gotten in a motel or in our battered old pick up camper. We originally camped out of necessity, but now we do so out of preference... it's part of the experience for us. KOA's are kind of the McDonald's of the campground world, perhaps not the best or the least expensive, but sometimes the most convenient, and you can usually be sure of knowing what you're gonna get. There are good KOA's and bad ones.... a very good one is in our hometown alongside the banks of the Yakima River, but it's probably too close to the freeway in Dusty Boot's opinion -- but then again he is a master camper! Other KOA's that have proven good to us are one at Devil's Tower, Wy, one at Cherokee, NC (massive!), and one built on the site of a Civil War garrison just out of Harper's Ferry..... If you hate camping, I wouldn't do it; but, if you love it, like we do, then head out without fear, there's usually some sort of campground all along your route! (the KOA at Devil's Tower) Attachment: KOAtower.JPG (Downloaded 231 times) Last edited on Mon Nov 22nd, 2010 01:45 pm by Cousin Jack ____________________ First name: Mel (Red's: Sandy) "It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to." (Bilbo Baggins) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Nov 22nd, 2010 03:53 pm | 5th Post |
|
|
The best plan I've seen is from our member Sly, who went to Alaska and across the US almost never having to pay for camping. He'd get into his target town and go find a friendly bar. Hang out, say hi to the locals and ask the bartender if he or anyone there knew a place he could set up for the night. He was outgoing and friendly enough that he almost always had a place available, from out back of the bar, to half developed construction areas nearby, to people's couches. Might not be for everyone but hey, can't hurt to try and get some of the local flavor to boot.
____________________ Rudy RudysProducts Info: We are back! Production time is currently 1-3 business days for all in-stock items. RudysBackyard.com Info: RudysBackyard.com will cease to exist on 5/30/2012 when the domain name expires. Plastic repairs are almost always unique to the shape, location and problem. If you want useful help deciding on the best approach for a specific repair, please include sharp photos. Without these, it is difficult to advise the best way to make repairs. Dorksider # 1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Nov 22nd, 2010 07:28 pm | 6th Post |
|
|
Wife and I took the Leisurelite camping out west along the northern stretch of the U.S. this past summer and averaged $12 a night for camping. Never felt vulnerable or unsafe. Never stayed in a KOA. Half had showers (they keep the wife happy). Here's a pic of the one in the National Forest in Idaho along the #12. Attachment: Wild Goose, ID.jpg (Downloaded 225 times)
____________________ Lawrence '98 Valkyrie - current '97 1500SE (Austone Taxi Tire) - current |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Tue Nov 23rd, 2010 02:26 am | 7th Post |
|
|
Check this out... http://freecampsites.net/
____________________ Mike I finally found out what I want to be when I grow up.........happy 1993 GL1500 Aspencade 1986 GL1200 Aspencade 1985 GL1200 Aspencade 1985 Suzuki Madura 700 1973 Honda 350CB 1965 Honda 50 http://goldwingtech.info http://GLHelpers.com http://SERRASJ.com http://smartlight.rudysproducts.com http://www.iraqwarheroes.org/ |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Tue Nov 23rd, 2010 02:35 am | 8th Post |
|
|
Another budget way to travel is with the Motorcycle Travel Network. All the info can be found on their site.  http://www.motorcycle-travel.net John
____________________  Blue 2000 GL1500SE Bought with just under 9000 miles on 08/19/2008 also 84 Aspy 84 Interstate past 86 GL1200 Aspy 84 Standard 87 Interstate 80 Yam Midnight Special 1100 79 Suz SP400 Enduro 72 Honda SL350 81 Honda XR500 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Tue Nov 23rd, 2010 03:14 am | 9th Post |
|
|
Rudy wrote: The best plan I've seen is from our member Sly, who went to Alaska and across the US almost never having to pay for camping. Now that's what I call Bar Hopping!!!!!  Thanks for all the info!! I'll try to put it to good use!!
____________________ Don |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Tue Nov 23rd, 2010 10:32 pm | 10th Post |
|
|
I can't add much more then what has already been stated. And you got some of the best info from the best. Same experts gave me advice for touring by bike and now it's a total passion for me. I thought I would have predetermind campgrounds along my way. I found out the best campground, is the one you find as you go. My trips have been a mix of motels and camping. Last years trip to NASSIR-2 in Montrose,Co. I kept better records of my cost. 6 nights at motels = $407.00 10 nights camping = $150.00
____________________ The things I liked,,,,I've tryed em twice! |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Dec 20th, 2010 09:01 pm | 11th Post |
|
|
Winger77 wrote: My trips have been a mix of motels and camping. Last years trip to NASSIR-2 in Montrose,Co. I kept better records of my cost. Did you spend that much on camping costs, Dave? We split the cost of the campgrounds at; 2 nights at Snow Canyon SP UT(Sept 10/11) - @ $15/night = $30 total /2 = $15 each 1 night Sleepy Hollow CG, UT(Sept 12) - @ $15/night /2 = $7.50 each 1 night Devils Canyon CG UT(Sept 13) - $10/night /r = $5 each 3 nights Cedar Creek CG, CO(Sept 14/15/16) - $8/night = $24 That makes it a total of 7 nights camping, for $51.50, during the time we were hooked up and then any additional costs you may have incurred for the 3 nights(?) after we parted company at I 70 and US 40. Don't know if you camped on the way home, but I know you camped a few nights before we hooked up, at the Grand Canyon etc. Maybe you included entrance fees to the National Parks we visited(?) But to reinforce your point, I spent a Grand Total of just over $1,500 for 29 days/ 14,000km/8,800mi on the road, including splitting 4 nights hotel costs with ponmanr, 1 night hotel by myself and a brand new front tire, installed at Rice Honda, in Rapid City SD. All the other nights I camped and visited something in the order of 23 National Parks/Monuments/Grasslands etc. For that, I bought a National Parks Pass, for $80 and that allowed me free entry to all those National Parks. That works out to less than $52/day(gas/food/lodging/repairs etc) for the entire 29 days!  Dusty
____________________ Ken - 1992 GL1500 Aspencade - Dorksider # 2 6th Officer/Road Captain - CMC, 034 Cannington Chapter Find your Path and share the Journey! "It's never too early to plan and never too late to go!" - Dusty Boots Hmm ..... wonder where that stretch of blacktop leads to ...... What has Dusty been up to Prevent/Repair those cracked 1500 trunk lids by installing a set of Rudy's Lid Reinforcement Panels to the underside of your trunk lid. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Tue Dec 21st, 2010 01:06 am | 12th Post |
|
|
Well thats a hell of a difference from my figures. But looks as though you kept more accurate records then I. 
____________________ The things I liked,,,,I've tryed em twice! |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Tue Dec 21st, 2010 01:32 am | 13th Post |
|
|
Only records I keep Dave, are ... 'upstairs'! .... locked away in the ole 'Memory Banks'. .... pretty sad .....Huh!
____________________ Ken - 1992 GL1500 Aspencade - Dorksider # 2 6th Officer/Road Captain - CMC, 034 Cannington Chapter Find your Path and share the Journey! "It's never too early to plan and never too late to go!" - Dusty Boots Hmm ..... wonder where that stretch of blacktop leads to ...... What has Dusty been up to Prevent/Repair those cracked 1500 trunk lids by installing a set of Rudy's Lid Reinforcement Panels to the underside of your trunk lid. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Tue Dec 21st, 2010 01:36 am | 14th Post |
|
|
Dusty Boots wrote: Only records I keep Dave, are ... 'upstairs'! .... locked away in the ole 'Memory Banks'. Well,,,, I think my banks have been washed away from my,,, lets say,,,,,more spirited days 
____________________ The things I liked,,,,I've tryed em twice! |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Fri Dec 24th, 2010 03:00 am | 15th Post |
|
|
This sounds like a great trip. If I had not already made my vacations plans I would consider this one. I'll thnk about it for 2012. Is it always held in the same place? One way I went once was traveling with two other guys. We planned the trip riding 500 miles a day and found KOA cap grounds along the way. Planned ahead of time and made reservations. We reserved those small cabins at a cost of $44.00 a night, if you provide your own bedding. We split the cost. Those little cabins have AC and keep you out of the rain on those bad nights. And you don't have to pack up your tent the next morning. If you don't make reservations they will be gone when you get there. Last edited on Fri Dec 24th, 2010 03:02 am by Hick ____________________ Just spending time until Summer comes back. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Fri Dec 24th, 2010 06:16 am | 16th Post |
|
|
Hick wrote: This sounds like a great trip. If I had not already made my vacations plans I would consider this one. I'll thnk about it for 2012. Is it always held in the same place? Hi Hick, Welcome to the forum! NASSIR moves around every year, so no, it won't be in Washington in 2012. Would be nice if you could make it here for the 2011 gathering but I certainly understand that vacation plans are already made. John
____________________ Blue 2000 GL1500SE Bought with just under 9000 miles on 08/19/2008also 84 Aspy 84 Interstate past 86 GL1200 Aspy 84 Standard 87 Interstate 80 Yam Midnight Special 1100 79 Suz SP400 Enduro 72 Honda SL350 81 Honda XR500 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Fri Dec 24th, 2010 05:58 pm | 17th Post |
|
|
I joined another web site a few years ago and jumped in on the discussions. After a lot of good conversation and helpful hints someone mentioned that we should have a meet and greet. We decided to get together in the South West corner of Colorado, because it’s pretty central, and because of the wonderful scenery. My wife was not too sure it was such a good idea; after all we didn’t really know any of these people. I said well we can leave any time we want. That was 2005 and we went. We had a great time and made a lot of new friends. We both look forward to meeting up each year with the same group. We pick up a few new ones now and then and loose a few now and then. We have people from Florida to California and even New York. Then we have a couple who travel from Quebec to be with us and another from British Columbia. After the meeting in Colorado in 2005 we went on to, South Dakota in 2006, Arkansas in 2007 and 8, Tennessee in 2009. This year I had to stay behind because I was in the hospital getting an overhaul. The group has already made the plans for 2011 to meet back in Arkansas and my reservations have been made. I would love to meet up with new people in new places so 2012 might be possible. We have learned that this is a great way to make new friends.
____________________ Just spending time until Summer comes back. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Fri Dec 24th, 2010 10:49 pm | 18th Post |
|
|
Well,, there ya have it once again!!! "You meet the nicest people on a Honda"
____________________ The things I liked,,,,I've tryed em twice! |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Sat Dec 25th, 2010 02:31 pm | 19th Post |
|
|
Winger77 wrote: Well,, there ya have it once again!!! "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" We were all on Yahama Roadstar's when we meet. I changed over to the Goldwing when the wife decided she wanted a lounge chair. The Goldwing is her bike I'm just the Driver. 
____________________ Just spending time until Summer comes back. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Sun Apr 17th, 2011 03:33 pm | 20th Post |
|
|
Sure would love to make that trip with you Don, but I don't think 2011 is gonna be the year for us to make the trip over. 
____________________ Pete http://www.rblr.co.uk '06 GL1800 '77 GL1000 Executive |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current time is 04:24 am | |
| Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums > Forums > Events > NASSIR Meet n Greet Forum > Info on KOA | Top of Page |
Copyright © 2007-2008 Data 1 Systems
