The Math Behind Good Sam, Harvest Hosts & RVO

Market convergence created confusion. We cut through the marketing claims with break-even math and decision frameworks.

Estimated read time: 10 minutes | Updated: January 13, 2026 | Data verified: January 13, 2026

Good Sam Elite now competes directly with Harvest Hosts and RV Overnights for overnight stays. The $99 Elite membership includes Overnight Stays access, but the network size is not publicly disclosed as of January 2026. True cost per stay averages $30-50, including typical member purchases across all host-based platforms.

By Chuck Price | Chuck Price has over 35+ years of RV travel across 47 states. As founder of Measurable SEO and VIP contributor to SearchEngineJournal, he specializes in cutting through marketing claims to reveal mathematical reality.

The RV membership landscape just experienced its biggest disruption in over a decade. Good Sam’s Elite membership now includes “Overnight Stays”—direct access to host-based overnight parking that puts them in head-to-head competition with Harvest Hosts (9,768+ locations) and RV Overnights (1,400+ hosts) for the first time.

This market convergence represents more than just another membership option. It signals a fundamental shift where traditional campground discount programs and experiential host networks are merging into hybrid models. But does this convergence actually benefit RVers, or does it create expensive confusion that dilutes the unique value each platform once offered?

After verifying 2026 pricing directly with each company, I’ve discovered an uncomfortable truth. Most RVers make membership decisions based on marketing claims rather than mathematical reality.

Why Good Sam’s “Overnight Stays” Changes Everything (And What They’re Not Telling You)

When Good Sam launched their Overnight Stays platform in April 2025, they weren’t just adding a feature. They were declaring war on the experiential travel market that Harvest Hosts pioneered. This strategic pivot reveals how threatened traditional campground membership companies feel by the rise of host-based networks.

Industry consolidation is accelerating faster than most RVers realize. Good Sam (owned by Camping World Holdings) now competes directly with Harvest Hosts (owned by Equity LifeStyle Properties) across multiple categories. Meanwhile, RV Overnights positions itself as the budget alternative with 1,400+ hosts, but their business model faces the same fundamental challenges.

The Market Convergence Reality

This convergence creates three critical problems that membership marketing conveniently ignores:

• Feature Overlap Without Price Reduction: You now pay for similar services across multiple memberships
• Network Fragmentation: Hosts often choose exclusive partnerships, reducing actual options
• Decision Complexity: More choices don’t equal better outcomes when each choice involves different restriction matrices

The Purchase Expectation Reality Nobody Discusses

All three platforms market “free” overnight stays while using careful language about purchases from hosts. Harvest Hosts recommends supporting host businesses. RV Overnights suggests purchases. Good Sam’s host agreement mentions “patronage encouraged.”

This transforms “free” camping into a model where members typically spend money to support hosts. Based on member behavior analysis, typical purchases average $30 per stay. While not contractually required, the social expectation creates a practical spending pattern. The psychological desire to support host businesses converts these programs into sophisticated patronage models.

Industry observers note that the host-based model relies on members wanting to act as good guests, creating predictable support for participating small businesses. This represents effective community-driven commerce.

The True Economics: Beyond Marketing Claims to Real Break-Even Math

Membership companies excel at showcasing potential savings while systematically concealing the mathematical reality of break-even requirements. Independent verification of 2026 pricing reveals significant gaps between advertised value and actual costs.

Note: Platforms recommend ~$30 purchase to support host businesses based on member behavior analysis. Actual costs vary by host and member behavior—not all members make purchases at every location. The following calculations use typical member spending patterns, not contractual requirements.

Break-even analysis based on January 2026 verified pricing and typical $30 member purchase. Purchase amounts represent behavioral patterns, not contractual fees.

Membership	Annual Cost	Cost Per Stay (10 nights)	Break-Even Threshold	Best For
Good Sam Standard	$39	$3.90 + discount	~7 nights @ $60/night*	Multi-night destination stays at full-hookup campgrounds
Good Sam Elite	$99	$9.90 + typical $30-50	Cannot calculate**	Unknown pending network disclosure
Harvest Hosts Classic	$99	$9.90 + typical $30-50	2-3 stays vs $80 campgrounds	Experience-focused travelers seeking farms, wineries, breweries
Harvest Hosts All Access	$179	$17.90 + typical $30-50	3-4 stays vs $80 campgrounds	Maximum location access (9,768+) including golf courses, multi-night capable
RV Overnights	$39.99-$49.99	$4.00-$5.00 + typical $30-40	1-2 stays vs $80 campgrounds	Budget-conscious transit stops between destinations

*Assumes 10% discount at participating Good Sam campgrounds averaging $60+ per night. Actual savings may vary by location. Source: goodsam.com/club

**Good Sam has not released Overnight Stays network size data as of January 2026, preventing accurate value comparison.

The Hidden Mathematics of “Free” Stays

The economics become clear when you calculate total cost per overnight stop using typical member behavior patterns:

Harvest Hosts Classic Reality: $99 annual fee + (typical $30 purchase × 10 stays) = $399 total cost = $39.90 per night

Harvest Hosts All Access Reality: $179 annual fee + (typical $30 purchase × 10 stays) = $479 total cost = $47.90 per night

RV Overnights Reality: $50 annual fee + (typical $30 purchase × 10 stays) = $350 total cost = $35.00 per night

Commercial Campground Average: $60-80 per night with full hookups

Host-based networks save money only when compared to full-service commercial campgrounds. When compared to state parks (typically $20-35/night in Mountain West off-season; costs vary significantly by region and season), Walmart overnight parking (free where allowed), or boondocking on public lands (free with America the Beautiful Pass), the economics shift dramatically.

Jobs-to-be-Done: The Anti-Persona Approach to Membership Selection

Traditional RV membership advice relies on demographic personas like “weekend warriors,” “snowbirds,” and “full-timers.” This approach fails because it assumes people with similar travel frequencies have identical needs. The jobs-to-be-done framework reveals a more accurate decision matrix based on what you actually hire a membership to accomplish.

The Four Core Jobs RVers Hire Memberships to Do

After analyzing member behavior patterns across all three platforms, four distinct “jobs” emerge that transcend traditional buyer personas:

Why Traditional Personas Fail

The persona approach assumes correlation between travel frequency and needs. Reality proves otherwise. Weekend warriors can exclusively seek unique experiences (Job #3) and full-timers can focus purely on cost minimization (Job #4). Travel style matters less than underlying motivation.

More critically, personas encourage membership companies to create elaborate tiered offerings attempting to be everything to everyone. Good Sam Elite exemplifies this challenge. Combining campground discounts with host stays creates a $99 solution for two distinct jobs that could be solved separately for less money if network data were disclosed.

Geographic Reality Check: Where Networks Actually Deliver Value

Network size dominates membership marketing, but density and geographic distribution determine actual utility. A large-number network becomes less useful if locations don’t exist along intended routes. Regional coverage analysis reveals significant disparities.

Methodology Note: Regional assessment based on member-reported location density and official network maps current as of January 2026. Ratings reflect relative network strength, not absolute host counts.

Regional Density Analysis

Regional coverage assessment based on January 2026 network density analysis and member-reported data

Region	Good Sam Campgrounds	Harvest Hosts	RV Overnights	Best Alternative
Northeast Corridor	Excellent (dense network)	Excellent (wine country focus)	Good (growing presence)	Good Sam Standard + Harvest Hosts combination
Southeast	Good (tourist area focus)	Excellent (farm/brewery density)	Fair (spotty coverage)	Harvest Hosts dominant choice
Midwest	Fair (rural gaps)	Good (agricultural focus)	Excellent (strategic placement)	RV Overnights + Good Sam combination
Mountain West	Limited (distance challenges)	Fair (scattered wineries)	Limited (minimal presence)	No membership – use BLM/Forest Service land
Pacific Coast	Good (California strong)	Excellent (wine regions)	Fair (urban focus)	Harvest Hosts + Good Sam combination

The Mountain West Reality

Western states expose a fundamental challenge in membership-based accommodation strategies. With vast distances between population centers and abundant free public land camping, all membership programs show limited density. This region demonstrates why the no-membership alternative often provides superior economics and flexibility.

A typical Montana-to-Utah road trip covers 800+ miles through areas where the nearest membership location might require significant detours. Meanwhile, Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands offer free camping with superior scenery and complete flexibility.

The Route Optimization Challenge

Membership locations can require routing adjustments that increase fuel costs and travel time while reducing destination flexibility. This creates considerations beyond pure membership fees. Typical impacts include:

• Detour considerations: Routing to membership locations can add miles to trips
• Time planning: Additional coordination required per overnight stop
• Flexibility trade-offs: Route modifications to access membership benefits

These factors can impact total trip costs, especially for travelers who value direct routing and spontaneous decision-making over incremental cost savings.

The Stacking Strategy: When Multiple Memberships Make Sense (And When They Don’t)

No single program efficiently serves multiple travel needs. Each membership excels at one specific job while creating friction for others. This reality has spawned the “stacking strategy”—combining complementary memberships to create a comprehensive solution.

Strategic Membership Combinations That Actually Work

Based on testing different combinations, here are stacking strategies that deliver measurable value:

Why Good Sam Elite Presents a Value Question

Good Sam Elite ($99) attempts to combine campground discounts with host stays in a single membership. This approach raises questions until network data becomes available:

• Elite = Standard ($39) + Overnight Stays (?) — Paying $60 extra for network without disclosed size
• Alternative: Standard + RV Overnights = $78.99-$88.99 — Combines verified 2,000 campgrounds with verified 1,400+ hosts
• Host network comparison unavailable — Good Sam has not disclosed whether hosts accept other platforms or network overlap

The Elite membership represents the challenge with market convergence: evaluating premium prices for feature combinations becomes difficult without transparency in network data.

The Contrarian Alternative: No Membership at All

The most overlooked strategy in RV membership discussions is the deliberate choice to avoid memberships entirely. For specific travel patterns, this approach delivers superior economics and maximum flexibility.

Cost comparison for 40 nights annually – January 2026 analysis. State park costs vary significantly by region and season.

Accommodation Strategy	Annual Cost (40 nights)	Flexibility Score	Considerations	Best For
Strategic Boondocking	$80 (America the Beautiful Pass)	95% (minimal restrictions)	Requires self-containment	Self-contained RVs, nature lovers, western states
State Park Rotation	$800-1,400*	85% (good availability)	Booking windows, seasonal variation	RVs needing hookups, popular destinations
Good Sam + RV Overnights Stack	$878-$1,089**	65% (multiple restrictions)	Route optimization, typical purchases	High-frequency travelers, relationship builders
Pay-as-You-Go	$2,400-$3,200	98% (maximum choice)	No commitments	Convenience-focused, budget-flexible travelers

*State parks typically $20-35/night in Mountain West off-season; costs vary significantly by region (California/Northeast higher) and season (summer peak pricing).

**Includes membership fees plus typical $30 member purchases. Actual costs vary by individual behavior.

The no-membership approach particularly excels in western states where dispersed camping on National Forest and BLM land provides free camping with 14-day limits. Combined with the America the Beautiful Pass ($80), this strategy offers significant cost advantages.

Decision Framework: Mathematical Models Over Marketing Hype

Effective membership decisions require systematic analysis rather than emotional responses to marketing claims. This framework eliminates decision confusion by prioritizing mathematical truth over promotional messaging.

The 5-Question Decision Matrix

Answer these questions honestly before considering any membership purchase:

1. Job Definition: What specific problem am I hiring this membership to solve?
2. Usage Commitment: Can I guarantee the minimum usage required for break-even?
3. Geographic Alignment: Does this network serve my actual travel regions?
4. Restriction Tolerance: Am I willing to modify travel plans to accommodate membership limitations?
5. Total Cost Acceptance: Can I afford the true cost including membership fees and typical purchases?

Break-Even Verification Formula

Use this formula to verify marketing break-even claims against mathematical reality:

True Break-Even = (Annual Fee + Typical Purchases + Opportunity Costs) ÷ (Average Savings × Usability Factor)

Where:

• Typical Purchases: Member behavior patterns (platforms recommend ~$30 per stay)
• Opportunity Costs: Route deviations, time planning, flexibility constraints
• Usability Factor: Percentage of intended stays actually available (typically 0.4-0.8)

Annual Membership Audit Process

Memberships should face annual performance reviews like any other investment. Track these metrics:

• Actual usage vs projected usage — Document every night used and calculate true cost per night
• Restriction impact — Log instances where membership limitations affected travel decisions
• Opportunity cost assessment — Calculate extra fuel, time, and planning costs incurred
• Satisfaction measurement — Evaluate whether membership enhanced or constrained travel enjoyment

Many RV membership holders achieve better economics by evaluating underperforming memberships annually. Most membership programs allow cancellation with 30-day notice, making annual optimization possible.

2026 Update: What Changed Since Last Year

The RV membership landscape experienced significant shifts between 2025 and 2026, with market convergence accelerating as traditional campground discount programs attempted to compete with experiential host networks.

Key Developments Timeline

April 2025: Good Sam launched Overnight Stays platform, directly challenging Harvest Hosts (9,768+ locations) and RV Overnights (1,400+ hosts) in the host-based overnight market. The launch represented Camping World Holdings’ first serious entry into experiential travel.

January 2026 Status: Good Sam has not publicly disclosed Overnight Stays network size. This contrasts with Harvest Hosts (9,768+ locations publicly stated) and RV Overnights (1,400+ hosts). Customer service inquiries in January 2026 could not provide network counts.

What Remained Stable

Pricing showed relative stability through 2025-2026:

• Good Sam Standard: $39 (stable)
• Good Sam Elite: $99 (stable since April 2025 launch)
• Harvest Hosts Classic: $99 (stable; promotional $69.30 available)
• Harvest Hosts All Access: $179 (stable; promotional $125.30 available)
• RV Overnights: $39.99 promotional / $49.99 regular (stable)

Typical member purchase patterns also remained consistent around $30 across all host-based platforms. None of the programs changed this community norm despite increasing membership fees in some tiers.

Outstanding Information Gaps

As of January 2026, several information needs persist:

• Good Sam Overnight Stays network size not publicly disclosed
• Host exclusivity agreements unclear (can hosts join multiple platforms?)
• True purchase data available only through member behavior analysis (platforms report “suggested” amounts)
• Geographic coverage maps lack sufficient detail for precise route planning

2026 Prediction: Further Consolidation Likely

Industry consolidation shows no signs of slowing. Camping World Holdings (Good Sam) and Equity LifeStyle Properties (Harvest Hosts) continue expanding into adjacent markets. Expect additional feature convergence and possibly acquisition activity targeting independent platforms.

This consolidation trend makes independent verification of membership value increasingly important. As platforms merge features, transparent cost comparison becomes essential for avoiding duplicate payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Good Sam membership worth it in 2026?

Good Sam Standard ($39) pays for itself after approximately 7 nights at participating campgrounds assuming 10% discount applies (source: goodsam.com/club). Good Sam Elite ($99) includes Overnight Stays, but network size not publicly disclosed as of January 2026. Worth it if you stay 7+ nights annually at full-hookup campgrounds averaging $60+/night. Actual savings may vary by campground and participation. For full-timers traveling 100+ nights annually, Good Sam Standard delivers consistent value through campground discounts.

Is Harvest Hosts worth the annual fee?

Harvest Hosts breaks even after 2-3 stays compared to $80 commercial campgrounds when including typical $30 member purchase per visit. Classic tier ($99) provides 5,864 farms, wineries, breweries, and attractions. All Access ($179) includes 9,768+ locations with golf courses and Campground Partners for multi-night stays. Worth it for experience-focused travelers visiting unique locations. Not optimal if primary goal is cost minimization. State parks and BLM land often cost significantly less. The experiential value exceeds financial savings for many members.

Is RV Overnights worth it?

RV Overnights ($39.99 promotional/$49.99 regular) delivers best value for budget-conscious RVers making 3-15 stays annually. Network of 1,400+ hosts breaks even after 1-2 stays versus $80 commercial campgrounds when including typical $30 member purchase. Worth it if you travel in covered regions (strongest east of Mississippi) and can plan routes around host availability. The 90-day money-back guarantee makes it risk-free to test. Not worth it if you need dense nationwide coverage, premium app experience, or travel primarily in Mountain West regions where host density is sparse.

What is the difference between Good Sam Standard and Elite?

Standard ($39) provides 10% discount at 2,000+ campgrounds (savings vary by location). Elite ($99) adds Overnight Stays host network (size not publicly disclosed as of January 2026), RV ProCare benefits, and elevated rewards. Elite costs $60 more for host network versus $78.99-$88.99 to combine Standard with RV Overnights (1,400+ verified hosts). The value proposition for Elite remains unclear without network data disclosure.

How much do you typically spend at Harvest Hosts?

Harvest Hosts recommends supporting host businesses with purchases. Typical member purchases average $30 per stay based on behavioral analysis. While not contractually mandatory, social expectation creates practical spending pattern. This transforms advertised free camping into $30-50 per night including membership fees when averaged across 10 stays. Budget accordingly and don’t assume zero accommodation costs beyond membership fee.

Can you stay more than one night at Harvest Hosts?

Harvest Hosts base model limits stays to one night per location. However, many hosts offer Extra Nights (up to 4 nights) for a fee, and All Access tier includes 1,173+ Campground Partners allowing multi-night stays as standard. Check individual host listings for extended stay availability. This restriction makes Harvest Hosts Classic unsuitable for destination travel. Use Good Sam Standard for multi-night destination stays instead.

How does Good Sam Overnight Stays work?

Good Sam Elite members ($99) access Overnight Stays portal to book stays at farms, wineries, and breweries. Network size not publicly disclosed as of January 2026. Members travel in self-contained RVs with no hookups provided. Hosts expect patronage purchases typically around $30. Booking process requires advance reservations similar to other host-based platforms.

Which RV membership saves the most money?

Answer depends on travel pattern. Multi-night campground stays: Good Sam Standard ($39) delivers best value. Budget transit stops: RV Overnights ($39.99 promotional/$49.99 regular) offers lowest membership cost. Experience-focused travel: Harvest Hosts Classic ($99) or All Access ($179) provides unique access. Maximum savings: No membership with strategic boondocking on BLM or Forest Service land ($0-12/night with America the Beautiful Pass). Calculate your specific usage pattern before purchasing.

What are the cons of Harvest Hosts?

Base model one-night limit prevents destination stays (though Extra Nights and Campground Partners in All Access tier offer exceptions). Typical $30 purchase expectation per visit adds to costs. Limited coverage in Mountain West regions. Wine and farm focus may not align with all preferences. Classic tier $99 annual fee requires 2-3 uses versus commercial campgrounds to break even. Social expectation to purchase can feel obligatory for budget-conscious travelers. Geographic gaps can force route modifications.

What are the cons of RV Overnights?

Smaller network (1,400+ hosts versus Harvest Hosts 9,768+ locations) limits spontaneous travel options. App ratings moderate (3.0-3.7 stars) indicate platform still maturing. Sparse coverage in Mountain West and Great Plains regions. Host responsiveness can vary based on member reports. Typical $30 purchase expectation per visit adds to costs similar to competing platforms. Network size significantly smaller than Harvest Hosts means less flexibility for route planning. Best for budget-conscious regional travelers who plan ahead, not nationwide spontaneous travel.

Do you have to buy something at Harvest Hosts?

Not contractually required but strongly encouraged. Harvest Hosts recommends supporting host businesses. Typical member purchases average $30 based on behavioral analysis. Host businesses expect patronage since this represents the revenue model. Psychological expectation converts advertised free camping to social commerce. Budget $30-50 per stay to support the host business model and avoid discomfort.

How does RV Overnights compare to Harvest Hosts?

RV Overnights costs $39.99-$49.99 annually with 1,400+ hosts; Harvest Hosts costs $99-$179 with 9,768+ locations. RVO offers best budget value with fastest membership payback (1-2 stays versus commercial campgrounds). Harvest Hosts provides approximately 7x larger network, more established platform with higher app ratings, and broader geographic coverage. Both platforms expect typical $30 member purchases per stay. Choose RV Overnights for budget priority and regional travel in covered areas. Choose Harvest Hosts for maximum location options, nationwide coverage, and premium experience. Many RVers report switching from Harvest Hosts to RV Overnights specifically to reduce annual membership costs.

Can you combine Good Sam with other memberships?

Yes, and strategic stacking often delivers better value than single premium memberships. Optimal combination: Good Sam Standard ($39) for campground discounts plus RV Overnights ($39.99-$49.99) for transit stops equals $78.99-$88.99 total. This costs less than Good Sam Elite ($99) while providing verified host network access (1,400+ locations) and campground savings (2,000+ locations). Avoid stacking memberships serving identical purposes as you pay twice for overlapping benefits.

The Bottom Line: Choose Based on Math, Not Marketing

Good Sam Elite’s entry into host-based overnight stays represents the biggest RV membership disruption in over a decade. But market convergence created confusion rather than clear consumer benefit. Network transparency varies significantly, typical purchase expectations average $30 across host-based platforms, and geographic coverage gaps persist.

The jobs-to-be-done framework reveals what membership companies prefer you not realize. No single membership efficiently serves multiple travel needs. Good Sam Standard excels at multi-night destinations. RV Overnights delivers budget transit stops. Harvest Hosts provides unique experiences across multiple tiers. Strategic boondocking offers maximum savings with complete flexibility.

Your optimal strategy depends on specific travel patterns, not demographic personas. Calculate true break-even including typical member purchases and opportunity costs. Verify geographic coverage in actual travel regions. Conduct annual audits to eliminate underperforming memberships.

The best membership decision might be no membership at all. Western states with abundant public land make paid memberships questionable investments for many travel patterns. State parks at typically $20-35/night in Mountain West off-season (though costs vary significantly by region and season) often compete favorably with host-based programs averaging $30-50/night including fees and typical purchases.

Cut through the marketing noise with mathematical reality. Your bank account will thank you.