What Thousand Trails Is and Who Owns It

Thousand Trails is a membership camping network operated by Camping World, a large RV and outdoor retailer. Members pay an upfront fee to join, then pay nightly camping fees at participating campgrounds. The network includes over 80 campgrounds across the United States, mostly in the West and Southeast, plus a few in Canada. Thousand Trails does not own all these campgrounds — it operates them under agreements with property owners, or members camp at affiliated locations.

Camping World acquired Thousand Trails in 2020. Before that, the company operated independently for decades and built a reputation for membership-based camping. Understanding the current ownership matters because Camping World also sells RVs, financing, and insurance — so if you join Thousand Trails, you may receive marketing for those products.

Key Takeaways

  • Thousand Trails charges an upfront membership fee (typically $3,000 to $5,000 depending on membership tier) plus nightly camping fees at member campgrounds.
  • Member campgrounds vary in amenities and location, and not all Thousand Trails parks are equally desirable — you should research specific locations before joining.
  • You can cancel membership within a trial period (usually 30 days), but after that, reselling a membership can be difficult and may result in a loss.
  • Thousand Trails memberships are not the same as owning a timeshare, but they operate on a similar model and carry similar resale challenges.
  • Comparing nightly fees at Thousand Trails parks to standard campground rates in your region will show whether membership pays for itself over time.

Membership Tiers and Upfront Costs

Thousand Trails offers several membership levels, and the upfront cost depends on which tier you choose. Entry-level memberships typically start around $3,000 to $4,000, while premium tiers can reach $5,000 or more. These are one-time fees, not annual subscriptions. The membership itself does not expire, though Camping World may charge annual maintenance or membership fees on top of the upfront cost — ask about this before signing.

Different tiers grant access to different numbers of parks or different regions. A lower tier might limit you to certain geographic areas or require booking further in advance, while a higher tier offers more flexibility and access to more desirable locations. Thousand Trails publishes a list of member parks on its website, so you can see which campgrounds fall under each tier before you commit.

The company frequently runs promotions, offering discounts on the upfront fee or waiving it entirely for a limited time. If you are considering membership, ask whether a promotion is currently running and whether the discount applies to the tier you want.

Nightly Camping Fees and How They Compare

Once you are a member, you pay a nightly fee to camp at Thousand Trails parks. These fees vary by location and season — a popular park in summer costs more than a remote park in winter. Nightly rates typically range from $20 to $50 per night, though some premium locations may be higher. These fees are separate from the upfront membership cost.

To decide whether membership makes financial sense, compare these nightly rates to what you would pay at non-member campgrounds in the same regions where you plan to camp. If you camp 30 nights per year at an average of $35 per night as a member, you spend $1,050 annually on camping fees. If the same nights at standard campgrounds cost $50 per night, you would spend $1,500 — meaning membership saves you $450 that year. However, you still need to recoup the upfront membership fee. At $450 annual savings, it would take 7 to 11 years to break even, depending on your tier cost.

This calculation changes if you camp more frequently, if you camp in expensive regions (like California or Colorado), or if you camp during peak seasons. It also changes if you camp less frequently — membership may never pay for itself if you only camp a few nights per year.

What Happens If You Want to Cancel or Resell

Thousand Trails typically allows you to cancel within a trial period, usually 30 days from purchase. During this window, you can return the membership and recover your money, though you may lose any promotional discount or be charged a restocking fee — read the contract carefully. After the trial period ends, cancellation becomes much harder.

If you want to exit after the trial period, your main option is to resell the membership to another person. However, the resale market for Thousand Trails memberships is weak. Memberships rarely sell for what you paid, and some sell for a fraction of the upfront cost. Resale sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and membership resale platforms list Thousand Trails memberships, but finding a buyer can take months, and you may need to accept a significant loss.

Some people attempt to transfer memberships to family members or donate them, but Thousand Trails has specific rules about transfers — contact the company directly to learn what is permitted. Do not assume you can straightforward hand off a membership to a relative.

Campground Quality and Availability

Thousand Trails parks range widely in quality, amenities, and location appeal. Some are well-maintained, full-service campgrounds with pull-through sites, laundry facilities, and activities. Others are more basic, with fewer amenities or less desirable settings. Before joining, visit the Thousand Trails website, read recent reviews on Google Maps or RV forums like iRVForum, and if possible, visit a park in person or call ahead to ask about current conditions.

Availability is another consideration. Popular parks, especially during peak seasons (summer weekends, holidays), can fill up quickly. Some members report difficulty booking desired dates at their preferred locations. If you have specific parks or dates in mind, contact Thousand Trails to learn how far in advance you can reserve and whether those parks typically have openings when you want to camp.

The network also includes reciprocal parks — locations outside the Thousand Trails system where members receive discounts. These are not included in your membership fee but offer a secondary benefit if you camp in regions not covered by Thousand Trails parks.

Comparing Thousand Trails to Other Camping Options

Thousand Trails is one model for regular campers, but it is not the only one. Standard campground memberships (like those offered by individual state park systems or private chains) often have lower upfront costs or no upfront cost at all — you straightforward pay per night. Annual passes to national parks and state parks offer unlimited day-use access for a flat fee, though they do not include overnight camping at all locations.

RV clubs like Good Sam Club or Escapees offer discounts at member campgrounds without a large upfront fee — you pay an annual membership of $100 to $200 and receive discounts at thousands of locations. This model works well if you camp in many different places and want flexibility. Thousand Trails works better if you camp repeatedly at the same parks and want predictable, lower nightly rates.

Another option is to book campgrounds directly through platforms like ReserveAmerica, Hipcamp, or individual campground websites. This gives you maximum flexibility but no discount — you pay the posted rate each night. For occasional campers, this is often cheaper than any membership.

Red Flags and Common Complaints

Before joining, be aware of common issues members report. High-pressure sales tactics are frequent — Thousand Trails and its sales partners often use aggressive pitches at RV shows or through phone calls, emphasizing limited-time offers. Take time to research and think through the numbers before signing anything, regardless of sales pressure.

Some members report that nightly fees have increased over time, sometimes significantly. While the upfront membership fee is fixed, the company can raise per-night rates. Ask Thousand Trails whether it has a history of rate increases and what the trend has been over the past five years.

Maintenance fees or annual membership dues are sometimes added after purchase. Confirm whether any ongoing annual costs explore to your membership tier and whether these fees can increase.

Finally, be cautious of resale scams. If you later try to resell your membership, watch for buyers who ask you to pay upfront fees or transfer money before they complete the purchase. Legitimate resales happen peer-to-peer or through established platforms with buyer and seller protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Thousand Trails membership at campgrounds outside the network?

No, your membership covers only Thousand Trails parks and affiliated reciprocal locations. You cannot use it at state parks, national parks, or private campgrounds outside the network. However, some reciprocal parks offer discounts to Thousand Trails members — ask the company for a current list.

What if I buy a used Thousand Trails membership from someone else?

Thousand Trails allows membership transfers in some cases, but the process and rules vary. Contact the company before purchasing a used membership to confirm that the transfer is permitted and what paperwork is required. Some memberships may have restrictions or require Camping World approval.

Do I have to camp a certain number of nights per year to keep my membership?

No, there is no minimum camping requirement. Your membership remains active as long as you pay any annual fees that explore to your tier. However, if you do not camp regularly, the membership may not be a good financial investment.

How far in advance can I book a campsite at a Thousand Trails park?

Booking windows vary by park and membership tier. Some parks allow reservations up to 12 months in advance, while others may only allow 60 or 90 days ahead. Check your membership agreement or contact Thousand Trails directly for the specific booking window that applies to you.

What is the difference between Thousand Trails and a timeshare?

Thousand Trails is a membership camping network, not a timeshare. You do not own a specific property or time period — you pay for access to a network of parks and pay per night to use them. However, both operate on membership models with upfront fees and resale challenges, so the financial dynamics are similar.