Discount camping clubs

[meterguru]

So far the large clubs with big membership fees don't seem to fit the bill but the Passport America offerd from Good Sam and Camping world doesn't seem to bad. Average of $40 a year for a 50 % discount even if I only hit a few parks during the years it appears it would pay for its self but I'm looking here to see if there are any bad experiences or catches I can't find in the small print.

[jzick]

Don't know why you would not buy direct from PA, but to each his own. PA is, IMO, well worth purchasing. Each campground has their own restrictions but, especially for overnights or short stays, we find we recover the cost very quickly.

[meterguru]

Thanks, didn't know I could go direct to PA but will look into it after I type this. It is answers like these that make me glad I belong to this group. Thatnks again.

[meterguru]

When to PA site and right now Campimg World offer is cheaper by $10 for the 3 year plan. But it does alway help to shop and compare thats why I ask.

[catonine]

PassportAmerica is a good deal IF you use it. It can save you a lot of money, it does us anyway. Like was said earlier, each campground has its own restrictions so you have to do your homework to find those that work best for you. In most cases, just overnighting a few times more than pays for the membership. We also have used it numerous times for several day stays at CG's. But you have to use it, dont let it collect dust.

[dsbike]

PA & Campers World/Goodsam have mergedor are in the process.

We purchased PA & saved well over the yearly fee the first two weeks we used it. If we don't use it again this year we are ahead of the game.

[1ciderdog]

FYI - Passport America has a referral reward program so if you have a friend who has PA and you tell PA you were recommended (they have a form for that) the friend who recommends you gets a discount on his next renewal. (I'm assuming they still do that)
Safe Travels
Bob

[Chuck 1935]

We had Camp Club USA because of one campground that we used and it more than paid for the membership. Now that Passport America and Camp Club have merged it gives you more options. Most parks have all kinds of restrictions placed on their usage but if you have participating campgrounds on the route that you travel, it could be worth it.

[historyljc]

If you don't buy but one, PA the one.

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by historyljc If you don't buy but one, PA the one.

Ditto.

Some of these types of "investments" only pay off if you're a full timer and really make sure you try to use them... but PA is a hands down no brainer to purchase. As stated above... most often you'll find PA being great for over night stays while you travel... although it's possible to find PA parks that will give you the discount for slightly extended periods if you ask.

Best of luck

Rick

[JadedDancer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by meterguru So far the large clubs with big membership fees don't seem to fit the bill but the Passport America offerd from Good Sam and Camping world doesn't seem to bad. Average of $40 a year for a 50 % discount even if I only hit a few parks during the years it appears it would pay for its self but I'm looking here to see if there are any bad experiences or catches I can't find in the small print.

Am I reading this correctly? A $40 membership and you can save 50% on parks?

I have Good Sam and get the 10% off CG's, and even that alone has paid for itself with using it. Never heard of one offering 50% off. I need to look into this. Are there very many participating parks? If the CG"s I go to participate I'd gladly pay $40 a year for a membership that gave me a 50% discount. It would pay for itself very quickly. There must be something here I am not understanding.

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JadedDancer Am I reading this correctly? A $40 membership and you can save 50% on parks? I have Good Sam and get the 10% off CG's, and even that alone has paid for itself with using it. Never heard of one offering 50% off. I need to look into this. Are there very many participating parks? If the CG"s I go to participate I'd gladly pay $40 a year for a membership that gave me a 50% discount. It would pay for itself very quickly. There must be something here I am not understanding.

I don't think you're missing anything but be aware that most PA parks have a LOT of restrictions as to when you can receive the discount. That's why you've seen the cautions that it most usable for overnight stays because many/most PA parks limit the number of nights to low traffic times for obvious reasons. Don't be disappointed to find out that nearly all of the Florida parks don't offer PA discounts during winter months for example.

I think the point is that using it only for two nights will often times cover the cost of membership and it's pretty easy to do that if you travel much at all. On the other hand if you take the same trips and stay at the same parks for extended periods of time, it might not work out as well... but for $40 I still feel it's a no brainer for us.

Rick

[JadedDancer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO I don't think you're missing anything but be aware that most PA parks have a LOT of restrictions as to when you can receive the discount. That's why you've seen the cautions that it most usable for overnight stays because many/most PA parks limit the number of nights to low traffic times for obvious reasons. Don't be disappointed to find out that nearly all of the Florida parks don't offer PA discounts during winter months for example. I think the point is that using it only for two nights will often times cover the cost of membership and it's pretty easy to do that if you travel much at all. On the other hand if you take the same trips and stay at the same parks for extended periods of time, it might not work out as well... but for $40 I still feel it's a no brainer for us. Rick

I normally do short trips anyway, since I work full time we only get a week long trip a time or two a year. Usually its a weekend, or a three day weekend. That is why I am thinking maybe it would work out to my advantage. I am going to look into it more.

Thanks for your response!

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JadedDancer I normally do short trips anyway, since I work full time we only get a week long trip a time or two a year. Usually its a weekend, or a three day weekend. That is why I am thinking maybe it would work out to my advantage. I am going to look into it more. Thanks for your response!

As the saying goes.... "you'll be glad you did!"

Best of luck

Rick