Campground Memberships: Are They Worth It? A Comprehensive Review

I’ve been a member of several different campground clubs over the years. I’ve found that campground memberships can be a great way to save money on camping fees, but they’re not for everyone.

Benefits of campground memberships

Here are some of the benefits of campground memberships:

• Discounted camping fees. Campground memberships often offer discounted camping fees, especially for members who stay at multiple campgrounds in the club.
• Exclusive access to campgrounds. Some campground memberships give members access to campgrounds that are not open to the general public.
• Other perks. Some campground memberships offer other perks, such as free Wi-Fi, discounts on activities, and early access to reservations.

Drawbacks of campground memberships

Here are some of the drawbacks of campground memberships:

• Annual fee. Campground memberships typically have an annual fee. This can be a significant expense, especially if you don’t camp very often.
• Restrictions. Some campground memberships have restrictions, such as blackout dates or minimum stay requirements.
• Not all campgrounds are created equal. Not all campground clubs have campgrounds in the locations that you want to visit. And not all campgrounds in a club are created equal. Some campgrounds may be nicer than others.

Is a campground membership right for you?

Whether or not a campground membership is right for you depends on your individual needs and camping habits. If you camp frequently and at a variety of different campgrounds, a campground membership can save you a lot of money in the long run. However, if you only camp occasionally or at a specific campground, a campground membership may not be worth the cost.

Tips for choosing a campground membership

If you’re considering a campground membership, here are a few tips:

• Compare different campground clubs. There are many different campground clubs to choose from. Compare the different clubs to find one that offers the benefits that are most important to you.
• Calculate the cost savings. Estimate how many times you plan to camp in a year and how much you would save by using a campground membership. This will help you decide if a membership is worth the cost.
• Read the fine print. Before you sign up for a campground membership, be sure to read the fine print. Make sure you understand the membership fees, restrictions, and blackout dates.

Personal tips from Doug

Here are a few personal tips for campground memberships:

• If you’re not sure if a campground membership is right for you, try it out for a year. Many campground clubs offer one-year memberships. This is a great way to try out a membership before you commit to a longer term.
• Look for campground memberships that offer discounts on other camping expenses, such as propane and firewood. This can help you save even more money on your camping trips.
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Some campground clubs are willing to negotiate the cost of membership, especially if you’re willing to sign up for a longer term.

FAQ for “Campground Memberships: Are They Worth It? A Comprehensive Review”

How much does a campground membership cost?

The cost of a campground membership varies depending on the club and the type of membership you choose. Some memberships cost as little as $50 per year, while others cost several hundred dollars per year.

What are the different types of campground memberships?

There are two main types of campground memberships: individual memberships and family memberships. Individual memberships typically only allow one person to camp under the membership. Family memberships allow multiple people to camp under the membership, typically up to two adults and four children.

What are the blackout dates for campground memberships?

Blackout dates are dates when campground memberships cannot be used. Blackout dates typically include major holidays and popular weekends.

Can I use my campground membership at any campground in the club?

Some campground memberships allow you to camp at any campground in the club. Others have restrictions, such as requiring you to stay at a certain number of campgrounds per year.

Campground memberships can be a great way to save money on camping fees, but they’re not for everyone. If you camp frequently and at a variety of different campgrounds, a campground membership can save you a lot of money in the long run. However, if you only camp occasionally or at a specific campground, a campground membership may not be worth the cost.

Before you sign up for a campground membership, be sure to compare different clubs and read the fine print. You should also calculate the cost savings to see if a membership is right for you.