KOA and other rental campgrounds are convenient — but after a few seasons, the math stops making sense. Here's a real cost comparison between renting and owning a deeded lot at Indian Acres.
KOA is the most recognized name in American camping. Their sites are clean, well-maintained, and easy to book. But after a few seasons of paying $60–$120 per night, a lot of families start doing the math — and the math doesn't look great for renters.
This isn't a knock on KOA. It's a comparison of two fundamentally different models: paying to use someone else's property versus owning a piece of your own.
The Cost of Renting: KOA by the Numbers
A typical KOA full-hookup RV site in Virginia runs $65–$95 per night in peak season. A family that camps 30 nights per year spends $1,950–$2,850 annually — and has nothing to show for it at the end of the year. After 10 years: $19,500–$28,500 spent, zero equity built.
Premium KOA locations near popular destinations can run $100–$150/night. Holiday weekends often require 3-night minimums. And you're competing with hundreds of other families for the same sites.
The Cost of Owning: Indian Acres by the Numbers
A standard land lot at Indian Acres starts at $10,500. Annual dues are $1,656 (electric included). That's your total annual cost — no per-night fees, no reservation systems, no competing for spots.
A family that camps 30 nights per year at Indian Acres pays $55/night in dues in year one (including the lot purchase amortized over 10 years). By year five, that drops to $33/night. By year ten, $22/night — and you still own the lot.
What You Get at Indian Acres That KOA Can't Match
- Your own deeded lot — permanent, private, yours
- 5 lakes, 3 pools, 9-hole golf, tennis, pickleball, restaurant — all included in dues
- Up to 210 nights per year at your choosing, open all year
- A multigenerational community of members who return season after season
- Real estate equity — you can sell the lot, pass it to family, or finance it
When Renting Makes Sense
Renting makes sense if you camp fewer than 10 nights per year, prefer different destinations each trip, or aren't ready to commit to one location. KOA is excellent for that use case.
But if you camp regularly, return to the same region, and want a permanent base — the ownership math is hard to argue with. Especially when the lot holds its value and the community is this strong.
See It for Yourself
The best way to understand Indian Acres is to walk the property. Chris offers free personal tours — no application fee, no prerequisites. If you've been renting campsites for years and wondering if there's a better way, a 90-minute tour will answer that question.