Community Forums

vsheetz · 10-19-2013, 03:42 PM

Looking at the Thousand Trails Zone Membership for the Southwestern zone. Have read through various threads here and elsewhere. Understand the number of days to stay restrictions, etc.

Are their any 'got cha's' that I need to be aware of?
First year is $565 - same for successive years or expect something else?

Thanks!!

Doggy Daddy · 10-20-2013, 02:35 PM

The quality and condition of the camp ground. Was better 5 years ago. Some need big improvements. Also since ELS bought T-Trails and has opened the campgrounds to the public, there are concerns to many about the increase in theft. Just my observations as a T-T member.

EDALLSAILS · 10-20-2013, 03:02 PM

Read the fine print. How many days in, how many days out b-4 going back into a camp ground? Shop around for the best pricing, try online, membership resales and craigslist. We have Zone pass for all zones. In Florida they have 3 camp grounds and 1 is nice, 2nd fair and the 3rd we wouldn't even consider staying at. We are terminating our passes this December as it hasn't been worth it to us. We find using Passport America almost as cheap without the financial commitment. also use Coast to coast and Resort Parks international with more success. Just another day in PARADISE.. ed

GG1 · 10-20-2013, 03:44 PM

Try the zone pass for the season then if you like the parks look for an older tt membership. There are many older memberships for sale. The bottom line with older memberships is the more you use them the more practicable they are. For example we have been members since 2000 we can go in for 2 weeks and must be out of the system for 1 week then we can go back in for 2. We can do this all year round in any of the campgrounds for only the yearly dues. This works for us, there are other memberships that allow you be in for 3 weeks then move directly to another tt park continually. We know some couples who live full time within the tt system they follow the good weather throughout the country. I don't think they offer these memberships anymore but they are out there for sale and very reasonable. There is a one time transfer fee but its worth it if you use it throughout the year. If you are a weekend rv'er it may not be worth it. Also the tt parks are not on the same scale as the more expensive resorts like Outdoor Resorts or similar but usually they are clean and secure well maintained. We are satisfied with our membership we head south for the winter and use the tt parks on and off for the winter months go away for 2-4 weeks during the summer and again 2 weeks in the fall while on our way to New England. Good luck

vsheetz · 10-21-2013, 08:55 PM

Good info - thanks all!

acampingwewillgo · 10-23-2013, 01:31 PM

I see your on the fence about the Zone Pass so let me give you my impressions since we are both in the greater So Calif area. For the wife and I, our Zone Pass has allowed us to go places where we might not have gone at all. The Southwestern Zone, in my opinion, is probably one of the better complete packages for CG's there is.

I made this observation on another thread currently running regarding TT, most of the Reserves are NOT Resorts but they are nice enough campgrounds with extra's that enhance your RV'ing experience. With that being said, let me tell you the Reserves I have found to my liking so far:
Rancho-Oso in Santa Barbara area
Ponderosa on the America River
Yosemite Lakes just outside of Yosemite Nat'l Park
Wilderness Lakes
Tahoe Valley(this was included in my Zone Pass and was one of the reasons I decided to purchase)

I will say that I have only been to one Reserve that I thought was not worthy of a return visit(Soledad in Acton) although I will reserve judgment until after they make improvements which are taking place Now. Just for info, there is a Facebook page for Thousand Trails that is operated by members not the Corporation.....check it out for the Good and the Bad about Reserves in general.