Many families who want to budget for fulltime travel in the United States need to consider Camping Membership options. Here are the 10 Best RV Camping Memberships for 2024 which have served many families well over the last few decades.
Campground Memberships – Are they worth it?
The general consensus is they are recommended by families who travel fulltime in an RV. The average camping cost is between $26 – $55/night and has increased over the last few years. Premium locations, like Florida or Arizona during peak season can be as high as $100/night. Campground Fees are a major expense for many new RVers and buying into a Camping Membership can save you hundreds of dollars per month as well as provide resort style amenities.
Camping costs can be reduced by using a mix of boondocking, volunteering, workcamping and camping on public lands. But many families require some basic needs that the campgrounds offer. We have used these clubs over the last 15 years, so they have paid for themselves. The memberships are only useful if you make use of them. Do your homework and check to see if the campsites are in locations suited to your travel needs.
Best Camping Memberships
- Thousand Trails
- Escapees RV Club
- Boondockers Welcome
- Harvest Hosts
- Passport America
- Coast to Coast
- Good Sam Club
- KOA Value Card Rewards
- Overnight RV Parking
- The Happy Campers Club
Thousand Trails
When you visit a Thousand Trails RV Resort & Campground, you’ll notice the difference! After all, with over 40 years of experience in providing the best in outdoor destinations, recreation and family camping, we are still just as committed to making sure our properties are Clean, Safe, and Fun for our guests as when we opened our first campground.
Thousand Trails is the largest and most successful provider of RV resorts and campgrounds in North America with over 80 locations in 22 states and British Columbia, Canada. Thousand Trails has combined the beauty and relaxation of a scenic nature preserve with the resort-style amenities and security of an exclusive club. At each resort, we provide a secure, gated environment with park rangers who look out for our guests’ safety – so you can focus on having fun. Today our parks are enjoyed by more than 100,000 member families and guests.
Quick Benefits Overview
Thousand Trails, also known as TT, offers a fantastic camping membership. They have over 80 campgrounds in their network and they split up their membership into what they call zones; Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast and Southeast.
You essentially pay $585.00 per year to be able to camp all year long in the zone you purchase. You do have the option to be able to camp in more than one area but it’s an additional $54.00 per zone. This can be well-worth it though if you like to travel frequently. Another option that TT gives you is to purchase their upgrade package called The Trails Collection.
This upgrade gives you access to an additional 110 parks for just $210.00. Keep in mind that 18 of the parks within the Trails Collection are not considered free and will charge $20.00 per night since they are considered premium parks in very popular destinations.
Formerly only open to lifetime members, Thousand Trails has introduced the Zone Camping Pass, which provides a low-investment way to enjoy the benefits of resort-style camping on an annual basis.
There are no sale presentations, no expensive up-front fees, and no long-term commitments. ELS has also introduced the Trails Collection offering even more camping options around the country.
Pros
- Cost effective if planning to use for a large number of days per year.
- No nightly fees for camping in RV or tent.
- Unlimited day use at parks in the zone you purchased.
Cons
- You can only camp in a Thousand Trails Park for 14 to 21 days at a time and must leave the system for 7 days before being able to use your camping pass again. Certain Membership levels allow park to park.
- Very limited number of parks.
If you are looking to purchase a membership and have additional questions or need help, please feel free to contact us.
Escapees RV Club
The premier camping club that offers Boot Camp programs, mail and domicile service, CARE, rallies, RV Webinars and so much more.
This is a social and community club, with added benefits that get you access to SKP parks (at a discount) as well as the opportunity to join like-minded groups of people.
Quick Benefits Overview
This is one of those memberships that works for both beginner and seasoned RV owners.
There are a great deal of benefits that come with Escapees RV Club and its a fantastic network if you are looking to hang out with other RV owners. With the amount of events and niche groups that you can join there is no reason to feel lonely.
One of the best benefits in our opinion is the BOF (Birds-of-a-feather) groups. These are formed groups with different sets of interest such as Amateur Radio enthusiast, hikers, computers, singles clubs, Christian clubs etc.
Pros
- On demand mail forwarding service allows you to receive mail whenever and wherever you travel in North America.
- Strong support network of other experienced RV owners.
- Easy to use online mapping system to find nearby parking.
- Discount parking at more than 800 RV parks.
- Overnight low-cost camping directory.
- 18 owned and operated Escapee parks.
- Large amount of RV owner education for all types of classes.
Cons
Smaller number of RV parks in network compared to other memberships.
Membership Cost
- $39.95 per year (US Membership)
- $49.95 per year (Canada Membership)
- $49.95 per year (Mexico Membership)
Boondockers Welcome
Boondockers Welcome opens up a world of new camping opportunities. Escape the crowded and noisy campground in favor of a private spot on a beautiful property and a meaningful connection with a friendly host.
Enjoy truly unique stay experiences often without any sacrifice to comfort as 70% of Boondockers Welcome hosts offer hookups.
Quick Benefits Overview
Boondockers Welcome is an excellent network of 2,000 plus RV lifestyle loving property owners. These are not campgrounds that you will be staying at, but instead private property owners that are kindly allowing RV goers to stay on their property.
The system is quite simple to use. Once you signup you can search listings within a defined radius and then review each of the hosts that show up. You will need to read each owners listing carefully since that’s where they define the type of RV that they can accommodate as we as the types of hookups, if any, that they have.
After you have narrowed down your selection to a few hosts simply send them a message using the websites secure messaging system and wait for the owner to respond.
A Boondockers Welcome subscription can significantly help reduce RV living costs, even if it’s just for a few nights per month. It all adds up. It’s also a great way to grow your network of RV friends and it’s definitely one of the best RV memberships you can get.
Although its free to stay on the Hosts property, it is understood that Hosts should be given enough money to cover the electric and water used by the guest.
Pros
- Free to stay on the property which means no campground fees.
- Discounts on additional RV products and memberships.
- Grow RV friend network.
- Hosts are often knowledgeable on the local area and can provide you with great recommendations.
Cons
- Average length of stay is 1-2 nights
- Some properties have limits on the size of the RV that they can accommodate.
- Many of the Hosts do not have hookups (hey, its boondocking).
- Some do not allow pets.
- Reservation system could be better.
Membership Cost
A 1-year subscription to Boondockers Welcome is $50.00. You also receive a 50% discount if you have a location where you host Boondockers Welcome Guest. There is also a no questions asked 90-day refund if you are not satisfied with the membership.
Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts: The road trip of your dreams is just a click away. Harvest Hosts offers RVers unlimited access to farms, breweries, wineries, and attractions across North America.
Your membership allows you to stay overnight at any of these businesses and in return, all you have to do is support them by making a purchase (go on a farm tour, enjoy a wine tasting, grab a flight of beers, etc… we know it’s no fun at all).
Quick Benefits Overview
This is one of those memberships that is highly underrated. As someone that enjoys a good beer or glass of wine from time-to-time Harvest Hosts is on my favorites list for RV memberships.
Harvest Hosts is essentially a network of unique locations throughout North America that allow you to stay on their business property in exchange for a simple purchase of company merchandise. In my opinion these are some of the best places that you can stay and completely worth the price of an annual membership. You won’t be disappointed (If you are the membership comes with a 100% money back guarantee).
Harvest Hosts reservation system is similar to Boondockers Welcome in that you simply send a message to the hosts requesting a stay.
Pros
- Excellent opportunity to stay at some truly unique and beautiful spots.
- Pets are allowed at 90% of the locations.
- All classes of RVs are allowed.
Cons
- Limited number of locations offer hookups.
- No online booking system or App.
- Only fully self contained RVs are allowed.
- 24 hour maximum stay.
Membership Cost
Harvest Hosts Classic – $79.00 per year
Unlimited FREE overnight stays at 915+ locations that include wineries, breweries and farms.
Harvest Hosts + Golf – $119.00 per year
All the benefits of the classic plan but it also comes with 359 golf courses and country clubs.
Passport America
Passport America invented the 50% Discount Camping Club in 1992 and has continued to improve on that great concept. Over 1800 campgrounds across the US, Canada, and Mexico are currently participating in the Passport America Program, with new parks joining daily. Although their concept has often been imitated Passport America is still the best value, lowest price, and the World’s Largest network of Quality Campgrounds of its kind.
With the Passport America RV Discount Camping Card, cardholder’s also receive a FREE subscription to RV America magazine. This magazine provides a fresh look within the RV Industry and provides Passport America members with many great features such as Product Highlights, and Recipes from the Road. It also provides members with updates to the current edition of the Passport America International Camping Directory.
The goal at Passport America is to save you money while providing you with the most quality & largest network of campgrounds, and a family of friends.
Quick Benefits Overview
This is one of those RV memberships will literally pay for itself in just 2-3 stays. They offer 50% discount off their nearly 1800 partnered campgrounds.
The campgrounds are found all through the United States as well as a select number in parts of Mexico and Canada. The have also been in operation since 1992 and currently have more than 100,000 members.
If you have heard about Passport America, and are on the fence about it, I would recommend taking a look at your planned travel routes by browsing the Passport America website and seeing which campgrounds in your route accept the membership. That will help you to determine whether or not you will save by becoming a member. (I can almost guarantee that it will be worth it)
Pros
- 50% discount at partnered campgrounds.
- Free online subscription to RV America magazine
- Free campground catalog.
- Mobile app to search for nearby RV Parks.
Cons
- Every campground has different days that they will accept the Passport America discount. For example, many campgrounds will only accept it Sunday-Thursday and not on the weekends or on holidays.
- Website and app do not allow for online booking. You actually need to call the campground to make a reservation.
Membership Cost
$44.00 per year. You can also save more by purchasing 2-year, 3-year, 5 year or lifetime memberships.
Coast-to-Coast:
Since 1972, Coast to Coast Resorts has been the industry leader in bringing RV enthusiasts access to some of the finest outdoor resorts in the country. In fact, Coast’s primary focus is to make it possible for people who purchase memberships at resorts to maximize their destination and vacation choices. To fulfill this mission, Coast to Coast has created an internationally recognized network of hundreds of resorts, enhanced with hundreds of Good Neighbor Parks, forming a network of beautiful properties where nearly any vacation experience can be found.
Good Sam Club
Quick Benefits Overview
There is a lot to be said about the Good Sam Club membership, and it’s definitely the most well-known on our top 10 list. Not only do they offer discounts at any of their 2,000 plus participating campgrounds, but you also get discounts at major camping retailers such as Camping World, Gander Outdoors and Overton’s.
On top of all the discounts that you get out-right with the membership, Good Sam is very good about sending some great offers and deals throughout the year.
Pros
- Get 8 cents off diesel and 5 cents of gas at participating Pilot Flying J locations.
- One free yearly RV inspection at Camping World.
- 15% Discount on propane at Camping World.
- Helpful trip planning app.
- Free RV & Boat dump station usage at capable Camping World centers.
Cons
- Not as many campgrounds in network compared to other memberships.
- An overabundance of promotional material will flood your inbox and mailbox. This can be good or bad depending on your personal preference.
Membership Cost
- $29.00 per year.
- $50.00 2 years (includes a $25.00 certificate)
- $75.00 3 years (includes a $50.00 certification
KOA Value Kard
Quick Benefits Overview
KOA offers a fairly standard set of amenities, and they do a good job at keeping up their campgrounds. That being said, they’re not for everyone and they offer less locations than many of the other memberships that are on the list. However, if you are an RV owner that enjoys knowing exactly what you are getting and enjoy KOA campgrounds this could be a good program to join.
You don’t receive a ton of discounts and benefits after joining, but you do earn rewards that can be used for free night stays. They also offer discounts with some of their network partners like Dish Satellite and Geico.
Pros
- Inexpensive to join.
- Points can add up quickly if you stay long-term.
- 10% off daily registration rate.
- Exclusive offers and coupons.
Cons
- Not as many campgrounds in network.
Membership Cost
$30.00 per year.
Overnight RV Parking
Quick Benefits Overview
Almost every RV owner has needed to find a place to stop for a night and wondered if it was okay to park their throughout the night. Overnight RV Parking solves this problem by providing you with a list of places throughout the United States and Canada that you can and can’t park.
This list is updated regularly, and it currently includes over 14,330 parking and no parking locations. This is a great subscription to have in case you ever get in a bind and just need to stop somewhere for the night without the cost of a campground fee.
Pros
- Smartphone app that uses GPS to locate free parking locations near you.
- No campground fees.
Cons
Not a lot of cons to list considering this is just a list of free places to stay.
Membership Cost
1 year $24.95
The Happy Camper Club
Quick Benefits Overview
Happy Camper does not try to be everything for everyone. They keep things simple and are exactly what they say they are, a “discount club for RVers and Campers”. With Happy Camper you get a discount of 50% at hundreds of campgrounds within their network.
With such a large discount and with new parks joining frequently it can be very cost-effective to add this to your list of RV clubs to join.
Pros
- Large list of helpful Ebooks included with signup.
- 50% off campgrounds in Happy Camper network.
- Free trip planner.
- Long term discounts available at a select number of parks.
Cons
- Not a great reservation system
- Travel planner is not very easy to use.
- Website is outdated.
- No mobile app.
- Not an easy way to make reservations.
Membership Cost
- 1 year Membership $39.00
- 2-year Membership $71.00
- 3 for 2 season sale $79.98
Read more about Camping and beyond options here.
Blink Outdoor – 3 camera kit with Blink Mini
Blink Outdoor – 3 camera kit with Blink Mini
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