City Center KOA Introduce
For local users exploring "camping near me" in the Lava Hot Springs, Idaho area, City Center KOA, located at 101 Portneuf St, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA, is a centrally situated campground option. They can be reached by phone at (208) 776-5209 or +1 208-776-5209. However, recent customer reviews provide critical feedback regarding their policies and pricing that potential local users should carefully consider before making a reservation.
One of the most significant concerns raised by a recent customer pertains to the campground's cancellation policy. The reviewer stated that the website initially indicated a 24-hour cancellation policy. However, upon calling to modify their reservation, they were informed of a much stricter policy: 7 days for general reservations and 14 days for cabin bookings. Due to this discrepancy, they were allegedly denied the change and incurred a $200 charge. This experience highlights a potential issue with the accuracy of information provided on the website and a lack of flexibility in accommodating reservation changes. For local users searching "camping near me," it is crucial to verify the cancellation policy directly with City Center KOA at the time of booking and obtain written confirmation to avoid similar issues.
Another significant point of contention among recent reviewers is the perceived increase in prices under new ownership. One long-time visitor expressed shock at the quoted rate of around $75 per night for camping. They argued that this price was unreasonable for the experience offered, especially when compared to motel rates and camping fees at resorts in more desirable locations. This sentiment suggests a potential shift in the pricing strategy of City Center KOA that may not align with the expectations of returning customers or local users familiar with camping costs in the area. When considering City Center KOA as a "camping near me" option, local users should inquire about the current pricing structure and compare it with other campgrounds in the vicinity to ensure it aligns with their budget and expectations.
Adding to the concern about pricing, the same reviewer described the campground as having campsites where guests are "crammed together like sardines." This suggests a high density of campsites, potentially leading to a less private and more crowded camping experience. For local users seeking a spacious and tranquil "camping near me" getaway, this description might be a significant drawback. It implies that the focus might be on maximizing the number of sites rather than providing ample space and privacy for campers. Visiting the campground in person or seeking recent site maps or photos could help potential users assess the site density and determine if it meets their preferences.
The reviewer who experienced the cancellation policy issue also mentioned a decline in the overall atmosphere of the campground, stating, "This use to be a nice family place. I was just treated like a number who didn't matter." This suggests a potential change in management philosophy or customer service approach under the new ownership, leading to a less personalized and less welcoming experience for guests. For local users who value a friendly and family-oriented environment when searching for "camping near me," this feedback raises concerns about the current atmosphere at City Center KOA.
Both negative reviews explicitly advise potential campers to consider alternative accommodations in Lava Hot Springs. One reviewer stated, "There's alot of places to stay in Lava. I won't be back to KOA again," while the other urged, "I'd urge everyone to go elsewhere so this process happens sooner than later." These strong recommendations to avoid City Center KOA based on negative experiences with cancellation policies, pricing, and site density should be taken seriously by local users searching for "camping near me." It underscores the importance of researching multiple options and reading recent reviews before making a booking.
Despite these significant negative comments, it is important to note that these are individual experiences, and other campers might have different perspectives. However, the issues raised regarding cancellation policies and pricing are concrete and should prompt potential users to exercise caution and seek clarification before booking a stay at City Center KOA.
Given the strong negative feedback concerning cancellation policies and pricing, it is difficult to ascertain the current environment, services, and features of City Center KOA without more balanced reviews. Typically, KOA campgrounds offer a range of amenities such as restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and possibly recreational areas or Wi-Fi. However, the recent reviews focus heavily on policy and pricing issues rather than the positive aspects of the campground itself. Local users considering City Center KOA as a "camping near me" option should look for more recent and diverse reviews to get a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the campground and the services it provides.
Similarly, there is no promotional information available in the provided reviews. Local users interested in any discounts, special offers, or packages at City Center KOA would need to check the official KOA website or contact the campground directly. Given the concerns about pricing, it would be particularly prudent to inquire about any potential cost savings or value-added services.
In conclusion, while City Center KOA is centrally located in Lava Hot Springs, making it a potentially convenient option for those searching "camping near me," recent customer reviews have raised significant concerns regarding cancellation policies and a perceived increase in prices coupled with crowded campsites. The negative feedback about customer service and the overall atmosphere should also be taken into consideration. Local users are strongly advised to exercise caution, thoroughly verify all booking policies and pricing directly with the campground, and consider reading a wider range of recent reviews before making a decision to stay at City Center KOA. Exploring alternative "camping near me" options in the Lava Hot Springs area might be prudent based on the issues highlighted in the provided feedback.
City Center KOA Photos










City Center KOA Location
City Center KOA
101 Portneuf St, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA
City Center KOA101 Portneuf St
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Crystal Springs Campground3369 E
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Hawkins Reservoir Campground17432 S Hawkins Rd
City Center KOA Reviews
When I booked this trip the website said there was a 24 hour cancelation policy. I called to change the reservation and was told there was a 7 day cancelation policy and 14 days on a cabin. So they wouldn't let me change the reservation and stole 200$ from me. I've been coming here for years. This use to be a nice family place. I was just treated like a number who didn't matter. There's alot of places to stay in Lava. I won't be back to KOA again.
Jan 05, 2025 · AuBree RossI've been coming here for years, went to book a weekend and found out that the new owners have jacked up the prices beyond reason. They wanted around $75 a night!!! It would be cheaper to leave the rig home and drive a car to stay in a motel. I told them that there's NO way I'm paying that much to camp, especially when this camp ground has you crammed together like sardines. I decided to write the management an email to express my issues with their fees. I basically told them that I've camped at resorts on the beach that only charge $50 a night. That was high but the location was amazing. I also told them that over the years I've seen this camp ground change hands several times. It seems to be typical problem. And that if they keep trying to charge those kinds of fees that it won't be long until this group of owners has to sell. At which time hopefully the new owners will have some common sense and reduce the fee's to a reasonable rate. Anyway, I will be waiting and hoping for that day. I'd urge everyone to go elsewhere so this process happens sooner than later.
Feb 11, 2016 · David BowenThe location is prime for pool, river, restaurant and shopping. That being said the young girls at the front office were less than helpful in any situation and actually turned me away upon arrival here. The facility is nice and clean but not nearly enough bathrooms and showers. The main office only had 2 bathroom showers rooms which left lines waiting on many occasions. For the crazy high prices of 35 for a tent spot they charge I expect a premium experience and its definitely not what I got.
Jun 25, 2019 · Looking To Get LostThe best part about the Edge Water R.V. Park/Resort is location. It is next to the Portneuf River and you can get out of the river with your tubes right at the campground, it is right next to the Lava Hot Springs swimming pool complex and you can walk back and forth, and finally it is a short convenient to walk to town. Also the people working at the campground were polite and helpful. The less desirable points are the camping sites are way over priced and they charge extra for each additional person over the base number (2) unless your kids are under 11 years, which is ridiculous considering the base fee is so high to begin with. There is a rest room and shower that goes with your fee, but it was so dirty I was disgusted when I went to use it. The shower is either Hot or Cold and complete with spiders, other bugs, and lots of dirt that has been there for quite some time. I'm pretty sure there was mold growing on the walls as well. They obviously need to do some cleaning and repair. The camp sites are very small and if you do not pay for what they consider a "super site" (which is about a normal size in most any-other camp ground) you will find yourself uncomfortably close to your neighbor. This campground is owned by the same people that own the KOA and since I did not go there I can't say if it would be any better or not, but I would be willing to give it a try. There are several other campgrounds in the area and I'm certain that when we go back we will check out alternatives. I would only stay here again if I absolutely could not find any other place.
Jun 15, 2015 · TN BraggThey over charge extremely! ! First its almost $70 for a camp site, then on top of it they try to charge you $25 for a tent on the site your already paying an arm and a leg for!! Then they want extra money for anyone over 2 people. .. The sites are stacked on top of each other and people complain like crazy about noise. .. If you want to camp in the quiet you should camp somewhere where there's not sites stacked on top of each other and packed! The campground is in the best place in town as far as being right next to everything fun there is to do in lava..
Aug 18, 2015 · Amanda Wood
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