[cathcartww]

We prefer state parks, etc. but occassionally a KOA happens to be the best option near where we want to be. Since we do not have kids, and tend to travel during the off season, we really never take advantage of all the activities and ameneties that most KOAs offer. Ones we have stayed in recently:

KOA Virginia Beach, VA (4): Twice now, because of high winds, they would not let us on the Bay Bridge Tunnel, so we ended up in the KOA for the night. Seems nice enough, with a variety of different types of sites from tent to full hookup pull throughs . Not that close to the beach, but I was told they offer a free shuttle during the season. Depending on the wind direction, the adjacent Navy Air Station can be noisy, but the planes are fun to watch, and shut down at night. Around $60

KOA 1000 Islands/Ivy Lea Ontario, Canada: (5) very nice park just full of families, and bustling with activities. Had a deluxe site with patio with furniture, fireplace, etc. for around $60 a night.

KOA St. Augustine, FL (4): Could not get reservations at Anastasia SP, so ended up in the KOA for like $75 a night. Pretty place with a nice duck pond, paved sites, pool, etc. Close to downtown and the beaches - right up the street from the State Park.

Fayatteville/Wade KOA, NC: (4) We usually stop for the night at Pedro's Campground at South of the Border for $22, but it was Academy Award night and Pedro's didn't have cable. Got a pull though grass site (no sewer) for like $35. Was off season, and most guests were snowbirds like us, but it seemed to have all the KOA stuff. They have since installed some bare bones pull throughs right at the gate for transients, but I do not know what they charge.

Just a note about the Florida Keys - daily rates are high. Even if you manage to get into one of the State Parks, sites are $38 and don't have sewer and stay is limited to two weeks. You will be hard pressed to find a private campground for less that $100/ night. We paid $125 at Gieger Key for a waterfront site with full hookups last February, and it was fantastic! New Mexico is nice, but it is pretty far from the Ocean .....