The Naples KOA; Lots of Fun and a Great Location

As we near end of our stay at the Naples KOA, we feel sadness as we watch some of our new friends packing up or already gone, heading back north for Easter at home. When I was ill, people that I hardly new would drop by to check up on me. One fellow RVer had hoped to set up a kayak flotilla; something that we weren't able to pull off, in part because of me and my stones. Maybe next year.

The cabin people keep arriving and going, some for a weekend and others for just a day. Each new day sees fewer and fewer neighbors as our "backyard" expands, spreading outward to include the empty RV sites that now surround us.

We have been very lucky concerning this park. We arrived on the 1st of March without a reservation. Having made plans to meet some non-RV'ing friends from New York and California while in Naples, we hoped to get at least 2 weeks at an RV park in Naples or Marco Island. The Naples KOA was the first RV resort we tried after driving down I-75 from Tampa, our last port of call. Located at 1700 Barefoot Williams Road, it had an intriguing address and was close to both Naples Old Town and Marco Island. We're glad we gave it a chance. It's been very nice.

After 2 months of bad weather and some unpleasant experiences in Tampa, we were ready for change.
We immediately liked what we saw; an older park, but well kept, with a nice pool, and clean laundry room and bathrooms with private showers, all of which met our immediate needs. What we didn't expect was the friendliness of the staff and visitors.

From the start, we were greeted by nearly everyone; always invited to join them at their table during events and questioned about ourselves and our plans. We couldn't go for a walk without meeting someone along the way to stop and chat with. Of course, it takes two to start a conversation and we did go out of our way to be friendly. It's more about how other people respond to you; whether they just nod and go on their way, or stop and talk. In this resort, most people act as friends, which of course some of them are after coming here for years, but they also act his way with new arrivals.

We're planning to return next year; perhaps February and March. We love the KOA's proximity to local beaches, resturants and the Old Town in Naples, which is a great place to stroll through and gawk at the many shops and their wealthy clientele, or to eat at one of the many fine resturants. We recommend McCabes on 5th Avenue. It looks like a beautiful English pub inside and has, like many eating establishments in town, tables outside to sit, eat and watch the Gucci's walk by. McCabe's puts on a terrific St. Patrick's Day celebration each year, with corned beef and cabbage and live Irish music. And don't miss a walk, drive or bicycle ride along Gulf Boulevard. 12th street west will give you access to the pier (see photo below, taken from the beach), always a great place to go, especially at sunset. Gulf Blvd's beautiful homes will knock your socks off and every block has a westside street that includes metered parking and an access to some of the most beautiful Gulf beaches we've ever seen. Just remember to bring lots of quarters to feed the parking meters. 2 bucks will buy you just an hour and 20 minutes.

Just outside of the KOA, you'll find WalMart and Publix shopping centers located on Colliers Blvd or on Rte. 41/Tamiani Trail. Check the Naples KOA's website for other local attractions.

Till next time, when we'll be in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.