Lynden / Bellingham KOA Journey — Hotel in Lynden

My daughter and I stayed there for a weekend in September and booked one of the cabins. Shortly after unpacking, we noticed a few bugs emerging from the wall and ground. Because we arrived late, there was no attendant on duty so we had no option but to stay put (even though other cabins were empty - more on this later). We tried to ignore them as best as possible, but an hour later, the cabin was riddled with them!

After a VERY unpleasant night, I went to the front counter to complain. As soon as I raised the issue of bugs in that particular cabin, the young girl said "Oh no, not again!" Shockingly, I asked if it was a known issue with that cabin. She replied that they had been sprayed recently because they were getting bugs in the cabin, but were hoping it would be over.

My fear was bed bugs, so I asked what bugs they were spraying for. They could not tell me. I spoke with the manager who told me the owner was away but would call me and let me know what bugs they were fighting. He didn't know if bed bugs were present or what bugs they were trying to get rid of, but assured me the owner would give me a call the next day.

Four days later the owner called and said they had sprayed for bugs recently but couldn't tell me what kind they were fighting. She said she didn't see bugs (ummm....ok...) and was surprised they "were back". Were back??

Given my wife's condition and the threat of reaction to bed bugs, I asked if she could confirm with the pest company as I needed to eliminate bed bugs. She assured me she'd ask and get back to me ASAP. In the meantime, and because I couldn't risk it, I had to dispose of every item we took that weekend.

I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THEM. Totally unacceptable! For anyone working on hospitality, dealing with bug complaints should be top of their list. As it was, I had to through out nearly $200 worth of clothing, camping supplies, etc because I couldn't risk bringing bed bugs home.

Truly deplorable customer service - can only imagine the same [lack of] concern and attention they give to the rest of the place. Hey owner, here's a tip: Don't put people in cabins that are known to have a bug problem, especially when other cabins are available!! If you do, you should have the decency to let them know what bugs are in there.

DON'T STAY IN THE CABINS, AND DON'T EXPECT ACTION FROM OWNER IF ANYTHING IS WRONG....

I have stayed at the Lynden KOA three years in a row now. So, here are my thoughts: The campground is beautiful and well kept. One tends to forget neighborhoods have been built around it over the years and you still feel like you are "away from it all". Other than siteseeing, there is really no reason to leave. The little grocery is stocked and priced fairly. There is even a little coffee shop with snacks. They make pretty decent coffee! The bathrooms are well stocked. Showers are a bit cramped and the water gets everywhere but isn't that the joys of camping? Probably wouldn't hurt to invest in some upgrades though.

Make sure to pay attention to your email confirmation because all three years there has been a discrepancy. Also take seriously the fine print that states the online price is subject to change because it will. All three years it has not been accurate and I have had to pay about $30 more than estimated. I am not sure if this can be fixed either but, that could be why the fine print is there. Heed it! Also, if you notice something wrong with the confirmation, call and email. They will fix it asap!

Campground noise... this seems to be a complaint for some but, to me, it's to be expected at a resort like this where you are in close quarters with others. I have camped at resorts like this since I was young and it has always been a thing. Sometimes there are groups that are too loud but, if you are looking for solitude and quiet, ANY resort like this (KOA or not) has these issues. All of my stays had the typical noise. Never too loud or too late. I actually like it as I am a night owl. And the frogs!!! Since there is a pond, you will be serenaded by lots of frogs at night. Bring earplugs if you don't think you can handle it.

One additional note about my third year - people were a bit more bold as to walk through my campsite. It is very annoying but I am not one to just tolerate. A quick glare or just saying, "this is my campsite, please walk around" tends to do the trick. The staff won't do anything about it unfortunately and I kind of don't blame them.

Overall, I highly recommend! I hope all this is helpful to someone who is thinking...

The older red headed manager was crazy, and unprofessional. I was given authorization from one of the staff as to where I could assemble my truck tent the night I rolled in. It was dark so I specifically asked to make sure I was in an authorized spot and wouldn't to move it the next day. The next morning an attendant showed up bright and early at 8:30 am to remind my group to check in and to tell me to move my truck. Check in wasnt untill 11 if I remember right. Then another attendent showed up less than an hour later saying the same thing. We had previously paid for the spots per the amount of people we had. This time I explained to the attendant I had permission to set up and would like to speak with a manager. A few min later the crazy red headed lady shows up yelling at us asking who intimidated her employee! I said excuse me mam but I simply explained the situation to your attendant then asked to see a manager if she wasn't in a position of authority. Then I explained to the manager why my truck was set up in that spot and the authorization I received the night before. I was told I got no such authorization and I was making it up because she had no one on staff. I was speech less, next she threatens to call the police then asks to see a guy that was not even with our group because she had her information incorrect about our camp spot. As I tried to explain all this to her she put her hand in my face and says talk to the hand then stomps off yelling if you don't move your truck and check in illI have you arrested. So we go to the office a few min later, we walk in and the red head yells out someone else better help them because they think I'm Hostile. It was embarrassing and uncalled for. I will never go back there. I suggest no one else...