Thousand Trails Membership

 

Imagine paying $55 a month for rent! That hasn’t happened in our lifetime, has it? It’s possible…

By Ashleigh Moss

September 7th 2024

 The Thousand Trails membership has been around for 55 years and of all the camping memberships available, this one may offer the most affordable buy-in for full time RV life, or for people who intend to travel for a significant period of time. This is because once you purchase a membership, which is a one time fee, you have only yearly dues of $700, saving full time RV travelers a lot of money. 

Rent is expensive, mortgages are expensive, and full-time RV travel can be expensive too. The average RV park price is up to $60 per night (Cruise America). Thousand Trails memberships takes a massive financial burden off the RV lifestyle. 

What is Thousand Trails?

55 years ago Milt Kuolt developed the first Thousand Trails in Chehalis, Washington. Kuolt had a vision of selling campground memberships with amenities that would impress. Fast forward five decades, the company has transferred ownership a few times, acquired more campgrounds, and is struggling to find financial footing to update aging systems. That being said, in times of high-inflation, it’s a realistic option for many.

Thousand Trails Membership

There are over 200 resorts and campgrounds across North America, including Canada. All locations have something family-friendly to offer, whether it’s mini-golf, a pool and/or hot tub, pickleball, lodges, shuffleboard, playgrounds and more. Basic facilities like bathrooms, showers, sometimes propane, and laundry are also available. 

Most locations offer full-hookups (water, electricity and sewer). All locations offer electricity and water. 

Depending on the membership type you are able to stay year-round. The most expensive membership offers 180-day booking window, up to 21 days at one park, and park-to-park privileges (you don’t have to have a gap in between stays at parks). 

The level of membership offers access to different parks. Let’s go over the different types.

Camping Pass

• $580 for one region (regions pictured below). For an additional $110 you can add another region. No yearly dues required. (Monthly payments optional).
• 14 days maximum, 7 days out of the Thousand Trails system is required between stays
• Discounts on TT cabins
• 60 days advanced reservations
• One holiday reservation

Elite Basic

• Price varies depending on buying used or new, and which discounts are applied. New memberships are roughly $8,000. Used memberships can be as little as $2,000.
• 21 days at any one park, park-to-park privledges (no break required in between).
• Discounts on TT cabins
• 120 days advanced reservations
• One holiday reservation
• 50% off cabin rentals
• Qualified to join Resorts Park International (RPI)

Elite Connections

• Price varies depending on buying used or new, and which discounts are applied. New memberships are roughly $10,000. 
• 21 days at any one park, park-to-park privledges (no break required in between).
• Discounts on TT cabins
• 180 days advanced reservations
• One holiday reservation
• 50% off cabin rentals
• Qualified to join Resorts Park International (RPI)

Adventure

• Price varies depending on buying used or new, and which discounts are applied. New memberships are roughly $12,000. 
• 21 days at any one park, park-to-park privledges (no break required in between).
• Discounts on TT cabins
• 180 days advanced reservations
• Two holiday reservation
• 50% off cabin rentals
• Qualified to join Resorts Park International (RPI)

***Prices are estimated because so many discounts are available. TT commissioners have the ability to cut prices, so nothing is set in stone. 

Purchasing a Membership

New Memberships

When purchasing a new membership you two options the “used” membership doesn’t have. First, you can finance the loan. This is a great option for those who want to build credit and/or have a cheaper payment. Secondly, if you want to leave the Thousand Trails system you can sell your membership. 

To purchase a new membership visit this link:

✅ Thousand Trails Membership ✅

Used Memberships

The obvious benefit to buying a used membership is the savings. When my husband and I purchased our membership we used the Thousand Trails Facebook group. We paid only $3,200 for the Elite Basic Connections (normally around $8,000).

To purchase a used membership visit a Thousand Trails Facebook page. Something worth noting if you do plan to purchase through Facebook… my husband and I were lucky we found an honesty person who didn’t run away with our money. Be very careful how you proceed when exchanging money this way. 

A safer way to exchange is through the Campground Membership Outlet:

✅ Campground Membership Outlet ✅