Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday - Onawa, Iowa

Heather

We arrived after office hours, 8:30p, but not to worry because staff had our reservation ready and waiting with all the info we needed for our stay. The bathrooms were clean, our tent site was right along the lake, the grounds were clean and quiet. We got a very restful night of sleep here. Thanks so much!

Mason B.

This KOA is one of my favorite campgrounds to visit. The lake is beautiful, pool is clean and nice, and the campground overall is well maintained. Staff is very kind and the store is nicely well stocked. One day they brought in goats you can feed which was great for kids and the adults loved it too. Very peaceful and quiet which is great after a long day of driving. If you’re looking for a place to stay along the way to another destination or a simple, relaxing place to camp. I’d say this is a very good option for you.

CHAOSNCHECK T.

Had booked this two night several months in advance as part of our four month RV adventure to Alaska and back. Been on the road for five hours today - this included a stop at Porter Sculpture Park in Montrose, SD. Nice to pull in, have a quick check in, then lead to a nice pull through site along the water. The Park was estimated to be half full - small shop but it was well stocked, dog park, playground, strong wifi (we tested but then used our Starlink) and the bathrooms were clean. Our site had a picnic table and fire pit, plus FHU. There is a State Museum directly across the river that also offers RV Camping. This KOA was a nice stay and cost wise very reasonable.

Relax50989827922

This is one of the best KOAs that we have stayed at and we have stayed at many. The staff was very friendly. The check-in experience was excellent… polite and fast. The young lady that directed us to our space and since there was a recent storm and more water in the space we were assigned, she redirected immediately without us asking. We then took our dogs on a walk through the entire campground. Every site looked great. They do have a seasonal area for people to use during the season and all those areas were clean and well kept; unlike other RV places we stayed at in the past. The facility was professionally landscaped. The playground area was really clean and a place I would have liked for our grandkids. The pool and bathrooms were clean. We will be using the laundry area in the morning, but checked it out and also neat and clean. Great WIFI reception. I give this campground a 5 star because it is well deserved. We will be coming back although we only stay one night on our way to South Dakota. Debbi Carroll

James &. S. M.

Update: I find it funny you call me a liar when you have still yet to call me. Your response shows that you don’t care if the traveling customer has a good experience or not. I should’ve read the reviews before I booked your location. I won’t be making that mistake again.

We rented for an overnight in our way thru to Wyoming in July 3rd. At 10:30 pm we realized the 20 amp electric didn’t work and we have proof because our neighbor who is friends with the owner tested it with his tester. I called the emergency after hours line 3 times & they did not call me back. We have a Cpap machine that needs electric. The neighbor let us use his electric but we could only plug in the Cpap machine & not our fans. The manager refused to talk to me on 3 separate occasions when I called into the office. The young man on the phone that I spoke to assured me he gave her my cell#. He said that she insisted my electric worked as she checked it. Her office is being run by a bunch of well mannered kids but they are still kids & not management. When I called KOA headquarters they put in a contact request. She still hasn’t called me back. The bathrooms were dirty. Mouse droppings were all over the bathroom counters. I’m very dissatisfied & disappointed in this KOA. They should not be allowed to be part of the KOA organization who has higher standards.

John E.

One word... "Don't". Not if you cherrish and take pride with your rig.

Bleached out sign on the office door says "recovering from storm damage" ( not sure what/when). We saw no storm damage, but the mud holes and ruts we were made to travel through, including our site, (freshly filled during, a recent storm) is very likely a result of poor maintenance. Quite obvious the sites and/or roads 🙄(for lack of a better word) have not been maintained in years.

You will love the check out/in rules. Out by 11:00 AM and "no" check in before 3:00 PM unless you wish to to pay $5:00 for each hour you arrive early. A 4 hour window to prep the site for the next guest I suppose.

Take note, this KOA 'pulls no bones' about letting you know "they are an independant franchise" which, in my book, is telling you "they" do not need conduct themselves by the KOA code of conduct.

FYI. We visited nearby RV parks (2) and found no sites or roads pitted with water filled mudholes or ruts, because they maintain thier roads and sites. Funny, those RV parks experienced the same recent storms and received as much rain

Google the area for RV parks which two are very "big rig friendly".

Did I mention, the domestic water at this KOA had a lovely warm yellow hue during our stay. I know... I know, storm damage right?

Wish I could post my pics.

Update: Did I strike a nerve? Here are a few pics showing your freshly graveled roads. The other RV Park, since you ask, is across the lake from you and the 2nd is just a few miles from your location just east of the interstate. There we saw first hand, well maintained roads, utilities, and sites with plenty of room to navigate.

For our stay, if you would like, I shall be happy to have an attorney provide you a copy of our receipt showing our visit. That way you would know the receipt is original. Also, even though you are a "private owner" of a KOA, I could have the franchise provide you proof of our stay.

I stand corrected as we did see the worn freyed duct tape covering windows. Like the bleached out sign, the covering looked ages old. Sorry for your "storm" damage. How long ago did that happen?

Finally, if your staff could refrain from leading and placing heavy "big rigs" on tight narrow water saturated roads and sites, you might experience a lot less "ruts" as you call them.

Thanks for your response.

PS. You guessed wrong. We did stay at your facility, but we will deny.. deny.. deny. Quite embarrassing, to admit we got taken.

PSS. From your response "I'm guessing" you may not be the owner. amIrite

Have a nice day and good luck with that "storm damage".

Jennifer W.

We enjoyed a relaxing Memorial Weekend at the Onawa KOA. Our kids had a blast with the animals at the petting zoo they brought in and they really enjoyed the large play ground & pool (even though it was too cold for me). It was nice having quiet evenings around the fire.

Blair S.

Onawa / Blue Lake KOA Holiday in Iowa is just off I 29 below Sioux City. There are 2 to 3 bars Internet through cellular and moderate Wifi at the KOA. Sites are very close to one another with septic only feet from neighboring table. They place campers side by side even though plenty of other sites are available.  There were a lot of shade trees but also plenty of mosquitos.