We plan to stay at most of our stops while full timing at least a week or two. Would Passport America be beneficial? I know it is no good at most places for monthly stays because the advantage is just for a day or two of your stay. Do I join or not? What do y'all think?
Thanks!
Joe
TheNewhalls said
06:49 AM Jun 22, 2014
PA saved me $125 the first week I used it. This was in Florida last September. I've used it since then and it continues to save me money.
Sushidog said
06:50 AM Jun 22, 2014
Passport is best for overnighting mid-week, say for scoping out a new area before selecting a monthly or weekly site.
I was a member of Recreation USA. They are a much smaller camp club with fewer places to stay, but they often have long term rates as low as $10/night with far fewer restrictions than Passport member parks. Each member park in either club sets their own restrictions, so be sure to check out if there are sufficient member parks where you like to stay to make it worthwhile.
For instance, in my home state, Louisiana, Recreation USA only has 6 member CGs. One is $10/night, (50 amp service is a $3 /night upgrade) and allows you to stay up to a month/visit. Another $10/night CG here limits your stay to 4 days with no electric upgrade fees (but blacks out Mardi Gras, of course). The third is $12/night with no elec upgrade and unlimited stay. The fourth is a straight $10/night unlimited stay park. The fifth is $14/night, limiting your stay to 5 days with a $3/day 50 amp up-charge. And the last adjusts their rates seasonally, from $15-$20/night (blacking out every Friday and Saturday) with a $2.50 up-charge for 50 amp. This is a representative sample of their parks and charges. Some states have no CGs while others have dozens. It was worth it for me when I had more time to camp and I'll be rejoining when I go FT. They used to have 6 month memberships for $34, but now they only offer $44/yearly memberships. They also give you a free membership in Less.com which has a few 25% discount parks, such as the expensive Pontchartrain Landing park in New Orleans where staying 2 nights will pay for your membership. I never used this service, since I am basically a cheapskate and prefer their more rural $10/night parks.
Chip
The Junkman said
08:14 AM Jun 22, 2014
It's amazing to me how many discount clubs there are. I have been book marking them, everytime I cam across one in the past 2 months.. I'm up to 16! I've yet to start a evaluation, though I bet many people already have, have them on the forums or the blogs..
I hate research. I get bored with it. If someone has a excel spreadsheet , showing features and benefits of these.. I'd pay a couple bucks for it ( another on road money maker ).
I joined passport couple weeks ago. Seems to be one of the ones, most everyone buys. and at $44 dollars.. it's really a no brainer for me. If I use it once.. I'm even..
-- Edited by The Junkman on Sunday 22nd of June 2014 08:16:57 AM
Technomadia said
08:55 AM Jun 22, 2014
Some PA parks do limit you to just a couple nights, which can be great if you're just passing through to your next destination. And some offer the rate for longer. And some, once you get there, will let you use the rate indefinitely.
Really depends on the park.
PA publishes all of their parks and their terms on their website and in their app. Check it out and see if enough of them in your planned destinations would make the $44 membership fee worthwhile. For us, it's a no-brainer.
You also just purchase the membership when you first encounter a PA park that meets your needs - they send you a temporary letter by e-mail that you can use immediately. That's how we joined.
cherylbrv said
09:08 AM Jun 22, 2014
The Junkman wrote:
I hate research. I get bored with it. If someone has a excel spreadsheet , showing features and benefits of these.. I'd pay a couple bucks for it ( another on road money maker ).
I do this for a living; if you're really serious, I'd be happy to put a spreadsheet together (I did one for the research I did on where to domicile, but haven't updated that since 2012). PM me if interested.
The Junkman said
09:37 AM Jun 22, 2014
cherylbrv wrote:
The Junkman wrote:
I hate research. I get bored with it. If someone has a excel spreadsheet , showing features and benefits of these.. I'd pay a couple bucks for it ( another on road money maker ).
I do this for a living; if you're really serious, I'd be happy to put a spreadsheet together (I did one for the research I did on where to domicile, but haven't updated that since 2012). PM me if interested.
I think you should do one, and put it on the market. .. it would be worth like $15-$20 to me. I'm sure 1000's of other people too. A small flyer or even a email would do.
Another could be a UNBIASED spread sheet of buying 5th wheel rv's.. Features , benifits , cost.. I would have paid $50 for that one.. maybe more, if in detail.. Although, This seems very political on all forums.Money does that to people.
As example.. just bought that "big rigs best bet" .. just all free information.. perfect for me. Just got it. I like it.
Some people can do research for years, get all the answers for free. I'm the type that can, and would rather, make a decision based on a spreadsheet and the real, current facts. There are many out there like me..I'd guess.
All kinds of money to made in educating the rver.. Better get it done..if I get bored on the the road.. it could be my next job. Seems like it could be fun.
As I am hitting the road in like 1.5 months.. I plan to buy some more very soon. If you are going to do it, Let me know..I'll wait, and spend my time elsewhere..
I'd be intrested in you doing it for me.. I own it, and the rights to it. Maybe we can do a deal that way?
cherylbrv said
09:49 AM Jun 22, 2014
Giving it more thought, though (the spreadsheet comparing clubs), I can only report the information I find on their websites. But something like that wouldn't really answer the question about how good the club is - only their costs and what's included in their price. Steve - would you mind sending me the names of the places you already found? In my research, I can't find more than about 8-10.
The Junkman said
10:05 AM Jun 22, 2014
cherylbrv wrote:
Giving it more thought, though (the spreadsheet comparing clubs), I can only report the information I find on their websites. But something like that wouldn't really answer the question about how good the club is - only their costs and what's included in their price. Steve - would you mind sending me the names of the places you already found? In my research, I can't find more than about 8-10.
Just tried to copy book marks and stuff. Didn't work . Will try later. Have to go work on my Falcon, so I can get it sold, and out of the way.
Technomadia said
01:22 PM Jun 22, 2014
Here's a pretty comprehensive listing and comparison of the clubs out there:
Like Sushidog we seek the lower priced places, dont want to pay for a pool and such that we dont use.
NO resorts nor destination CG's.
CCC
The Junkman said
06:55 PM Jun 22, 2014
Heres mine..
I consider the resorts and things like that the same as discount camping..
RV Discount clubs
Passport America The original 50% Discount Camping Club - Passport America Discount Camping Club
RV Resorts in the US | RV Parks & RV Campgrounds | Thousand Trails RV Resorts
Good Sam RV Club – RV camping discounts and memberships
The Happy Camper Club - Happy Camper Is A 50% Discount Club For RVers & Campers Of All Types
Recreation USA Discount Camping Club
Value Kard Rewards - Camping Discounts & Savings | KOA Campgrounds
Passport America - Introductory Rate for new members only! - Product - Camping World
Zone Camping Pass | Discount RV Camping | RV Resorts
Escapees RV Club
Resort Parks International - RPI
Enjoy America! offers America's finest discount camping!
Coast to Coast Resorts
Campground Memberships | Camping Membership | RV Parks & Campgrounds
Western Horizon Resorts
KM Resorts | Beautiful Resort Locations in Washington's
The Worlds Largest Camping Resource - myRVparks.com
We plan to stay at most of our stops while full timing at least a week or two. Would Passport America be beneficial? I know it is no good at most places for monthly stays because the advantage is just for a day or two of your stay. Do I join or not? What do y'all think?
Thanks!
Joe
PA saved me $125 the first week I used it. This was in Florida last September. I've used it since then and it continues to save me money.
I was a member of Recreation USA. They are a much smaller camp club with fewer places to stay, but they often have long term rates as low as $10/night with far fewer restrictions than Passport member parks. Each member park in either club sets their own restrictions, so be sure to check out if there are sufficient member parks where you like to stay to make it worthwhile.
For instance, in my home state, Louisiana, Recreation USA only has 6 member CGs. One is $10/night, (50 amp service is a $3 /night upgrade) and allows you to stay up to a month/visit. Another $10/night CG here limits your stay to 4 days with no electric upgrade fees (but blacks out Mardi Gras, of course). The third is $12/night with no elec upgrade and unlimited stay. The fourth is a straight $10/night unlimited stay park. The fifth is $14/night, limiting your stay to 5 days with a $3/day 50 amp up-charge. And the last adjusts their rates seasonally, from $15-$20/night (blacking out every Friday and Saturday) with a $2.50 up-charge for 50 amp. This is a representative sample of their parks and charges. Some states have no CGs while others have dozens. It was worth it for me when I had more time to camp and I'll be rejoining when I go FT. They used to have 6 month memberships for $34, but now they only offer $44/yearly memberships. They also give you a free membership in Less.com which has a few 25% discount parks, such as the expensive Pontchartrain Landing park in New Orleans where staying 2 nights will pay for your membership. I never used this service, since I am basically a cheapskate and prefer their more rural $10/night parks.
Chip
It's amazing to me how many discount clubs there are. I have been book marking them, everytime I cam across one in the past 2 months.. I'm up to 16! I've yet to start a evaluation, though I bet many people already have, have them on the forums or the blogs..
I hate research. I get bored with it. If someone has a excel spreadsheet , showing features and benefits of these.. I'd pay a couple bucks for it ( another on road money maker ).
I joined passport couple weeks ago. Seems to be one of the ones, most everyone buys. and at $44 dollars.. it's really a no brainer for me. If I use it once.. I'm even..
-- Edited by The Junkman on Sunday 22nd of June 2014 08:16:57 AM
Really depends on the park.
PA publishes all of their parks and their terms on their website and in their app. Check it out and see if enough of them in your planned destinations would make the $44 membership fee worthwhile. For us, it's a no-brainer.
You also just purchase the membership when you first encounter a PA park that meets your needs - they send you a temporary letter by e-mail that you can use immediately. That's how we joined.
I do this for a living; if you're really serious, I'd be happy to put a spreadsheet together (I did one for the research I did on where to domicile, but haven't updated that since 2012). PM me if interested.
I think you should do one, and put it on the market. .. it would be worth like $15-$20 to me. I'm sure 1000's of other people too. A small flyer or even a email would do.
Another could be a UNBIASED spread sheet of buying 5th wheel rv's.. Features , benifits , cost.. I would have paid $50 for that one.. maybe more, if in detail.. Although, This seems very political on all forums.Money does that to people.
As example.. just bought that "big rigs best bet" .. just all free information.. perfect for me. Just got it. I like it.
Some people can do research for years, get all the answers for free. I'm the type that can, and would rather, make a decision based on a spreadsheet and the real, current facts. There are many out there like me..I'd guess.
All kinds of money to made in educating the rver.. Better get it done..if I get bored on the the road.. it could be my next job. Seems like it could be fun.
As I am hitting the road in like 1.5 months.. I plan to buy some more very soon. If you are going to do it, Let me know..I'll wait, and spend my time elsewhere..
I'd be intrested in you doing it for me.. I own it, and the rights to it. Maybe we can do a deal that way?
Giving it more thought, though (the spreadsheet comparing clubs), I can only report the information I find on their websites. But something like that wouldn't really answer the question about how good the club is - only their costs and what's included in their price. Steve - would you mind sending me the names of the places you already found? In my research, I can't find more than about 8-10.
Just tried to copy book marks and stuff. Didn't work . Will try later. Have to go work on my Falcon, so I can get it sold, and out of the way.
www.frugal-rv-travel.com/RV-Membership-Clubs.html
Just a little google search for 'rv discount clubs' will bring up lots of posts on this topic :)
Thanks, Cherie.
I was going to create a link to Chip's suggestion about Recreation USA, but your link also includes that membership. Nice list a that "frugal" site.
Terry
I have book marked the site.
www.frugal-rv-travel.com/RV-Membership-Clubs.html
We have been using GOOD SAM and Passport America.
Like Sushidog we seek the lower priced places, dont want to pay for a pool and such that we dont use.
NO resorts nor destination CG's.
CCC
I consider the resorts and things like that the same as discount camping..
RV Discount clubs
Passport America The original 50% Discount Camping Club - Passport America Discount Camping Club
RV Resorts in the US | RV Parks & RV Campgrounds | Thousand Trails RV Resorts
Good Sam RV Club – RV camping discounts and memberships
The Happy Camper Club - Happy Camper Is A 50% Discount Club For RVers & Campers Of All Types
Recreation USA Discount Camping Club
Value Kard Rewards - Camping Discounts & Savings | KOA Campgrounds
Passport America - Introductory Rate for new members only! - Product - Camping World
Zone Camping Pass | Discount RV Camping | RV Resorts
Escapees RV Club
Resort Parks International - RPI
Enjoy America! offers America's finest discount camping!
Coast to Coast Resorts
Campground Memberships | Camping Membership | RV Parks & Campgrounds
Western Horizon Resorts
KM Resorts | Beautiful Resort Locations in Washington's
The Worlds Largest Camping Resource - myRVparks.com