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Written by Johnathan R. Smith • November 19, 2019 • 2:24 am • Guides

11 Best RV Memberships To Join (2022 Favorites)

RV travel costs can quickly add up, and a great place to save money is with RV memberships and campground clubs.

To save you time we have compiled a list of what we consider to be the best RV memberships available. It’s not a complete list, just the ones that we consider to be the most helpful. 

We don’t necessarily recommend signing up for all the memberships below, however most RV owners typically find that its best to sign up for at least 3-5 RV clubs in order to get the best savings. This also offers more flexibility and chances to use an RV discount club.

Let’s dive into the best memberships. 

Best RV Campground Memberships

• Good Sam Club
• Passport America
• Escapees RV Club
• Boondockers Welcome
• Harvest Hosts
• KOA Value Kard Rewards
• Thousand Trails
• Happy Camper Half Price Camping Club
• Explorer RV Club
• FMCA (Family Motorcoach Association)
• Overnight RV Parking

1. Good Sam Club

Quick Benefits Overview

There is a lot to be said about the Good Sam Club membership, and it’s definitely the most well-known on our top 11 list. Not only do they offer discounts at any of their 2,000 plus participating campgrounds, but you also get discounts at major camping retailers such as Camping World, Gander Outdoors and Overton’s.

On top of all the discounts that you get out-right with the membership, Good Sam is very good about sending some great offers and deals throughout the year.

• Get 8 cents off diesel and 5 cents of gas at participating Pilot Flying J locations.
• One free yearly RV inspection at Camping World.
• 15% Discount on propane at Camping World.
• Helpful trip planning app.
• Free RV & Boat dump station usage at capable Camping World centers.
• Not as many campgrounds in network compared to other memberships.
• An over abundance of promotional material will flood your inbox and mailbox. This can be good or bad depending on your personal preference.

Membership Cost

• $29.00 per year.
• $50.00 2 years (includes a $25.00 certificate)
• $75.00 3 years (includes a $50.00 certificate)

2. Passport America

This is one of those RV memberships will literally pay for itself in just 2-3 stays. They offer 50% discount off their nearly 1800 partnered campgrounds.

The campgrounds are found all through the United States as well as a select number in parts of Mexico and Canada. The have also been in operation since 1992 and currently have more than 100,000 members.

If you have heard about Passport America, and are on the fence about it, I would recommend taking a look at your planned travel routes by browsing the Passport America website and seeing which campgrounds in your route accept the membership. That will help you to determine whether or not you will save by becoming a member. (I can almost guarantee that it will be worth it)

• 50% discount at partnered campgrounds.
• Free online subscription to RV America magazine
• Free campground catalog.
• Mobile app to search for nearby RV Parks.
• Every campground has different days that they will accept the Passport America discount. For example, many campgrounds will only accept it Sunday-Thursday and not on the weekends or on holidays.
• Website and app do not allow for online booking. You actually need to call the campground to make a reservation.

$44.00 per year. You can also save more by purchasing 2 year, 3 year, 5 year or lifetime memberships.

Read Our Full Review Here Join Passport America

3. Escapees RV Club

This is one of those memberships that works for both beginner and seasoned RV owners.

There are a great deal of benefits that come with Escapees RV Club and its a fantastic network if you are looking to hang out with other RV owners. With the amount of events and niche groups that you can join there is no reason to feel lonely.

One of the best benefits in our opinion is the BOF (Birds-of-a-feather) groups. These are formed groups with different sets of interest such as Amateur Radio enthusiast, hikers, computers, singles clubs, christian clubs etc.

• On demand mail forwarding service allows you to receive mail whenever and wherever you travel in North America.
• Strong support network of other experienced RV owners.
• Easy to use online mapping system to find nearby parking.
• Discount parking at more than 800 RV parks.
• Overnight low-cost camping directory.
• 18 owned and operated Escapee parks.
• Large amount of RV owner education for all types of classes.
• Smaller number of RV parks in network compared to other memberships.
• $39.95 per year (US Membership)
• $49.95 per year (Canada Membership)
• $49.95 per year (Mexico Membership)

4. Boondockers Welcome

Boondockers Welcome is an excellent network of 2,000 plus RV lifestyle loving property owners. These are not campgrounds that you will be staying at, but instead private property owners that are kindly allowing RV goers to stay on their property.

The system is quite simple to use. Once you signup you can search listings within a defined radius and then review each of the hosts that show up. You will need to read each owners listing carefully since that’s where they define the type of RV that they can accommodate as we as the types of hookups, if any, that they have.

After you have narrowed down your selection to a few hosts simply send them a message using the websites secure messaging system and wait for the owner to respond.

A Boondockers Welcome subscription can significantly help reduce RV living costs, even if its just for a few nights per month. It all adds up. It’s also a great way to grow your network of RV friends and it’s definitely one of the best RV memberships you can get.

Although its free to stay on the Hosts property, it is understood that Hosts should be given enough money to cover the electric and water used by the guest.

• Free to stay on the property which means no campground fees.
• Discounts on additional RV products and memberships.
• Grow RV friend network.
• Hosts are often knowledgeable on the local area and can provide you with great recommendations.
• Average length of stay is 1-2 nights
• Some properties have limits on the size of the RV that they can accommodate.
• Many of the Hosts do not have hookups (hey, its boondocking).
• Some do not allow pets.
• Reservation system could be better.

A 1 year subscription to Boondockers Welcome is $50.00. You also receive a 50% discount if you have a location where you host Boondockers Welcome Guest. There is also a no questions asked 90 day refund if you are not satisfied with the membership

5. Harvest Hosts

This is one of those memberships that is highly underrated. As someone that enjoys a good beer or glass of wine from time-to-time Harvest Hosts is on my favorites list for RV memberships.

Harvest Hosts is essentially a network of unique locations throughout North America that allow you to stay on their business property in exchange for a simple purchase of company merchandise. In my opinion these are some of the best places that you can stay and completely worth the price of an annual membership. You won’t be disappointed (If you are the membership comes with a 100% money back guarantee) .

Harvest Hosts reservation system is similar to Boondockers Welcome in that you simply send a message to the hosts requesting a stay.

• Excellent opportunity to stay at some truly unique and beautiful spots.
• Pets are allowed at 90% of the locations.
• All classes of RVs are allowed.
• Limited number of locations offer hookups.
• No online booking system or App.
• Only fully self contained RVs are allowed.
• 24 hour maximum stay.

Harvest Hosts Classic – $79.00 per year

Unlimited FREE overnight stays at 915+ locations that include wineries, breweries and farms.

Harvest Hosts + Golf – $119.00 per year

All the benefits of the classic plan but it also comes with 359 golf courses and country clubs.

Read Our Full Review Here

Use This Button to Save an Extra 15% Join Harvest Hosts

6. KOA Value Kard Rewards

KOA offers a fairly standard set of amenities and they do a good job at keeping up their campgrounds. That being said, they’re not for everyone and they offer less locations than many of the other memberships that are on the list. However if you are an RV owner that enjoys knowing exactly what you are getting and enjoy KOA campgrounds this could be a good program to join.

You don’t receive a ton of discounts and benefits after joining, but you do earn rewards that can be used for free night stays . They also offer discounts with some of their network partners like Dish Satellite and Geico.

• Inexpensive to join.
• Points can add up quickly if you stay long-term.
• 10% off daily registration rate.
• Exclusive offers and coupons.
• Not as many campgrounds in network.

$30.00 per year.

7. Thousand Trails

Thousand Trails, also known as TT, offers a fantastic camping membership. They have over 80 campgrounds in their network and they split up their membership into what they call zones; Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast and Southeast.

You essentially pay $585.00 per year to be able to camp all year long in the zone you purchase. You do have the option to be able to camp in more than one area but its an additional $54.00 per zone. This can be well-worth it though if you like to travel frequently. Another option that TT gives you is to purchase their upgrade package called The Trails Collection.

This upgrade gives you access to an additional 110 parks for just $210.00. Keep in mind that 18 of the parks within the Trails Collection are not considered free and will charge $20.00 per night since they are considered premium parks in very popular destinations.

• Cost effective if planning to use for a large number of days per year.
• No nightly fees for camping in RV or tent.
• Unlimited day use at parks in the zone you purchased.
• You can only camp in a Thousand Trails park for 14 days at a time and must leave the system for 7 days before being able to use your camping pass again.
• Very limited number of parks.

$585.00 per year for one zone (Monthly payment plan is an option)

8. Happy Camper Half Price Camping Club

Happy Camper does not try to be everything for everyone. They keep things simple and are exactly what they say they are, a “discount club for RVers and Campers”. With Happy Camper you get a discount of 50% at hundreds of campgrounds within their network.

With such a large discount and with new parks joining frequently it can be very cost-effective to add this to your list of RV clubs to join.

• Large list of helpful Ebooks included with signup.
• 50% off campgrounds in Happy Camper network.
• Free trip planner.
• Long term discounts available at a select number of parks.
• Not a great reservation system
• Travel planner is not very easy to use.
• Website is outdated.
• No mobile app.
• Not an easy way to make reservations.
• 1 year Membership $39.00
• 2 year Membership $71.00
• 3 for 2 season sale $79.98

9. Explorer RV Club

If you find yourself venturing over to Canada quite a bit you may want to look closer at the Explorer RV Club.

They offer discounts at a good number of parks in the United States but they primarily service Canadian RV owners. This is not a particularly large club to join but they do offer some good discounts on RV insurance, hotels, Emergency Roadside Service, RV dealer discounts and of course campgrounds.

• Campground discounts.
• High focus on Canadian parks.
• Discounts for RV Insurance and ERS.
• Not focused on US residents
• Limited network of participating parks
• Discounts are not as significant as some of the other clubs.
• No reservation system.
• Canada 1 year – 37.99
• US 1 year – $60.00

10. FMCA (Family Motorcoach Association)

FMCA is a great community focused association that leans heavier on supporting the RV owner with training and engagement than it is on saving money.

As you can see in the benefits below, its more about getting the RV owner connected with other like minded individuals through local chapters and events. Its also about providing them with peace of mind while on the road with their Roadside assistance and FMCAssist which you can read about more on their website.

• Discounted roadside assistance.
• Savings on tires.
• Over 600 videos and articles in the online education portal
• Special FMCA chapters all across the United States and Canada.
• RV WiFi discounts with Verizon and Sprint
• Monthly RV magazine.
• Mobile App.
• Not focused on providing discounts at campgrounds.
• Less savings on everyday RV expenses.
• 1 year $85.00
• 2 years 160.00
• 3 years $225.00

11. Overnight RV Parking

Almost every RV owner has needed to find a place to stop for a night and wondered if it was okay to park there throughout the night. Overnight RV Parking solves this problem by providing you with a list of places throughout the United States and Canada that you can and can’t park.

This list is updated regularly and it currently includes over 14,330 parking and no parking locations. This is a great subscription to have in case you ever get in a bind and just need to stop somewhere for the night without the cost of a campground fee.

• Smartphone app that uses GPS to locate free parking locations near you.
• No campground fees.

Not a lot of cons to list considering this is just a list of free places to stay.

1 year $24.95

Which RV Club Should I Join?

This will entirely depend on what type of RVer you are. Your best bet is to chart your routes and plan accordingly. Depending on where you are intending to travel the memberships that you hold for the year may change. Most RV owners end up picking about 3-5 memberships and then go from there. Overtime you will figure out what works best for you.

Our Thoughts On RV Memberships

If you’re on the road quite a bit or at least travel a few months out of the year these memberships can save you a lot of money. It will probably benefit you the most to have at least a few if not all of these memberships since each one can be used at different times and will provide you the greatest flexibility to choose between the best deals.

Recommended RV Articles

• RV Extended Warranties (Are They Worth It?)
• How Much Does Travel Trailer Insurance Cost?
• Living in an RV Park Full Time
• Can I Live In An RV On My Own Property
• RV Seat Belt Laws By State

About the Author / Johnathan R. Smith

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How to Find and Join Travel Trailer Clubs and Communities

Travel trailer clubs and communities offer a fantastic way for like-minded adventurers to connect, share experiences, and create lasting memories. If you’re looking to expand your social circle and enhance your trailer travels, this guide is for you! We’ll explore how to find and join travel trailer clubs and communities that suit your interests and needs.

Table of Contents

1. Benefits of Joining Travel Trailer Clubs and Communities

Being part of a travel trailer club or community comes with numerous benefits, including:

• Socializing : Forge new friendships with fellow travel enthusiasts who share your passion for exploring the great outdoors.
• Knowledge Sharing : Learn from experienced travelers who can offer valuable advice and tips on trailer maintenance, travel destinations, and more.
• Group Travel : Participate in organized group trips, where you can enjoy the camaraderie of traveling with others.
• Exclusive Perks : Many clubs offer members-only discounts on campgrounds, gear, and services.

2. Finding the Right Club or Community

When searching for the perfect travel trailer club or community, consider the following factors:

• Interests : Look for clubs that align with your specific interests, such as Airstream owners or boondocking enthusiasts .
• Location : Seek out clubs or communities with members in your region, allowing for easier meetups and events.
• Size : Consider the size of the group; larger clubs may offer more resources, while smaller communities might provide a more intimate experience.

3. Online Communities and Forums

The internet is home to countless online forums and communities dedicated to travel trailer enthusiasts. These platforms allow you to connect with others, ask questions, and share your experiences from the comfort of your home. Some popular options include:

• RVillage : A social network for RVers and travel trailer owners that connects you with others based on your location and interests.
• iRV2 Forums : A comprehensive forum covering various topics related to RVs and travel trailers.
• Escapees RV Club : A supportive community offering resources, discounts, and networking opportunities for full-time and part-time RVers.

4. Social Media Groups

Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are excellent resources for finding and joining travel trailer clubs and communities. Simply search for groups related to your interests or trailer type and request to join. Some popular examples include:

• Travel Trailer Camping Group : A Facebook group dedicated to sharing travel trailer camping experiences, advice, and tips.
• Full-Time RV Living : A Facebook group for those living in their RVs and travel trailers full-time, offering support and resources.
• RV and Travel Trailer Tips & Tricks : A Facebook group that focuses on sharing useful tips and tricks related to RV and travel trailer maintenance, travel, and more.

Don’t forget to follow hashtags on Instagram related to travel trailers, such as #TravelTrailerLife or #RVCommunity, to discover content and connect with other enthusiasts.

5. Attending Rallies and Events

Rallies and events are fantastic opportunities to meet fellow travel trailer enthusiasts in person and join clubs or communities. These gatherings often include educational seminars, social activities, and group outings. To find rallies and events near you, consider the following resources:

• Club Websites : Many travel trailer clubs host annual rallies and events. Check their websites for upcoming dates and locations.
• Online Forums and Social Media : Keep an eye on online communities and social media groups for announcements about rallies and events.
• Industry Events : Attend RV and camping shows to meet fellow enthusiasts and learn about clubs and communities.

6. Starting Your Own Club or Community

If you’re unable to find a club or community that meets your specific needs, consider starting your own! Here are some tips for creating a successful travel trailer club or community:

• Define Your Focus : Determine the primary focus of your club, such as a specific trailer brand, travel style, or regional focus.
• Create a Platform : Establish a website, forum, or social media group to serve as the central hub for your club or community.
• Recruit Members : Reach out to friends, family, and online contacts who share your interests and invite them to join.
• Organize Events : Plan regular meetups, rallies, or group trips to foster camaraderie and create lasting memories.

With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to finding and joining travel trailer clubs and communities that align with your interests and needs. Whether you’re exploring online forums, joining social media groups, attending rallies and events, or starting your own community, you’re sure to make new friends and enhance your travel trailer adventures.

Good luck, and happy camping!

Take a look at our article on: RV Financing Options: Understanding Loans and Rates

Please keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Where will your 50% discount take you?

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The ORIGINAL & World's Largest 50% Discount Camping Club . Only $44 a year . Save half off the nightly rate at over 1,100+ quality campgrounds.

Passport America Mobile Applications

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New Directory Available!

Get your copy of the Passport America 33rd Edition Discount Camping Directory before you hit the road!

Member Referral Program that PAYS

It's simple! Earn MONEY while camping and traveling.

How does it work?

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Native falls campground, buffalo river campground, cowboy rv park, popular questions, what is passport america, what are the procedures for staying in a passport america campground, what do i receive for my membership fee, how long can i stay at a participating campground at a discounted rate, how many rv sites and people does my membership discount include on a nightly basis, do i need to be a resident of the us, canada, or mexico to be a member, featured locations.

Campground Testimonials

High Chaparral RV Park

We camped here in December very close to Christmas. The people were all so nice and inviting. They had a great Christmas parade and get together in their clubhouse. The showers, laundry room, and pool are all well taken care of. We stored our Travel trailer there to go home for the holidays, and when we returned we stayed again because a storm with rain and wind was not great for traveling. We are staying again soon in March for 2 more beautiful nights. 12/18/23 and 3/4/24

Texas Log Cabin RV Park

An amazing spot to stop. This was me and my husband’s first ever stop. The staff were so friendly and helpful. We are towing a car that had died in route, and they found jumper cables to jump us off. Canton is an adorable town with so many cute shops. 10/10 recommend stopping here.

Cain's Creekside RV Park

Stayed here for an overnight while passing through.It was clean, friendly and quiet. Plenty of places to walk my dogs too. I will absolutely stay here again!

Ready to start saving?

This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy .

Friends on the Road: The 11 Best RV Clubs for Socialization

Published on September 26th, 2023 by Chelsea Gonzales (Full-Time RVer and Freelance Writer)

Into RV travel and keen on expanding your social circle? Look no further than RV clubs. Picking the ideal one can be daunting, especially if you’re budget-conscious. No sweat, though. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, diving deep into the world of RV clubs to identify the cream of the crop—and who they’re most suited for. Scroll down for the deets!

RV Clubs: Something for Everyone

We’ve got the scoop on clubs that cater to RV travelers across the board, offering a plethora of options that meet diverse needs. These inclusive communities are excellent for those wanting a well-rounded RV experience. Fair warning: With such a wide membership, finding your niche within the RV community might take some time.

RV Life Communities

First on our radar is RV LIFE Communities . With some of the most bustling online forums in the RV world, you’re practically guaranteed to find the answers and connections you’re after.

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These forums are organized by rig types and special interests, making it easy to connect and spark up friendships.

Best part? The RV LIFE forums won’t cost you a dime, leaving you with extra cash to splurge on a couple of the premium RV clubs below.

Escapees: A Comprehensive RV Community

Escapees is an RV community that aims to support various aspects of the RV lifestyle. With a range of discounts and support services, it also caters to different types of RVers through sub-groups like Xscapers, which is tailored for those who work while traveling.

Escapees offers educational resources for RVers at all experience levels. This includes in-person training sessions, online courses, and a variety of webinars and blogs. The aim is to help RVers operate their vehicles safely and efficiently.

The community aspect is a significant part of Escapees. Members often describe a sense of belonging and camaraderie that comes from participating in the club’s various events, which range from local gatherings to larger annual events like the Escapade.

On the practical side, members have access to a network of Club-owned and member-operated parks. Additional benefits include discounts at various RV parks and an extensive mail forwarding service. The club also offers roadside assistance and has partnerships for discounted RV tires.

Family Motorcoach Association: A Hub for RV Enthusiasts

The Family Motorcoach Association (FMCA) serves as a vital resource for RV owners. Known for its strong sense of community, FMCA facilitates networking and the exchange of ideas among its members.

One unique feature of FMCA is its “Stoppin’ Spots” program. These are emergency safe havens offered by members for members. Whether you’re in need of a temporary parking spot or require mechanical assistance, this initiative aims to provide a safety net for travelers.

FMCA also organizes RV rallies, which serve as in-person platforms for members to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. These events often feature workshops, seminars, and social gatherings.

Membership benefits extend beyond community engagement. FMCA provides a range of educational materials on RV living, including a dedicated magazine. Additionally, they offer specialized cell phone plans to ensure you stay connected while on the road.

Specialty RV Clubs: Where Everybody Knows Your Name

If you’re seeking something a bit more “tailor-made,” specialty RV clubs are your go-to. These niche communities have a smaller, cozier member base, which is great for building meaningful connections. However, they might not be as generous on the perks and benefits, unlike their larger counterparts.

Fulltime Families: Your Home on the Open Road

Ever dream of turning the open road into a family affair? Fulltime Families is your jam. It’s not just a social circle; it’s a lifeline for parents and kids who’ve traded suburbia for highways and byways.

One of the highlights is their focus on education. Whether you’re into traditional homeschooling or the more adventurous “roadschooling,” they’ve got your back with resources and tips.

And let’s not forget the community aspect. With a calendar chock-full of family events and specialized groups, you’ll find your tribe in no time.

But it’s not all fun and games; there are practical perks too. Think exclusive discounts on RV essentials, making your nomadic lifestyle a bit easier on the wallet.

Republic of Nomads: Adventure Without the Price Tag

On the rise and easy on the pocket, Republic of Nomads is all about affordable family fun. Centralized Facebook group? Check. Wallet-friendly events? Double-check. And the kicker? Zero membership fees.

Handicapped Travel Club: Making the Road Accessible

If you’re juggling the RV lifestyle with a disability, Handicapped Travel Club is your sanctuary. It’s a tight-knit community offering resources and connections that make the road less daunting.

National African American RVers Association: A Community on Wheels

Looking to connect with fellow African American RV enthusiasts? NAARVA is where it’s at. They’re not just building a community; they’re building a movement.

Rainbow RV Club: Your Road, Your Rules

For LGBTQ RVers, Rainbow RV Club is more than just a club—it’s a celebration. Be yourself, and find others who are doing the same, all while exploring the open road.

RVing Women: Hit the Road, Ladies

For the solo female travelers out there, RVing Women is your ticket to freedom and fun. Think of it as your sisterhood on wheels.

So, there you have it—the lowdown on specialty RV clubs. Whether you’re after something niche or just a place that feels like home, there’s a club out there with your name on it. Do you have a favorite RV club we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments.

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Related posts:.

Safe Camping Near Alligators: Essential Tips and Destinations in the US

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Classrooms Without Walls: Our Roadschooling Routine Unveiled

About the author:.

Chelsea Gonzales, a seasoned full-time RVer and roadschooling expert, shares her extensive experience and insights on Wonder Wherever We Wander and across notable RV platforms. As the founder of the Aistear Mobile Irish Dance Academy , she combines her passion for travel, education, and the arts, offering a unique perspective to the RV community.

Chelsea Gonzales: Full-Time RVer, Experienced Roadschooling Educator, and Renowned Freelance Writer

With over 6 years of experience in the full-time RV lifestyle, Chelsea Gonzales expertly blends adventure with education. As a seasoned roadschooling mom, she's adept at transforming the unique challenges of educating children on the road into practical, engaging content.

Professional Highlights:

• Founder and Artistic Director of the Aistear Mobile Irish Dance Academy .
• A prolific writer, her informative articles on RV living, parenting on the go, and travel destinations are featured on her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander , as well as across the RV LIFE network , Outdoorsy , Coach-Net , and RV Share .

Personal Insight: "Embracing the RV lifestyle was a decision to live boundlessly and educate uniquely. My journey is about more than travel; it's about imparting life lessons and a love for learning in my children. Writing about these experiences allows me to connect with and inspire others in the RV community."

Chelsea continues to share her wealth of knowledge on full-time RVing, raising children on the road, and exploring new destinations, providing invaluable insights for fellow RV enthusiasts and families.

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The 6 Best RV Campground Memberships

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Updated March 28, 2024

The quick answer is that our 5 Best RV Campground Memberships used to be:

• Passport America
• Escapees RV Club
• Good Sam Club

Boondockers Welcome

• Harvest Hosts

But 5 years later, our list has changed! Why, you ask?

Because we don’t camp the same way we used to. Five years ago we were weekend warriors and now we are 3/4 time RVers, which means we are on the road full time about nine months a year.

NOW – Our Top 6 RV Camping Memberships are:

• Thousand Trails
• Harvest Hosts & Boondockers Welcome
• The Dyrt PRO
• RV Trip Wizard

The question is which memberships are best for you and why. We made a YouTube video about our six favorite camping memberships and why we like them. Check it out!

Why Join an RV Campground Membership Club?

With more and more people going camping every year, campgrounds are becoming more crowded, and therefore, campground fees are going up. While the average RV campground fee ranges from $25 to $100 per night, we have seen some very popular campgrounds charge as much as $200 per night! And we think prices will continue to increase.

The chart below shows the number of overnight stays in National Parks from 2019 through 2023. Overnight stays for RVs have remained at all-time highs over that period of time, and we expect these numbers to increase to remain at elevated levels for the foreseeable future.

Why Are RV Campground Prices On The Rise?

The chart above only shows RV overnight stays in National Parks. There are also thousands of private RV campgrounds benefiting from increased RV travel demand. And since demand for RV campgrounds has increased, major corporations have taken notice.

Major hotel companies, such as Cruise Inn, have started RV Park franchise networks. Hotel software companies, such as Frontdesk Anywhere, are entering the RV campground industry with reservation and management software.

Some manufactured housing companies have even entered the RV park industry. We have all seen RV Resorts, such as Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resorts, popping up all over the country with premium campground prices.

This all matters because when big corporations get involved, they are interested in one thing and one thing only—profit. So, they will find every way possible to drive RV campground prices up. Consequently, this will allow all other RV campgrounds to raise their prices, too.

So why should you join an RV Campground membership discount club? Because it’s the best way to lower the cost of your stay in an RV campground or park.

Passport America, Escapee’s RV Club, and Good Sam’s Club discounts can save you anywhere from 10% to 50% off of your campground fee at participating campgrounds.

And Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts memberships offer free places to stay! So let’s take a look at these membership clubs in detail to see which are the best fit for you.

Our Review of All 6 RV Memberships Clubs

Our review of the 6 best RV membership clubs is in no specific order. They are all terrific clubs to join, but not all of these RV clubs are for everyone. As we review all 5 of them, we will recommend which ones you should join based on which type of RVer you are.

All of these membership clubs offer more than campground discounts. So, choosing a membership really depends on your needs as an RVer.

1. Thousand Trails

Thousand Trails tops our list now because we are on the road so much more. In 2023 we were on the road for 9 months and we expect the same in 2024.

We calculated our camping costs in 2022 to be around $9,000, and we were only on the road for 3 months that year. So we figured if we were on the road for 9 months, our camping costs would triple to $27,000! Yikes!

So we decided to join Thousand Trails so save money because once you join the membership you don’t have to pay for overnight camping fees.

The packages can be quite expensive and they are very complicated to try to explain. So we are just going to cover the memberhsip we purchased.

We paid about $9,000 for the Elite Connections VIP package. I know that’s a lot of money! But guess what. We broke even on our camping membership in our first year of using it.

That’s right. We saved over $9000 in camping fees in 2023 so now we are really camping for next to nothing in 2024 and beyond.

Pro’s

• No camping fees at Thousand Trails Campgrounds – saves you a ton of money the more you use it.
• Over 81 campgrounds
• You can add on the Trails Collection for around $700 a year and use over 100 other campgrounds at no cost.
• It can pay for itself within the first year or sooner if you are a full-time RVer

Con’s

• Some parks are less than desirable
• Stays can be limited by the number of days/season/day of the week
• The website is not accurate or easy to use
• It’s expensive upfront
• There are not many campgrounds in the middle of the US
• $8,500 for the Elite Connections VIP Package
• $725 for the Trails Collection
• Yearly dues of $675

Who Would Benefit From This Membership?

If you RV more than 6 months a year, I would say this membership is for you. If you are on the road less than six months a year, you’ll have to decide when you will break even to determine if it’s with the price.

2. Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome

When we originally wrote this article, Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome were two separate memberships that we used when we could.

Since then, Harvest Hosts purchased Boondockers Welcome, and now they are available together in one membership package, or you can still purchase them separately.

Harvest Hosts is a network of over 5,000 wineries, breweries, farms, museums, churches and other attractions that allow RVers to spend the night for free. In exchange for your overnight stay, you purchase something from your host to help support their business. Harvest Hosts has a recently updated website and app to help you find the locations of your choice.

The location gallery on their home page features photos of some gorgeous locations to choose from. Reviews and pictures from guests are provided for each host location, as well.

We use Harvest Hosts all the time for one-night overnight stays when we are traveling a long distance and we just want to spend the night somewhere for free. But we also use it because some of the destinations are beautiful and fun!

For example, we have stayed at wineries when they feature live music or farms during harvest festivals. We even stayed at John Schneider’s Place in Louisiana! John Schnieder played Bo on the Dukes of Hazzard, and his place was full of old memorabilia, including the General Lee.

• Very unique camping experiences
• Save money on campgrounds
• Great way to meet locals
• Over 5,000 locations
• There are no hookups, usually
• Outdoor kitchens are not allowed
• Stays are limited to one night – unless the host invites you to stay longer
• You are not obligated to purchase something from the host, but it’s a great way to say thanks for the stay and support a local small business.
• $99 per year but they almost always offer a 15% discount
• You are automatically set up with the auto-renew program. Just email them at any time to opt out of auto-renew.
• Harvest Hosts offers a 100% money-back guarantee. They want you to be satisfied with your experience so this is a no-risk purchase.

Anyone who enjoys unique camping experiences, making friends, and supporting local businesses would benefit from this membership. It’s more of a break-even cost, though, because in exchange for your overnight stay, you are encouraged to buy something for at least twenty dollars from your host’s business.

But if you want to meet some interesting people, stay in some gorgeous locations, and have a unique camping experience, then this membership is a great choice.

Boondockers Welcome  provides a website with a directory of fellow RVers who are willing to let you stay for free for a night or two on their property. They now have more than 3,550 locations across the US and Canada. 

Even though the name is Boondockers Welcome, which gives the impression there are no hookups, you may be surprised to learn that three out of every four hosts are able to provide an electric hookup! And many are able to provide water. Some hosts even offer full hookups! 

Most of the time, the parking area will be right beside the property owner’s home, or it could be on land that they own but do not live on.

• No Campground Fees
• No limit on how many times you can use the service, but stays are usually limited to 1 or 2 nights.
• The host can provide you with great information about the area where you are staying.
• Members enjoy discounts on RVing-related memberships and products
• If you become a host, you get a 50% discount on a 1-year membership and every time a guest completes a stay at your host location, you’ll be rewarded with credit for 3 months of guest privileges
• You can make new friends
• Hosts may or may not have utilities for you to use
• Use of utilities may cost you a small fee – although I don’t really see this as a con
• There may be limits on the size of your rig
• Pets may not be allowed
• Typical stays are only 1 night

Cost  

• A 1-year subscription is $79.00

Anyone traveling a long distance and needing overnight stays along the way would benefit from this membership. It’s a great way to travel almost for free.

But if you want to travel cheap, get some information on the local attractions, and meet some interesting people, then this membership is a terrific choice. It will easily pay for itself with just one or two stays.

Just Use Discount Code RVBlogger15 to Save 15% When You Join Boondockers Welcome!

3. Passport America

Passport America is a 50% Discount Camping Club with over 1,100 participating campgrounds in their discount camping network. Passport America also offers a trip routing service and has a terrific app that shows campground details such as pricing and amenities.

We use Passport America when we need to find a campground from Sunday through Thursday nights because this is when the biggest discounts are available. There are some discounts available on Friday and Saturday nights but they are usually 10%.

A really great feature is that before you decide to join you can check out all of the participating campgrounds and see current prices, discounts, amenities, pictures, and any discount restrictions.

All of this can be done right from the website’s home page. Therefore, if you have an upcoming trip planned, you will be able to see before you join if you will save money or not.

Not all of the participating campgrounds offer a full 50% discount. Some do not offer club discounts during certain holidays or days of the week. And campsite duration is usually limited to no more than a week or two.

Each campground has its own rules and discount policies, and they are all very easy to see as you read through the directory of campgrounds.

• Up to 50% off camping fees at participating campgrounds – saves you a ton of money the more you use it.
• Over 1800 participating campgrounds
• Easy-to-use website and mobile app with icons that easily identify campground amenities
• Pays $10 for referrals if you refer a friend
• Can pay for itself within one or two stays
• There are no campground reviews by other members to give you a better idea of each campground. (Just use your free RVParky App for campground reviews)
• 1 Year – $44
• 2 Year – $79 ($9.00 savings)
• 3 Year – $109 ($23.00 savings)
• 5 Year – $179 ($41.00 savings)

Actually, anyone who RVs for more than two nights a year will break even in most cases. But before you join you should research the RV campground options in the area you want to camp. Then, if you find a good campground, join the membership and save some big bucks!

KOA offers campground locations all across the US in some great locations. That’s what we like about them and why we stay at KOA campgrounds.

For example, you can find KOA campgrounds near national parks, major cities and attractions everywhere. They are more expensive because of their great locations, but when you join the KOA membership, you will receive 10% off of your stays.

It’s but a huge discount but every little bit helps.

• Save 10% at KOAs across the country
• Over 500 campgrounds
• Excellent locations near many popular attractions
• Campground fees can be very high
• $36 per year

Anyone looking for campgrounds in premium locations with full hookups. This membership works for anyone from weekend warriors to full-time RVers.

5. The Dyrt Pro

We have been members of the Dyrt Pro for over four years now. The Dyrt Pro offers a suite of benefits to its members, from camping discounts to boondocking locations to rewards programs.

We use our Dyrt Pro membership in two ways. First, we use the campground reviews to find great campgrounds, and we take advantage of discounts up to 40% at participating campgrounds.

Second, we use the Dyrt Pro to find awesome boondocking locations with reviews from other RVers.

• Up to 40% off camping fees at participating campgrounds – saves you a ton of money the more you use it.
• Over 1000 participating campgrounds
• There are tons of campground reviews
• Some of the discounts are only available from Sunday through Thursday

This membership is great for anyone who loves to boondock and for people who camp on weekdays. We use it ourselves because we fit into both of these camping categories.

6. RV Trip Wizard

We use RV Trip Wizard all the time. We use it to plan and create our camping itineraries and on every travel day because of the RV-safe GPS.

I wouldn’t exactly call it a camping membership because we don’t receive camping discounts. But we use this tool so often that we thought we should add it to our list.

RV Trip Wizard allows us to do all of our trip planning in one place, storing all of our information about our trip routes. We can even add points of interest that we want to visit along our route.

In addition, we use the RV Life app to pull up our trips into their RV safe GPS, which we use on our cell phones. The GPS takes the size of your rig into account, so it plans your routes based on where your specific RV can and can’t go.

• The best trip-planning tool on the market
• RV Safe GPS to get you to your campground safely
• Easy-to-use app that takes your trip itinerary and loads it directly into the GPS
• RV Trip Wizard has more campground reviews than any other app
• Not specifically focused on offering deep discounts at campgrounds
• The GPS can become inaccurate if you lose cell signal
• $65.00 a year

Anyone can use this membership if you need an RV Safe GPS. Google Maps and Waze are not recommended for an RV GPS because they don’t take the size of your RV into account.

If you RV quite often and do a lot of trip planning then we consider RV Trip Wizard a must!

RV Camping Memberships We Have Used in the Past

1. escapees rv club.

Like Escapees RV Club states in its logo, it is a total support network for all RVers. Escapees offers a ton of benefits for all types of RVers, from newbies to the most well traveled.

Escapees members have access to many discounts and support services. They also offer in-person and online RV education classes. If you join Escapees, you also receive a membership in Xscapers , a companion club for working-age RVers.

The club offers discounts of 15% to 50% off campsite fees at approximately 1000 participating campgrounds. Over 100 listings are at the full 50% off. You can also see their online directory of campgrounds that are in the program before you join.

Escapees members can benefit from four different types of RV ‘parking’ or overnight stays.

Escapees RV Park Discounts Escapees has partnered with over 1000 commercial RV parks to offer discounts ranging from 15% to 50% off. Each campground has its own rules and limitations as to how many nights you can stay and how much of a discount you will get.

Escapees 11 Co-op Parks These co-op parks are owned and operated by the co-op members. Some of the co-ops offer overnight and weekly campsites at low rates, and some have first-timers lower rates, too. Please call the park you are interested in for details on whether they offer this option or not.

Escapees Rainbow Parks Rainbow Parks offers four types of parking: short-term, long-term, leases, and deeded lots for sale. The 7 Rainbow Parks are located in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Missouri, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas. These campgrounds are more upscale and offer many amenities such as laundromats, dog parks, and more.

Escapees Overnight Camping Escapee’s Day’s End Directory is full of information and advice concerning boondocking, dry camping, or other low-cost camping options for budget-conscious people. The reviews are provided by and available to other Escapee members only.

• 15% – 50% off at over 1000 participating commercial parks
• Great sense of community at their parks
• Easy to use online map for searching for participating campgrounds
• Excellent RV training programs
• Discounts with Costco, Dish TV, Goodyear and more
• $5 Discount when you Join Boondockers Welcome
• $4 Discount when you join Harvest Hosts

Additional Benefits Geared Toward Full-Timers

• Job center for finding work on the road
• Mail service & domicile options (additional fee)
• Health Care Solutions Discount
• Roadside Assistance Discount
• Fulltime Families Discount
• The number of participating campgrounds is limited
• The online map is not easy to use on a mobile device
• $39.95/annually for US Membership
• $49.95/annually for Canada or Mexico Membership

There is an additional $10.00 administration fee for your first year but Passport America members don’t pay the admin fee so if you’re going to join both, join Passport America first. The Escapees membership gives you access to the Escapees and Xscapers communities, as well as access to all of their other services, resources, and programs.

For new RVer, Escapees is an awesome membership for helping you learn all about RVing and connect with other RVers.

Full-Time Working Age RVers

This is a great membership If you are looking for an active community, and you are of working age. The Xscapers RV community will prove to be a great way to have a sense of community while on the go.

Seasonal RVers

If you plan to be in one spot for a long time, and parks are available in places that you want to see, then this can be a great deal! Especially if you want to have a great community feel in one of their Rainbow or Co-op parks.

2. Good Sam Club

Good Sam Club is definitely the most well known of the RV membership clubs. The Club has over 2 million members and over 2,400 participating campgrounds but they only offer a 10% campground discount.

But, Good Sam Club offers a whole lot more than just campground discounts. They also offer 10% to 30% merchandise discounts at Camping World and gas and propane discounts too.

We receive coupons and special promotions almost every week! For an additional cost, they also offer roadside assistance (which we carry by the way),  extended service plans, tire and wheel protection, insurance, and many other services, as well.

• 10% off camping fees at over 2400 participating campgrounds.
• Up to 30% savings at Camping World
• Save 5 cents off gas & 8 cents off diesel at select Pilot Flying J locations
• Receive free dump station privileges at Camping World SuperCenters that offer dump service
• Save 15% off of propane at Camping World SuperCenters
• The campground directory is available on their website, which shows price range, amenities, and camper reviews.
• 10% off campground fees is not very much savings
• Sometimes, the Good Sam Rating is higher than the camper reviews so double-check with the free app RVParky before booking
• $39 annually
• $109 for three years (You will also receive 3,000 reward points)

New RVers would benefit the most from this membership but not because of the 10% discount at participating campgrounds. The better part of the membership is the discounts you will receive for buying RV products at Camping World while you are buying products to outfit your new RV. We get coupons for up to 30% off of merchandise like RV covers, winterizing kits, camp gear, and so on.

Elk’s Club

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is not an RV club, but if accepted, your membership includes RV parking benefits. There are over 2000 Elk Lodges across the US and many offer free RV overnight parking for members.

Each lodge has its own rules and prices, but most overnight stays are free, and many lodges have some type of hookup available. Each lodge sets its own membership fees, but there is usually a $50 initiation fee and yearly dues of $50.

Final Thoughts About the Best RV Camping Memberships

Not all RV campground membership clubs are for everyone. They all appeal to different kinds of RVers with differing travel needs. And your camping needs may change over time like ours did.

So the best way to evaluate which discount membership cubs are best for you is to determine which kind of RVer you are first. Once you know that, you will have a better idea of which memberships will work best for you.

If you travel a lot, having more than one membership would probably be a great idea. For example, by joining Passport America, Harvest Hosts, and Boondockers Welcome, you could slash your travel budget by hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Or if you are a newbie, you might join Good Sam Club, Escapees RV Club, and Passport America to take advantage of all of the merchandise discounts available at Camping World, learning opportunities that Escapees members enjoy and discounts at campgrounds through Passport America.

Thanks for reading this article. If you would like to contact us directly, please feel free to visit our Contact Page and send us an email.

To see a list of all of our articles check out the Blog Archive !

Which RV memberships do you use? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Mike Scarpignato – Bio

Mike Scarpignato created RVBlogger.com over five years ago in 2018 to share all we have learned about RV camping.

Mike is an avid outdoorsman with decades of experience tent camping and traveling in his 2008 Gulf Stream Conquest Class C RV and 2021 Thor Challenger Class A motorhome.

We attend RV Shows and visit RV dealerships all across the country to tour and review drivable motorhomes and towable trailers to provide the best evaluations of these RVs in our blog articles and YouTube videos.

We are 3/4-time RVers who created RVBlogger.com to provide helpful information about all kinds of RVs and related products, gear, camping memberships, tips, hacks and advice.

16 thoughts on “The 6 Best RV Campground Memberships”

I checked out a number of RV parks while planning our 6 month trip. I wanted to see which offered Passport America to see if it made the membership worthwhile. Almost all of them had so many exclusions that we couldn’t find any making membership worthwhile. We did however get a Harvest Host membership which has been great. We will continue on with Harvest Host.

Great info. When you have opportunity, you should highlight some Canadian side equivalents or where the American memberships honour Canadian parks etc. Also, it would be nice to know sites across Canada discounts, perks etc. Thanks,

Thank you for the information. I have asked to join your Facebook group. We just purchased a motorhome and will not be full time but will travel more than we have been. We got a free year of Thousand Trails with the purchase. I have heard pros and cons. I will let you know.

My wife and I are going to retire soon and currently live in the north, and would like to find places where we can place our camper for the winter months with full hookups, any suggestions on rv memberships or places that might be able to accommodate what we are wanting to do. Thanks Ron

I’m retiring soon. I plan to live and travel in a class A motorhome. I’m beginning the research into discount memberships and extended stay locations , 30+ days at a time. I’m interested in nationwide travel. Where should I get more information for this type of camping?

This is wonderful information! I will definitely make sure to click on your links when I decide which packages I want. Hopefully that benefits you in some way. Thank you so much for all of your hard work.

Very informative! Thank you. We are just beginning to learn before taking the leap.

One question though- you left out Thousand Trails. Is that because they operate more like a timeshare?

Hi Ted, We don’t belong to Thousand Trails so I didn’t include them in the article. I just have no experience with them so I didn’t feel right about including them in the article. Let me know what you think of them if you decide to join.

And as an FYI – We started a new Facebook group that we are launching today called RV Camping for Newbies! It’s a great place to ask questions and get great answers from your fellow RVers in the group! We hope you’ll check it out! Mike and Susan https://www.facebook.com/groups/RVCampingforNewbies/

For overnight parking, I find that I use my Sam’s Club membership. With the Plus membership, I get early access to the store. Many of the stores offer coffee, cookies/danishes and/or fresh fruit to their early members. Overnight parking is offered as a member perk. I have parked overnight at many Sam’s Clubs when overnight parking wasn’t allowed at the Wal-Mart next door. I have even been invited to stay for up to a week in a secure, gated and patrolled Sam’s parking lot. I am often encouraged to buy a steak and get my grill out to cook it. I buy roughly 80% of my groceries from Sam’s so making a purchase isn’t a big deal. In fact, I buy enough stuff from Sam’s, that I routinely save more than the cost of the membership thru the Cash Rewards program. I’ve only found 2 clubs that didn’t allow overnight parking (one was due to a small, cramped parking lot and the other was due to safety). I’ve stayed in Sam’s Club lots in 10 states.

Hi LMS, Thanks for sharing that info! Really helpful and informative! Mike

Great information for this newbie! Thank you!

Hi Janet! I’m glad you like the info! Please feel free to use the comments or shoot us an email if you have any questions! Mike and Susan

This is great. I aam starting to live and travel in my car in western pa right now. Will any of these help me.

Hi Vicki, If you are car camping and looking for free places to stay overnight then the OvernightRVParking subscription would be perfect for you. It’s only $24.95 (until January 31st then it’s going up by $5) Here’s our special link if you would like to subscribe. It’s a 12-month subscription but when you use our link you get three extra months for free! Here’s the link! https://goto.rvblogger.com/OvernightRVParking Safe Travels! Mike and Susan

Saved as a favorite, I love your web site!

Thanks Mike!

I appreciate the kind words and I’m glad you found the site useful enough to save it to you favorites!

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7 Essential RV Clubs

Here are 7 Essential RV Clubs that will enhance your RVing.

RV living consists of adventures and mishaps regardless of your experience, so why not build a  community and save some money along the way.

We spoke with RV veterans who deem these clubs “must-haves” on the road. 

Towards the end of the post, we pick our favorite club and 3 of the best RV Clubs you should join as a starter pack! 

Here those RV Clubs:

1. Passport America

2. Good Sam Club

3. escapees, 4. harvest hosts, 5. boondockers welcome, 6. thousand trails, 7. fmca (family motor coach association), specific rv clubs, special interest rv clubs, rv membership clubs by state.

Lets Hit The Road

1. Passport America 

Membership Price: $44 per year  

Once you join you get 50% off 1,800 eligible campgrounds and RV parks. 

Full-time travelers, Bookdockers and weekend warriors can reap the benefits of the Passport America membership.

In addition to saving money, they serve as great emergency stops when you need a place to stop, charge up, clean tanks, etc.

• Trip Routing App (You can download the app ahead of time.)
• The price is nice and low for someone who occasionally visits RV parks.
• Great for Boondorkers, Weekend Warriors, Fulltimers, Families, etc.
• Discounts in the US, Canada & Mexico
• Some parks only honor the membership discount for the first few days, then you have to pay full price. Some are unlimited.
• Some parks aren’t the most desirable

Tip: The Trip Routing feature displays every park in your route. Each campground has notes and rules (reservation criteria, peak season or not.) 

Membership Price: $29 per year ($0.08 per day)

An oldie but goody! 

Good Sams Club is championed by RVers because it provides discounts for two major items on your budget:  2,400+ Campsites and Fuel.

Camping World, a partner, gives 10% off their products and free shipping. Still, newer campers have expressed they’d rather shop elsewhere.

Luckily Good Sam offers coupons for a bunch of other shopping, dining and entertainment outlets.

You can also take advantage of their different plans and packages: Roadside Assistance, Extended Service Plan, RV Insurance, and Travel Assist.

• Fuel for your rig ($0.05 a gallon off in gas, and $0.08 on diesel)
• 10 % Campground Discount
• Virtual Mail Service
• 10% Off Camping World products
• 15% Propane Discount
• Mail too much. It becomes costly when you are paying for mail forwarding
• Customer service needs improvement
• You may not use it enough to reap the benefits.

Tip: They have a free dump station service but you may be able to dump there without a Good Sam’s Club Membership.

Membership Price: $40 per year

Wanders join Escapees to connect at events and campgrounds all over the US. The primary focus is to build community

You can join a local chapter on their “Birds of a feather” page which has loads of different interest inspired gatherings.

You’ll find Christain groups, AA groups, family gatherings, events for seniors, and events for singles who are traveling solo. 

Escapees get 15-50% camping discounts at over 800 RV Parks. They have 18 Escapees owned parks, top tier mailing service, and RV training programs

• Mail Forwarding Service/ Domicile
• 20% Off Harvest Host
• Co-op Parks
• They have something for everybody
• Not the club for sharp discounts on the most campgrounds

Tip: They also have Xscapers for 9-5ers, where they have events during nights and weekends. 

Membership Price: $79 per year

Great for travelers to spice it up, especially Boondockers! 

Picture waking up at a museum and rolling out of bed just 5 minutes before your tour begins. That’s the type of experience Harvest Host can provide.

At no additional cost you can drive off the beaten path and explore over 900 Wineries, Breweries, Museums, Golf Courses and other unique spots. 

Each location will provide you with max rv length, pet policies, number of spaces, reservation requirements, etc.

• Access to 300+ Golf Courses (Add-on) 
• Sleep at 900+ Wineries, breweries, museums, etc.
• No plugins. Have a self contained vehicle.
• May have restrictions on type of rig you can participate with

Tip: Check the Harvest Host maps by searching your state or province to find locations. Each location will state their RV size accommodations, schedules, etc. 

Membership Price: $50 per year

Boondockers Welcome is made up of people who are like you and me. 

Hosts provide a bare-bones parking spot for your rig on their land. You get to make real connections with like-minded people on this app.

As a courtesy, Boondockers Welcome, asks us to keep our stay to 1- 3 days. Similar to Airbnb, some hosts have extra accommodations which will all be listed on their profile. 

This is the best RV Club for Boondockers or anyone who might find themselves off their route. 

• Offers community/ build community
• Awesome way to connect
• Have a self contained vehicle
• Limited days you can stay

Tip: Get to your location fueled up with all you need. 

Membership Price: $575 per year

Thousand Trails is a behemoth of a RV Club. TT is worth it if you spend fulltime in your rig or a few months.

You get Camping Zone passes which allows you to pick one zone out of the US for a specific amount of time. Your park time varies based on the campgrounds. 

They have beautiful resorts all over the country, gated parks and much more. It’s sort of like prepaid camping.

• Trails collections add-on
• Beautiful resorts
• Expensive: resale and market prices, legacy plans, getting out of memberships, etc.
• Makes you jump around too much. 14 day stay then you have to leave for 3 days and come back.
• Restrictive
• Complicated

Tip: You can use “ Campground Membership Outlet ” to save on buying a Thousand Trails membership.

Membership Price: $75 per year

Founded in 1968, FMCA gives club members limited free campground stays, Wi-Fi plan discounts, access to educational materials, and community.

Contrary to its name, FMCA is not only for families. 

They’ve opened their doors to towable RV owners, as opposed to people with motorhomes.

Other discounts include roadside assistance, mail forwarding, temperature measuring device for pets and a bunch more.

• Tire discounts
• Unlimited Hotspot with Sprint
• Windshield Replacement
• Emergency evacuation program. Most clubs will help you within 100 miles but FMCA will get you from anywhere.
• Not the best discounts

Tip: You can also check Campendium for reviews on RV parks with more pictured and personal experiences. 

Sidenote: If you have other memberships cross reference the parks to see if the overlap is overwhelming. Sometimes these parks have deals with multiple clubs so if may or may not be worth the add-on.

• Solo RVers ( RV Clubs for Singles): Loners on Wheels
• Families On The Road: Fulltime Families  
• African American: National African American RVers Association  
• LGBTQ+: Rainbow RV Club  
• Handicap/ Disabled: Handicapped Travel Club
• Women Who Travel: RVing Women
• Senior Travelers (RV Clubs For Seniors): National Park Service Senior Pass and Thousand Trails have resorts with age restrictions (55 and older)
• Campers for Christ Ministries
• National Square Dancing Campers Association
• Special Military Active Retired Travel Club
• Gold Wing Road Riders Association
• The RV Radio Network

There are too many to list. Our best advice is to google “RV Clubs near me” and use Facebook search to find groups in your state/county. 

For example, if you live in New Hampshire, search “New Hampshire RV” and a bunch of groups will populate.

Let’s Hit The Road

RV Memberships help you extend your time out there so you can enjoy all the different ways you can use your RV. 

The RV Clubs listed above are great for people who love finding boondocking locations and those who love $100 a night RV resorts. 

The Best RV Clubs Starter Pack

3 of the best RV Clubs that all wanders should have, especially if you’re a newbie to RVing.

• Escapees (RVcampr Favorite)
• Passport America

Final Words Of Advice

Don’t buy a bunch of RV Club memberships before you hit the road. Get one to three that’ll make sense for your trip. You can join others as you go – the need will come. 

Oh, and make sure you take advantage of all the free campsite apps available too!

Be safe out there.

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City tours in st. petersburg florida: museums, wildlife & more.

Life bounces in museums, cafes and boutique shops along the city's waterfront. But in minutes, the urban yields to the pastoral.  

Drive down Beach Drive in St. Petersburg and you'll see a city in action. Customers sit at café tables outside busy restaurants and watering holes. Shoppers cruise boutiques selling clothing, tea and gifts. The city's Museum of Fine Arts dominates the park next to Tampa Bay, while just a block away the popular new Morean Arts Center welcomes visitors to a display of the vibrant glasswork of Dale Chihuly. This is the essence of the urban experience. But drive for a few minutes and you can take yourself on a city tour in St. Petersburg or go back to nature, complete with wildlife, foliage, flowers, water and solitude. In these places, the noise of traffic yields to the chatter of birds, and the man-made all but disappears. The urban yields to the pastoral; life slows down. Within 15 or 20 minutes from Beach Drive, you can find yourself in these urban refuges:

Florida Botanical Gardens

As though nature weren't beautiful enough, cultivated gardens occupy 30 acres of the Florida Botanical Gardens' sprawling 120-acre preserve, which opened in 2000. The patio garden, for example, features a bridge and gazebo as well as artful arrangements of landscape plants. The herb garden features familiar plants as well as medicinal and ceremonial herbs. Other gardens display tropical fruits as well as plants native to Florida, while other gardens are devoted to succulents, bromeliads, palms and plants that attract butterflies. The remaining 90 acres of the Botanical Gardens are given over to the conservation of fragile ecosystems teeming with wildlife. If you go: 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. From downtown, take I-275 north to Roosevelt Boulevard North exit. Turn left at stop sign and continue to Ulmerton Road. Turn left on Ulmerton and continue west to the Botanical Gardens.

The gardens are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, and the buildings from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is free. Call 727-582-2100 for information or visit www.flbg.org .

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Located on the shore of Lake Maggiore, Boyd Hill has the feel of a land that got overlooked as St. Petersburg grew up around it. Five ecosystems flourish in this 245-acre refuge, home to turtles, gators, coyotes and other Florida wildlife, including enough birds to make Boyd Hill one of the 500 sites on the 2,000-mile Great Florida Birding Trail. More than two miles of trails wind their way through the preserve, facilitating guided tours. Tram tours begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday. Overnight camping sites are available. Activities for children take place throughout the year. If you go: 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg. From downtown, head south on 4th Street S to 6th Avenue S. Turn right (west) to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street (9th Street S). Turn left and head south about three miles to Boyd Hill.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday. Closed Monday. Admission to the preserve is $3 for adults, $1.50 for children 3-16 and free for children under 3. City residents can purchase an annual member card for $10 ($125 per year for non-residents, or $12.50 monthly). Call 727-893-7720 or visit stpete.org/boyd .

Weedon Island Preserve

Straddling both the Howard Frankland and Gandy bridges, this huge preserve encompasses about 3,700 acres, and provides two ways to explore nature – by water and by land. Two self-guided paddling trails for kayaks and canoes navigate the mangroves and also offer expansive views of Tampa Bay. An interpretative boardwalk trail, opened in 2007, allows visitors to walk comfortably through this coastal ecosystem. Weedon Island also contains a three-story Cultural and Natural History Center featuring exhibits, activities and other events. The Center organizes interpretative tours and hikes, and maintains a library containing materials about the archeology, history and ecology of the area. No longer an island, the preserve takes its name from a doctor named Leslie Weedon, who received the property as a wedding gift from his bride's father, W.B. Henderson, a former Confederate cavalry officer who purchased it in 1886. If you go: 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. From downtown, head north on 4th Street N to 83rd Avenue N. Turn right (east). The road becomes Patica Road NE, and then San Martin Boulevard. Continue to the entrance to Weedon Island Preserve.

The preserve, part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, is open daily from 7 a.m. to about 15 minutes before sunset. The Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday to Saturday. Call 727-453-6500 or visit weedonislandpreserve.org .

Sawgrass Lake Park

You could get lost at Sawgrass Lake, with its 400 acres of maple swamp, but a mile-long boardwalk keeps visitors out of the water and away from the gators, often found sunning themselves on the bank. An observation tower at the edge of the lake provides a panoramic view of the park. Although located along I-275, the hum of high-speed traffic is barely audible within this spacious preserve, which offers an accessible back-to-nature experience just minutes from the urban bustle. Bring your binoculars if you're into birding. Sawgrass is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and offers refuge to migrating birds during the fall and spring. You may even spot armadillos, snakes and small mammals such as gophers and chipmunks. If you go: 7400 25th St. N, St. Petersburg. From downtown, take I-275 north and exit westbound at 54th Avenue N. Turn right (north) onto Haines Road, and take a soft right onto 28th Street N. Turn right onto 62nd Avenue N, and then turn left on 25th Street N, which leads right into Sawgrass.

The park is open every day from 7 a.m. to sunset. For information, call Parks and Conservation Resources in Largo at 727-582-2100, or visit pinellascounty.org/park/16_sawgrass.htm .

Fort De Soto Park

The fort, built at the start of the 20th century and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, still stands, and visitors come to see the hefty mortars and the Quartermaster Storehouse Museum . But what attracts most people to this 1,000-acre refuge spread over five islands are the opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, boating, picnicking, bird watching, kayaking and just plain relaxing. The snow-white beaches lining the 1,100-acre park topped the 2005 list of best beaches compiled annually by “Dr. Beach,” also known as Stephen Leatherman, the director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University in Miami. Even the “Paw Playground” – a 2.5-acre dog park – has a quarter-mile of beachfront. A barrier-free nature trail features six interpretative stations. Permits for metal detectors are available at the park headquarters. If you go: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde. From downtown, take I-275 south to the Pinellas Bayway (exit 17, Florida 682 west). Take the Bayway (also known as 54th Avenue S) west to State Highway 679. Turn south (left) and drive until you see the entrance to Fort De Soto Park (about 6.5 miles).

The Quartermaster Museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the park itself from 7 a.m. until dark. Fishing piers are always open. Group tours of the fort can be arranged by calling 727-552-1862. For general information, call 727-582-2267 or visit pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm .

By the way, Fort De Soto Park also affords a rather spectacular view of the Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay. Tom Valeo is a freelance writer based in St. Petersburg.

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Are RV Campground Memberships and Clubs Worth It?

Sure, there are lots of benefits of rv campground memberships and clubs, but are they worth it for you.

• 1 Sure, there are lots of benefits of RV campground memberships and clubs, but are they worth it for you?
• 2.1 Stay at Exclusive Locations
• 2.2 Stay for Cheap or Free
• 2.3 One More Perk (For Your Guests)
• 3.1 Contract and Fees
• 3.2 RV Campground Memberships – Will You Use It Enough?
• 3.3 Usage Rules & Restrictions
• 3.4 Location
• 4 Which Memberships and Clubs Do You Value?
• 5 List of Membership Clubs for you to Explore
• 6 Best way to research these membership clubs?

Recently, I wrote an article about RV Campground Memberships and Clubs. While there are many benefits to these memberships, they only count if you truly utilize the membership. 

Before diving into an RV campground membership or club, there are several things you will want to consider. 

The following is my guide to figuring out whether that membership is really worth it. 

Benefits of RV Campground Memberships and Clubs

There are two main benefits of joining an RV membership or club: exclusivity and affordability. 

Stay at Exclusive Locations

One is to gain access to exclusive places to stay that you would not otherwise be able to. 

One of Jennifer and my favorite memberships is Harvest Hosts . Its annual membership allows you to stay overnight at over 2,864 different locations across the United States, Canada, and Baja California . 

You can stay overnight for free at privately hosted sites, usually at wineries, farms, breweries, golf courses, museums, or attractions.  

Stay for Cheap or Free

Let’s keep using Harvest Hosts as an example. Since you stay overnight for free at different business locations, they only ask that you make a small purchase from the small business to help support them. 

This is not hard for Jennifer and me to do. We would likely purchase a few items anyway. But then we can stay overnight for free!

One More Perk (For Your Guests)

Some memberships have cool perks for your guests! They allow you to invite non-members for deep discounts. For instance, some clubs allow your guest to camp next to you for a very low fee, around $10 per day. 

Other memberships have trailers set up on the campground that can be rented by non-members for an inexpensive rate. One such membership in California allows guests to rent RVs for only $39 per night. 

Talk about a deal for your friends or family that do not own RVs, but love to camp!

Considerations Before Purchasing an RV Campground Membership or Joining an RV Club

Remember in the intro I mentioned a recent article on this subject? It was on the 5 Best RV Campground Memberships & Clubs .

But before purchasing any of those memberships or joining the clubs, there are a few things to consider. 

Contract and Fees

This is a biggie! RV Memberships and Clubs are meant to save you money while also providing exclusive access to certain campgrounds. 

But do they really save you money? Let’s take a look. 

Using Harvest Hosts again as my example, let’s take a close look at their membership.

(Get ready for some math!)

You can purchase a one-year classic membership for $99. They also have a pricier one that includes golf for $139 per year. For our example, we will focus on the classic membership. 

For the $99 annual price, you can stay at over 2,806 locations for free. The stays are unlimited, but most only allow you to stay 1-2 nights. 

You will want to ask yourself how often you would use this membership. If they have a lot of locations near you, then you might stay somewhere two times per month. 

If you do, you are getting to stay at 24 different places (or 12 if you can camp for two nights at two different Harvest Hosts locations) for a total of $99. That costs a little under $4.13 per night. 

If you use it one time per month, then you are paying about $8.25 per night. 

Both of those show a pretty good deal for overnight camping fees! 

So what if you are taking a cross-country trip or a longer road trip in one state? Let’s say you are traveling for a longer period and staying at a new spot each night until you reach a farther destination. 

If you stay at a new place every night for two weeks, you are paying an average of about $7.07 for each night’s stay. 

If you travel for longer, for let’s say a long summer road trip around America, then the price gets even lower! If you use the service for 30 different overnight stays, you are looking at an average nightly cost of $3.30! 

And if you catch the Harvest Hosts membership while they are running a special these numbers are significantly better for you.

While those prices sound like a great deal, they only are if you use them.

You also have to consider the amount of fuel and wear and tear on your vehicle by traveling around to different places for only a one-night stay. If not staying local or taking a road trip, it may not be a good fit for you. 

That brings me to my next consideration: Will you use it?  

RV Campground Memberships – Will You Use It Enough? 

The key to any membership being worthwhile is actually using the service. 

Using our Harvest Hosts example again, let’s say you only stay at one place during the entire year. That means you just paid $99 for one overnight stay! While that is not necessarily a bad price for a hotel stay, it defeats the purpose of purchasing a membership. 

So before buying a membership, you will want to assess the fees and usage restrictions to decide if it would truly be a great deal for you. 

Usage Rules & Restrictions

Each membership club has its own rules and regulations.

They may have a restriction on the number of consecutive days you can stay, or limit the size of your RV. Or, they may have a limitation on how many people can be at your site before having to shell out additional money. 

Not all rules and regulations are bad. In fact, most are in place to preserve the camping experience for its members. That way, like-minded campers are happy with their experience when they go. 

You just want to be sure that specific membership or club rules match your lifestyle and expectations. 

If you find a membership or club that interests you, be sure to thoroughly read through their rules and regulations. 

Where are the membership campground locations? Are they in a spot that you can actually use often enough to make it worth the cost? 

If you live in California, you probably don’t want to purchase a membership with locations only in Michigan unless you know you will be taking a long RV trip to that area. 

Which Memberships and Clubs Do You Value?

We’d love to hear in the comments which RV campground memberships and clubs have been worth it for you. For that matter, which haven’t been worth it for you, too!

List of Membership Clubs for you to Explore

• Harvest Hosts (if you are reading this between Nov. 22 – Nov. 26 – you may get a special discount for Black Friday)
• FMCA — (Family Motorcoach Association) Look for some upcoming news about FMCA and the RV Lifestyle!
• Escapees RV Club
• Passport America
• Good Sam Club
• KOA Rewards
• Are you Canadian? Take a look at Explorer RV Club

You might notice a few membership sites missing from this list… our favorite clubs have changed over the years.

Best way to research these membership clubs?

Join our Facebook Group and ask! Actually, do a Group Search for the name of the club and see ten years' worth of conversations!

Published on 2021-11-23

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

4 Responses to “Are RV Campground Memberships and Clubs Worth It?”

March 18, 2022at6:15 am , A Basic Guide To RV Clubs: What, Why & Which Are Worth It | RV Lifestyle said:

[…] Are RV Campground Memberships and Clubs Worth It? […]

November 29, 2021at1:25 pm , Jack Cooper said:

Question: If you go out to the Harvest Hosts Website, they do not show you where all of their Hosts are unless you join. Knowing how we travel (the routes we use) how can we tell if there are Harvest Host Sites available along our route? It’s not worth signing up to find out that we cannot use them?

November 23, 2021at10:56 am , Gaines Bishop said:

This is more an article that promotes Harvest Hosts.

November 23, 2021at9:44 am , Cheryl Sheets said:

We joined Travel Resorts. Coast to Coast comes with it. We love it. Membership only nice spaces, “free” camping. Yes the membership is expensive and you do have yearly maintenance fees. The key is to use it a lot and then if you want to go on an extended vacation you don’t have to worry about did I save up enough money for a camping every night , will there be space when I arrive etc. etc.

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The most beautiful parks to visit in St. Pete

• April 3, 2024
• • By Andrew Harlan

Lassing Park

Weedon island.

Crescent Lake

Boyd Hill Preserve

Sawgrass Lake

Flora wiley.

Maximo Park

Abercrombie park, clam bayou nature preserve , national parks in florida.

• Dry Tortugas National Park – Key West, FL
• Big Cypress National Preserve – Ochopee, FL
• Biscayne National Park – Miami, Key Biscayne & Homestead, FL
• Canaveral National Seashore – Titusville and New Smyrna Beach, FL
• Castillo De San Marcos National Monument – St. Augustine, FL
• De Soto National Memorial – Bradenton, FL
• Everglades National Park – Miami, Naples, and Homestead, FL
• Fort Caroline National Memorial – the Timucuan Preserve; Jacksonville, FL
• Fort Matanzas National Monument – St. Augustine, FL
• Gulf Islands National Seashore – Gulf Breeze, Florida and Ocean Springs, Mississippi , FL,MS
• Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve – Jacksonville, FL 

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Welcome to North America Camping Club!

The North America Camping Club (NACC) is your home for great camping! North America Camping Club administers a nationwide camping club where members can visit affiliated resorts and campgrounds and pay reduced fees for overnight Recreational Vehicle (RV) camping. The membership offered is a one-year membership that may be renewed annually upon its expiration by paying the annual membership fee.

Become a NACC member and you too can enjoy camping at reduced rates across the USA and Canada. Simply click on the "Join NACC" link or call our Customer Service for more information.

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg, FL

Written by Lura Seavey and Lana Law Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The city of St. Petersburg, known locally as St. Pete and famed for its perpetual sunshine, lies on the Pinellas Peninsula on the central Gulf Coast of Florida, between Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay. Off the western side of the peninsula is a chain of long, narrow islands with some of Florida's best beaches.

The city is compact and easy to navigate. Many of the top attractions are near one another, making visiting more than one in an afternoon an easy task. St. Petersburg is one of Florida's cultural hot spots with a fine selection of world famous institutions, including the Dali, Imagine, and Fine Arts Museums along with the Morean Arts Center.

However, St. Pete's isn't all about culture. Mere minutes away is St. Pete's Beach and the gorgeous soft sands and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Turning inland, the city of Tampa is another fun place to explore, with more things to do and great restaurants.

Explore the best places to visit in the city and surrounding areas with our list of the top attractions and things to do in St. Petersburg.

See also: Where to Stay in St. Petersburg

1. Soak Up the Sun at St. Pete Beach

2. the dali museum in st. petersburg, 3. see nature come alive at the sunken gardens, 4. head out to the new st. pete pier, 5. explore beaches and history at fort de soto park, 6. check out the colorful chihuly glass collection, 7. st. petersburg saturday morning market, 8. waterfront arts district, 9. imagine museum, 10. museum of fine arts, 11. enjoy some nature at the boyd hill nature preserve, 12. drive the sunshine skyway bridge, 13. run, walk, or cycle the pinellas trail, 14. weedon island preserve, 15. great explorations children's museum, 16. clearwater marine aquarium, 17. visit john's pass village & boardwalk, 18. take a drive to clearwater beach, 19. sand key park, where to stay in st. petersburg for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to st. petersburg and clearwater, map of attractions & things to do in st. petersburg, fl, saint petersburg, fl - climate chart.

Just a 20-minute drive from downtown St. Petersburg is the fun beach town of St. Pete Beach. Home to a spectacular wide and long stretch of soft, golden sand lapped by warm, clear water, St. Pete Beach has been drawing legions of visitors for years. The list of things to do in St. Pete Beach is long, and includes lazing on the beach (of course!), parasailing, fishing, jet skiing, and frolicking in the ocean.

An assortment of accommodation is available, ranging from old-school Florida hotels to condos, right through to luxury resorts. Restaurants along the main street all have outdoor patios, perfect for grabbing a light lunch or a pleasant dinner once the heat of the day has passed. St. Pete Beach is just one of many fantastic beaches along this stretch of coastline; others include Treasure Island, Madeira, Redington Shores, and Indian Shores.

The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg houses a comprehensive collection of paintings by this Surrealist master, with a total collection of more than 2,000 works of art. Dali's entire artistic career is represented, from his early work in Impressionism and Cubism to later experiments in more "Classical" styles.

Oil paintings, watercolors, original drawings, sculptures, graphics, photographs, and prints are among the exhibits. The Dali Museum Library and Center for the Avant-garde are also housed here, which preserve books, magazines, newspaper clippings, and other important documents related to Dali, Surrealism, and Avant-garde influences.

Address: One Dali Boulevard, St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: http://thedali.org

The Sunken Gardens began as the hobby of a plumber named George Turner and have evolved into a St. Petersburg institution. First conceived of in 1903, Turner transformed a lakebed into a six-acre tropical garden, which eventually became so popular that he started to charge admission.

The Turner family continued to care for and improve upon the garden, and it was finally purchased by the city in 1999, becoming a community effort. Today, you can walk the paths and enjoy the rare plants, some of which are as old as the garden itself.

You'll have a chance to see tropical flora from all over the world, and enjoy the ambience of waterfalls, footbridges, and even resident flamingos. The gardens also conduct horticultural programs and garden tours, as well as host special events, including weddings.

Address: 1060 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida

Address: 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: https://www.stpete.org/visitors/sunken_gardens.php

The brand-new St. Pete Pier is a far cry from what used to exist in the same space only a few short years ago. Today the Pier is more than just an extension into the ocean; now it's 26 acres of fun, food, activities, and entertainment.

Blending seamlessly into the surroundings, the pier area is an ideal place to spend an afternoon with the family or an evening out with a group of friends. You'll find six different restaurants ranging from Teak, a fine-dining establishment with fantastic views, right through to the more casual Fresco's Waterfront Bistro offering vistas of the incredible array of pleasure craft moored nearby. For a snack by the beach, pop into the Spa Beach Bistro.

The St. Pete Pier is 3,000 feet long and can be a nice place to visit for a stroll, but it can also feel like a long walk in the hot Florida sun. Fortunately, a tram runs from end to end making a walk out and a tram ride back a popular combination.

Spread throughout the St. Pete Pier area are public works of art , one of the most spectacular being the work by Janet Echelman called Bending Arc . Near the end of the pier is the unique Olnetopia by Nick Ervinck. Also definitely worth checking out is the sculpture of the Benoist Airboat first flown by Tony Jannus in 1914.

Don't worry, you can still fish at the new St. Pete Pier – just walk all the way out to the end, where you'll find a platform. Bait and tackle are available nearby.

Address: 800 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: https://stpetepier.org/

Five different keys make up the 1,136-acre Fort DeSoto Park, the largest park in Pinellas County. Most people come here to enjoy the beaches, but numerous nature and recreation trails offer great opportunities for hiking, birding, biking, and rollerblading, and there are also two fishing piers.

The park is named for the fort located on the southern end of Mullet Key , built in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Remains of the fort can be visited on a self-guided tour, and a small museum with historical information is located in the former Quartermaster Storehouse. Other buildings on-site include civilian quarters, barracks, the bakery, and the former hospital, among others.

This is a particularly popular spot for bird-watchers , home to at least 328 species of birds.

Camping is also popular here. The park has 238 sites just a short stroll away from the beach. Sites have electricity and water; central washroom buildings have flush toilets and showers. The campground has special sites set aside for those traveling with pets. The county has recently upgraded the playground in Campground Area #2, with new features that children will be sure to love.

Camping reservations can be made six months in advance for non-residents, seven months in advance for residents.

Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, Florida

Official site: www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm

St. Petersburg is proud to be home to the Chihuly Collection. Found at the Morean Arts Center , the collection is spread out over 10,000 square feet and is housed in a specially designed building. To get the best experience and understanding of the items you are about to see, start your visit by watching the short video on Dale Chihuly's life and his creative methods.

The collection has some of the artist's finest pieces, including Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier, Macchia, Ikebana, Tumbleweeds, and many others. The colors are incredible and varied; the shapes formed are unlike anything you've ever seen.

For a peek into how these amazing pieces of art are formed, be sure to visit the Morean Arts Center Hot Shop (additional fee). Here, you'll see the artists hard at work blowing glass into fantastical shapes.

Official site: https://www.moreanartscenter.org/chihuly/

St. Petersburg is considered one of Florida's most livable cities for its mild climate, cultural institutions, and overall quality of life. Part of what makes it an attractive place to live are things like the St. Petersburg Saturday Market. Each Saturday, over 125 vendors set up and showcase their goods.

It's an ideal place to collect all the freshest ingredients such as meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sweets for your Saturday night get-together dinner. It's also a great spot to search out that eclectic or unique piece of artwork for that blank space on your wall. Feeling a bit of hunger coming on? You are in the right spot. Over 15 different cuisines are represented by vendors cooking up the tastiest dishes you can imagine.

In addition to all the great shopping, local musicians fill the air with the sounds of music. The market runs from 9am until 2pm. In the fall and winter (October 2nd to May 28th), the market is located at the waterfront at the address below. In the summer, it is located at Williams Park, 301 1st Ave N.

Location: 100 1st Street NE, St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: https://saturdaymorningmarket.com/

Just back from St. Petersburg's waterfront area is a delightful area known at the Waterfront Arts District, one of five located throughout the city. Stately old trees line the streets, and several city parks provide public space to rest and relax. Park the car and just wander around; you'll be amazed at what you find.

The area is home to many of the city's most popular cultural institutions, including the Dali Museum, the St. Petersburg Museum of History, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, along with many others. All are within walking distance of one another.

In addition to the museums, the area is full of shops and restaurants, many of which have lovely shady patios, ideal for lunch or dinner. Walk towards the water past South Straub Park, and you'll come across the St. Pete Pier to your left and Demens Landing Park to your right.

The area is roughly defined as a long rectangle running from Beach Street/1st Street South to 3rd Street and 7th Avenue North and 7th Avenue South.

The Imagine Museum is one of the top museums in the United States for art created out of glass. The museum is the proud home of the extensive Trish Joy Collection of over 1,500 pieces, 500 of which are on display at any point in time. In addition, you'll find other interesting collections, including the spectacular 1,000 Buddha installation.

One of the best ways to experience the museum is to take one of the three free tours included with your admission. The first of the three tours is titled Journey of the Imagination. It is a fascinating multimedia and augmented reality experience.

The second tour is the Introduction to Studio Glass, and details the development of this art form starting in the 1960s.

The third tour, Introduction to International Studio Glass, showcases the evolution of studio glass work in Europe. Tours are generally 30 minutes in length and take place on specific days.

Official site: https://www.imaginemuseum.com/

St. Petersburg's Museum of Fine Arts is considered the premiere art museum in the Tampa Bay area, home to over 20,000 works of art that span 5,000 years of human creativity.

The collection includes Greek, Roman, and Asian antiquities, African art, ancient art from the Americas, and European art. Among the better-known artists featured here are Monet, Rodin, and O'Keefe, and the museum hosts traveling exhibits and temporary galleries.

Collections also include a large photography collection, a gallery of glass art, and a sculpture garden. Docent-led tours are available for full museum tours, and visitors can request tours that focus on the areas that interest them most.

The museum is located in a lovely setting in St. Petersburg's waterfront downtown area.

Address: 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: http://mfastpete.org

This lovely park is a beautiful retreat for those looking for a little nature. The park features six miles of walking trails and boardwalks that explore the area's varied ecosystems, including swamp woodlands and a willow marsh.

The park is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and home to the Birds of Prey Aviary, and rangers provide guided tours, which often spot turtles and other wildlife. The park also offers nature camps and picnic facilities and has a playground, picnic areas, and shelters.

A great way to explore the park is to take one of the tram tours. For a modest fee (in addition to your park admission) you'll cover far more of the park in a shorter period of time and learn about the flora and fauna from an expert.

Also on site is a gift shop, and the park hosts annual nature events like a butterfly count conducted by the North American Butterfly Association.

Located on I 275, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge crosses the water at the entrance to Tampa Bay. This spectacular bridge is impressive from a distance but driving across it offers a unique perspective. Stretching 12 miles in total, a little more than four miles of the bridge rises high above the ocean, allowing for large vessels to pass below.

Two main pillars tower above the road, and the high points add some eye-catching drama to the bridge. It took five years to build, and is now considered one of the world's most beautiful bridges. Views of the bridge are particularly beautiful at night when it is lit up.

If the wind is blowing, pull off at the northern Skyway Rest Exit and check out the kiteboarders racing across the water under their colorful kites.

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, created along an abandoned railroad corridor, is a 37-mile-long park and recreation trail, running from the downtown waterfront of St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs.

This multi-use trail is enjoyed by walkers, runners, cyclists, and skaters, and features a number of shops, restaurants, and cafes along the route. To help visitors navigate, nine sculptures mark the various communities through which the trail passes.

One of the lovely areas along the trail is Dunedin , a quaint town that has preserved its village-like atmosphere. It began as a seaport and trading center, and is best known today as the spring training camp for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area and Caladesi Island State Park are located just off the coast of Dunedin and offer opportunities for both nature and water sports enthusiasts.

The Weedon Island Preserve covers over 3,000 acres in north St. Petersburg on the shores of Tampa Bay and can be explored on foot via nearly five miles of paths and boardwalks, and by water on designated paddling trails along the waterways.

A great place to start is the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center , which houses a variety of exhibits and resources. This is a free attraction, and visitors will learn about the area's ecosystems, habitats, plants, and animals, and how humans have interacted with nature here over thousands of years. From the center, you can walk out on scenic trails.

If you are interested in paddling or fishing, head to the boat launch area. You can set off from here, and the water is quite shallow in areas. People come here to kayak or stand up paddleboard; kayak rentals are available nearby. Next to the launch is a dock where people come to fish.

This is an excellent place for bird-watching, as well as spotting marine life in the water of this protected flood plain, including stingrays and oysters.

Address: 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: http://www.weedonislandpreserve.org/

The Great Explorations Children's Museum is an excellent place go on a rainy day, providing a variety of educational activities and fun things to do for younger kids. Children can explore and climb on an ocean-themed play structure, Longo's Cove, or dig in the sand in a beach-themed play area.

Young engineers can build using an assortment of materials provided at the "Build It" tables or stack giant soft blocks to create kid-size structures. Kids can try being a grown-up in the kid-size supermarket, help a sick puppy get better at the veterinarian's office, make "pizza" at the local shop, and learn about safety while exploring the firehouse.

Other interactive areas include an art studio, a theater, and a health and wellness exhibit sponsored by Johns Hopkins.

Address: 1925 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: https://greatex.org

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is best known as home to film dolphins Winter and Hope who inspired and starred in the Dolphin Tale movies. Among other residents are sea turtles, otters, pelicans, sharks, and stingrays, as well as an assortment of other fish.

The aquarium has regular shows, which are part of general admission, as well as special tours and activities you can choose as add-ons. One of the most popular is a behind-the-scenes tour, which allows you to see rescued and recovering animals awaiting return to their ocean homes and learn about what it takes to care for these beautiful creatures.

Other offerings include guided kayak and boat tours, which explore various topics, including the ecology of Clearwater Bay and a Dolphin Adventure Tour.

Address: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, Florida

Official site: https://www.cmaquarium.org/

Tourist trap or fun place to go shopping and hang out; the jury hasn't made a final determination on this popular attraction. If it's a so-so day or you've had enough culture or beach and are looking for something different, swing by John's Pass. You'll find a boardwalk lined by restaurants with good views over the water and constant boat traffic.

Back from the waterfront is an extensive retail area with over 100 retailers consisting of souvenir shops, ice-cream stands, and places selling things you never thought you needed. Many tour boats leave from here on excursions out into the Gulf of Mexico. Note that parking here is not free, and enforcement is stringent.

Address: 12901 Gulf Lane, Madeira Beach, Florida

Official site: https://johnspass.com/

Clearwater Beach is often rated as one of the top beaches in Florida , and even the United States. Miles of pristine white sand attracts tourists and local sun-seekers, and it's all just a 40-minute drive from St. Petersburg. A number of Clearwater's top resorts look over this beautiful beach.

The Beachwalk , Clearwater Beach's seaside promenade, stretches along the sand and is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Another popular spot is Pier 60 , a 1,080-foot fishing pier with numerous amenities, including a large bait and tackle shop, which provides rental equipment to tourists.

Family attractions include a huge beach playground and nightly sunset celebrations with entertainment and vendors

Sand Key Park is located on the barrier island of the same name, and is home to both a beautiful beach and a diverse nature area, if you are visiting Clearwater, it's worth a stop.

The park is part of an ongoing effort to create an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico, and also works closely with Clearwater Aquarium to ensure the safety of the sea turtles and their hatchlings.

In addition to its walking trails, Sand Key Park is ideal for bird-watching , where heron, roseate spoonbill, great horned owl, anhinga, and common moorhen nest and feed in the salt marsh.

The park's beach area offers a good range of amenities, including lifeguards during the summer months, concessions, and bath houses. Plenty of rentals are available, so you don't need to lug your own - you can get everything from umbrellas and cabanas to bicycles and kayaks. This beach is also one of the least expensive things to do around St. Petersburg, with only a minimal parking fee.

We recommend these highly rated hotels in St. Petersburg, near popular downtown attractions like the Dali Museum :

• The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club : A 4-star luxury resort, this 1925 landmark property features stylish décor, multiple restaurants, a deluxe spa, and heated outdoor pool.
• Avalon Hotel : This mid-range hotel is located in the historic district and has a funky retro feel. The rooms feature Art Deco décor. Guests have access to an adjacent pool and a free area shuttle.
• Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg Downtown : With affordable rates, a lovely outdoor pool, modern room décor, and free hot breakfast, this hotel checks all the boxes.
• The Inn on Third : This budget-friendly hotel offers quaint décor and antique furnishings.
• Segway through St. Petersburg: Tourists can cover plenty of ground while exploring St. Petersburg by Segway on this guided historic tour . Limited to a maximum of seven people, this intimate tour provides an up-close look at some of the city's most historic spots while a knowledgeable guide provides commentary and answers questions. Safety equipment and Segway operation instruction is included.
• Speedboat Adventure: Tourists can take the wheel and feel the thrill of driving their own speedboat on this two-hour guided tour of Tampa Bay . Communicating with your guide via two-way headset, you will be led past some of the bay's top tourist attractions, including Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Fort de Soto, and Egmont Key, as well as several stops at scenic spots where you can spot marine wildlife like dolphins and manatees. Instruction on boat operation is included.
• Romance on the Gulf: Couples will particularly enjoy this 2.5-hour evening cruise by yacht on the Gulf of Mexico . The cruise features live music and dancing, and passengers can enjoy the views from both the outdoor observation deck and the indoor areas, which feature picture windows to ensure a great view. For those who would like to dine during the cruise, a full-service gourmet restaurant has a wide variety of options.
• Marine Wildlife on Shell Key: Tourists can get a great introduction to Shell Key Island on this two-hour small-group Dolphin Watch and Snorkeling Cruise. The cruise, which offers a variety of departure times to fit your family's vacation itinerary, stops on the shores of Shell Key Island where passengers can choose to swim, stroll on the beach, or snorkel using provided equipment. Guests will also get the chance to look out for sea life on the way to and from the island, including dolphins, rays, and even manatees.

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Family Fun in Tampa: Tampa sits about 45 minutes from St. Petersburg and can be reached via either of two bridges, which span Tampa Bay from one city to the other. Tampa's most popular tourist attractions include Busch Gardens and several other wildlife-focused parks, as well as good museums for families, a historic district, and the Franklin Street pedestrian center. Like many other cities on Florida's Gulf Coast, Tampa is home to several excellent resorts.

Orlando Getaway: While Clearwater Beach is a great day trip from Orlando , tourists staying here can just as easily head inland for a day in the nation's theme park capital. The city of Orlando is home to top family amusement parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, and also close to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral.

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