{"id":13921,"date":"2020-10-24T10:45:06","date_gmt":"2020-10-24T10:45:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.koacampingnc.com\/?p=13921"},"modified":"2020-10-24T10:45:06","modified_gmt":"2020-10-24T10:45:06","slug":"thousand-trails-membership-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Thousand Trails Membership Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When I first started RV living fulltime, I struggled with finding affordable campsites. The options available were either out of my price range or somewhere that didn\u2019t have the best amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I knew there had to be a better way to find a place to stay in my RV so I started researching camping club memberships and stumbled across Thousand Trails. It seemed like a reasonable solution to my issue, so I did a little more digging to find out if it was right for other fulltime RVers like me. Here\u2019s what I found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Things_to_Consider_Before_Buying_a_Camping_Club_Membership\"><\/span><strong>Things to Consider Before Buying a Camping Club Membership<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662f1e33300da\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662f1e33300da\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Things_to_Consider_Before_Buying_a_Camping_Club_Membership\" title=\"Things to Consider Before Buying a Camping Club Membership\">Things to Consider Before Buying a Camping Club Membership<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Who_Should_Consider_a_Camping_Club_Membership\" title=\"Who Should Consider a Camping Club Membership\">Who Should Consider a Camping Club Membership<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#What_to_Think_About_Before_Buying_a_Camping_Club_Membership\" title=\"What to Think About Before Buying a Camping Club Membership\">What to Think About Before Buying a Camping Club Membership<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#The_Thousand_Trails_Membership\" title=\"The Thousand Trails Membership\">The Thousand Trails Membership<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Pros\" title=\"Pros\">Pros<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Cons\" title=\"Cons\">Cons<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Thousand_Trails_Membership_Features_and_Benefits\" title=\"Thousand Trails Membership Features and Benefits \">Thousand Trails Membership Features and Benefits <\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Big_Savings_During_Your_RV_Travels\" title=\"Big Savings During Your RV Travels\">Big Savings During Your RV Travels<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Easy_Reservation_Process\" title=\"Easy Reservation Process\">Easy Reservation Process<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Activities_for_The_Family\" title=\"Activities for The Family\">Activities for The Family<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Flexible_Arrival_Times\" title=\"Flexible Arrival Times\">Flexible Arrival Times<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Site_Choices\" title=\"Site Choices \">Site Choices <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Sightseeing_Opportunities_Nearby\" title=\"Sightseeing Opportunities Nearby \">Sightseeing Opportunities Nearby <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Unique_Experience_At_Each_Resort\" title=\"Unique Experience At Each Resort \">Unique Experience At Each Resort <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Remote_Locations\" title=\"Remote Locations\">Remote Locations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Thousand_Trial_Membership_Reviews\" title=\"Thousand Trial Membership Reviews \">Thousand Trial Membership Reviews <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Alternative_Camping_Club_Membership_Options\" title=\"Alternative Camping Club Membership Options \">Alternative Camping Club Membership Options <\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Escapees_RV_CLub\" title=\" Escapees RV CLub\"> Escapees RV CLub<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Passport_America\" title=\" Passport America\"> Passport America<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Good_Sam_Club\" title=\" Good Sam Club\"> Good Sam Club<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Harvest_Hosts\" title=\" Harvest Hosts\"> Harvest Hosts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/rv-tips\/thousand-trails-membership-review\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Camping club memberships are programs that allow RV travelers to stay in selected campsites year round. They operate similar to a resort timeshare. You pay an upfront cost and\/or yearly membership fee, then get your pick of campgrounds during your travels either at no cost or a discounted rate. The purpose of the program is to help RVers save money when camping or traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Should_Consider_a_Camping_Club_Membership\"><\/span><em>Who Should Consider a Camping Club Membership<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fulltime RVers often discover that finding affordable overnight camping options can be a bit of a pain point. That\u2019s why camping club memberships like the Thousand Trails are great for RVers who spend most of their time in campsites. With a little planning, you can save some serious cash on camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Think_About_Before_Buying_a_Camping_Club_Membership\"><\/span><em>What to Think About Before Buying a Camping Club Membership<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To determine if a camping club membership would be worth it, focus on how much you\u2019d want to spend per night at a campsite and try to figure out how many nights you\u2019d plan on using your membership. This simple calculation will help you determine if a membership is the most cost effective option for your RV living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Thousand_Trails_Membership\"><\/span><strong>The Thousand Trails Membership<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Thousand Trails (TT) is a camp membership organization that\u2019s been operating for over 45 years. They offer over 80 locations spread across 22 states, mostly featuring sites on the East and West coast. Their resort-style campsites feature common amenities, like water and electric hook up, WiFi and cable. Each TT site has its own set of unique features, from activities you can enjoy with the whole family to game areas and splash pads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One key aspect of the TT program is that their campsites are divided into five zones. Depending on your membership, you can have access to every zone or just one. If you plan on only staying in a single region, then you can save money by opting for a more basic membership which only covers one zone of campsites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros\"><\/span><em>Pros<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>You can save money staying in overnight RV camps throughout the year.<\/li><li>Booking a reservation is an easy process.<\/li><li>You can switch sites during your stay if you don\u2019t like the first one you find.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cons\"><\/span><em>Cons<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Organization has some administrative issues and tends to be disorganized<em>. <\/em><\/li><li>Some of their parks are mediocre quality. We can\u2019t speak for every campsite, but we\u2019ve heard a few that had areas under construction and poorly maintained facilities.<\/li><li>Selecting a membership can be confusing, especially if you aren\u2019t familiar with TT.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thousand_Trails_Membership_Features_and_Benefits\"><\/span><strong>Thousand Trails Membership Features and Benefits <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When selecting a camping membership program that works for you, it\u2019s important to factor in the benefits and features that will influence you the most. What makes a great camping experience for you may differ for other RVers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I recommend making a list of what you want to get out of your RV campsite, and make your decision from there. To help you decide if Thousand Trails membership is for you, here are some of the features I found with the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Big_Savings_During_Your_RV_Travels\"><\/span><em>Big Savings During Your RV Travels<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some campsites on the East coast charge RV owners around $50 per night. With TT, you pay a yearly membership fee and upfront cost for the package deal. When broken down, some RV enthusiasts calculated that their membership cost them almost half the Eastern average (around $25 per night), which is a pretty awesome deal to us<em>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Easy_Reservation_Process\"><\/span><em>Easy Reservation Process<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can book your reservation online or over the phone. The online option gives you an overview of the sites available in your zone with each featuring their own web page and a break down of their amenities. You can see the availability for each location, and will receive a confirmation email once you book your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that TT works on a first-come-first-served basis and you select your site when you check in. Get there early if you want a good spot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Activities_for_The_Family\"><\/span><em>Activities for The Family<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping your little ones entertained while on the road is a struggle for most traveling families. Once you get to the RV park, they may be cranky and ready to release some energy. Fortunately, TT parks offer something for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their amenities range from pools to lakes to games that the entire family can enjoy together. You can relax by the pool, take a dip in the lake or entertain the kiddos with a game of horseshoe or cornhole. Some locations offer additional social activities, like mini-concerts and BBQ\u2019s, so you can meet some of your fellow campers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flexible_Arrival_Times\"><\/span><em>Flexible Arrival Times<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Being chained to a schedule sort of defeats the purpose of RV living. TT gets that, and allows you to check in to their site whenever you\u2019re ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to take your time leaving for your campsite in the morning or just enjoy a few sightseeing stops along the way? The TT flexible check in times let you do that without any late fees or risk of losing your reservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Site_Choices\"><\/span><em>Site Choices <\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While you may decide to take advantage of the flexible check in times, remember that the TT campsites operate on a first-come-first-serve basis. Meaning, you\u2019ll have a better chance of finding a good spot if you get there earlier or on a non-peak day for vacationers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, don\u2019t get discouraged if the only spot you find is less than ideal. You have the freedom to switch campsites later on at no charge, once all the weekend warriors pack up and leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sightseeing_Opportunities_Nearby\"><\/span><em>Sightseeing Opportunities Nearby <\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The beauty of RV living is the chance to see some of the amazing sites throughout the U.S. The TT campsites are located in \u201cthe heart of desirable resort locations.\u201d You get to stay in a campsite near popular theme parks, national parks and other attractions to give your family something to do outside of the campsite. If you start to feel a little stir crazy, take a quick road trip to check out some of the several attractions near your TT campsite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unique_Experience_At_Each_Resort\"><\/span><em>Unique Experience At Each Resort <\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been RVing for a while, you may start to notice that most campsites look a lot alike. They tend to offer the same amenities, activities and features, which is comforting but also monotonous. Part of the excitement of traveling is enjoying new experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The risk of cookie-cutter campsites with camping memberships program is high, but TT offers a unique experience at each of their locations. They provide different types of entertainment, like casino nights and luaus, at each location so you can get a diverse experience while on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Remote_Locations\"><\/span><em>Remote Locations<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoying nature is one of the many perks of RV living. Which makes the TT membership preferable for the strong, outdoors type of RVers. Each of their campsites are located in remote, rural locations, away from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you may pick a site due to its proximity of a specific city or attraction, you can still enjoy nature and the remote benefits of camping. Surrounded by trees, lakes and wildlife, you get all the perks of camping while enjoying the luxury of your RV and TT amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thousand_Trial_Membership_Reviews\"><\/span><strong>Thousand Trial Membership Reviews <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From what I\u2019ve learned about the Thousand Trial membership, it definitely seems like something that makes RV living more affordable and easier. But don\u2019t just take my word for it. I\u2019ve scoured the Internet and found some additional TT membership reviews from happy campers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The service was excellent, as it is at all thousand trails sites that we visit over the last 25 plus years of our membership. keep up the great work and tradition that you have installed with your very friendly and helpful staff at each of your locations. We look forward to camping at thousand trails each time we take a trip. Thanks to all.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\">https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/ShowUserReviews-g34142-d5257042-r464895445-Orlando_RV_Resort-Clermont_Lake_County_Florida.html#<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Love this campground! The wonderful staff is friendly and accommodating. You meet some of the nicest people at campgrounds. Everyone is always willing to give advice and help the novice campers. We were in section E this time and I think it is now my favorite spot. It&#8217;s only an hour&#8217;s drive from home so it&#8217;s a great place to go to get away for the weekend. Love the meat bingo!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\">https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/ShowUserReviews-g34142-d5257042-r461193068-Orlando_RV_Resort-Clermont_Lake_County_Florida.html#<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>We have weathered the recent upgrades to this resort and are now enjoying the results to date. The new electric posts are sound and in the sites we have stayed in nicely placed. Some sites do not have a table so if you need one be sure and check. Staff continues to be professional pleasant and very helpful. We stayed in the &#8216;B&#8217; section.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\">https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/ShowUserReviews-g34142-d5257042-r460401614-Orlando_RV_Resort-Clermont_Lake_County_Florida.html#<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These reviews painted a fairly positive picture of the TT membership experience. But as always, we suggest doing some of your own diligent research when deciding which camping club membership is best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alternative_Camping_Club_Membership_Options\"><\/span><strong>Alternative Camping Club Membership Options <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When making your decision about camping club membership, it pays to learn as much as you can about all the options available. Thousand Trails offers an affordable upfront cost and yearly fees for unlimited camping at their locations. Other programs differ in their pricing structure, costs and amenities. It\u2019s up to you to find the best one for your needs.&nbsp; Here\u2019s a list of similar camping club memberships to consider when making your decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Escapees_RV_CLub\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escapees.com\/\"><em> Escapees RV CLub<\/em><\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Escapees is more of a support and resource membership for RVers rather than the traditional camping membership program. Although their website advertises nineteen Escapee parks located between Washington State to Florida, some users reported they couldn\u2019t easily find such parks listed under Escapee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, what they lack in campgrounds, they make up for in RV support. If you\u2019re new to RV living, they offer a community and support group that can provide insights and connections with fellow RVers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Costs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>$39.95 each year<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to Thousand Trails:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Is an RV community and support program<\/li><li>Provides resources and meetups for RVers<\/li><li>Can attend events to meet and network with other RVers<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out their website to learn more about their RV community, membership details and upcoming events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\"><li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Passport_America\"><\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportamerica.com\/netid\/hea_894\"><em> Passport America<\/em><\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Passport America is a membership program that can save you 50 percent of campsite fees. By paying an annual fee for membership, which is extremely affordable, you get access to over 2,000 parks across the country at half of their normal rate. You can easily make your membership money back within a couple stays at participating parks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there is a variety of quality, you still have a huge list of parks to choose from during your travels. And they also provide a handy mobile app to easily book your reservations on the go. You can also make money with their affiliate referral program by receiving $10 for every person who signs up from your referral<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cost: $44 annually, but less for advanced sign up options<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to Thousand Trails<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Less expensive annual membership fee<\/li><li>Must pay 50 percent of park rates for overnight stays<\/li><li>Parks are participating in program, not owned by it<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about how you can save and make money with your RV travels, check out the Passport America website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\"><li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Good_Sam_Club\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodsam.com\/club\/\"><em> Good Sam Club<\/em><\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The Good Sam Club is a reward program that saves members money while staying at specific RV parks (separate from their roadside assistance and other services). By signing up as a member, which is relatively cheap, you save ten percent when staying at any participating location, along with other savings regarding RV supplies from Camping World and gas savings at Pilot and Flying J.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you sign up, they can be a little spammy. You\u2019ll receive weekly emails trying to sell you new products for RV living and promoting discounts for your purchases. If you\u2019re looking to stock up your RV, that could be useful. But in terms of their campsite discounts, saving ten percent at every site isn\u2019t much. You may have to use them consistently for several weeks before you make your money back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Costs: $27 per year<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to Thousand Trails<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Over 2,100 participating campsites to choose from<\/li><li>Only save ten percent for every overnight stay<\/li><li>Receive discounts for camping supplies from Camping World<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit the Good Sam Club website if you want to learn more about their reward perks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\"><li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Harvest_Hosts\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harvesthosts.com\/\"><em> Harvest Hosts<\/em><\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a fan of getting immersed in the local flavors of your travel destinations, then Harvest Hosts could be a great option for you. It\u2019s a unique membership program that allows you to stay for one night at participating wineries, farms and agri-tourism sites for no extra cost &#8211; you just pay an affordable annual fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Theoretically, you should make your money back within one visit. However, it\u2019s expected that you\u2019ll purchase products from the locations you are visiting, which could run up your tab a bit. Not to mention, most of the locations don\u2019t offer any hookups, but since you\u2019re staying for one night, it shouldn\u2019t be much of an issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cost: $40 per year<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to Thousand Trails:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Visit local wineries, breweries and farms compared to traditional RV camps<\/li><li>Great way to experience local culture<\/li><li>No hookups at campsite<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested in meeting locals while staying at wineries and other attractions? Visit the Harvest Host website to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>RVers need to do what they can to save on expenses when traveling. Camping memberships like Thousand Trails help you do just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Thousand Trails yearly membership fee makes it easier to plan and stick to your budget &#8211; there\u2019s no risk of being surprised by a higher than average campground cost. And when you\u2019re on the road, convenience means a lot. You can easily set your reservation for your TT campsite and then arrive at a time that works best for you. That quality of service and convenience is hard to beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to sign up or still want to learn more about Thousand Trails, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thousandtrails.com\/\">check out their website<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When I first started RV living fulltime, I struggled with finding affordable campsites. The options available were either out of my price range or somewhere [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13922,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Jason","author_link":"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/author\/rick\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"When I first started RV living fulltime, I struggled with finding affordable campsites. The options available were either out of my price range or somewhere [&hellip;]","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13921"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13921"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13921\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rvlives.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}