Bellefonte-State College KOA

Perfectly located to state college/PSU. Sites are large, clean and easily accessible to major highways. We use a premium site and love the Weber grill, patio, furniture, swing, rocking chairs and more. There’s clean bathhouses and so many activities. Jumping pad, bike trail and pool plus tractor rides are just some of the fun. Even the store has some cute souvenirs and food necessities if you forgot something. Kasey, the new owner, is great. You can’t go wrong at KOA Bellefonte/State College.

Had a fantastic weekend of camping here. We had a patio site for the weekend and it was a wonderful set up for our family and nicer than the patio sites at some other KOAs we have been to. Bathrooms are better than anywhere we have stayed. The bathroom, changing area and shower are all in one room making it super user-friendly for mamas with little ones. Staff was friendly and we enjoyed the planned activities, especially the ice cream social. Grounds are well maintained and the kids enjoyed using the badminton and volleyball areas as well. We have added this location to our favorites list and will definitely book again.

We stayed here in Autumn 2022 and 2023. Ownership changed hands. TOP 10 Reasons why we’ll be checking out “Camp Bellefonte” nextdoor:

Although recognized as “KOA Campground of the Year 2023,” the Management’s Customer Service is not what you/I might expect. I would (and did) suggest additional training. “Generational Sensitivity” would be a good start.

1) There seems to be a disconnect in their face to face communication between what is “professional” and what is “professional and also Kind.” Rather than talking/calling me (“because that only works 50% of the time” according to the owners) they tracked my mother on their security cameras to our Cabin, and decided to engage with her there. The person that talked to her did not identify themselves as one of the owners (which feels tricky). Meemaw recently had a knee replacement, is in her late 60’s, and they told her the only place she could park was on the other side of the property (by the pool), and only after she had to ask them where she could park. Their focus was on “the Rule she broke,” rather than how we can fix things in a friendly way since everyone is simply trying to have a good & safe time. To say my mother was flustered by the tone and tenor of the interaction is an understatement.

2) Owner then mentioned to me as an example of safety/liability that the Department of Agriculture is considering shutting down the “Jumping Pillow” at the Playground because kids (and supervising parents) are not following the rules to refrain from doing somersaults despite posted rules and signed waivers.

3) We had a rather rusty propane tank that felt suspicious, but by this time—we no longer felt like we could cordially or caringly communicate with the owners based on their attitudes.

4) The water in the bathtub/shower in the cabins is hot enough to scald. Water was also a little “soap scummy.” I drew two separate baths to be sure it was the water/tub.

5) Broadband advertised WiFi in our Cabin was terrible.

6) They have refillable dispensers for toiletry products like hotels have been moving to, YAY! They do not put soap in them…

7) The exterior of the Cabins is constructed with a composite lumber. Deluxe Camper sites have Beautiful composite outdoor furniture. The Cabin’s decks are made of tired, bulky, and Heavy wood.

8) Last year, we lucked into staying on a “Fall [activity] Weekend.” Based on posts, it seemed like (inexpensive to produce) plaster of paris “Magnet Painting” was something offered every weekend. This year: “Sept. 30th is Parents weekend at Penn State unfortunately. We don't host activities during PSU events due to the fact that almost no one is on site.” This came from the same owners/management that told me they were too busy (“because it’s Friday”) to talk with me any further, and didn’t appreciate having to come outside to talk to me because I couldn’t come inside the building with my dog that can’t be left alone whom my mother was helping to watch.

9) We are from “around here.” However, we wanted to support a local family business despite being able to stay with our own parents/grandparents. We are sad, and unhappy. I told the owners, and they replied that they are, “sad and unhappy my mom parked for 44 minutes in a 30 minute parking spot, per their security cameras. Nothing can be done.” Verbal apologies were exchanged.

10) We brought another family along with us as a referral. They received similar treatment, and were surprised because they have stayed at many KOA Kampgrounds. This is the MOST expensive KOA they’ve stayed at, even compared to ones in North Carolina with more amenities (including lounges and canteens that serve cocktails)!

So, we’ll be scoping out “Camp Bellefonte” on our way out, closer to the I-80 interchange anyway. These 10 things seem like they are fixable, and I hope the owners are able to see past their own bias(es). I do want them to succeed, and hope that my feedback is constructive while still conveying our experience in a very real way.