National Park Passes & Discount Camping Programs
Embarking on an RV adventure can be an unforgettable experience, filled with breathtaking landscapes, bonding with friends and family, and exploring the great outdoors. But, did you know that joining RV clubs and acquiring national park passes can significantly enhance your RV experience and save you money? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of RV club memberships, national park passes, and discount camping programs, so you can make the most of your RV travels.
Importance of RV Club Memberships and Discounts
Joining an RV club or purchasing a national park pass can offer numerous benefits, such as discounted campground fees, access to exclusive events and resources, and even valuable tips from fellow RV enthusiasts. These memberships and passes can also help you save money on fuel, vehicle maintenance, and other travel-related expenses.
Benefits of Joining RV Clubs and Acquiring Passes
Beyond the financial advantages, being a member of an RV club or owning a national park pass can provide you with invaluable information, support, and a sense of community. You’ll gain access to a network of like-minded individuals who can offer advice, share experiences, and even become lifelong friends.
RV Club Memberships
Good Sam Club
One of the largest and most well-known RV clubs in North America, the Good Sam Club offers a wide range of benefits to its members, from discounts at campgrounds and fuel stations to specialized insurance options.
Membership Benefits
Good Sam Club members can enjoy up to a 10% discount on nightly rates at over 2,000 Good Sam-affiliated campgrounds. Additionally, members receive discounts on fuel at select gas stations, as well as savings on RV maintenance, repairs, and accessories. The club also offers an exclusive emergency roadside assistance program and RV insurance options.
Annual Costs and Membership Tiers
The Good Sam Club offers three membership tiers: a one-year membership for $29, a two-year membership for $50, and a three-year membership for $69. The longer your membership, the more you save on the annual cost.
Escapees RV Club
Founded in 1978, Escapees RV Club is dedicated to supporting the RV lifestyle through valuable resources, services, and a supportive community.
Membership Benefits
Escapees members gain access to their extensive network of RV parks, offering up to a 50% discount on nightly rates. The club also provides resources for mail forwarding, domicile assistance, job opportunities, and educational materials. Additionally, Escapees hosts events such as rallies and RV boot camps to help new RVers learn the ins and outs of the lifestyle.
Annual Costs and Membership Tiers
Escapees RV Club offers a single membership tier at an annual cost of $39.95, with the option to purchase a lifetime membership for $850.
FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association)
The Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) is a member-driven organization focused on enhancing the motorhome lifestyle through education, resources, and social connections.
Membership Benefits
FMCA members enjoy a variety of benefits, including access to FMCAssist, an emergency medical evacuation and repatriation program. Additionally, members receive discounts on campground fees, tires, and RV insurance, as well as access to educational materials, events, and a vibrant online community.
Annual Costs and Membership Tiers
FMCA offers a one-year membership for $85, a two-year membership for $160, and a three-year membership for $225. There is also a lifetime membership option available for a one-time fee of $1,500.
Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts offers a unique RV experience, allowing members to stay overnight at a variety of wineries, breweries, farms, and other attractions across North America.
Membership Benefits
Members of Harvest Hosts can enjoy overnight stays at over 2,000 unique locations, providing a memorable and often educational experience. While there are no nightly fees, it is encouraged to support the local businesses by making a purchase during your stay.
Annual Costs and Membership Tiers
Harvest Hosts offers a basic membership at $99 per year, granting access to their standard locations. They also provide a premium “Golf” membership for $139 per year, which includes access to an additional 300+ golf courses and country clubs.
Boondockers Welcome
Boondockers Welcome connects RVers with homeowners who offer free overnight parking, providing a cost-effective and unique alternative to traditional campgrounds.
Membership Benefits
As a Boondockers Welcome member, you can access a network of hosts who offer free overnight parking on their private property. This not only saves money on campground fees but also provides an opportunity to connect with local hosts and learn about the area from a resident’s perspective.
Annual Costs and Membership Tiers
Boondockers Welcome offers a single membership tier at an annual cost of $50.
National Park Passes
America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass
The America the Beautiful Pass is an all-in-one pass that grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and national forests.
Pass Benefits
With this pass, you’ll gain entrance to national parks and other federal recreational lands without paying the individual entrance fees. Some locations also offer discounts on amenities such as camping, boat launching, or guided tours.
Pass Categories and Prices
The America the Beautiful Pass is available in multiple categories. The Annual Pass costs $80 and is valid for one year from the month of purchase. There are also specialized passes for seniors, military personnel, individuals with disabilities, and volunteers.
Senior Pass
The Senior Pass is designed for U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or older.
Pass Benefits
The Senior Pass offers the same benefits as the America the Beautiful Pass, with the added advantage of a 50% discount on certain amenities such as camping and boat launching.
Eligibility and Prices
The Senior Pass is available as an Annual Pass for $20 or a Lifetime Pass for $80.
Access Pass
The Access Pass is designed for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a permanent disability.
Pass Benefits
The Access Pass offers the same benefits as the America the Beautiful Pass, including the 50% discount on certain amenities.
Eligibility and Prices
The Access Pass is free and available to those who provide documentation of their permanent disability.
Military Pass
The Military Pass is available to current U.S. military personnel and their dependents, as well as veterans and Gold Star Families.
Pass Benefits
The Military Pass provides the same benefits as the America the Beautiful Pass, granting access to national parks and federal recreational lands without entrance fees.
Eligibility and Prices
The Military Pass is free for eligible individuals and can be obtained by presenting a valid military ID or other proof of eligibility.
Discount Camping Programs
Passport America
Passport America is a popular discount camping program, offering members significant savings on campground fees across North America.
Membership Benefits
Members of Passport America can enjoy a 50% discount on nightly campground fees at over 1,800 participating campgrounds, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious RVers.
Annual Costs and Membership Tiers**
Passport America offers a one-year membership for $44, a two-year membership for $79, and a three-year membership for $109. There is also a lifetime membership option available for a one-time fee of $399.
KOA Value Kard Rewards
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is a well-known network of campgrounds across the United States and Canada. Their Value Kard Rewards program offers discounts and rewards to frequent campers.
Membership Benefits
KOA Value Kard Rewards members receive a 10% discount on nightly camping fees, as well as the opportunity to earn points that can be redeemed for additional discounts or free nights. Members also have access to exclusive offers, discounts on KOA merchandise, and a free night of camping during KOA’s annual Value Kard Rewards Appreciation Weekend.
Annual Costs and Membership Tiers
KOA Value Kard Rewards offers a single membership tier at an annual cost of $33.
Campground Membership Outlets
Campground membership outlets, such as Coast to Coast, Thousand Trails, and Resort Parks International (RPI), offer access to a network of campgrounds at discounted rates, often requiring an initial membership fee and annual dues.
Types of Discount Camping Memberships
These memberships typically come with varying levels of access, from basic campground discounts to more comprehensive plans that include additional benefits, such as resort amenities, priority reservations, and extended stay options.
Cost and Duration of Memberships
Costs and duration of these memberships can vary widely depending on the specific outlet and level of access. Initial membership fees can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, with annual dues ranging from $100 to over $500.
Conclusion
Deciding Which Memberships and Passes Are Right for You
When choosing RV club memberships, national park passes, and discount camping programs, it’s essential to consider your travel preferences, budget, and the frequency of your RV adventures. Some memberships may offer more value to full-time RVers, while others might be better suited for occasional trips.