Thousand Trails -- interesting ...

[Getupngo]

I found this article from RV news in which Thousand Trails is offering unlimited access to many of its camping preserves through an annual Zone Park Pass... . Starting at $499, pass holders can access between 18 and 81 properties a year, depending on which specific zone or zones they choose.

If I took off on an extended, meandering trip this could be very economical for me. It's a great way for them to introduce people to the Thousand Trails system of campgrounds.

What do you all think?

[ali1257]

Just to let you know this is causing a great uproar with those of us who paid $$$$ for our TT memberships. Another thing TT is allowing is the general public to camp in their preserves, something else that is not going over well.

I know times are tough and this is their way to get money into the systems but it makes those of us with memberships wonder what they will be worth in the future.

[Bethers]

It is interesting - but even at that cost - it would cost me money - as their parks aren't near where I want to be most of the time. You have to know you'll want to stay where they are located. I almost bought a couple times - and never would have made my money back and still wouldn't at this deal. And I travel.

And, Ali, I wouldn't worry about it - these people could end up paying way more than you did. It's an annual fee - and if they want to use it the next year, they have to purchase again. To purchase it annually right now for ALL the states it's $1995 enrollment fee PLUS the $495 then each year. In the long run, they'll be paying more than you. If they just want one zone, it's $495.

It's also NOT unlimited camping- for $495 you can stay 30 nights in the year. After that you have to pay $3/night. You can't stay somewhere for a month:

Q: How long can I stay at a preserve?
A: Generally there is no limit to the total number of nights that you may use the campgrounds each year. However, because we provide a recreational program rather than a residential program, there are guidelines and rules, which prohibit continuous or permanent type usage. You may stay at one preserve up to 14 consecutive nights at a time. If you stay at any preserve for more than four consecutive nights, you must wait for seven nights before you stay again at any preserve.

Anyway, there are lots of rules - if I could find several parks in AZ - might purchase to spend the winter traveling among them - alas, they only have one. And it's in Northern AZ. I thought the time it might be worthwhile would be traveling the NE - but again, they aren't where I'd need them to be - but might be able to make it worthwhile financially in that zone.

[Getupngo]

Oh, I didn't see the 30-day limitation. That would not make it worth my while.

I thought that "teaser" rate might get up the ire of those who bought memberships. But perhaps it's a short-term thing to allow people to get to know the system so they'd be more likely to buy memberships.

Anyway, I always try to see the brighter side of stuff. Except when I'm a reporter, then its all cynicism & darkness. I like my life better this way.

[ali1257]

Thanks Beth for the info. I did not know that about the limitations with that program. We have unlimited camping, can stay 21 days in a preserve and then move directly to another preserve for 21 days. We live in Western WA and have access to three preserves right near where we live. Also our son has a family member card and can use the preserves just like us and he uses it quite often. For us it works and that is what is important. Our biggest concern is that with it being open to the general public and these cheaper programs that the sites would fill up quickly and then we could not get a site. Guess I will just have to see if that happens to us. Like I said before, it will be interesting to see how this all unfolds.

[Bethers]

Ali, I would think they have to somehow make sure they have sites for those of you with full memberships. But I'd also think if they can sell some of these (with the restrictions) the parks will be able to have higher occupancy and keep open. At least I'm guessing that's what they're thinking. If any of the parks were in areas I was staying all the time- yep, I think having the membership you have is great. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find them where I'd need them. Keep watching though.