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Thousand Trails Membership Guide

Are you ready to embark on an adventure that combines the comforts of home with the thrill of the great outdoors? Then a Thousand Trails memberships might be the perfect solution for your family’s camping needs.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand what Thousand Trails offers and how to choose the right membership for you.

Getting Started with Thousand Trails

How Much Camping Do You Do?
Understanding how frequently you plan to camp can help determine the best membership for you.

Where Do You Plan to Camp?
Knowing if you plan on camping in resorts, boondocking or what area of the country can help determine if a membership is best for you.

What Type of RV Do You Own?
Different RVs have different needs. Knowing your RV type can help in choosing the right parks and facilities.

Why Choose Thousand Trails?

Thousand Trails offers a variety of membership options to suit different camping needs and preferences. Whether you camp occasionally or full-time, there’s a membership that fits your lifestyle. Enjoy the flexibility, comfort, and convenience of a Thousand Trails membership, and start creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Thousand Trails is a network of campgrounds and RV resorts located across the United States. It offers a variety of membership options for RV enthusiasts, campers, and those seeking outdoor recreation.

The key features of Thousand Trails include access to numerous campgrounds with amenities such as hiking trails, fishing spots, pools, and organized activities.

Membership Options:

  • Camping Pass: This is the basic membership that allows access to specific zones. The country is divided into five zones, each with multiple parks. Membership costs around $725* per year (there are usually sales throughout the year lowering this), with additional zones available for $110* per zone per year. Stays are limited to 14 days at a time, with a required 7-day break between stays longer than 4 nights.
    • Two Weeks In/One Week Out: Camp in the parks of your chosen zone for two weeks, then take one week out.
    • 60-Day Reservation Window: Plan your trips up to 60 days in advance.
    • Add a Zone for $110*/year: Expand your camping options by adding more zones.
  • Escape Membership: This is ideal for weekenders or locals, offering a longer 90-day reservation window and a free one-week cabin rental. Costs start at $2,995* plus yearly dues for one zone and increase with additional zones.
    • Regions: Choose between 1-4 regions.
    • Reservation Window: 90-day booking window.
    • Rebate: One-week cabin stay rebate.
  • Elite Memberships (Basic and Connections): These memberships provide access to all nationwide parks, longer stays of up to 21 days, and the ability to move directly from one park to another. Elite Basic costs up to $8,995*, while Elite Connections can go up to $11,345*, both plus yearly dues. They also include perks like free cabin rentals and extended reservation windows.
    • 120-Day Booking Window: Plan your trips well in advance.
    • 21-Day Stays: Stay up to 21 days at any Thousand Trails park.
    • Holidays: Book one holiday at a time (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day).
    • Cabin Stays: Five free weeks of cabin stays.
    • RPI Membership: One-year free membership to Resort Parks International.
    • Family Benefits: Extend membership benefits to parents, children, and grandchildren.
  • Elite Connections
    • 180-Day Booking Window: Even more time to plan.
    • 21-Day Stays: Stay up to 21 days at any Thousand Trails park.
    • Holidays: Book one holiday at a time.
    • Cabin Stays: Five weeks of regular cabins, ten weeks of Getaway Cabins.
    • RPI Membership: Two years free membership.
    • Extended Family Benefits: Include siblings, nieces, and nephews.
    • Trails Collection: Free add-on with 100+ Encore parks.
  • Adventure Membership: This is the most comprehensive option, offering all the benefits of Elite memberships with additional perks like extended reservation windows and significant discounts on cabin rentals. This membership also includes access to Resort Parks International (RPI) campgrounds.
    • 180-Day Booking Window: Longest planning window.
    • 21-Day Stays: Stay up to 21 days at any Thousand Trails park.
    • Extended Stays: Buy up to four extension weeks during non-high season and two during high season.
    • Holidays: Book two holidays at a time.
    • Cabin Stays: Five weeks of regular cabins, ten weeks of Getaway Cabins.
    • RPI Membership: Two years free membership.
    • Extended Family Benefits: Include friends.
    • Trails Collection Plus: Stay at Encore parks up to 21 days with no high use restrictions.

Thousand Trails also offers add-ons like the Trails Collection and Trails Collection+, which expand the number of parks members can access and provide additional amenities.

Additional Benefits

Trails Collection Add-On

  • $425*/year: Adds 100+ Encore parks.
  • 14 Days In/7 Days Out: Unlimited stays.
  • 60-Day Booking Window: Plan trips within 60 days.

RPI Membership

  • $10/Night: Stay at 100+ additional parks.
  • Included in Upgraded Memberships: Not available with just a Camp Pass.

Family and Friends Benefits

  • Willed Memberships: Up to 8 Elite Memberships for family members.
  • Courtesy Cards: For extended family to camp up to 3 weeks.
  • Adventure Membership: Includes friends.

High Use Parks

Some parks have high use restrictions during peak seasons, limiting stays to two weeks. Plan your trips strategically to make the most of your membership.


Why a Thousand Trails Membership is Perfect for Full-Time RVers

Full-time RV living offers freedom, adventure, and the ability to explore diverse landscapes. However, it also comes with challenges such as finding reliable, affordable, and safe places to stay.

Here’s why a Thousand Trails membership is perfect for those who live on the road year-round:

1. Extensive Network of Campgrounds

Thousand Trails boasts a vast network of over 80 campgrounds across the United States and Canada. This extensive reach ensures that full-time RVers always have a place to stay, no matter where their travels take them. The campgrounds are strategically located near popular tourist destinations, natural parks, and scenic routes, making it convenient for members to explore a variety of landscapes and attractions.

2. Cost-Effective Camping

One of the biggest concerns for full-time RVers is the cost of camping. Campground fees can add up quickly, making long-term travel expensive. A Thousand Trails membership offers significant savings. For an annual fee, members can enjoy unlimited stays at Thousand Trails campgrounds within their selected zone. This predictability in expenses allows full-time RVers to budget more effectively and avoid the high costs associated with nightly campground fees.

3. Flexible Membership Options

4. Comprehensive Amenities and Facilities

Thousand Trails campgrounds are equipped with a range of amenities that cater to the needs of full-time RVers. Facilities such as full hook-up sites, laundry services, swimming pools, fitness centers, and Wi-Fi ensure a comfortable and convenient living experience. Many campgrounds also offer organized activities, social events, and recreational opportunities, fostering a sense of community among members. This makes it easier for full-time RVers to meet new people and build lasting friendships on the road.

5. Enhanced Travel Flexibility and Convenience

6. Additional Perks and Discounts

Higher-tier memberships come with additional perks that further enhance the RV lifestyle. For instance, members can enjoy free or discounted cabin rentals, access to Resort Parks International (RPI) campgrounds, and the Trails Collection add-on, which includes over 100 Encore parks. These perks provide a variety of accommodation options and broaden the range of available campgrounds, making it easier for full-time RVers to explore new areas without incurring extra costs.

7. Community and Support

Why a Thousand Trails Membership is Perfect for Weekend Campers

While Thousand Trails memberships are often associated with full-time RVers, they offer substantial benefits for weekend campers as well. For those who love to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy short, rejuvenating trips, a Thousand Trails membership provides the ideal solution. Here’s why a Thousand Trails membership is perfect for weekend campers:

1. Cost Savings and Value

One of the primary advantages of a Thousand Trails membership for weekend campers is the cost savings. Traditional campgrounds charge nightly rates that can add up quickly, especially during peak seasons. With a Thousand Trails membership, you pay an annual fee that allows for unlimited stays at any of the campgrounds within your chosen zone. This translates to significant savings over the course of the year, making frequent weekend trips more affordable.

2. Convenient Access to Numerous Campgrounds

3. Ease of Reservation and Flexibility

Booking a campsite can sometimes be a hassle, especially during popular travel times. Thousand Trails memberships come with a reservation system that allows members to book their spots in advance, ensuring availability when they need it. The membership levels provide different booking windows, with higher tiers allowing reservations up to 180 days in advance. This flexibility makes it easier for weekend campers to plan their trips without the worry of fully booked campgrounds.

4. Amenities and Facilities

Thousand Trails campgrounds are well-equipped with a variety of amenities that enhance the camping experience. Facilities such as clean restrooms, showers, full hook-up sites, laundry services, swimming pools, and recreational areas ensure that weekend campers have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. These amenities make it easy to relax and enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home.

5. Activities and Community

6. Pet-Friendly Options

7. Variety of Membership Options

Thousand Trails offers a range of membership levels that cater to different camping preferences and budgets. For weekend campers, the basic Camping Pass is a cost-effective option that provides access to one zone with the ability to add more zones as needed. For those who want additional benefits, the Elite Basic, Elite Connections, and Adventure memberships offer extended stay options, longer reservation windows, and access to more amenities. This variety allows weekend campers to choose a membership that best fits their needs and enhances their camping experiences.

8. Environmental and Scenic Benefits

Thousand Trails campgrounds are often located in scenic and environmentally rich areas, providing weekend campers with the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. Whether it’s a lakeside retreat, a mountain hideaway, or a forest escape, Thousand Trails locations offer beautiful, natural settings that are ideal for relaxing and unwinding. This access to nature is a significant benefit for weekend campers looking to escape the urban environment and enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors.

A Thousand Trails membership offers numerous benefits that make it an excellent choice for weekend campers. From cost savings and convenience to well-equipped campgrounds and a sense of community, the membership enhances the camping experience in many ways. Whether you’re seeking a quick escape from city life or a series of memorable weekend adventures, a Thousand Trails membership provides the perfect solution for enjoying the RV lifestyle to the fullest.

*Costs mentioned in this post are always changing. There are constantly sales, discounts and rebate offers. For the most up to date, accurate pricing, please fill out our short Thousand Trails Membership Specialist form!

CHRIS & AMANDA – TYPE1DETOUR