Campground Membership

[DaleS]

New to the camping world would like to know if it is worth it to spend $500 plus year to get a cheaper rate at different campgrounds.

[Wobbles]

Originally Posted by DaleS

New to the camping world would like to know if it is worth it to spend $500 plus year to get a cheaper rate at different campgrounds.

Shop around before you buy. Depending on your circumstances and such you will find some valued input here from that those that have purchased and learned. Can you share some details about what you like in what area including requirements that you currently desire. Your age will also be a factor in the responses for what is available.

Many members here do take advantage of these perks.

[DaleS]

I have a 42 foot fifth wheel and looking to take trips down south and out west trying to find the best deal.

[SidecarFlip]

You have to weigh you nights camping per year versus the membership cost and be apprised, some organizations like AMAC and AARP affiliate with some campgrounds to give discounts.

I'd have to be doing a ton of camping to justify a $500.00 membership nyself. Good Sam is way cheaper and offers quite a bit.

[bikendan]

Passport America only costs $44 a year.

[asquared]

Check the reviews online (ie RV Park Reviews - Trusted Reviews of Campgrounds & RV Parks) for each campground in that membership you plan to use. It may help the membership to give you better advice if we knew which membership it is (ie thousand trails, travel resorts America, encore rv resorts, coast to coast etc). I am a member of travel resorts America. Does it make financial sense? Not really but we love our home park and are able to use coast to coast with travelling. Many find passport America to be a really good value. For any membership learn about blackout dates, member fees/dues, any extra you may have to pay at each resort (ie travel resorts home base is included, associate can be up to $25/night and coast to coast membership is extra each year). Also some reserve the right to stick you in water/electric sites or less than prime sites for the discounted rates.

[Rhody]

Originally Posted by DaleS

New to the camping world would like to know if it is worth it to spend $500 plus year to get a cheaper rate at different campgrounds.

Stay away from Good Sam's
Google it...

[whj77372]

I use Good Sam a lot, to find RV parks with ratings and reviews. The 10% discount more then pays for the cost and their ratings are generally very good.
I use their trip planning tool almost always. I am pleased with Good Sam.

[ben31]

Good Sam is fine for the discounts. I've used it quite a bit. Discounts in their store (for things we need right now), and good discounts at a wide range of campgrounds.

The only downside is receiving many offers for other services from Camping World/Good Sam.

If you are joining a organization like Thousand Trails, be sure to closely read the contract (as with any contract). There are some interesting items in it. Some of the services are very hard to get rid of, if you are not happy with the service. I've used them in the past (thankfully free with new RV) and they do have some good parks. Just be careful with what you are signing up for.

[bikendan]

As far as I know, Good Sam discount is 10%, the same as the AAA discount.
No need for Good Sam if you have AAA.