Guest Author - Evanne Schmarder

Let’s face it, everyone likes a deal…to save some cash or get a little something extra. Today’s RVers have a nice variety of campground discount programs to choose from. They are typically “membership” clubs requiring an annual fee to join in return for anywhere from 10 to 50% off at specified campgrounds and RV parks across the country and in Canada. Once you join keep your membership card handy so you’ll reap the benefits. In this article we’ll touch on several of the 10-15% discount clubs with the 50% off clubs in our next installment.

Good Sam

The most popular is the Good Sam Club offering a 10% discount at participating parks. These parks can be found, in bold type, in their Trailer Life Directory. The cost of an annual membership is $29.95 and can be purchased online or at Camping World. Once you’re signed up you’ll receive a package touting all the Good Sam benefits (including the ever-popular monthly – Highways Magazine) with your shiny new membership card.

FMCA

Family Motor Coach Association is a club for motor coach owners offering a campground discount program as part of their membership benefits. To join you must own a Motorhome or Class C – not a towable – and the first year’s fee is $45/year dropping to $35/year thereafter. Discounts of 10% are available at FMCA commercial members and 15% at Outdoor Resorts of America.

Escapees

The Escapees Club is the RV club for full-time RVers. Escapees make their own deals with parks providing a 15% discount to card carrying Escapee members. They also have their own park system that offers very reasonable rates to SKPs (say it and you’ll understand what SKP means…see). The park discounts Escapees provide are a side bar to their main full-timer benefits so, discount speaking, the fee is steep at around $60/year.

KOA Value Kard

KOA – Kampgrounds of America – has campgrounds across the United States and are adding more at break-neck speed. Sign up for the KOA Value Kard at any KOA Kampground for $16 and receive a 10% discount at all KOAs. In addition, you’ll get a KOA campground guide that includes some pretty good traveler’s maps.

AAA

The Automobile Club of America is a club that many campers belong to for their everyday auto travels but they can also receive camping discounts. Typically 10%, AAA members of every state simply show their membership card when checking in to parks offering this benefit.

AARP

AARP offers membership – at $12.50/year – to those over 50 years old. Like many of the other clubs, camping discounts are but one of the many benefits of membership. Show your AARP card at check-in and receive a 10% discount at participating campgrounds.

Watch Your Pennies…

Discounts are a wonderful way to save a little money and feel good about your stay. If the discount is very important to you it’s always a good idea to call ahead to make sure it’s still in effect. Mention all the discounts that you may be eligible for when making reservations or checking in. I’ve been known to show my Good Sam card for 10% off only to learn later that they would have given me 15% if I mentioned I’m an Escapee. Often a park will have stickers in their windows touting their affiliations – if you don’t see your club, simply ask.