Anybody have feedback on Passport America or worthwhile clubs to join

ELM-JLM · 02-28-2011, 07:43 PM

Hi Folks,
Myself and Joan have signed in recently and want to thank You All for all the very helpfull info and mod's throughout this forum!
My question is, How many of you belong to "Passport America" or what club would be the best to join?
We are not new to camping but are planning to put many miles on our "new to us 08 2619", in the next couple of years!
The next question is, If one of us is 65 years old will that qualify for reasonable discounts?

Earl & Joan

Barb&Tim · 02-28-2011, 08:08 PM

We joined PA last year and our savings on a 3day camping trip paid for our years membership. We have only used it at three campgrounds so far, but we have saved a bit of money.

Now, having said that -- it may not be for everyone. Go up to PA's website (looking is free) and look around to see if there are any participating campgrounds in the areas you plan to go. Pay attention to the restrictions as many have limits on # of nights using discount or restrictions on time of year or holidays.

If you see enough campsites that you will use to make up the membership then it's a good deal -- otherwise . . . --

I'm turning 65 this year so i'm sure all the over 65 discounts will disappear

Tim

ELM-JLM · 02-28-2011, 09:09 PM

Hi Barb & Tim,
Thanks for the heads up! We are planning a trip in April from West Central Florida to Cleveland Ohio and back. Many stops inbetween as we please! So far I see lots of PA Campground particapents! In July we will be leaving for Maine and return on the coastline! Any hints would be invaluable!

Thanks,
Earl

mcgyver210 · 02-28-2011, 09:22 PM

We have been a member of Good Sams & continue it. We have also tried CampClub USA & originally liked it but we have noticed the campgrounds are starting to restrict it so much saving much isn't as easy. We will not be renewing this year due to this issue & being treated different than non half price campers.

Never had an issue with Good Sams it is GREAT & saves plenty for what it cost.

ELM-JLM · 02-28-2011, 10:04 PM

Thanks Billy,
We will be checking them all out!
Earl

scrubjaysnest · 03-01-2011, 04:15 AM

We dropped all those resort club things years ago as a bad idea. It has gotten worse here in Fl with all the so called resort campgrounds selling off the lots.
Good Sam seems to be ok gets a discount on RV parts, some state parks will give a couple of dollars off. A lot of state park systems give a discount to state residents over 65.
Another good thing to get for anyone 62 and over is the federal inter agency pass, the old golden age. That gets you free entrance to national parks and 50% off on camping. Sometimes it includes the electric but mostly it doesn't.

ELM-JLM · 03-01-2011, 07:15 AM

Thanks Scrubjay,
We are definatly gonna get passes! Old Fart Freebies are for Me!! LOL!

03-01-2011, 08:24 AM

Depends on your style of camping. Many of the more pricey plans work at a limited number of parks, some deluxe and some not. These are destination parks, a place where you might travel specifically to visit. Other plans offer many parks and are places where you might stay for a night or two, maybe a little longer. The plan you asked about is one of those. Also not mentioned is the KOA plan, $24 a year and gives a 10% discount at their parks. Not a lot, but there are about a zillion of them around the U.S. Basically, see where you typically go or how you typically travel and check what those types of parks have available. And don't fall prey to the glitzy presentations of campground membership programs that limit you to just a few parks which never seem to be where you are going!!! Also, when you get old enough don't forget the National Park pass...a small fee ($10?) gets you a pass - free admission and half price camping in most parks and monuments.

**Bill** · 03-01-2011, 08:26 AM

Earl -

This has been discussed a couple of times - the Search tool will help you find it.

Start here.
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ad.php?p=60842

and here's a real old one
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...read.php?t=155

Bill

T and C · 03-02-2011, 10:50 PM

I once joined Passport America. Maybe 10 years ago. I only tried to use it three times. The 1/2 price part is true enough. However, the three parks I went into were no bargain even at 1/2 price.

I have been a Good Sam club member for years. Apart from having to throw away frequent solicitations for insurance, credit cards, health plans and such, the discounts are real and the mag is interesting.

Tom M.