Hello, my fellow campground aficionados and RV enthusiasts! I’ve got a story to share that will have you laughing, shaking your head, and maybe even taking notes. It’s the tale of how we got kicked out of a campground for showing up too early. Yes, you read that right. Buckle up, because it’s quite an adventure.
Now, here at Campground Accounting, we’re more than just number crunchers. We’re dream chasers, legacy builders, and explorers of the great outdoors. We believe there’s more to life than business, and there’s certainly more to taxes than being on time (you’ll see why this is ironic in a moment).
So, there we were, making our way from West Virginia to Ohio, ready to soak up all that nature had to offer at a KOA campground. Our arrival was well ahead of the 3:00 PM check-in time, but we didn’t think much of it. After all, the campground was practically empty. But lo and behold, the clerk insisted we cough up a $35 “early check-in fee.”
Add to that a $45 charge due to a billing error, and our little adventure was starting to feel like a robbery.
But wait, it gets better! The owner, who also happened to be the manager, was summoned to fix the billing error. And what did she do? She suggested we check in first and sort out the refund later. Meanwhile, our KOA rewards points were left out of the equation.
We set up camp, but the saga wasn’t over. I decided to voice my dissatisfaction with the early check-in policy. But the owner defended the policy, claiming it was detailed in an email we must have missed amidst a flurry of other messages during our trip.
Then came the plot twist. I suggested they reconsider their policy, given that our early arrival hadn’t inconvenienced anyone. That’s when the owner decided we were a threat and ordered us to pack up and leave. Yes, you read that right. We got kicked out!
As we scrambled to find alternative accommodation, I couldn’t help but reflect on the situation. It’s clear that understanding campground policies and management attitudes is crucial. And while early check-in fees are common, they should be scrutinized, especially when the campground is nearly vacant.
So, what’s the moral of this story? Be aware of campground policies, communicate effectively with staff, and always be ready for unexpected twists in your RV journey.
Now it’s your turn. Have any of you had similar experiences? Thoughts to share? Feel free to drop your comments below. Let’s press play on our bigger ideas and breathe life into our campground ownership stories. After all, every experience brings with it an opportunity for exploration and understanding.
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Donna Bordeaux, CPA with Campground Accounting
Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.