If you are an RVer, you have probably heard of Thousand Trails. I only learned about them in August 2024, thanks to Glenn. Initially, I thought their services were expensive for camping, considering the high upfront costs and annual dues. However, this is just a small part of the overall picture. There are various options available with Thousand Trails, making it a convenient way to camp. Once you pay your dues, you can sign up to stay at their many campgrounds for free. While there are rules and regulations, and sometimes you may find yourself shut out of parks due to high demand, the benefits can outweigh the drawbacks.
In September 2024, when we decided to become full-time RVers, we opted for the lifetime Adventure membership. This allows us to stay up to 21 days and camp at different parks without additional costs. We have a 90-day booking window for certain parks and a 180-day window for others. You might think a 180-day booking window would be sufficient, but that was not the case in the Florida Keys during winter. We struggled to get any reservations there, so we explored many other campgrounds in Florida. Each campground is unique, but most are well-maintained (though some may be better than others).
If you're part of any Thousand Trails Facebook groups, it's important to remember that everyone has different experiences and opinions, so take them as they are someone else's feelings/viewpoints.
What are the different membership levels offered by Thousand Trails?
Camping Pass These are broken up into five camping regions. You can buy a single zone or up to all five of them. Northwest (Canada, OR, WA), Southwest (AZ, CA, NV), Midwest (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH), Southeast (AL, FL, NC, SC TX TN, VA), Northeast (ME, MA, NJ, NY, PA). There are limitations to this pass and you have only a 60 day advance reservation window. You can camp 14 days but then you must be out of the system for 7 days before you can stay at another location.
In Arizona, there are many Encore campgrounds, but most of them are age-qualified (55+). Members must be 55 or older, so families with kids should note that kid-friendly amenities are not available.
Memberships: All campgrounds available. 21 days max stay, travel park to park, 2 or 4 year options.
Journey 120 day advance reservation, ability to extend 2 weeks extra time at park, 1 holiday reservation, cabin week rebates, up to 50% off cabin rentals, family benefits, Resort Parks International (RPI) Travel and Camping Reciprocal Program, and The Trails Collection Reciprocal Program.
Explore 150 day advance reservation, ability to extend 2 weeks extra time at park, 1 holiday reservation, cabin week rebates, up to 50% off cabin rentals, family benefits, Resort Parks International (RPI) Travel and Camping Reciprocal Program, and The Trails Collection Reciprocal Program.
Adventure 180 day advance reservation, ability to extend 6 weeks extra time at park, 2 holiday reservation, cabin week rebates, up to 50% of cabin rentals, family benefits, Resort Parks International (RPI) Travel and Camping Reciprocal Program, and The Trails Collection Reciprocal Program * and The Trails Collection Plus Reciprocal Program.
Cabin Pass If you don’t have an RV, Thousand Trails has you covered with their Cabin Pass membership, which allows you to stay in their beautifully maintained cabins. With a 60-day booking window, you can reserve a stay ranging from 2 to 7 days, with a maximum of 14 days. Many campgrounds also offer various accommodations, including tents, yurts, cottages, tiny homes, cabins, and even RVs.
The campgrounds vary from place to place; some have basic amenities like laundry and shower/bathroom facilities, while others offer more options. Here is a list of possible activities that could be at a campground near you:
- Clubhouses
- Horseback Riding
- Fitness Centers
- Bike Trails
- Golf Courses
- Shuffleboard
- Miniature Golf
- Dog Parks
- WiFi
- Pickleball Courts
- Picnic/BBQ Area
- Volleyball
- Banquet Halls
- Boat Rentals
- RC Race Tracks
- Softball
- Fishing
- Billiards/Game Rooms
- Swimming Pools
- Bocce Ball
- Tennis Courts
- Arcades
- Nature/Hiking Trails
- Laundry Facilities
- Farmers Markets
- Food Trucks
- Game nights
- Movie nights
If you have any questions about what we enjoy about Thousand Trails, please feel free to email me. I’m happy to share any information I can. If you're interested in learning more about Thousand Trails, please fill out the form below. You will be contacted by friendly Thousand Trails representatives who will explain everything and assist you in obtaining a membership.