Updated January 2, 2024
Thousand Trails is a network of campgrounds and RV parks across the United States that offers memberships to individuals and families looking to explore the great outdoors. There are several membership levels available, each with its own set of benefits and perks. In this guide, we will provide an in-depth look at the different Thousand Trails membership levels and help you decide which one is right for you.
Zone Camping Pass:
The Zone Camping Pass is the most basic level of membership offered by Thousand Trails. With this pass, members have access to a specific region or “zone” of campgrounds and RV parks within the Thousand Trails network. The number of zones that are included in the membership varies based on the plan you choose. For example, the East Coast Zone Pass includes access to campgrounds in the eastern United States, while the Western Zone Pass includes access to campgrounds in the western United States.
One of the main benefits of the Zone Camping Pass is that it allows members to camp for free at any of the participating campgrounds within their chosen zone. This can be a great way to save money on camping trips, especially if you plan on visiting a particular region of the country multiple times throughout the year. In addition to free camping, the Zone Camping Pass also includes access to other amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and recreation rooms.
Encore Pass:
The Encore Pass is an upgraded version of the Zone Camping Pass that offers more flexibility and convenience. With the Encore Pass, members have access to all of the campgrounds and RV parks within the Thousand Trails network, rather than just a specific region or zone. This means that you can camp at any of the participating locations, no matter where you are in the country.
In addition to the expanded access, the Encore Pass also includes several other perks. For example, members have the option to reserve campsites in advance, which can be especially useful if you are planning a trip during peak season. The Encore Pass also includes access to other amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and recreation rooms.
Premier Pass:
The Premier Pass is the highest level of membership offered by Thousand Trails. With this pass, members have access to all of the campgrounds and RV parks within the Thousand Trails network, as well as a number of additional benefits and perks.
One of the main benefits of the Premier Pass is that it includes a number of discounts and special offers. For example, members can receive discounts on campground rentals, as well as discounts on activities and attractions in the local area. The Premier Pass also includes access to other amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and recreation rooms.
In addition to the discounts and perks, the Premier Pass also includes concierge services to help members plan their camping trips. This can include assistance with booking campsites, making reservations for activities and attractions, and providing recommendations for local restaurants and attractions.
Dues:
All Thousand Trails memberships require the payment of annual dues. The amount of the dues varies based on the membership level you choose. For example, the annual dues for the Zone Camping Pass range from $179 to $299, depending on the number of zones included in the membership. The annual dues for the Encore Pass are $599, while the annual dues for the Premier Pass are $999.
It’s worth noting that the annual dues for Thousand Trails memberships are typically less than the cost of camping at a single campground for a week. If you plan on taking multiple camping trips throughout the year, a Thousand Trails membership can be a cost-effective way to save money on your camping expenses.
Other Considerations:
When deciding which Thousand Trails membership level is right for you, there are a few other factors to consider.
First, consider how often you plan on camping. If you only go camping a few times a year, the Zone Camping Pass may be sufficient. However, if you plan on camping more frequently, the Encore Pass or Premier Pass may be a better option.
Next, think about where you want to camp. If you are only interested in camping in a specific region of the country, the Zone Camping Pass may be the best choice. However, if you want to have the flexibility to camp anywhere within the Thousand Trails network, the Encore Pass or Premier Pass may be a better fit.
Finally, consider the additional benefits and perks that each membership level offers. If you value the convenience of being able to reserve campsites in advance, the Encore Pass or Premier Pass may be worth the extra cost. Similarly, if you are interested in receiving discounts on campground rentals and local attractions, the Premier Pass may be the best option.
In conclusion, Thousand Trails memberships offer a convenient and cost-effective way for individuals and families to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of membership levels to choose from, there is an option to fit every budget and camping style. By considering your camping frequency, preferred camping locations, and desired benefits and perks, you can select the Thousand Trails membership level that is right for you.
Reservation Policies:
It’s important to note that all Thousand Trails memberships have reservation policies that you should be aware of. These policies vary depending on the membership level you have chosen.
For the Zone Camping Pass and the Encore Pass, reservations are not required. Members can simply show up at any participating campground within their chosen zone or within the entire Thousand Trails network, respectively, and claim a campsite. However, during peak season or at popular campgrounds, it is possible that all of the campsites may be taken. In this case, you may have to wait for a campsite to become available or find another campground to stay at.
For the Premier Pass, reservations are required. Members must call the Thousand Trails reservation center to book a campsite at least 14 days in advance. This can be a convenient option if you are planning a trip during peak season or want to ensure that you have a campsite at a particular campground. However, it’s worth noting that the Premier Pass does not guarantee a campsite at any particular campground. If a campsite is not available, you may have to find another campground to stay at.
Cancellation Policies:
Thousand Trails also has cancellation policies that you should be aware of. For the Zone Camping Pass and the Encore Pass, cancellations are not allowed. Once you have claimed a campsite, you are responsible for paying for the entire stay.
For the Premier Pass, cancellations are allowed, but only under certain circumstances. Members can cancel their reservation up to 14 days before their arrival date and receive a full refund. If the cancellation is made within 14 days of the arrival date, the member will be charged a cancellation fee of $50. If the member does not show up at all, they will be charged the full amount of the reservation.
In summary, it’s important to be aware of the reservation and cancellation policies when planning a camping trip with Thousand Trails. By understanding the policies and planning accordingly, you can ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.
Campground Quality:
One of the main benefits of Thousand Trails membership is the access it provides to a wide network of campgrounds and RV parks. However, the quality of the campgrounds within the network can vary. Some campgrounds are well-maintained and offer a wide range of amenities, while others may be more basic.
To ensure that you have a high-quality camping experience, it’s a good idea to do some research before selecting a campground. The Thousand Trails website provides detailed information about each campground, including photos, maps, and lists of amenities. You can also read reviews from other campers to get an idea of what to expect.
If you are a Premier Pass member, you can also take advantage of the concierge services offered by Thousand Trails. The concierge can provide recommendations for the best campgrounds based on your preferences and help you plan your trip.
Non-Member Options:
If you are not interested in a Thousand Trails membership, there are still options available for camping at the participating campgrounds. Many campgrounds within the Thousand Trails network offer daily, weekly, and monthly rates for non-members. These rates are typically higher than the rates for members, but may be a good option for those who only go camping occasionally or want to try out the campground before committing to a membership.
In addition, many of the campgrounds within the Thousand Trails network are part of the Encore or Thousand Trails network. This means that you can use your membership with these organizations to camp at the participating campgrounds.
Additional Fees:
In addition to the annual dues, Thousand Trails members may be subject to additional fees for certain services or amenities. For example, some campgrounds may charge a fee for use of the swimming pool or for access to certain recreational facilities. These fees are typically paid directly to the campground and are not included in the annual dues for the Thousand Trails membership.
It’s a good idea to check with the campground in advance to understand any additional fees that may be applicable during your stay. This will help you budget for your trip and ensure that you have a clear understanding of the costs involved.
In conclusion, Thousand Trails membership can be a great option for individuals and families who enjoy camping and want to save money on their camping expenses. With a variety of membership levels to choose from, there is an option to fit every budget and camping style. By understanding the reservation and cancellation policies, researching campground quality, and being aware of any additional fees, you can ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable camping experience with Thousand Trails.
FAQ
How do I join Thousand Trails?
To join Thousand Trails, you can visit the organization’s website and sign up for a membership online. Alternatively, you can call the membership hotline to speak with a representative and sign up over the phone.
How do I make a reservation at a Thousand Trails campground?
To make a reservation at a Thousand Trails campground, you will need to call the reservation center and provide your membership information. For the Zone Camping Pass and the Encore Pass, reservations are not required, but during peak season or at popular campgrounds, it is possible that all of the campsites may be taken. In this case, you may have to wait for a campsite to become available or find another campground to stay at. For the Premier Pass, reservations are required and must be made at least 14 days in advance.
Can I bring guests with me to a Thousand Trails campground?
Yes, you can bring guests with you to a Thousand Trails campground. However, there may be additional fees for guests depending on the membership level you have chosen and the policies of the individual campground. It’s a good idea to check with the campground in advance to understand any applicable fees.
Can I bring my pet with me to a Thousand Trails campground?
Yes, many Thousand Trails campgrounds allow pets. However, there may be restrictions on the type and size of pets allowed, as well as any additional fees that may be applicable. It’s a good idea to check with the campground in advance to understand their policies on pets.
Can I transfer my Thousand Trails membership to someone else?
Yes, it is possible to transfer your Thousand Trails membership to someone else. However, there may be fees associated with the transfer, and the terms of the transfer will depend on the membership level you have chosen. It’s a good idea to contact Thousand Trails directly to understand the process and any applicable fees.