Salt Lake City KOA Holiday — Attraction in Salt Lake City

Absolutely TERRIFYING and TERRIBLE experience.

We made a same day reservation to stay here for a few nights while visiting SLC, and made said reservations with the anticipation of a clean and safe place to park and enjoy the area, and was nothing but disappointed.

When we arrived in the evening (5pm or so), the street in front of the KOA is absolutely overran with aggressive vagrants, tweakers, shifty visitors, and the grounds seemed either unkept or trashed by other guests...

The transient problem here is absolutely amplified by the two 24hr 7-Elevens less than a mile in either direction of the KOA, and there is a creek area a few hundred yards east of the KOA where all sort of outstanding citizens socialize and get loaded... Worse yet, the 24hr DIY carwash in front attracts in other nocturnal characters.

We felt absolutely unsafe and decided not to even stay here... We left and found a nicer location, safer, and cheaper than this KOA and were glad we did.

We called the desk less than 10 min after we left around 5pm, and spoke with a CSR, and albeit we understand the reservation refund policy, we still felt justified in requesting a refund. We were traveling as a full time rv'ing family with two children, and any parent without their heads in the clouds would very likely do the same in our shoes. The CSR very rudely said "no, we don't do that" and has a bad attitude.

We called back again and spoke to a different manager, explained that we didn't feel safe, and were berated by some 64yo who's lived there for over a decade... and made sure to announce it... Again, terrible attitudes. We kept engaged and still felt justified to a refund.

Finally, we're transferred to the head manager/property owner who by far had the worst attitude... We again explained our situation, and had unfortunately had to go as far as stating our experience will absolutely be spread if we couldn't resolve the situation, and was not well received. The manager insisted that there was full time security on premises and that the area was "safe"... We drove through later in the evening after 9pm (since we apparently paid for our spot) and were not only able to drive through the lot unimpeded and with absolutely no sight of security, but also noticed some long term guests in the back clearly up to nothing good, with their own guests in and out after hours... We were refused a refund on the grounds of their policy, but then they say if we had come in the office, perhaps it would have been different, but even talking to them now doesnt make a difference... which is something...

Called KOA corporate and was advised all KOAs are privately franchised, and although corporate empathized, only the franchisee/manager can authorize a refund. We were told "points" would be credited for the cost of our stay, but nothing ever came from KOA corporate, or anywhere.

Again, we understand the policy, but we arrived into somewhere that was NOT as described or as shown online, and felt extremely unsafe. As full time RV'ing, this was a TERRIBLE experience with KOA all around, and will likely never reserve with a KOA again as a result.

There is a separate KOA Google profile with similar reviews to this....

Urban Convenience with a Caveat: A Review of Downtown Salt Lake City KOA**

Our recent stay at the Downtown Salt Lake City KOA presented a mix of urban convenience and the challenges that come with city camping. Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, this KOA offers a unique camping experience that caters to travelers looking to explore the city's offerings.

Location and Accessibility

The most significant advantage of this KOA is its unparalleled proximity to downtown Salt Lake City's attractions. Located just a stone's throw from some excellent dining options, the campground is also conveniently close to the train, providing easy access to explore the city without the need for a car. This accessibility is a major plus for campers interested in urban exploration and experiencing the local culture.

Campsite Layout

One of the critical observations during our stay was the compact nature of the campground. The sites are quite tight, which is somewhat expected in an urban campground but can be a bit of a surprise for those used to more spacious rural KOA sites. While the close quarters might detract from the sense of privacy and space, the campground's layout is efficiently designed to accommodate as many travelers as possible in the limited urban space.

Proximity to Homeless Camp

A notable concern for some campers might be the campground's proximity to a large homeless encampment. This aspect of the location presents a complex urban challenge, reflecting broader societal issues rather than the campground itself. While some might find this proximity uncomfortable, it did not directly impact our stay in terms of safety or campground quality. However, potential visitors should be aware of this factor when booking.

Amenities and Dining

Despite its urban location, the KOA maintains the chain's standard for cleanliness and amenities, offering the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay. Additionally, the close proximity to excellent food options adds to the appeal, allowing campers to enjoy a variety of local cuisines without venturing far from their site.

Overall Experience

The Downtown Salt Lake City KOA offers a unique urban camping experience that combines the convenience of city living with the adventure of camping. While the tight spacing and nearby homeless encampment might give some pause, the accessibility to public transportation and local dining is a significant plus. This KOA is ideal for those who prioritize exploring Salt Lake City's urban attractions and don't mind the compromises that come with camping in a city environment.

In conclusion, if you're planning a visit to Salt Lake City and looking for accommodation that puts you in the heart of the action, this KOA could be a convenient option. Just be prepared for the realities of urban camping, and you'll find this location a handy base for your...

I have to say this is the worst KOA I have ever tried to do business with and will never stay with them. I had a reservation but had to cancel because while en route we lost part of our camper. When I called to see if I could reschedule I was told I would loose my deposit because I had not called before 11 am. I did not know that my camper was going to fall apart on the freeway, yet I was still being told that I'd loose my money. Fortunately I was able to speak to a manager and they allowed me to reschedule for later in the month. I told them I just needed my original 1 night stay but there was some miscommunication and I got booked for 2 nights. I didn't want two nights seeing as I had a reservation for another KOA following that one night in SLC. When I called to fix the situation I was accused of changing my mind, which was not the case. When it came time for our new dates we experienced a death in our family. My partner called to see if we could reschedule and we were told that we had already made too many changes to our reservation. He told them it was a mistake on their end but they again accused us of making the change. After much push back they allowed us to change the date. With all that life has thrown at us with paying for an unexpected funeral and the grief that comes with it, we decided not to take this trip. It was either food or travel, we choose food. I called and cancelled and thought I would get part of my deposit back. When I didn't receive an email I tried calling the KOA. It took me over 30 mins to finally reach someone. When I asked what happened I was told I had made too many changes and they were keeping everything. When I tried to explain my situation, (camper falling apart, funeral, no money), I was told they were too busy to talk to me. I asked for a manager and was again told they were too busy. I left my number and was told I'd be contacted within 24 hours. That did not happen. I have never been treated this way by a company, it's horrible customer service. On top of all the things that are going on I really didn't need the added stress of this situation. I was told by KOA when I made my complaint with them, that all KOAs are individually owned. I understand the cancellation policy and I understand they have a right to keep my money. What I don't understand is being treated so unfairly for that money. All these circumstances have been out of my control. I hope no one else encounters...