Community Forums

Da Dawghouse · 03-03-2015, 01:45 AM

aloha friends i bought my 1st rv and plan on going full timer 2002 duchstar 4097 w/330 cat . im planning to summer in upstate ny and winter in fl or south west tx, az can not afford to make the wrong choice in rv membershipsalready have sg roadside asst an was also thinking of getting netcoachas a back up ,now on to camp memberships ,please help with any ideas,mahalo. marc an dats from Da Dawghous Inn.

MisterT · 03-03-2015, 04:39 AM

PassportAmerica $44 with 50% off standard rates at many rv parks and campgrounds...but, having discount memberships is less important if you stay at any park weeks or months at a time since they will have better rates for extended stays anyway.
We traveled 18k miles since Aug14 cross country twice- PA is definately worth it! also download their APP.
Since we have been in FL for the past several months, its more important what the park monthly rates are, though - I dont have to worry about PA.

GoodSam is also good for 10% discount on many parks, and their APP is excellent since it shows many other non-member RV parks and State and National parks as well. But, it's price discount at CampingWorld is probably even more important.

Ramets · 03-03-2015, 05:49 AM

Except for Passport, membership's are only good if you're going to be in the area where they are. We've been fulltiming for 5yrs. and decided against any membership because the parks aren't where we travel. And then you have restrictions. As MisterT said, monthly rates are the way to go. We use Passport for overnight stays, but then again a lot of parks won't accept Passport during the peak months in certain parts of the country.

Lued · 03-03-2015, 06:45 AM

This is my first year with Passport America, I like it, all info on campgrounds on there web site. https://www.passportamerica.com/joins Stay away from those $10,000 Memberships .

MisterT · 03-03-2015, 06:59 AM

We like PA, too, and it's my first 'go to' APP when searching for parks.

RV Parks that accept the PA discount, though, may have restriction on it's usage. Some are one day only at the discounted rate, while some are unlimited.
Some require you to book in advance, while most do NOT allow you to book in advance, you must just show up to receive the discount, if they have a site available.
Some allow the PA discount only on standard back-in sites, while others do not care.
Some limit the discount to certain non-peak months - more northern states during the winter, and southern states during the summer - and many don't.

It's all about marketing the RV park and filling up spaces, but it certainly allows you to travel on a budget. With PA and GS(GoodSam) memberships we have never stayed at a KOA, and once you see their price, compared to PA and GS, you'll understand why.

MSHappyCampers · 03-03-2015, 08:45 AM

We use Passport America, Escapees, and Good Sam, in that order!

Da Dawghouse · 03-07-2015, 10:32 PM

mahalo for all the replies going w/ ap thanks again aloha

docsdock · 03-08-2015, 06:41 AM

We got talked into Coast to Coast - pretty much sucks - very few camp grounds and if you find one your sent to the worst sight possible. Tried to get money back and was flat told no.

GaryKD · 03-08-2015, 06:58 AM

Hi Da Dawghouse,
CG memberships are like choosing a coach floor plan that is best for you. If it fits and you use it, it is wonderful. The bottom line is read the contract. Know what you are buying. Because you are just starting out, consider not purchasing anything expensive or that controls where and how you stay. The previously mentioned Passport America, Good Sam, Family Motor Coach Association, etc. can be purchased on an annual basis and are not expensive. They offer benefits that can be understood and evaluated the first year or two. Once you understand how you will use the coach, if appropriate, the next step can be taken to the more expensive memberships and/or lot purchase.

reubenray · 03-08-2015, 07:02 AM

I use Passport America and Good Sams. On a two month trip planned later this year I don't have much choice except to stay at some KOA campgrounds. I plan on getting their membership just to save a little. The 10% off may counteract the membership cost of $27 and save a few bucks.

sstehman · 03-08-2015, 07:36 AM

When we joined FMCA this year, there was a coupon for free KOA membership for one year...so we took it. Have used Good Sam discount several times. Have pondered Passport America...many have Sun - Thurs use only and a no holiday restriction. Will wait till we are workplace free and then join this one. Even saw some that said no discount July/August.

vsheetz · 03-08-2015, 07:51 AM

We use the following:

Passport America - pretty much a no brainer as the entry cost is low and one can recoup their money in just a few stays. Note that a CG may wave their date/day restrictions if asked (some money is better than no money).

Good Sam - frequently nets a 10% discount.

Thousand Trails Zone Membership - good if the CG's are ok for you and have usable location for you.

Good luck !!