Passport America

[jimbetts]

Has anybody got experience with Passport America? Is it worth the cost and fuss?

Thanks,
Jim Betts

[sdennislee]

Jim,

See this link. Its a day or two old and discusses Passport America at some length. If you still have questions I would be hapy to answer them for you. Campground memberships

[buck62]

I had it for a year and easily got back my membership fee during the year. What I found is that their are many restrictions like a day or two maximum stays. Also the sites are not the best in the campground, I always ask for a long pull through site and 99% of the time I get a back in site. A lot of the campgrounds are off the main roads near smaller towns. So for stopping for an over night while traveling Passport America fits the bill but expecting to use it for extended stays is very difficult if not impossible.

[OSP1268]

We have be a member for quite a few years and have always got our investment back. As stated there are some restrictions but for most part the parks are good for an over night stay.

[bdaball]

If you stay one night at a Passport park that normally charges $35.00/night you end up paying $17.00. Or there abouts.

So, you can do the math. As far as where the parks are, check their website to see where in your traveling area there is a Passport park.

It works for us more so when enroute to a longer term stay somewhere else. We have never been downgraded to a second class site because of being a Passport customer.

[skipwil]

I use Passport America at every opportunity. I usually ask when calling for reservations. 1/2 price camping helps on the fuel bills. Works well for me.
Safe Travels...

[DriVer]

We will be recovering our Passposrt fee this coming January when we camp at Wilderness. $20.00 per night I understand.

[Wayne M]

I have been a PA member for several years. The price of membership, $44, is returned in about 4 nights at a PA park. As stated, you need to check out the The original 50% Discount Camping Club - Passport America Discount Camping Club web site. Look at the map provided and see if there is a large enough spread of CG's in the area you travel in. Also, on their web site is a listing for each park and the restrictions for that park. Restrictions vary park by park - it's their rules. I have never run into any situation where I was told I would have a certain type spot, and not get it. I have stayed at several unrestricted campgrounds, Braunig Lake, San Antonio, TX, $25 a night in the premium section is one of them. Right now they are full up with workers because of the oil strike in the region. Hill Country RV Resort, New Braunfels, TX is at least a week unrestricted, maybe more. They are all over the place if you are in the right place. In my opinion, the south has more PA CG's and the restrictions are less. The Northern states have many restrictions because of their very seasonal camping.

Yes! In my opinion it is worth the membership fee. You get your return back in about 4 nights stay. After that it is money saved.

Happy trails.

If you need a reference number I'll give you my PA number. I'll get a little off my next dues.

[Bob and Inga]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbetts Has anybody got experience with Passport America? Is it worth the cost and fuss?

Jim,

We have been full time for 5 years now and never leave home without it. We do the 3 year renewal at $99 making it $33 per year. We recouped the $99 within a couple of months.

I normally avoid the 1 night parks. But a lot of parks have a restriction and then let you stay longer as long as there is plenty of space. There are a lot of very nice places that accept it so you can't go wrong.

Bob

[Wayne M]

I just looked at the PA web site for Hill Country RV Resort, New Braunfels, TX. Their restriction is that PA is only good Sunday through Thursday. So staying a week you would end up paying for the other two nights, then back to PA rates. Look at their web site, see the amenities they offer, and then ask the question if the PA rate of $18-22 a night is worth the $44 membership fee.

Happy trails.

[IRVTrekin2]

Like many others have said we have gotten our money back in a very short time. There are usually some restrictions but am still able to use it many times.

[gordons1]

Compared to other 10% discount clubs, you will get more value for your money with passport. You will not go wrong. The 1-3 day discount rates are annoying. Each CG has its own rules re: when the 50% discount applies. Their web site is informative.

[The Danes Are Coming]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbetts Has anybody got experience with Passport America? Is it worth the cost and fuss? Thanks, Jim Betts

In a word: Yes.

Probably the best value for money camp ground membership on the marked.

Of course it all depends on where and how often you camp and/or move around. We use our membership on a very regular basis and it pays for itself in no time at all.

[Land Barge]

We've stayed at a few on the I-10 corridor CA/TX. They tend to be low amenity facilities and somewhat off the beaten path.
We tend to stay at higher end places going and lower on the return leg as I'm a horse headed to the barn headed back and just need a place to SSS, recharge and get back on the road at sunrise.

As a practice I survey prospectus sites on Google maps satellite view and/or street view to get an idea of the neighborhood and whether I can get the barge in/out.