Moss Landing KOA Express, 7905 Sandholdt Rd., Moss Landing, CA  95039

As you may have noticed, it’s somewhat unusual to find a KOA listed in our Good as It Gets RV reviews.   This is not by design, it’s just that we don’t often find KOAs that meet the standard we are trying to maintain.  Still, when we find the right ones (and we do) we will post them!  This park is one of those we feel excels.  Start with location:  Moss Landing is a tiny fishing village along Highway 1, about 18 miles north of Monterey.  The park backs up right to the Marina!  From this point you can easily visit Monterey/Carmel to the south, or Santa Cruz, 26 miles to the north.  With only 46 sites, the park is small and quaint.  The park appears a bit ‘tight’ yet we have had our 45′ Allegro Bus there twice, and very comfortably.  Site alignment seems to make backing in easy enough (they have no conventional pull-through sites).  Staff could not be more friendly and accommodating!   Rates here are a little high, consistent with the areas other accommodations.  All told, we readily recommend Moss Landing KOA for travelers in this area.  We hope you’ll visit them and find out why!

Phone:  831-633-6800

OUR RATING:  8.0  ($$$)   Moss Landing KOA Express

Durango RV Resort, 100 Lake Ave, Red Bluff, CA  96080

The park is situated along a bend in the Sacramento River to the west, and the I-5 to the east, near Red Bluff in the northern California Valley.  They feature Fountain sites, River sites and Buddy (rick-rack) sites.  Of the approx. 172 in total, I believe about 100 are pull-thru.  All pads are level and concrete.  They offer full amenities, and although alongside the busy I-5, it’s flat here, so no engine brake noise.  We found it very good for sleeping.  There is even a full-service spa onsite!  It’s a classy park to be sure, yet affordable.   

Phone:  866-770-7001

OUR RATING:  9.0  ($$$)   Durango RV Resort

The Lakes RV Resort

The Links @ The Lakes RV

The Lakes RV & Golf Resort – 5001 East Robertson Blvd., Chowchilla, CA – 93610

Chowchilla is a smallish community (17,383 @ 2013 census) in the central valley of California, about 40 miles drive up the I-99 from Fresno.  This location brings Chowchilla to the attention of RVers who are making the trip to Southern California destinations.  But while this appears a great 1-nighter as a rest stop, you would do well to consider a couple of nights, ,most notably if you golf!  Sure, the park is amenity-rich, with 75 level concrete sites

surrounding a stunning lake and offering numerous sports activities, the primary thing that put this park into our listings is the screaming value it represents, particularly for golfers.  Check this one out, and when you do, leave yourself enough time to enjoy the links!

Phone: (866) 665-6980

OUR RATING: 8.5  ($$)  The Lakes RV & Golf Resort

JGW RV Park, 6612 Riverland Dr, Redding, CA 96002  

We’ve been stopping at this park for years.  It’s big draw for us is that it’s right on the Sacramento River, very friendly, just off I-5, spacious, all amenities, plus a boat ramp if you want to hit the river.  We most always use it as a way-point when going to or coming from Oregon and beyond from our Sacramento base.  What makes it really special (‘As Good As It Gets RV’, right?) is that we are never, never disappointed.  And that’s big.  I should also point out that it’s located just below Redding, and about 8 miles north of the Shasta Factory Outlets, if shopping is your thing.

The pic I posted here is my Carlie, enjoying the River!  (I maybe should point out that I took this picture from our site!)

Phone:  (800) 469-5910

OUR RATING:  7.5  ($$)  JGW RV Park

Benbow KOA,  7000 Benbow Dr., Garberville, CA 95542

Just off US-101, Benbow sits right below the southern edge of the Northern Calif. Redwoods, in Garberville.  A smallish KOA, Benbow still offers all the normal amenities, and adds a unique advantage:  It is a part of the Historic Benbow Inn!   The Inn and the RV park are on opposite sides of US-101, and connected by a short ( 200 yards?) walking path beneath the highway.  If you are like me, there is a big plus associated with a really fine dinner out without leaving the campground!  The pool at the RV park is nice, and open May ~ October.  If you are a golfer, bring your clubs, as the 9-hole is on-site as well.  This park is worth a look-see for a number of reasons, as you will find, should you check it out….

Phone:  (707) 923-2777

OUR RATING:  8.0  ($$)  Benbow RV/KOA

Carmel By The River RV Park, 27680 Schulte Road, Carmel, CA 93923

Updated since our May 2017 visit! Advertised as the ‘Monterey Peninsula’s best kept Secret’, this small, quiet, somewhat secluded park promises to be a real gem!  All the amenities you will need, and only 4 1/2 miles from downtown Carmel.  (7 miles from Montery)  Privacy hedges border the 35 back-in sites, and the Carmel River flows alongside to the north.  A couple of caveats:  Schulte Rd, off G-16, (Carmel Valley Rd) will get narrow and winding.  Guests are advised to disconnect any trailers or towed vehicles before continuing past the Schulte entrance off G-16.  Once on Schulte, it’s a mile, last 1/4 of which is very narrow.  Watch your overhead clearance, as well as the sides.  Take it slow!  Also, Big Rigs are advised that “When traveling on Hwy 68, avoid taking the Laureles Grade (G-20)”.  That pass is a great shortcut for commuters from Laguna Seca to Carmel Valley, but it’s quite steep!  Sound tuff?   Well, you won’t find me taking the shortcut.  Carmel by the River RV is “Good As it Gets” in Carmel!  It represents what you get with an on-site owner-manager, (in this case “Mike”)  And thanks so much for the tip on this place from our friends, Stan and Renee!

We’re really here!

Office, showers, etc.

Well cared for!

Phone: (831) 624-9329

OUR RATING:  9.0*   ($$$)    Carmel By The River RV

Bakersfield RV Resort, 5025 Wible Road, Bakersfield, California  93313

In Bakersfield, you may not anticipate a Luxury RV Resort that really meets expectations of the title.  Not true at Bakersfield RV Resort.  Beginning with the friendly staff, this park has put no limitation on amenities to ensure your comfort & enjoyment.  Their 200+ sites, about half pull-thru, all very level, packed DG, are nicely spaced allowing ample room for concrete picnic pads at each!   Lightning fast WiFi (I’m using it as I write), large pool & spa, spotless laundry, etc., etc.  If all that’s not enough, the Crest Bar & Grill is right on the property!  You’ll need to check this one out!

Phone:   (661) 833-9998

OUR RATING:  9.0   ($$)    Bakersfield RV Resort

Desert View RV Resort, 5300 Route 66, Needles, California  92363

When you’re crossing the Mohave Desert, Needles often works out to be a great stop-over oasis.  In such a case, Desert View RV Resort really shines!  A relatively small park, with 65 manicured gravel sites, each bordered with privacy hedges, with cement patios, it’s a pretty clean environment, rain or shine.   All sites are full-hookup, and most are pull-thru.  The  15 back-in sites are 80 foot long!  All the usual amenities, Pool, Laundry, & Free WiFi.  In this locale, we think it’s heaven!

Phone:  (760) 326-4000

OUR RATING:  8.0   ($$)    Desert View RV Resort

East Shore RV Park – 1440 Camper View Rd., San Dimas, CA  91773

The park sits atop rolling hills on the east shore of Puddingstone Lake in the Los Angeles basin.  Just 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles and 21 miles from Disneyland, it represents a great stop-off point for lots of major destinations.  The lake is very picturesque, and the park is well-maintained.  All the usual amenities are available, and the weather is ‘Southern California’ all the way.

Phone:  (800) 809-3778

OUR RATING:  8.5  ($$)   Website

Outdoor Resort Indio – 80-394 Ave 48, Indio, CA 92201

This park is not for everyone.  But for those with a 28’+ Class A coach no more than 10 years old, and looking for an outstanding experience in luxury RVing, it could be just the ticket!  This park is privately owned sites, clustered around beautiful lakes and a perfect 18-hole executive golf course (unlimited use is included with rental).  Pickleball is major here, with dedicated courts, and 10 (count-em) tennis courts!  As you may expect, there is a complete workout facility and 5 swimming pools!  Pricey for sure, but about what you would expect for the very best.  Take some time to look over their website.  It’s an eye-opener!

Phone:  (800) 892-2992

OUR RATING  10.0  ($$$$)  Website   Fine Dining