RV Camping Associations - Is One Right for You?
- Date: 2007-03-12 - Word Count: 392
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While many full-time RVers are firm in their decision to sell the family home, buy a motor home and spend their golden years on the road, they waffle when it comes to RV campground memberships. With various membership options, different restrictions, discount clubs and even used memberships, it's bound to be a bit confusing.
Kinds of Membership
Like RVs, memberships come in different classes. The three major distinctions are:
- Private Campgrounds: These "members only" clubs often call themselves "resorts", but don't let the name fool you. They can range from pleasant campgrounds with pools and full amenities to little more than oversized parking lots. Do your homework before signing on the dotted line since there's no minimum standard.
- Affiliate Memberships: If you purchase a membership at your "home park" you can stay at (almost) any affiliate campground. In this category, campgrounds tend to be well-run, but if your home park is de-listed, your membership can go too.
- Discount Clubs: The RV equivalents to Costco, these clubs offer discounted rates to members for an annual fee. While they may not offer as many campgrounds as other options, this limitation is offset by an easy opt-out policy. Simply don't renew.
The Devil's in the Details
Take a close look at what the contract says and make sure you can live with the fine print. Most camps have restrictions on:
- Number of nights: What's their policy on the number of consecutive nights you can stay? The number of visits per year? Will this suit you?
- Reservation: Some camps require 30 to 90 days' notice and won't allow you to book a year in advance.
- Holiday stays: Think you can book ahead for Independence Day? Not likely. Many won't allow you to visit during major holidays.
- Geographical restrictions: Many won't let you stay if your home park is within 125 miles. Note: this usually means "as the crow flies" and won't take into account twisting, mountainous roads.
- Buy outs: Some lifetime memberships mean just that. Others let you opt out at year end, but cost a lot to rejoin. If you buy a used membership, make sure you can resell it. Some parks limit the number of times a membership can change hands and you don't want to be the last member standing.
Still a few years from retirement, Charmian Christie has begun her RV homework early. The Outdoor Adventure Expert for Nomadik.com, she offers practical advice on family RV travel and ways to explore the world in your RV.
Kinds of Membership
Like RVs, memberships come in different classes. The three major distinctions are:
- Private Campgrounds: These "members only" clubs often call themselves "resorts", but don't let the name fool you. They can range from pleasant campgrounds with pools and full amenities to little more than oversized parking lots. Do your homework before signing on the dotted line since there's no minimum standard.
- Affiliate Memberships: If you purchase a membership at your "home park" you can stay at (almost) any affiliate campground. In this category, campgrounds tend to be well-run, but if your home park is de-listed, your membership can go too.
- Discount Clubs: The RV equivalents to Costco, these clubs offer discounted rates to members for an annual fee. While they may not offer as many campgrounds as other options, this limitation is offset by an easy opt-out policy. Simply don't renew.
The Devil's in the Details
Take a close look at what the contract says and make sure you can live with the fine print. Most camps have restrictions on:
- Number of nights: What's their policy on the number of consecutive nights you can stay? The number of visits per year? Will this suit you?
- Reservation: Some camps require 30 to 90 days' notice and won't allow you to book a year in advance.
- Holiday stays: Think you can book ahead for Independence Day? Not likely. Many won't allow you to visit during major holidays.
- Geographical restrictions: Many won't let you stay if your home park is within 125 miles. Note: this usually means "as the crow flies" and won't take into account twisting, mountainous roads.
- Buy outs: Some lifetime memberships mean just that. Others let you opt out at year end, but cost a lot to rejoin. If you buy a used membership, make sure you can resell it. Some parks limit the number of times a membership can change hands and you don't want to be the last member standing.
Still a few years from retirement, Charmian Christie has begun her RV homework early. The Outdoor Adventure Expert for Nomadik.com, she offers practical advice on family RV travel and ways to explore the world in your RV.
Related Tags: rv, rving, rv camping, campgrounds, memberships
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