RV Clubs... some brief information
While we were shopping around for our RV, we noticed the brochures for RV Clubs at the dealerships both from the manufacturers and independent clubs. I don't think we actually knew about these clubs until that time. The sales agents did on occasion mention the clubs and free memberships with an RV purchase etc. Some of the clubs have apps, some offer discounts for camp sites, some offer road side assistance, some of the clubs have 'rallies' for like minded campers. We are welcome to the idea of saving some money while on the road, so the clubs and discounts are worth checking out. This information is from our research and others comments about the various clubs.
We I did a Google search of 'RV Clubs' on the net, I got back almost 300,000 listings, so there is a lot of information out there. Read our notes and do you own research. We are not sponsored, nor support or recommend any particular club or organization, just providing you with some of the things we are learning as rookies in the RV world. I found a listing of RV Clubs that contained almost a hundred camping clubs, some that might appeal to all and some that are manufacturer specific, or even age specific.
In the information below, we will try to list the current information, costs, and web site address for the clubs we researched. Your needs my vary from ours as related to part timer or full timer and motor home or pull behind. Lets get started. We are going to list a few alphabetically. Also, check out the respective web sites, as information changes and the sites have much more than we can list.
AAA - www.aaa.com ($58 - $110/yr)
A resource for travel discounts, insurance and road side assistance. And they do offer a RV add-on package. They are regionally based, and what is offered varies.
A resource for travel discounts, insurance and road side assistance. And they do offer a RV add-on package. They are regionally based, and what is offered varies.
Boondockers Welcome - boondockerswelcome.com ($24.95/yr)
The logo says 'Be My Guest RV Parking' which pretty much describes this club. This is a network of private land owners who invite you stay a night or two on their property. After you join, you get access to hosts who offer their overnight sites to you. You can search the listing (secure messages) to find a site that fits your travel plans, then contact the host and see if the scheduling works. Some hosts may offer electric, etc. The club has several rewards programs and discounts with other groups. This may be a great option for the casual camper and a way to meet new friends.
The logo says 'Be My Guest RV Parking' which pretty much describes this club. This is a network of private land owners who invite you stay a night or two on their property. After you join, you get access to hosts who offer their overnight sites to you. You can search the listing (secure messages) to find a site that fits your travel plans, then contact the host and see if the scheduling works. Some hosts may offer electric, etc. The club has several rewards programs and discounts with other groups. This may be a great option for the casual camper and a way to meet new friends.
Coach-Net - www.coach-net.com ($179 Towable - $249/yr motorhome)
They have bee providing assistance since 1987 to RV owners. The various services include 24/7 roadside assistance, Hazard Protection (tires & wheels), RV Protect (extended service warranty), Asset Protect (gap insurance), and Finish Protect (paint and fabric). Some of the services may be state dependent. Their website has a blog with travel tips and information.
They have bee providing assistance since 1987 to RV owners. The various services include 24/7 roadside assistance, Hazard Protection (tires & wheels), RV Protect (extended service warranty), Asset Protect (gap insurance), and Finish Protect (paint and fabric). Some of the services may be state dependent. Their website has a blog with travel tips and information.
Family Campers and RVers - www.fcrv.org ($35/yr)
The web site says: Known as the "Friendliest People in the World." This is a member-owner non-profit and have annual group campventions, regional campouts, and state campouts. They have programs for retiree, adults, teens, and the kids. They even have disaster awareness and safety training activities. They welcome all campers regardless of type or brand. The web site has trip planning and some discount programs.
The web site says: Known as the "Friendliest People in the World." This is a member-owner non-profit and have annual group campventions, regional campouts, and state campouts. They have programs for retiree, adults, teens, and the kids. They even have disaster awareness and safety training activities. They welcome all campers regardless of type or brand. The web site has trip planning and some discount programs.
Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) -
Good Sam - www.goodsamclub.com ($27/yr)
This group has been around for many years and offers benefits to members in the way of fuel discounts, discounts at Camping World, trip planners, LP gas discounts, etc. at affiliated companies. The membership gets you a $25 coupon at Camping World. They have large rallies around the country. The various services offered include: roadside assistance, extended warranties, insurance, financing, travel assist and RV sales.
This group has been around for many years and offers benefits to members in the way of fuel discounts, discounts at Camping World, trip planners, LP gas discounts, etc. at affiliated companies. The membership gets you a $25 coupon at Camping World. They have large rallies around the country. The various services offered include: roadside assistance, extended warranties, insurance, financing, travel assist and RV sales.
Harvest Hosts - www.harvesthosts.com ($44/yr - $300 lifetime)
Camping at farms and wineries with a directory for members. The sites are provided by the 'hosts' and are not campgrounds and you must have a self-contained RV, and stays are limited to one night (some offer extensions), and call ahead is required.
Camping at farms and wineries with a directory for members. The sites are provided by the 'hosts' and are not campgrounds and you must have a self-contained RV, and stays are limited to one night (some offer extensions), and call ahead is required.
International Camper Club (ICC) - www.internationalcamperclub.com
Come for the fun, stay for the friendship.
Come for the fun, stay for the friendship.
KOA - www.koa.com ($30/yr)
The web site indicated KOA has been around since 1962 and has 500 affiliated campgrounds. The web site is 'busy' and 'flashy' and information was bit hard to find. This site is family friendly and has parks in most major cities. They have a 'value kard' where you earn points and get discounts. After a certain number of points (20,000), you get VIP status and earn more rewards. The site has a search feature to find campgrounds. If you earn 6,500 points you get $10. To get that number of points you must have 5+ stays at $60/night. So, you are getting about $0.33 cents on the dollar. A scan of some of their parks showed some that were rather nice and so not so much.
The web site indicated KOA has been around since 1962 and has 500 affiliated campgrounds. The web site is 'busy' and 'flashy' and information was bit hard to find. This site is family friendly and has parks in most major cities. They have a 'value kard' where you earn points and get discounts. After a certain number of points (20,000), you get VIP status and earn more rewards. The site has a search feature to find campgrounds. If you earn 6,500 points you get $10. To get that number of points you must have 5+ stays at $60/night. So, you are getting about $0.33 cents on the dollar. A scan of some of their parks showed some that were rather nice and so not so much.
North American Family Camper Association -
Passport America - www.passport-america.com ($44/yr)
This group offers 50% discounts with affiliated campgrounds around the country. The discounts may only be offered at off-peak times, only on weekdays, and the duration of stay may be limited. They have a referral program ($10) for new members. The parks are individually owned/operated and most require reservations although some you can just drive in. Probably a good source for over night while on the road with access to full hook-ups, etc. The discount will pay for the membership in a short time if you use this service.
This group offers 50% discounts with affiliated campgrounds around the country. The discounts may only be offered at off-peak times, only on weekdays, and the duration of stay may be limited. They have a referral program ($10) for new members. The parks are individually owned/operated and most require reservations although some you can just drive in. Probably a good source for over night while on the road with access to full hook-ups, etc. The discount will pay for the membership in a short time if you use this service.
RVillage Gold - www.rvillage.com ($20/lifetime)
Thousand Trails - www.thousandtrails.com ($550/yr + other costs)
This one works more like a time share than an RV park. They list 86 locations in 5 'Zones' around the country in 22 states plus Canada. They have been around for 45 years. The sites offer security and gated areas. The fee is for one 'zone' each added zone is +$49. This may be a great option if you are in the 'zone'. It would take a while with the discounts to cover the membership fees. Their website has a lot of information. They also offer rental of RVs, cabins, tents, etc. at their sites.
This one works more like a time share than an RV park. They list 86 locations in 5 'Zones' around the country in 22 states plus Canada. They have been around for 45 years. The sites offer security and gated areas. The fee is for one 'zone' each added zone is +$49. This may be a great option if you are in the 'zone'. It would take a while with the discounts to cover the membership fees. Their website has a lot of information. They also offer rental of RVs, cabins, tents, etc. at their sites.