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RV Club Comparison

Peggy Barthel

I see a lot of questions about what RV membership is best. As with many topics, there is no one correct answer that meets all needs. Whether you want discounts on campgrounds, insurance, roadside or emergency assistance; or you are looking for local or like-minded campers to plan trips with, there are groups to meet every need. 

I spent a lot of time sorting through all this information, then at least as much time deciding how to present it in a digestible manner. I hope I’ve succeeded!

I linked to the membership main page in the descriptions below and in the cost section, unless noted. Links to specific other pages are added to make using this list as easy as possible.

While there are likely other memberships (see Special Interests), the ones listed here are the most well-known. Below are descriptions of each club, in their own words:

The Clubs

  • Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) is the world’s largest member-owned, non-profit club RV travel club. The association has more than 150,000 members. Its national headquarters is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Although FMCA began as an association for owners of motorized RVs, the club took a vote in 2017 that resulted in owners of all types of RVs being invited to join. 

  • Since 1966 Good Sam, a subsidiary of Camping World since 2016, has delivered big savings, plus dependable services for millions of RVers. Today, Good Sam continues to provide a wide range of money-saving discounts and a range of services to help RVers enjoy their time on the road and focus on the fun!

  • The Escapees RV Club is one of the oldest, largest and most loved RV membership organizations in the world. We provide a total support network for all RVers, regardless of their travel style, type of RV, or experience level. Escapees are united by our shared love of travel and exploration. We like being independent, self-reliant, and sometimes even a little unconventional. We believe in sharing our knowledge and experience, and caring for our fellow members. And most importantly, we enjoy being part of a community of like-minded folks.

  • RVLife provides tools that make camping simple. Join 1.1 Million RVers who use RV LIFE Tools and Websites to make camping simple. 

  • Overnight RV Parking by Togo RV is a database that contains over 15,000 RV Parking and No Parking locations in the USA and Canada. Find free RV parking on your mobile device! Search by your current location, city and state or province or zip code.

  • Passport America invented the 50% Discount Camping Club in 1992 and has continued to improve on that great concept. The idea has often been imitated, but Passport America is still the best value in Discount Camping. 

  • RV Services are a portion of the many types of insurance coverage available from Allstate. 

  • AAA is committed to helping everyone stay safe on the road, whether you're behind the wheel or in the passenger seat. Use our safety tips, programs and resources for all ages to practice road safety. By working together, we can make our roads safer for everyone. 

  • RV Advisor is not just information – an entire team of RV industry experts provides tips and know-how on purchasing, ownership, travel and repair in the form of valuable content and has 24/7 live help available for members. 

  • The Happy Camper Club is a discount club for RVers and campers of all types. 

  • Since 1987, Coach-Net has been providing peace of mind to our members and supporting them with benefits that help them enjoy the RV lifestyle to the fullest.

  • Since 1969, Thousand Trails has welcomed generations of families at campgrounds across the country. Thousand Trails is one of the largest networks of RV resorts and campgrounds in North America, with over 80 locations in 22 states and British Columbia. We combine the beauty and relaxing atmosphere of a scenic nature preserve with the resort-style amenities and fun events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. 

  • KOA has been dedicated to creating the ultimate camping experience for more than 50 years, expanding to more than 500 locations in the United States and Canada. Whether it's a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, KOA will make your next camping trip unforgettable.

  • Boondocking with Boondockers Welcome opens up a world of new camping opportunities. What you might lack in services will more than be made up for in experiences. Every RV is made to be able to boondock for at least a night or two at a time. Disconnect from the campground and connect with nature and our hosts instead.

  • Harvest Hosts is a membership program that provides access to a network of wineries, farms, breweries, museums and other unique attractions that invite self-contained RVers to visit and stay overnight. For a yearly membership fee, Harvest Hosts’ members are invited to stay at hundreds of interesting locations around North America, and experience new opportunities to explore and enjoy the RVing lifestyle. The company’s goal is to provide meaningful experiences for RVers and Hosts alike.

  • Hipcamp is a growing community of good-natured people and the most comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. By connecting people with the land and each other, Hipcamp works to support those who care for the land and get more people out under the stars. We do this because we believe humans in nature bring out the best of human nature.

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Membership Fees

Campground Discounts

  • FMCA: FMCA Connections (also repair shops),  KOA Kard (first year), Passport America discount, private campground in Cincinnati

  • Good Sam: 10% discount at 2,400 parks

  • Good Sam Coast to Coast: $10 per night at affiliated resorts 

  • Passport America: 50% off regular prices; nearly 1900 campgrounds

  • Escapees: 15-50% on 800+ parks; co-op (11 members only, privately managed); 7 private Escapee parks; discounts on PA, HH and BW memberships

  • AAA: participating campgrounds offer AAA discounts

  • Overnight RV Parking: a list of free overnight sites (parking lots, etc) reported by users

  • Happy Camper Club: 1,200+ parks, 50% discount; 43 parks with long-term discounts

  • Thousand Trails: free camping in 8 to 23 campgrounds, depending on zone

  • RV Advisor: 3 and 5 year memberships include Harvest Host, Boondockers Welcome (I think), and KOA coupons

  • KOA: 500+ campgrounds; 10% discount

  • Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome: free overnight stays at public and private properties

Insurance Discounts

  • FMCA offers insurance discounts for RV, International Travel, Pet, and in some states also offers homeowners policies. Annual policy review is available.

  • Good Sam has an RV Insurance Agency. Also, Good Sam’s ehealthinsurance.com ties to AGIA Affinity to help you find the right medical insurance.

  • AAA offers auto, RV, business, life and other insurance policies.

  • RV Life is the parent company of rverinsurance.com which ties to rvinsurancebenefits.com to help you find the right medical insurance.

  • Happy Camper Club ties to Overland RV Insurance

  • Escapees: long-term assistance

Roadside Assistance

FMCA provides a comparison of coverage here: https://www.fmca.com/fmca-rv-roadside-assistance. The chart was prepared in June 2019; I’ve updated information here if I found discrepancies.  

  • FMCA Roadside Rescue: $129 towable; $159 MH

  • Good Sam: Standard (Towables) $130; Platinum (MH) $160; Platinum Complete $240 includes emergency medical assist & tire hazard coverage

  • Allstate: $149

  • AAA Premier RV: Included in Membership; essentially this is what the membership is.

  • RV Advisor: $99, $289, $389 (1,3,5 yr)

  • Escapees: $109 

  • Coach-Net: Included in Membership; essentially this is what the membership is.

Emergency Medical Evacuation

This type of coverage differs from medical insurance or roadside assistance in that it covers emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. FMCA provides a comparison of coverage here: https://www.fmca.com/fmca-assist 

Other Discounts

  • FMCA: tires, cellular wifi, fire suppression, diesel, Costco, UPS, office supplies; car rental; batteries; windshield replacement; mobile app

  • Good Sam: diesel and gas; Camping World and Gander, propane; extended service plan

  • AAA: auto, restaurant, shopping, prescription, pet insurance, rental car, prescription glasses, Dell

  • Escapees: Wholesale Warranties; batteries; tires; ebikes; mobile internet; Costco; Dish; RV Trader; WiFi; pet insurance

  • KOA: Goodyear, Allstate, Geico RV insurance, RV Loan Center, Dish TV

Travel Services

  • FMCA: mail forwarding; app connects to Roadtrippers planner, checklists, and RV maintenance

  • Good Sam: trip planner; free dump at CW and Gander; mail service

  • Escapees: mail forwarding; trip planner

  • RV Life Pro: a bundle of three apps: RV-Safe GPS, RV Trip Wizard Planner, and Maintain My RV

  • Coach-Net: service agreement, tire & wheel protection

Rallies, Conventions, Socials

  • FMCA: Conventions, area rallies, chapter rallies, Tour Connection

  • Good Sam: Events, Rallies, RV Tours, RV Shows

  • Escapees: Escapade; HOPS, Hangouts, Xscapers Convergence

  • RVillage: Join or manage groups and get-togethers.

Other Great Stuff

  • FMCA: university, magazine, forums, chapters galore, advocacy

  • Good Sam: dining, shopping, entertainment; GS RV show discounts; consumer advocacy; 1200 chapters; forums

  • Escapees: chapters; online university, webinars, boot camp, smartweigh, magazine, forum, domicile assistance; Xscapers for working-aged RVers

  • Passport America: referral bonus; app; RVAmerica online mag; directory hard copy (pay shipping) +online; weekly newsletter; trip routing; monthly raffle ($50 gas card)

  • RV Advisor: advocacy, blog

  • Happy Camper Club: trip planner; ebook collection

  • Coach-Net: gap coverage, surface protection, electronics and appliances

Special Interest Groups

Within those listed above, or in social media, or as individual groups there are many many ways to connect with people who share your interests. The list below is a sampling of groups and sub-groups. Check Facebook, Instagram, and the membership groups above to find your groups you want to join!

  • RV Brand

  • Newbies

  • RV Decor

  • Full-Time Families

  • Solos

  • Seniors

  • Women

  • Religion

  • Disabled

  • African-American

  • Rainbow