We have been dodging wind all through the East and KOAs have become a go-to stop for ease of pull-though and one-night reservations, even though they’re usually outrageously priced. The big-rig-friendly RV parks are not as plentiful here as we have found while driving through the West and Midwest.
We needed to stop again for the 40-plus mph winds and found the Wytheville KOA Holiday in Wytheville, VA. I usually try to stay away from the so-called “Holiday KOAs” because the price is usually exorbitant for just an overnight stay. The gusts were projected to hit between 50 and 60 mph and it was certainly not worth the risk. As we were driving on I-81, even the semis were being blown off-lane!
The Wytheville KOA Holiday did not disappoint!
Despite the price of $72 a night, this KOA did not disappoint. It had large easy-in/easy-out pull-throughs. They were, of course, close together but with concrete patios and new hookups. The older section is gravel back-in and pull-throughs. Rustic and full kitchen/bath cabins are available, too.
The sites aren’t the main draw, though. It has to be the Fun Center, water park, trails, playground, dog park, and the Conestoga wagons.
Stay in Conestoga wagons at the Wytheville KOA Holiday
The wagons are outfitted for camping with bunk beds, a queen bed, a table, a small fridge, heat/AC, and a TV. There is even a private shower and bath next to the wagon for the wagon rental only. Outside the wagon, there is a swing, table, and a grill. I thought it would be the perfect place to invite family without trying to squeeze them into the RV or set up tents. Perhaps we would even stay in something like that if we were ever car camping.
To add a little fun to our stay we hung out at the on-site Fun Center with a bowling alley, arcade games, a small cafe, and my favorite—Skee-Ball! There was even a new game for us: the Monopoly Coin Pusher. Drop in a quarter and hope it pushes some down the chute. It really is more of a quarter-eating machine…
Bowling, arcade, Skee-Ball and mini-donuts!
All in all, it made our “wind stay” very enjoyable.
For more information on the Wytheville KOA Holiday, click here.
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Nanci, we loved the Wytheville KOA! We also loved Wytheville and its history. It is the birthplace of Edith Bolling Wilson, the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson. She was a descendant of Pocahontas and a remarkable woman who managed the office of President following the massive stroke the President had in 1919. She also was the first, First Lady to travel to Europe and first woman to own and drive a car in Washington DC. She brings meaning to the phrase “you go girl”. We met a barbecue contest champion at that KOA who gave us some free seasonings which we still use today. That game room is super.
I don’t understand where the statement “even though they’re usually outrageously priced” comes from. We have stayed at many KOA campgrounds and find most are competitively priced to others in the area. Quality is pretty consistant. After the years of traveling, we have only found one we didn’t like. If you want cheaper don’t stay at the “Resorts”, look for “Journeys” or “Holidays”.
On our semi-annual migratory trip (just finished the drive north) we stop at one KOA (Holiday). We stop because there are no good alternatives at that point in our trip. (location, location, location) It is our most expensive night and being the shoulder season, none of the ‘holiday’ extras are open. This year, I am noticing the high use in the summer is taking its toll on the campground. The electric outlets were sloppy, the dump components were very weathered and the frost free spigot leaked when open. I noted this with the still equally friendly office staff when leaving the next morning. Hopefully some of that higher fee will go into facilities maintenance before we return in the fall.
We also lost 3-4 days travel due to winds in the SW this spring. The KOAs we stayed at during our trip were more in the $50 dollar range with not as many amenities. They were easy access and very clean! I usually prefer state parks or CoE, but they were not as plentiful along our routes.
Not sure I’d want to stay in a Conestoga wagon with 60 mph winds predicted. Just sayin’.
Wagons, Ho!! (or is that blow in those winds. )
I would think a water park is very expensive to maintain, so $72 a night is understandable.
Thank you, Nanci! 🙂 Wow! What a campground! Even a bowling alley?!?!? We overnight a couple of exits north of there called Fort Chiswell/Max Meadows. But it is just a pull-through site with utilities. Pretty close to what you paid though at $60/night. Thanks again, safe travels! 🙂
Great review ! And thanks for including the pictures. I didn’t realize how large those Conestoga wagons were.
(Watched too many episodes of Wagon Train maybe.)
🤔 Ward Bond, John McIntire, or both, Bill? I enjoyed both and can’t pick a favorite. Continued recovery and safe travels, Bill! 🙂 PS, if you are interested, I paid $2.81/gallon for 18 gallons (filled the nearly empty Jeep) of 87-octane gasoline this morning. 🙂
Your tale of 50-60 MPH winds quickly became a nice my guess paid-for advertisement for KOA. It would also be my guess that the Wytheville KOA is very instrumental in the parking lot where Walmart is located being plastered with No Overnight Parking You Will Be Towed signs.
If you can’t come up with a legitimate story to put in the newsletter, don’t bother with these common practices of media pseudo-stories.
Hi, Lonewolf. Your guess is wrong. We have no connection with KOA and neither does the author of the story. If it were a “paid-for advertisement for KOA,” do you think she would have been allowed to write, “… they’re usually outrageously priced”?🙄 She was just writing of her personal, i.e., “legitimate,” experience. Your last sentence is ridiculous. Get a grip, Lonewolf. –Diane at RVtravel.com