RV Clubs: The Best RV Clubs & Groups You Should Join!

Travel Inspiration

Last updated on May 26th, 2023. Originally published on December 9th, 2019

Most people who purchase RVs for the first time have no idea of the amazing world they’re diving into. Sure, they understand that they’ll be able to get out and camp in comfort. They also realize they’ll be able to travel for less. What these new RVers don’t understand (yet) is the amazing community that RVers have built for themselves. These communities exist in RV Clubs.

You see, RV owners are a friendly bunch. They are happy to sit around a campfire with just about anyone and swap stories or share tips. Many even enjoy sharing their land with other campers. Additionally, several companies and campgrounds that cater to RVers are run by these friendly RVing folks. They tend to be happy to lend a helping hand by offering discounts to loyal customers.

How do you find these amazing friends and discounts? You could of course simply make friends in the campgrounds you visit. However, we recommend taking it a step further and seeking out some RV camping clubs.

Whether you’re looking to befriend people who have the same interests as you, attend some awesome RV events, or just take advantage of some fantastic discounts, there is an RV club for you.

Psst: RV Clubs or Meetups Aren’t Just for RV Owners!

Before we dig into the individual RV shows, groups, and events you’ll want to add to your camping list, let’s get one thing straight: You don’t actually have to own an RV of your own in order to enjoy these experiences!

Most RV meetups are open to RV enthusiasts as well as owners. Members will be happy to help you learn all there is to know about the camping lifestyle! You’ll hear tons of amazing RV stories and might even get the chance to check out some rigs you’ve never seen before. This can be invaluable if you are in the market to make your own RV purchase someday. You might also discover easy ways to fix common problems or keep up with regular maintenance without relying on professional help. As with every hobby or industry, experience is the best teacher!

Make Friends at RV Clubs!

Along with learning more about RVs themselves, you’ll also likely end up trading travel stories and destination lists, which can give you inspiration for your next outing or help you discover RV parks and camping options you didn’t already know about. Heck, you might even make a new friend or three, and end up with a new travel buddy in the bargain.

Of course, although most RV meetups and travel clubs are open to non-owners and others interested in learning more about the lifestyle, policies do vary from group to group. Furthermore, some groups may come with required membership dues. You’ll need to pay to take part in the events and get-togethers organized by those groups. Some clubs may also be limited exclusively to those who travel in a specific type of vehicle, such as travel trailer clubs or an exclusive motorhome club. Still others center around a certain type of traveler, such as RV clubs designed specifically for seniors. In any case, it’s worth reaching out directly to the event organizer to learn exactly who’s invited and what’s expected. Chances are, the answer will be friendly and welcoming!

Finding the Best RV Clubs to Join for New RVers

If you’re just jumping into the world of RVing, you’re likely feeling a bit overwhelmed by all there is to learn about operating your new motorhome. This is where community support can come in handy. Unfortunately, researching the countless RV clubs out there while also trying to learn the ins and outs of RVing can be overwhelming.

Here, we’ve done the legwork for you and put together a list of the absolute best RV clubs out there. We’ve even broken our list down based on the type of club so you can find what you’re most interested in.

General Interest RV Clubs

The first RV club you join will likely be a general interest club. These groups host events, provide resources, and more. They don’t focus on any one niche of the RV community, but instead do their best to offer something for every type of RVer out there.

These clubs are an awesome choice, and because they offer benefits for weekenders, full-timers, beginners, and seasoned campers, you aren’t likely to outgrow them.

Below are our top picks for general interest RV clubs:

Escapees — The biggest general interest RV group out there, Escapees offers a number of awesome benefits and is the best RV club for those looking to get the most for their money. From mail-forwarding services and discounted camping to rallies and other events, Escapees has something for everyone.
Family Motorcoach Association — Another well known group, the Family Motorcoach Association gives members limited free campground stays, discounts on mobile Wi-Fi plans, access to educational materials, and of course, a chance to meet and connect with other RVers. Although the name includes the word “family”, anyone is welcome in this group.
RVillage — Just looking for connection? RVillage doesn’t offer discounts or other perks, but it is absolutely free. This club is often referred to as the “Facebook of the RV world” and is great for those looking to stay connected with RVing friends after meeting them.
North American Family Campers Association — Again, if all you’re looking for is connection, another good option is the North American Family Campers Association, which focuses mainly on hosting events in order for RVers to meet one another. They also publish a monthly newsletter to keep everyone in the same loop. Dues for this group are super low, making it great for campers on a budget.
Family Campers and RVers — Despite the name, the Family Campers and RVers organization is not only for families. The group is welcoming to all campers and offers its members discounts on various RV-related products and services, as well as access to their events.

Campground Membership RV Clubs

We’re the first to admit that membership camping is super expensive upfront. That said, if you’re on the road for a few months out of the year, and especially if you RV full-time, it can absolutely be worth the cost in the long run.

By paying this big upfront cost and keeping up with much more manageable yearly dues, you will be given access to very, very low-cost camping. With some memberships, RVers are even able to camp for free, making this an even more worthwhile investment.

Wondering which are the best RV campgrounds memberships? Below are our favorites:

These memberships are great options, but if you are looking for low-cost campgrounds and are not ready to purchase a membership, check out these cheap campgrounds.

Discount Camping RV Clubs

Don’t think you’ll be camping enough to make a campground membership a good investment? No worries, there are other options.

If membership camping isn’t for you but you’d still like to save money on campground fees, we recommend looking into one of the many discount camping clubs out there. Many of these offer as much as 50% off camping fees at in-network campgrounds. This is a huge savings and can definitely make RV travel more affordable.

Below are the best RV discount clubs to join if you’re looking for inexpensive camping:

Good Sam Club — Offers 10% off at over 2,000 RV parks across the country, as well as discounts on fuel at select truck stops and camping supplies purchased from Camping World.
Passport America — This is, in our opinion, the best discount camping club. It offers 50% off camping at hundreds of resorts in all areas of the country.
Happy Camper 50% Off Club — Like Passport America, Happy Camper Club offers half-price camping. That said, the resort selection is smaller, and the club doesn’t seem as well established.
North America Camping Club — This club offers discounted camping at several parks in the US. Discounts may be as much as half off. However, not all parks in the system offer such deep discounts.
Boondockers Welcome — Boondockers Welcome is perfect for those who like a bit of dry camping. It gives travelers the opportunity to stay free of charge in the driveways and on the land of individuals across the country.
Harvest Hosts — Much like Boondockers Welcome, Harvest Hosts gives members the option to dry camp on private property for free. However, in the case of Harvest Hosts, the properties are farms, vineyards, and golf courses. If this sounds fun to you, use the link provided to get 15% off your Harvest Hosts membership!
Togo RV Plus – A Togo RV Plus membership gives you unlimited access to 15k boondocking locations and hundreds of campground discounts at RV resorts with upwards of 15% off. The membership also provides RV GPS navigation, more than $5000 in savings from top RV brands, and savings of up to 45% on tires from leading brands.
KOA – KOA Campgrounds have more than 500 locations across the US and Canada. Not only are these comfortable spots to stay for RVers, but they have tent camping and cabin offerings as well. Each location is full of amenities for you to enjoy such as hiking, fishing, biking, swimming pools, climbing walls, horseshoe pits, mini-golf, basketball courts, jumping pits, and more. Most KOA locations even have fenced, off-leash areas for your fur-family to stretch their legs, too!

Brand-Specific RV Clubs

Those who are very loyal to a specific brand of RV will often join brand-specific RV clubs. These are exclusive to those who own a motorhome or trailer from that brand, and clubs will often host rallies or other events for members.

These clubs can be especially useful if issues arise with your RV, as RV problems (and their solutions) are often repeated within the same brand. You may find lots of advice from others who have experiences the same problems in your group!

Below are a few examples of brand-specific groups:

Specialty RV Clubs

Specialty RV clubs are created with the goal of bringing folks with similar lifestyles together. These clubs are a wonderful way to make close friends on the road, as they provide a way to make connections with like-minded individuals.

A few clubs that might suit you include:

Fulltime Families — A group dedicated to families with children who are living the full-time RV lifestyle.
Loners on Wheels — The perfect club for solo travelers.
Handicapped Travel Club — Traveling with a disability can be difficult. Meet others in the same boat in this group.
National African American RVers Association — As the name suggests, this group is for the African American wanderers out there.
Rainbow RV Club — This group is for LBGTQ RVers, offering the opportunity to make connections within the community.
RVing Women — Feeling lonely traveling as an independent woman? This is the group for you.

Special Interest RV Clubs

Another great way to find friends is by joining a club that revolves around a very specific hobby or interest. By joining such a club, you will automatically have a shared interest with your new friends. This means you’ll have things to talk about and do together right off the bat.

That said, we did compile a list of some of the more popular options below:

Campers for Christ Ministries
National Square Dancing Campers Association
Special Military Active Retired Travel Club
Gold Wing Road Riders Association
The RV Radio Network
Tin Can Tourists (those traveling in restored vintage trailers)

Other Clubs and Memberships

There are a few other clubs and memberships that are absolutely worth checking out but don’t necessarily fit into any of the categories above. We’ve listed these options below. Check them out and see if one might be a good fit for you!

Neighbor.com — While this isn’t really a membership per se, it is well worth looking into. Neighbor.com is a peer-to-peer storage rental company. Whether you need to store your stuff while going on a full-time RV adventure or need a place to store your RV when it’s not in use, this is the site for you.
The RV Advisor — The RV Advisor is an excellent place for any RVer. This club is there for you when it comes to finding the right RV or caring for your current RV. They also have an excellent community, making it a great way to meet new people. Use the link above to save $5 on membership.
The Dyrt Pro — One of the best places to go to find new campgrounds, create RV-friendly routes, and read reviews, The Dyrt is an excellent resource for RVers. Join The Dyrt Pro using the link above and receive the first six months free.
Good Sam Roadside Assistance — Roadside assistance is an important part of safe RV travel. Unfortunately, your usual car roadside assistance won’t cut it here. This is where Good Sam Roadside Assistance comes into play. This company offers a helping hand when your RV has a problem.
America the Beautiful Pass — Finally, we highly recommend buying an “America the Beautiful” pass. This little card gives you and your family admission to our country’s national parks for a full year.

an RV at a campsite with boats and a lake nearby

Which RV Club Should I Join?

All of this information may leave you wondering, “Which RV club should I join?” Lucky for you, you don’t have to choose just one. Pick a few that seem like good fits for your travel style, lifestyle, and personality. Try them on for size. If you dislike one, you can always drop it and try another.

Really, any of the clubs mentioned above are great picks, and there are likely even more great clubs out there if you’re willing to dig for them!

Member Benefits of the Most Popular Campground Passes

Benefit	KOA	Harvest Hosts	Passport America	The Dyrt
Geographical Footprint	500+ campgrounds across US & Canada	Nearly 4,455 wineries, breweries, farms & attractions	1600 campgrounds across US, Canada & Mexico	Connections to campgrounds across US and the Virgin Islands
Discounts	10%* off your daily registration rate all year long	Stay for free at any Harvest Host location	50% off nightly rates for participating campgrounds	Up to 40% off campground rates
Loyalty Program	Accumulate points during each stay to get credit towards future trips
Additional Discounts and Deals	KOA RV RoadHelp (roadside assistance), DISH, Goodyear Tires, Essex Credit (RV and boat loans), Geico, Route 66, Family Motor Coach Association, Big4 Holiday Parks, Discovery Parks and more		Free monthly raffles	Up to 30% off camping gear
Referral Program		$15 for every referral to sign up	$10 for every referral to camp, $50 for every referral campground to join	Monthly contests – earn points through writing campground reviews. The most points win prizes and outdoor gear.
Mobile App	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Membership Cost	$36/year	$99+/year	$44+/year	$36/year

The Best RV Events Near You

Along with privately-organized Meetup groups and local adventure clubs, there are also lots of nationwide organizations that host tons of fun events, get-togethers, and group camp outings. Though some of them come with membership fees and responsibilities. However, they also often offer lots of exclusive benefits, including discounts, special members-only trips, and more. Here are just a few to check out.

Escapees RV Club

The most exciting part of becoming an Escapees member is the chance to participate in one of their many community events, which take place at both the national and local chapter levels. They also host a huge annual rally known as the Escapade (Psst: You don’t even have to be a member to attend!)

Good Sam Club

Along with getting you a steep price cut at thousands of RV campgrounds across the country, Good Sam Club also hosts both local events and huge national rallies. They own a variety of peripheral camping companies as well, including the mega-store Camping World as well as Coast to Coast Resorts, Trailer Life Publications, and MotorHome Publications.

Wally Byam Caravan Club International

If you’re an Airstreamer, you know your RVing experience is just a little bit different than camping in any other kind of vehicle. And if you’re looking to hang out with a whole slew of other people who just “get it,” look no further than the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, also known as the WBCCI.

This group of discerning campers has been at it since all the way back in 1955, when a group of die-hard fans followed Wally himself on caravanning trips to Mexico and Canada. Today, members gather for a vast array of events and meetups, including a yearly International Rally that’s one of the best-attended RVing events on the planet. You’ll also get access to Airstream-only campgrounds in certain states, not to mention the most obvious perk: camaraderie. Plus, let’s face it. Is there any sight more lovely than a whole big mob of gleaming Airstreams?

Sisters on the Fly

Looking for a girls-only travel group? Sisters on the Fly has you covered — and that holds true whether you prefer RVing, tent camping, or some other adventure entirely.

Since starting back in 1999, more than 12,000 women have joined Sisters on the Fly, making it the largest women’s organization in the country. The sisters get together for everything from caravaning in vintage trailers to fly fishing trips out in the great western rivers, all with a healthy dose of laughter and friendship along the way.

Although it’s not exclusively an RV camping club, many of the Sisters do travel in rigs, which makes it easier for them to attend the group’s plethora of fun events and gatherings. Membership is only $70 per year, and no matter what part of the country you call home, there’s always something fun and exciting happening.

RV Travel Tips to Make Your Trip a Breeze

Whether you’re heading to a group gathering with a meetup or just out on a weekend adventure of your own, getting prepared for your camping trip doesn’t have to be difficult. However, a little preparation can pay dividends in making your trip go smoothly.

Fortunately, we’ve written tons of content to help get you on the road with as few hiccups as possible, whether it’s your very first trip or your fiftieth.

Below, find links to some of the most popular and helpful RVshare articles for campers of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re taking an epic cross-country road trip with your family or just heading out for a weekend getaway, we’re happy to be your go-to resource for all things RVing!

Need help picking a destination?

Not sure what to bring?

The Ultimate RV Essentials Guide

What do you need to know about traveling with kids?

Taking an epic cross-country road trip? Start here.

Budgeting is important. These posts will help you save money on the road.

Nuts and bolts: here’s everything you need to know about RV maintenance and cleaning.

RV Rentals Made Easy at RVshare

As we mentioned above, you don’t have to be an RV owner in order to attend many of these camping clubs and events. In fact, in some ways, renting an RV can actually be a better alternative. (After all, once your vacation is over and you drop it off, you’re officially off the hook. Someone else is responsible for maintenance, repairs, and all those other not-necessarily-so-fun parts of the RVing lifestyle.)

If you’ve never rented an RV before, you’d be forgiven for thinking the process is always expensive and frustrating.

But when you secure your rental through the peer-to-peer market, you’re renting directly from an individual just like you — which means you’re apt to save a heap of money, and that’s just the start.

Why Rent?

Renting from a private RV owner gives you more opportunities to experience the RVing lifestyle like it’s meant to be experienced. That is, in a vehicle that’s actually lived in, loved, and touched with the little comforts of home.

Since everything takes place through RVshare’s secure platform, you can rest assured that your personal and financial information stays safe. And since every rental is covered by a comprehensive insurance policy and 24/7 roadside assistance, that feeling of security extends long after you first meet up for your key exchange.

If you’re serious about purchasing an RV and getting involved with the RVing community, becoming an owner is your likely next step. And, renting is one of the best ways to do the research you need in order to make a great RV purchase.

What Are You Looking For?

Renting a variety of RVs to see what camping is like in each is a great way to try out all these different camping styles before you make a very expensive purchase. You’ll also be able to talk to the individual RV owners to learn what they like, love, and would honestly change about their rig if they had a chance.

Once you’ve done a decent amount of camping and you’re getting ready to make a purchase, attending RV gatherings of the types listed here can be an invaluable source of information and support. Most RVers love nothing more than talking about RVing, after all, so they’ll likely be happy to help you figure out exactly what you’re looking for and how to find it. Another great tactic is to attend RV shows, which are big dealership events where multiple vendors come and congregate under one roof for a weekend or so. These environments can create competition which drives prices down — and regardless, even if you’re not ready to purchase, you’ll still get to view a huge number of RVs with a minimum amount of effort.

Although there are many attractive components to the RV lifestyle, camping at its heart is really all about community — about the people you’re sharing those s’mores with around the campfire. We hope this post has inspired you to find an RVing meetup or event in your area and to make a new friend or two. How else are you going to tell all those epic travel stories you’re creating?

This post contains affiliate links. RVshare may receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on a product link.

The Best RV Clubs and Campground Passes