Community Forums

pasdad1 · 11-20-2022, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by largo1005

Had it and got rid of it. Biggest waste of money I ever made.

Funny how different lifestyles can be……. I consider it best money we have spent so far. We have saved enough in camping fees so far to completely pay for our used membership, and we save money every year paying our yearly dues, versus paying campground fees in private parks.

SJ-Chris · 11-20-2022, 12:37 PM

Doesn't seem like it should be too hard to figure out if it is worthwhile FOR YOU or not.

Figure out what the total cost of the membership is, add in the yearly fees/dues, and then figure out how much per night it will cost you over 1 year, 2 year, however many years you plan on RVing. Subtract what you think you can sell your membership for when you are done in the above calculation. Then calculate your alternative cost staying at non-TT campsites. What answer do you get? That will tell you FROM A FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE if the membership is worthwhile.

Beyond that, you need to make sure their locations fit in with WHERE you want to travel/camp.

Happy camping!
Chris

marrwoman · 12-01-2022, 07:17 PM

anyone know why Thousand Trails can't sell camping passes to South Dakota residents (as seen on TT site 12/1/22)?

**hamm2018** · 12-02-2022, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marrwoman

anyone know why Thousand Trails can't sell camping passes to South Dakota residents (as seen on TT site 12/1/22)?

You can still buy a Camping Pass, even in South Dakota, the restrictions are on the promotion of: "BUY A THOUSAND TRAILS CAMPING PASS BY DECEMBER 9TH & SAVE 20% OFF REGULAR $670 PRICE"

"Residents of MN, MS, and SD are also excluded from this Promotion."

https://www.thousandtrails.com/membership-info

twogypsies · 12-02-2022, 01:12 PM

If you're a full-time RVers it could work for you. If you don't RV that much; not so.

It depends how and where you travel. It's a personal decision & no one can make it for you.

Personally, we love public parks or boondocking on public lands and we're not surrounded by a hundred RVs. They are in beautiful places on lakes, rivers and among wildlife. We enjoy exploring the countryside without having to drive far.

Everyone is different that's why it's up to you. Good luck!

fatsurf · 12-12-2022, 09:35 AM

Bought this past year a basic membership and it has been delightful. we have stayed four times in TT parks for a week or more each time in very nice locations in very nice parks. I saw a quote for $30 a night for RV parks not in California try $100 a night. just don't forget you only have a 2-month reservation window with a basic membership so it is in Essence an off-season pass which worked for us.

kmac7800 · 12-12-2022, 12:54 PM

We camp 15 nights/year. We purchased the NW zone with the camp fees we paid at Bend/Sunriver subtracted from the zone price. At $530 per year for 4 years, it works out to just over $35/night, which is almost exactly what we were paying anyway. So for us, it is just an experiment.

And it was explained if we did not want to "subscribe" after 4 years, we were "out". So we decided to take a chance.

Now we plan to do work-cations as I can work from the RV, and explore when I am not working, to try and lower that $/night cost, and perhaps get ahead of the curve.

Good luck and have fun!

//KMac

astrnmrtom · 12-12-2022, 01:43 PM

I realize this question was posted a month ago, but I suggest entering Thousand Trails in the search box at the top of this page. This exact question has been asked many times, and the answers are all much the same.

In a nutshell - "It depends."

After doing a search there'll be plenty of opinions to wade through.

Deemax · 02-16-2023, 07:34 AM

So I bought a camping pass and we stayed at a couple campgrounds in Az and Ca. Problem is all places we stayed are old and facilities are sub par. Yes it’s a good deal but keep expectations low very low

pasdad1 · 02-16-2023, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deemax

So I bought a camping pass and we stayed at a couple campgrounds in Az and Ca. Problem is all places we stayed are old and facilities are sub par. Yes it’s a good deal but keep expectations low very low

There is a wide spectrum of experiences in the parks, probably only visiting two is too small of a sample to judge them all.

Just like even all KOA parks are not the same, read the reviews before deciding to stay at a particular park.

A problem with the camping pass is you only get to reserve 60 days in advance…..many of the nicest parks will already be booked 120 days or more in advance by membership holders.