For families living the full-time RV lifestyle, managing campground costs and finding reliable places to stay is a top priority. Thousand Trails, a popular camping membership program, offers a solution that can save money and simplify travel planning. But how does it work, and is it a good fit for your family? Let’s break it down.
What is Thousand Trails?
Thousand Trails is a camping membership network offering access to over 80+ campgrounds across the U.S., with additional partner locations available through upgrades. It’s essentially a subscription service for campgrounds, designed to reduce nightly camping costs while providing consistent amenities and locations. See below for some information about the different membership options.
Thousand Trails Membership Options
Thousand Trails offers a variety of membership options tailored to different camping preferences and lifestyles.
1. Thousand Trails Camping Pass
- Access: Grants entry to campgrounds within a selected region (Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest, or Midwest).
- Stay Limits: Up to 14 consecutive nights per stay, followed by a required 7-night gap outside the Thousand Trails system before the next stay.
- Advance Reservations: Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.
- Cost: $566 per year (includes 1 selected zone), with option to add $125 per additional zone.
2. Trails Collection Add-On
- Access: Expands campground options by adding over 100 Encore RV Resorts and Destination Campgrounds to any existing Thousand Trails membership.
- Stay Limits: Typically allows stays of up to 14 nights, with some parks imposing a 2-week in, 1-week out restriction.
- Advance Reservations: Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.
- Cost: $450 annually.
3. Thousand Trails Membership Upgrades
For campers seeking enhanced benefits, Thousand Trails offers several upgraded memberships:
- Journey Membership (new for 2025):
- Nationwide access to all five regions.
- Stay up to 21 consecutive nights with no required time out; allows park-to-park travel without mandatory time away.
- Reservations up to 120 days in advance.
- Cost: $4,000 (2-year) to $7,200 (4-year).
- Elite Connections Membership:
- Includes all Journey Membership benefits.
- Longer reservation windows (up to 180 days).
- Potential discounts on rental accommodations.
- Pricing varies. It’s best to contact Thousand Trails for current rates as they are constantly changing and offering discounts.
- Adventure Membership:
- Includes all Journey and Elite benefits, including extended stay lengths and the longest reservation windows (up to 210 days).
- Additional premium resort options.
- Higher upfront costs; contact Thousand Trails for pricing details.
While the basic pass is a great starting point, upgraded memberships offer increased flexibility and added benefits, making them an ideal choice for full-time RV families who want more time at campgrounds. Our family uses the basic Camping Pass with the Trails Collection add-on, and it works perfectly for us. It’s cost-effective, and we don’t mind the 14-day stay limit since we also love boondocking and being off the grid. This combination not only provides a perfect balance between the solitude of boondocking and the amenities of campgrounds but also expands our campground options while keeping annual costs affordable. Plus, it gives our boys the opportunity to meet new friends and build connections at the campgrounds we stay at along the way.
Benefits for Full-Time RV Families
- Cost Savings: For frequent travelers, the membership can quickly pay for itself compared to nightly and increasing rates at typical RV parks.
- Amenities: Most parks have full hookups, laundry facilities, showers, pools, hot tubs, mini golf, sports courts, playgrounds, and family-friendly activities.
- Community: You’ll often meet other traveling families living the same lifestyle, making it easier for kids to form friendships on the road. Our boys love the friends they meet at TT parks, and they often stay in touch, even planning future stays together at other Thousand Trails locations during our travels.
Challenges to Consider
- Limited Availability: During peak seasons, securing reservations can be challenging without advanced planning. We often face this because we’re last-minute planners and prefer to go with the flow and don’t always know where we will be a month or two out.
- Geographic Restrictions: If your travels don’t align with Thousand Trails campground locations, the pass may not be as useful. The central U.S., for example, has limited Thousand Trails options. Be sure to check the Thousand Trails map on their website to ensure their locations align with your travel plans and meet your family’s needs.
- Park Quality Variance: Some parks are better maintained than others. While we’re generally happy with free full hookups, some parks are absolutely beautiful, while others leave a bit to be desired. Regardless, we always try to make the best of any situation and enjoy the amenities when we can!
Is It Worth It for Your Family?
For full-time RV families who can plan their stays within Thousand Trails regions, the membership offers significant savings and convenience. If you frequently travel through areas covered by Thousand Trails parks and can afford the hefty price tag, upgrading to a Journey, Elite, or Adventure membership may make sense. However, starting with the basic Camping Pass is an affordable way to test the waters, especially if your RV adventure is just starting out. As your travel needs evolve, you can explore upgraded memberships to expand your access and flexibility.
In conclusion
A Thousand Trails membership can be an excellent option for full-time RV families, offering substantial cost savings, convenient reservations, and a sense of community on the road. Whether you start with the basic Camping Pass or choose an upgraded membership, Thousand Trails provides flexibility that can grow with your travel needs. While there are some challenges to consider, such as limited availability during peak seasons or geographic restrictions, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks. For families who enjoy exploring different regions and meeting fellow travelers, Thousand Trails can be a valuable tool in making your RV lifestyle more affordable and enjoyable.
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