Before a year ago, I never in my life would have considered writing a blog post about camping memberships…because I really didn’t like camping. We now live full time in a fifth wheel. I still don’t consider our situation camping (hahaha), but whatever it is we’ve had over 50 campground stays within the past 10 months.

There are LOTS of different camping memberships and many of them can do a great job helping you save in your adventures. I did a lot of research and these are the ones we went with. Two are no brainers. The other can be the most beneficial for some, depending on your style and situation.

KOA

Let’s start with KOA. KOAs are all over the country and we have found them to some of our favorites places to stay. There is a general standard for KOAs. They are clean and offer a variety of amenities, and usually have a dog park. Some are small, some are huge. There are KOA Journeys (nice, but simple), Holidays (usually more things to do around park), and Resorts (you don’t need to go anywhere else, you can just spend your vacation there). The cost of the membership will pay for itself within a stay or two, most likely. At the time of writing this, an annul membership is $36 and unlocks a 10% savings for each stay, allows you to earn rewards points to redeem for stays, and have access to staying a predetermined free night (which looks like it typically held in September.)

Good Sam

Next let’s chat about Good Sam. Over 2000 campgrounds across the US participate in offering discount if you have a Good Sam membership…they don’t all advertise it though, so make sure you ask. Because unlike KOAs that are obviously within the KOA chain, Good Sam campgrounds are all different. Most of the Good Sam related parks we’ve stayed at have been nice, but there doesn’t seem to be a “standard” or too many requirements, but you will save at least 10%. So, again this membership most likely will pay for itself in savings within a time or two with the cost only being $29 a year.

Thousand Trails

Now let’s talk about the park system that has saved us thousands of dollars. Thousand Trails is park system around the country that we paid a membership fee and then don’t pay anymore to stay at any of the parks. If anyone camps a lot, and most definitely if they travel full-time this could be highly beneficial. We started with the Camping Pass (referral link) and added “zones” as we went. Currently the camping pass is $570, additional zones are $90. We also have the Trails Collection for $370. We have since decided to upgrade and now have the Elite Basic Membership. What seems like “a lot” of money, will absolutely pay for itself quickly if you camp a lot where the parks are. Withe the Elite Basic Membership or any of the higher ones you could live the entire year going park to park.

There are a lot of factors in learning about the Thousand Trails system because there are a handful of options. Some basic and some pretty hefty, with a higher price tag too – but are totally worth it for the right travelers. Thousand Trails parks are often more nature-y in style, but most have activities and amenities and many are getting updates and improvements. I look forward to staying in Thousand Trails parks, we’ve really enjoyed the ones that we’ve stayed at.

*I am happy to share more about Thousand Trails if you have questions, or if you want to skip right to my favorite Member Specialist reach out to.

Amanda LaBarbera, 469-875-7842, amanda_labarbera@equitylifestyle.com

I like her because she wasn’t salesy or pushy. She understood that some memberships are better fits than others and she just flat out through any discounts she had available on the table right away. No games. And she answered ALL of my questions without judgement.

What other memberships do you have? Happy Camping!

Check out our list of RV Essentials